There are a variety of factors that contribute to the cheaper-than-average prices. Low operational costs are one such strategy, but so is lack of competition. Often, you'll find Walmarts in places where there aren't many other retailers to compete with.

In smaller towns and more rural areas, Walmart may be one of the few places in town where it's possible to snag groceries. Because the local population depends on the store, Walmart has a reliable customer base.

This customer loyalty means that they don't have to charge quite as much for its food and other products. However, some of the chain's affordability factor comes from the fact that it doesn't pay its employees very much.

Human Rights Watch has outlined major issues with Walmart's labor practices , including encouraging employees to work off the clock and refusing to grant overtime. Lidl is a grocery chain that was founded in Germany but can now be found in various towns and cities across the U.

Like so many of the other chains on this list, this store keeps its prices low by limiting its name brand offerings and providing customers with store brands instead. Additionally, it tends to stock products that people use on a regular basis — think pasta, canned tomato paste, and produce staples like cabbage and carrots — that often move in and out of the store pretty quickly.

There aren't many products that are going to sit on the shelf for a long time, which means that the company isn't waiting around for a return on investment. Plus, it takes less labor to run a Lidl than it would to operate a larger, more expansive grocery store.

Fewer products means less need for a ton of workers, and the fact that the store displays its products in the boxes they're shipped in is just one of the ways the store cuts its labor costs. For those with big families or just a lot of roommates , shopping at Costco seems like a no-brainer.

The chain cuts down on costs by keeping its stores relatively simple — you'll notice the bare-bones design that's more about utility and function than it is about style and ambiance.

Meat and protein plus many prepackaged items are cheaper than average at Costco, even when you're opting for brand name items over the in-house Kirkland brand. If you know you're going to use these products anyway or you just remember to freeze them before you use them , doing a monthly shop at Costco might just save you some of your hard-earned cash.

Of course, we can't forget about the membership costs — you have to have a Costco card to shop at the retailer.

But the savings you'll accumulate throughout the calendar year should more than make up for that cost. If you're lucky enough to live in the Northeast, you may just have a Market Basket near you.

The regional grocery chain is a fan favorite for those who love to save money on their grocery bill because of its surprisingly low prices. One of the main ways the company keeps its prices so low is by making sure it stays debt-free.

While this may seem like a logical move, it's one that most companies — including most grocery chains — don't stand by. Another way Market Basket offers such competitive prices is by offering pretty much the same goods at all of its locations.

Because of this strategy, it can buy in bulk, ensuring a lower wholesale price. It can then pass those savings on to its customers, who keep going back to the store to take advantage of those low prices.

One of the main benefits of shopping at Market Basket is the fact that you can get a lot of your favorite name-brand products for significantly cheaper than you would find them at other grocery stores. If you've never gone to a Market Basket before and you happen to live near one, you have to check it out — you may just be shocked at how low the prices are.

Like Costco, Sam's Club is a membership grocery store with a focus on selling products in bulk. When you're shopping this way, you may be spending more upfront, but generally, you're going to save money in the long run as long as you use what you buy.

Of course, the membership cost of shopping at Sam's Club helps the company offer lower prices. Although Sam's Club offers its membership prices for less than Costco does, you'll generally find lower prices on goods at Costco.

But that doesn't mean you can't get a good deal at Sam's Club too. Particularly if you're a frequent shopper, you can save significantly on your annual grocery spending by shopping at Sam's Club.

In fact, you can even save more than you would by shopping at Walmart, which is the parent company of Sam's Club. If you're looking for a Costco alternative, Sam's Club is a solid way to go. WinCo is another celebrated low-cost grocery store with locations that can be found in the West and Midwest, with prices that are sometimes below what even Costco can offer.

Lidl has been offering affordable groceries since the s and is actively expanding across the East Coast of the U. Although there are fewer locations than Aldi, they're constantly in close competition for stocking the cheapest groceries. The selection of items is curated to keep the essentials in stock, instead of the added expense of keeping every variety and brand on the shelf.

Their private label brands also have a Love It Guarantee , which means if a product doesn't meet your standards you can get your money back and exchange the item for something else.

This big-box store has all of the appeal of members-only clubs like Costco or Sam's Club , but without the expensive fees. WinCo Foods boasts locations across the West Coast, and is almost entirely employee-owned—which means their staff receive better wages and benefits.

And yet the prices are still low. WinCo purchases directly from farmers and manufacturers and has a large quantity of bulk foods, which means their prices undercut many other low-cost retailers. Another way to cut costs is by not accepting credit cards for payment.

But fear not: they do allow payment with debit cards and federal food assistance cards. Market Basket is one of the smaller chains on this list, but their savings make it one of the most affordable places to shop in the U.

A recent study provided by the customer data firm dunnhumby revealed that the New England-based chain was the "top grocery retailer for inflationary times.

For over years, Market Basket has maintained the fierce loyalty of their customers for the high quality food at low prices. You can find anything from international cheeses, freshly squeezed juices, to even handmade sushi without racking up a massive grocery bill.

