Today the grocery industry has expanded into much more than the typical experience of physically going to the store to buy your food. One can now order their food on Amazon Prime which is connected with Whole Foods and Fresh Direct. If that is not to one’s liking, one can order on Instacart or one of the many other food services that deliver right to your door. The most movement you have to do these days is a few clicks on your computer or phone and then getting up off of the couch to take your package inside. In addition, plant-based foods and healthy, but expensive brands of food have been on the rise in almost every store. Even with all of these changes, people can still save money while buying groceries. Here is a list of some of the most affordable grocery stores in America:

1. Aldi

These affordable grocery stores come from Germany and their focus is on low-cost and private-label products. They also have a much smaller footprint than other grocery stores. Produce–usually very expensive in other stores–is also low-cost here with avocados being between 50 to 70 cents each. You can also find ready-to-eat products as well as vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options and lower prices than other chains. 

2. Costco

People are avid fans of this place. There are Instagram and Youtube pages that are dedicated to just reviewing items from here. Their Kirkland products not only taste good but are often much cheaper than similar products at other stores. They are also known for their prepared food and their cafeteria. As well as great tasting food and low prices, Costco is probably best known for their warehouse environment where people can buy goods in bulk and at an even lower price if you have a membership. 

3. Fareway

This chain–mainly located in the Midwest in states like Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska–has gained traction because of their low prices and deals you can’t find anywhere else. For instance, you can get three packs of 24 sodas for under eleven dollars. 

4. Trader Joe’s

One might think that Trader Joe’s is expensive because of their one-of-a-kind items and the major hype it gets all over the internet. It has been named America’s favorite grocery store multiple times over and people just keep coming back for more. They do have regular kitchen staples, but their business model is centered around their private-label products such as everything but the bagel seasoning, dill pickle hummus, their extensive frozen food section, and their seasonal items. The brand keeps coming up with new items as well. However, many of these products are sold at very low prices and these are some of the most affordable grocery stores. Their snacks are often cheaper than snacks at a drugstore or deli. 

5. Market Basket

This chain, mainly located along the coast of the Northeast and New England, is loved by many. They are known for their low prices and self-checkout lines as well as their deli. For those from the Southeast, Market Basket is similar to Publix. 

6. Woodman’s

This chain can be found in Illinois and Wisconsin, and like Costo, is known for their warehouse-style environment and selling items in bulk. You can only pay in cash here, but people don’t need a membership like at Costco. Woodman’s is able to offer low prices without a membership by saving money on banking fees that they would be charged if their customers paid by card. 

7. WinCo. 

Another warehouse-like chain in the Midwest and the West also sells their items in bulk. This is probably why their prices are so low as well. Their store is not aesthetically pleasing like Trader Joe’s, but it gets the job done. Their staff is also limited so don’t expect someone else to be bagging your groceries or providing excellent customer service. 

8. Sam’s Club

Similar to Costco, this warehouse-style retailer is known for its low prices and selling items in bulk. They offer a slightly cheaper membership than Costco and they are known for their customer service. Like Costco, they have a food court, pharmacy, hearing center, optical center, appliances, technology, clothing, flowers, etc.  

9. Lidl

This German retailer can be found along the East Coast and is known for their low prices, large stores, and freshly baked bread. They have similar products to Trader Joes and at lower prices and they have a great variety of foods from all over the world. They also have a rotating selection and limited deals on home goods, clothing, and furniture.

10. Walmart

Walmart is known for being cheaper than Target and they usually offer a wider selection of everything from clothing to food to jewelry to home decor to appliances. They have locations all throughout the country and their customer service is said to be excellent. 

Resources

https://www.today.com/food/13-cheapest-grocery-stores-america-t149240

https://www.cookinglight.com/news/cheapest-grocery-stores?slide=320136#320136

About Vola:

Vola Finance can advance you up to $300 at NO INTEREST. Vola Finance can make sure your bank balance does not get too low and alert you before it does so that you don’t pay overdraft or NSF fees. Furthermore, Vola Finance breaks down your spending pattern to help you budget your upcoming expenses and find ways for you to save.

Vola supports over 6000 banks and credit unions and uses one of the nation’s largest bank connection providers to securely establish a link to your account.

Vola is transparent. There are NO HIDDEN FEES Vola operates by charging a subscription fee, there are no other charges. If the features offered by Vola are not compatible with your bank or phone, Vola Finance will refund you your subscription fee.