Trader Joe’s and Aldi both offer great shopping experiences, especially if you’re trying to save money on groceries.
But which store can save you more? We compared the prices of 10 products at random to give you a sense of which supermarket offers the better deals.
Following is an item-by-item breakdown that can help reveal where you should shop the next time you need groceries.
Dijon mustard
Dijon mustard is perfect for making egg salad or mashed potatoes. Both Trader Joe’s Dijon Mustard and Burman’s Dijon Mustard from Aldi are made with white wine.
Trader Joe's: 15 cents per ounce
Aldi: 11 cents per ounce
Winner: Aldi
Organic ketchup
Start off a great barbecue with some ketchup for everyone’s hot dogs and hamburgers. Both supermarkets offer organic ketchup: Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup and Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Ketchup.
Trader Joe’s: 8 cents per ounce
Aldi: 10 cents per ounce
Winner: Trader Joe’s
Bananas
Both Trader Joe’s and Aldi offer bananas, and shoppers can buy them at a per-banana cost.
Bonus: If you want a cool dessert, check out Trader Joe’s Gone Bananas. The fan-favorite features sliced bananas dipped in dark chocolate.
Trader Joe’s: 19 cents each
Aldi: 19 cents each
Winner: Go “bananas” at either store.
Pasta sauce
If you love pasta, Aldi carries Reggano Traditional Pasta Sauce while Trader Joe’s has a Spicy Chunky Tomato & Pepper Pasta Sauce. Both come in a 24-ounce jar.
Trader Joe’s: 16 cents per ounce
Aldi: 7 cents per ounce
Winner: Aldi, but only if you are OK with a basic traditional sauce. Trader Joe’s tends to offer a selection of unique sauce flavors.
Frozen pizza
Frozen pizza can be a great choice when you don’t have the time to prepare a meal. Trader Joe’s Pizza Parlanno comes in an 18.2-ounce crust with sausage, pepperoni, peppers, and onions.
The Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Frozen Thin Crust Supreme at Aldi includes the same ingredients on a 15.8-ounce pizza.
Trader Joe’s: 27 cents per ounce
Aldi: 24 cents per ounce
Winner: Aldi, but you’re getting less pizza overall compared to what Trader Joe’s offers.
Trending Stories
Provolone cheese
Provolone cheese is used in everything from sandwiches to baked pasta dishes. Trader Joe’s Sliced Provolone Cheese comes in a 12-ounce package, while Aldi’s Happy Farms Deli-Sliced Provolone Cheese is available in an eight-ounce pack.
Trader Joe’s: 42 cents per ounce
Aldi: 26 cents per ounce
Winner: Aldi
Mint chocolate chip ice cream
We all scream for ice cream, especially the mint chocolate chip version. Trader Joe’s Mint Chip Ice Cream comes in a quart while Aldi’s Sundae Shoppe Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream comes in 1.5 quarts.
Trader Joe’s: $3.99 per quart
Aldi: $1.83 per quart
Winner: Aldi. Plus, you get more ice cream.
Crispy rice cereal
If you love breakfast cereal, both Aldi and Trader Joe’s have your back. Trader Joe’s Crispy Rice Cereal and Aldi's Millville Crispy Rice cereal both come in 12-ounce boxes.
Trader Joe’s: 25 cents per ounce
Aldi: 17 cents per ounce
Winner: Aldi
Orange juice
A glass of OJ can be the perfect way to start the day. Trader Joe’s 100% Orange Juice No Pulp and Aldi’s Fit & Active Orange Juice both come in 52-ounce containers with no pulp.
Trader Joe’s: 8 cents per fluid ounce
Aldi: 7 cents per fluid ounce
Winner: Aldi
Chocolate chips
Bakers can stock their pantries with either Trader Joe’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Aldi’s Baker’s Corner Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels. Both come in a 12-ounce bag.
Trader Joe’s: 25 cents per ounce
Aldi: 17 cents per ounce
Winner: Aldi
Bottom line
Trader Joe’s and Aldi both offer some great deals on groceries. However, as this list shows, Aldi is often the clear winner in a head-to-head matchup.
In the end, though, the items you tend to purchase regularly can help determine which of these chains makes more sense for you.
Regardless of where you decide to shop, remember that using the right credit card can help you earn cash back on your grocery trips.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.