Trader Joe's is one of our go-to spots for affordable essentials, some of the best frozen food around, and unique snacks. Beyond the adorably kitschy decor and friendly staff, it's also one of the best grocery stores to visit when you're on a budget.

Even amidst the current egg-price hike, the cartons at Trader Joe's remain inexpensive. While some items can get more expensive than at standard grocery stores the produce section can get costly if you're feeding a big family , their private label goods deliver on quality without sacrificing affordability.

Wherever there's an Amish community, you're almost guaranteed to find an Amish grocery store that sells bulk foods. Grains, beans, spices, candies and other dry goods are packaged in bags and containers and sold at bargain prices. Salvage grocery stores and dollar stores have a limited selection of products and their inventories can change on a weekly or daily basis.

It's very unlikely that you'll be able to find all of your weekly grocery needs at any one of these stores, so you'll have to do at least some of your shopping at a traditional grocery store. The stores listed below are the cheapest places to do your grocery shopping and are listed in order from lowest priced store at the top to the highest priced store at the bottom.

Aldi comes in at first place as the food retailer with the lowest prices for the sixth year in a row. Fresh produce that's delivered daily, fresh meats and fish, and an extensive line of organic, gluten-free and vegan foods can be found at Aldi stores throughout the US no stores in Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington or Wyming.

You'll find the best deals on bread, milk, yogurt, cereals, baking essentials, fresh produce, canned goods, cheese and wine. Many products, such as coffee, grains, snacks and pastas are sold in bulk and can be purchased by the pound, and a good selection of herbs and spices can be purchased by the ounce.

You'll have to bag your own groceries and only cash and debit cards are accepted as payment. View specials and find locations at www. Grocery Outlet has operates more than stores in California, Idaho, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. This "extreme value" supermarket has been described as "the TJMaxx of grocery stores" and they keep their loyal customers returning for the warehouse store-like prices without the membership fees.

You'll find affordable groceries and big savings on brand name items, but you'll have to be flexible when it comes to your shopping list since Grocery Outlet is, in many ways, a salvage grocery store. Considered to be New England's bargain grocery chain, the motto at Market Basket is "more for your dollar.

Some locations have a "Market's Kitchen" serving up salads, sub sandwiches, pizza, burgers, chicken wings, fried chicken and more. Food4Less operates about 50 no-frills grocery stores in Southern California, Illinois, Indiana, and Nevada. A division of grocery giant Kroger, the company offers deeply discounted groceries, fresh produce, bakery and dairy items, ethnic foods, and meat.

Select locations also include gas stations, photo processing, pharmacies, and wellness services. According to research by Eat This, Not That , Food4Less is the most popular chain of grocery stores within California.

Here Are The Cheapest Grocery Stores In America · Aldi · SOPA Images//Getty Images · Lidl · WinCo Foods · Market Basket · Trader Joe's Best Discount Grocery Stores in the U.S. · 1. Sam's Club · 2. Costco · 3. Aldi · 4. Walmart · 5. Smart & Final · 6. Food4Less · 7. Publix · 8. Family Cheapest Grocery Stores · Aldi · WinCo Foods · Grocery Outlet · Market Basket · FoodLess · Lidl · Save-A-Lot · Price Rite Marketplace (Northeast)

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Reduced-price groceries - These Are the 7 Cheapest Grocery Stores in the U.S. · 1. ALDI · 2. Woodman's Markets · 3. WinCo Foods · 4. Lidl · 5. Market Basket · 6. Grocery Here Are The Cheapest Grocery Stores In America · Aldi · SOPA Images//Getty Images · Lidl · WinCo Foods · Market Basket · Trader Joe's Best Discount Grocery Stores in the U.S. · 1. Sam's Club · 2. Costco · 3. Aldi · 4. Walmart · 5. Smart & Final · 6. Food4Less · 7. Publix · 8. Family Cheapest Grocery Stores · Aldi · WinCo Foods · Grocery Outlet · Market Basket · FoodLess · Lidl · Save-A-Lot · Price Rite Marketplace (Northeast)

Few salvage stores accept credit cards, and some limited-assortment stores follow suit. Most stores pass these fees on to customers through higher prices. By refusing credit cards, discount stores can keep prices lower. Some stores are starting to relax their no-credit policies. For instance, on my most recent trip to Aldi, I was able to pay with my credit card instead of having to use cash.

But to be on the safe side, bring cash or a debit card on your first visit to any new store. In most cases, the food is still safe to eat.

For example, the U. However, if a can has a deep dent — big enough to lay your finger in — leave it on the shelf. Deep dents can compromise the seal, letting bacteria in. The same guidelines apply to rust.

A little rust on the surface that rubs right off is no problem. However, heavy rust can create tiny holes that admit bacteria. Food in torn or dented boxes is also safe as long as the plastic bag inside the box is intact.

Boxed foods with no inner liner, such as pasta, are OK if the box is only dented. Fresh produce at discount grocery stores is a mixed bag. Even at big supermarkets, I often find a couple of mushy strawberries in a quart container.

