I Compared the Same Basket at Walmart and Aldi - The Difference Between the Two Changed My Mind

The USDA expects food prices to climb another 1.7% in 2027. And that's why I price-shopped two of the most popular national chains.

I compared prices at Walmart and Aldi to find the best deals. From everyday essentials to decadent desserts, my list included a wide range of budget-friendly items to help you save on groceries. And luckily, both retailers offer budget-friendly private label generic lines.

Which store had the best bargains? Keep reading to see where I found the lowest prices and how much I saved.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Everyday essentials

Basics are bargains at both of these retailers. I snagged a few everyday items, including flour and extra virgin olive oil, to compare.

Walmart sells a five-pound bag of Great Value flour for $1.97, while Aldi only charges $1.85 for the Baker's Corner store-brand. A 33.8-ounce bottle of Badia EVOO costs $12.22 at the superstore. The smaller grocer's 33.8-ounce Priano Extra Virgin Olive Oil is $9.99.

Desserts

Treat yourself without breaking the bank. Walmart sells a 10-count of soft, sumptuous Freshness Guaranteed Chocolate Chip Cookies for $3.44 in the superstore's bakery section. The same quantity from Aldi's Bake Shop brand (Chocolate Chunk Cookies) costs $3.99.

I also checked prices on zesty sliced lemon loaf cakes. Walmart's generic costs $3.87, while Aldi's is $3.89.

Prepared meals

I don't have time (or energy) to cook from scratch every day. And that's why I enjoy prepared meals from both of these stores.

A 16-ounce container of refrigerated Walmart Marketside Fajita Seasoned Grilled Chicken sells for $7.97, and a 20-ounce tray of the store-brand's ready-to-heat-and-eat classic mac and cheese costs $3.24. But at Aldi, you can get 16 ounces of Appleton Farms frozen fajita chicken strips for $6.05 and 20 ounces of Park Street Deli's macaroni and cheese for $3.29.

Frozen foods

Frozen fruit, veggies, sweets, snacks, apps, and meals are money-saving options that I adore. For this trip, I chose broccoli and pizza.

Walmart sells a 12-ounce steamable bag of Great Value frozen broccoli florets for $1.16. Aldi sells a similar item from the store's Season's Choice line for $1.15.

I spotted a DiGiorno dupe (Great Value Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza) at Walmart for $4.46. Aldi's Mama Cozzi's version costs $4.49.

Snacks

Stock up on snacks without overspending. How do I get chips, dip, and other tasty treats for less? Hint: Start with generics. An eight-ounce bag of Walmart's store-brand (Great Value) Kettle Potato Chips costs $2.26. Aldi sells the same item from Clancy's for $1.89.

Along with chips, I also compared the prices of peanuts. Great Value's 16-ounce container costs $2.48. Aldi's Southern Grove brand is priced better at $2.29.

Produce

Fresh fruits and veggies are a steal at Aldi. I nabbed a one-pound bag of peeled baby carrots (perfect for snacking) for $0.89. The same size pack costs $0.93 at Walmart, and that's a Rollback price.

Veggies aren't the only item from the produce aisle that's cheaper at the smaller grocer. Aldi's three-pound bag of gala apples costs $1.99, while Walmart charges $0.99 more ($2.98).

Beverages

Coffee, tea, bottled water, seltzer, juice, and soda are always on my shopping list. At Walmart, a 33.8-ounce bottle of Clear American Black Cherry Flavored Sparkling Water costs $0.88. Aldi's PurAqua option is less ($0.79 for 33.8 ounces).

Coffee pods were close, but Aldi edged out Walmart there too. I found a 12-count box of Great Value Classic Roast for $4.64. Aldi sells the same quantity of its private-label line Barissimo Colombian cups for $4.59.

Meat and poultry

It seems like the prices of burgers and chicken are increasing almost every day.

Walmart's fresh, all-natural 80/20 ground beef chuck costs $6.93 per pound, making it pricier than Aldi's $5.29-per-pound deal. But boneless skinless chicken breasts cost less at Walmart ($2.23 per pound for a family-size tray on Rollback versus $3.29 per pound at Aldi).

Bread

Whether you prefer wheat, white, or freshly-baked bread, both of these stores have affordable options to crush your carb craving.

In the bread battle, Aldi wins. I spotted a 20-ounce loaf of L'oven Fresh 100% Whole Wheat for $1.95. Walmart sells the same item from its Great Value brand for $2.02. Aldi also beat Walmart's price for a 12-count of Sweet Hawaiian Rolls ($1.99 at Aldi and $2.18 at the superstore, even with a Rollback).

Dairy

The cost of milk varies with market conditions. But on the day I shopped both stores, Aldi had a slightly better price. One gallon of 2% milk was $2.71 on sale. Walmart's price was $2.72.

Cheese was also less at Aldi. An eight-ounce block of Great Value sharp cheddar costs $1.97. Aldi's Happy Farms Sharp Cheddar Cheese Block costs $1.75.

Bottom line

And the winner is… Aldi. Even though I've always assumed that Walmart has the best grocery deals, checking prices at both stores changed my mind. After comparing the same basket of 20 items, I paid $70.55 at Walmart and $64.12 at Aldi. That equals a $6.43 difference. Walmart only won on five items: cookies, pizza, lemon cake, mac and cheese and chicken breasts.

While the cost-saving margin isn't dramatic, every dollar counts. Of course, these aren't the only stores that make it easier to withstand economic downturns. Target, Trader Joe's, and Costco are my other favorite stops to shop.

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