Is Aldi Cheaper Than Walmart? Here’s What We Have Found

No one wants to overspend on groceries. Although it is often tempting to go into a store and buy the first thing that catches our eye, it can strain our wallets. Therefore, to ensure we get the best bang for our buck, it is important to consider the prices of different stores.
When you think of an affordable grocery store, one of the first that comes to mind is Walmart. They are one of the biggest grocery stores out there and offer competitive pricing. However, there is another option – Aldi. Multiple people have stated that Aldi is in the same ballpark as Walmart when it comes to prices. This leads to the question: is Aldi cheaper than Walmart? Who takes the cake in this battle of low prices? This blog post will explore the comparison and attempt to answer this question. So, stay tuned!
Aldi vs. Walmart
When comparing Aldi and Walmart, there is a lot to consider. Aldi is known for its low prices and limited selection. Walmart is bigger but may cost a bit more than Aldi. To decide which stores offer better prices, we will divide the products into eight categories and compare their prices.
The comparison in this blog post is based on data from this spreadsheet and a few other sources. However, it’s important to note that prices may vary greatly depending on your location and the time of year. So, it’s possible that you may find different prices in your area.
So, now let’s dive into the comparison and find out the answer to the burning question.
Fresh Produce
When it comes to fresh produce, Aldi is usually cheaper than Walmart. On average, prices for fruits and vegetables at Aldi are up to 10% lower than those at Walmart. That is a huge difference when you consider how much produce you buy.
So, for example, if you buy 16 oz strawberries for $1.69 at Aldi, you’d pay about $2.54 for the same amount at Walmart. Similarly, If you were to buy a pint of grape tomatoes for $1.89 at Aldi, you would pay about $1.97 at Walmart. That is a 4% difference in price!
Aldi is often cheaper because they restock their produce daily, which keeps them from having to discount items nearing the end of their shelf life.
Meat & Seafood
When it comes to meat products, Aldi wins by a landslide. It’s evident in the examples.
For example, if you were to buy a pound of 80/20 ground beef for $3.99 at Aldi, you would pay about $4.76 for the same amount at Walmart. This means almost an 18% difference in price! The same goes for the prices of chicken breasts. At Aldi, a family pack of b/s chicken breast is $2.09, while the same amount is $2.97 at Walmart. So Aldi clearly wins this battle.
However, when it comes to seafood, Walmart takes the lead. To give you an idea of the price difference, here are some examples. For example, 8 oz. of imitation crab meat would cost you $1.99 at Walmart, while the same amount is $2.19 at Aldi, making Walmart about 30% cheaper. That’s a sizable difference!
Dairy & Eggs
Aldi is known for its low prices on dairy products, and the competition is no different. To illustrate the price comparison, let’s take a look at some examples.
If you were to buy a dozen for large eggs at Aldi, you would pay $2.30 versus the same amount costing $2.92 at Walmart. So, by buying from Aldi, you’d save about 24%. The same goes for cheeses, milk, and other dairy products. So, ultimately, when it comes to cheese, milk, and eggs, Aldi is usually the better option.
Bread & Bakery
Again, Aldi is the winner when it comes to bread and bakery items. From bagels to hamburger buns, Aldi is almost always cheaper than Walmart. A regular hot dog would cost you $0.85 at Aldi, compared to $0.88 at Walmart. Similarly, while loaf bread is $0.79 at Aldi, it is $0.88 at Walmart. That is a significant difference. So, if you’re looking for the best prices on bread and bakery items, Aldi is definitely the place to go.
Baking & Spices
The prices of baking items and spices at Aldi and Walmart are quite similar. For example, a standard 2 lb bag of brown sugar is $1.62 at both stores. The same goes for soda, all-purpose flour and canola oil.
Some products, however, such as raisins and oregano, seem to be cheaper at Walmart. So, it really depends on the product. This is definitely a tie, so you’ll have to check both stores for the best prices.
Grains & Pasta
Walmart is definitely competitive when it comes to grains and kinds of pasta. Walmart is the clear winner if you’re looking for instant white rice. That being said, 28 oz. of instant rice is only $2.44 at Walmart, compared to the same amount costing $2.65 at Aldi.
The same goes for pasta and macaroni. For example, 32 oz. of Elbow Macaroni will cost you only $.1.64 at Walmart, whereas it is $1.89 at Aldi. So, when it comes to grains and pasta, Walmart is the winner due to its lower prices.
Frozen Foods
This is another win for Walmart. In fact, if you’re looking for frozen foods, Walmart is probably your best bet. That being said, 12 oz steamable broccoli florets will be $1.05 at Walmart and $0.98 at Aldi, making it about 7% cheaper at Walmart.
It is also important to note that some items, like ice cream, are often cheaper at Aldi. That is because Aldi makes their own brand of ice cream, which is usually cheaper than its competitors. On the other hand, Walmart is typically more expensive since it carries several name-brand products.
Snacks
Although it is close, Aldi is the winner in this category. While some items, such as roasted salted almonds and potato chips, are cheaper at Walmart, most snacks are cheaper at Aldi. However, tortilla chips, honey graham crackers and pretzels will almost always be cheaper at Aldi.
Pantry Items
Aldi takes the lead in this category. Whether it is beans, canned soup, or peanut butter, almost all pantry items are cheaper at Aldi. Though the difference might be just a few cents, it is still worth considering, especially if you’re trying to save money or like to buy in bulk.
That being said, a regular jar of mayo is $2.48 at Walmart, compared to the same amount costing $2.45 at Aldi. Another example is chicken broth. A 32 oz box of chicken broth will cost you $1.29 at Aldi, compared to $1.33 at Walmart. Overall, it’s not much, but it is still worth noting.
Is Aldi Cheaper Than Walmart?
Considered overall, Aldi can be cheaper than Walmart. But it’s not a given. Depending on the category, you can expect to find better prices at one store or the other.
So, if you’re looking for dairy products, bread and bakery items, snacks, and pantry items, Aldi is usually your best bet. However, if you’re looking for dairy, frozen foods, grains and pasta, Walmart is often cheaper than Aldi.
Therefore, there is no definitive answer to this question as it is largely based on the individual items you buy. Essentially, it all comes down to your personal preference and what is available in each store.
Additionally, it is important to remember that prices can vary from store to store, so it is best to check both stores and compare prices before making your purchase. By doing this, you can ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.
Final Thoughts
So, is Aldi cheaper than Walmart? The answer is: it depends. With some items, you can expect Aldi to be cheaper, while with others, you may find better prices at Walmart. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which store is best for your budget and grocery needs.
We hope this breakdown has been helpful in giving you a better understanding of the price differences between Aldi and Walmart. Thank you for reading!