Food at salvage stores is often close to or even past the expiration date on the package. Dates on food are there to assure food quality, not food safety. Most products, including canned and frozen foods, are still safe after any of these expiration dates.

The only time frozen food might be unsafe is if it has been thawed and refrozen. According to the Food and Drug Administration , drugs degrade over time.

Any medicine past its expiration date may be unsafe or ineffective. Sometimes, you can do better at a regular grocery store by buying store brands or stacking sales with coupons.

The best way to spot the true deals is to keep a grocery price book. Salvage stores have a wide variety of brands on the shelves. When you find these, you can take the opportunity to stock up on your favorites. Similarly, when you shop at limited-assortment stores, there are very few name-brand products for sale.

To be on the safe side, buy the smallest package the first time you try an unfamiliar brand. If you like it, you can stock up on it next time. Discount grocery stores are great places to stock up on goods you use a lot.

Their stock is ever-changing, so the product might not be there the next time you shop. But stocking up only makes sense for nonperishable goods or those you know you can use before they go bad.

The best products to stock up on are canned foods, shelf-stable foods, and produce with a long shelf life. Potatoes, onions, and garlic can all last a long time if you store them in a cool, dry place.

Frozen foods are also a good choice if you have a big enough freezer to store them all. Each discount grocery store is different. Also, remember that the selection at salvage stores changes frequently. Shopping at discount grocery stores requires an open mind. For more tips on saving at the grocery store, check out our shopping archive.

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Table of contents. Amy Livingston. These stores sell some of the same products that are sold at salvage grocery stores such as close dated, outdated, overstock and discontinued shelf stable foods.

According to a study from experts at Tufts University School of Medicine and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy published January , dollar stores are the fastest-growing food retailers by household expenditure share, having doubled their share of grocery sales in rural areas.

Dollar stores sell national name brands of your favorite snacks for only a dollar, and they're also great places to find unusual imported foods, discontinued items, and exclusive products — usually at cheap prices.

Some of the products you buy at these stores might be close to or past their expiration date, but will still be safe to eat. Read the article Food Product Dating for more information about expiration dates. Wherever there's an Amish community, you're almost guaranteed to find an Amish grocery store that sells bulk foods.

Grains, beans, spices, candies and other dry goods are packaged in bags and containers and sold at bargain prices. Salvage grocery stores and dollar stores have a limited selection of products and their inventories can change on a weekly or daily basis. It's very unlikely that you'll be able to find all of your weekly grocery needs at any one of these stores, so you'll have to do at least some of your shopping at a traditional grocery store.

The stores listed below are the cheapest places to do your grocery shopping and are listed in order from lowest priced store at the top to the highest priced store at the bottom. Aldi comes in at first place as the food retailer with the lowest prices for the sixth year in a row.

Fresh produce that's delivered daily, fresh meats and fish, and an extensive line of organic, gluten-free and vegan foods can be found at Aldi stores throughout the US no stores in Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington or Wyming.

You'll find the best deals on bread, milk, yogurt, cereals, baking essentials, fresh produce, canned goods, cheese and wine. Many products, such as coffee, grains, snacks and pastas are sold in bulk and can be purchased by the pound, and a good selection of herbs and spices can be purchased by the ounce.

You'll have to bag your own groceries and only cash and debit cards are accepted as payment. View specials and find locations at www.

Grocery Outlet has operates more than stores in California, Idaho, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. This "extreme value" supermarket has been described as "the TJMaxx of grocery stores" and they keep their loyal customers returning for the warehouse store-like prices without the membership fees.

You'll find affordable groceries and big savings on brand name items, but you'll have to be flexible when it comes to your shopping list since Grocery Outlet is, in many ways, a salvage grocery store.

Considered to be New England's bargain grocery chain, the motto at Market Basket is "more for your dollar. Some locations have a "Market's Kitchen" serving up salads, sub sandwiches, pizza, burgers, chicken wings, fried chicken and more.

Food4Less operates about 50 no-frills grocery stores in Southern California, Illinois, Indiana, and Nevada. A division of grocery giant Kroger, the company offers deeply discounted groceries, fresh produce, bakery and dairy items, ethnic foods, and meat.

Select locations also include gas stations, photo processing, pharmacies, and wellness services. According to research by Eat This, Not That , Food4Less is the most popular chain of grocery stores within California.

Get coupons, view specials and find locations at www. Lidl has an excellent fresh produce selection as well as a very impressive fresh bakery where you'll find ciabattas, focaccias, and rustic loaves made on site that can be sliced to order along with muffins, croissants artisan breads, oversized cookies, yeast doughnuts, and more.

Since Lidl is an international grocery store, they bring in lots of products from other countries: pasta from Italy, chocolate from Germany and cured meats from Spain. They also carry familiar brands like Jif and Coca-Cola, but availability will vary and name brand product availability won't be consistent.

Lidl also has an award-winning wine department that has won more than industry awards.