Most Americans buy food from at least two retailers each week -- but a new Consumer Reports investigation finds that where you shop can have a major impact on what you spend.
Consumer Reports compared grocery prices across major chains by building baskets of common items, including packaged goods, produce, and meat, and pricing them against Walmart as a baseline.
“CR compared grocery prices across major chains by building baskets of common items, like packaged goods, produce, and meat, and pricing them against Walmart as our baseline,” said Brian Vines of Consumer Reports.
Depending on where you shop, the price gap between the highest and lowest-priced food baskets in each city exceeded 33 percent for the same groceries, according to Consumer Reports. When warehouse clubs and specialty grocers were factored in, those differences grew even larger.
The cheapest and most expensive places to shop
According to the Consumer Reports investigation, warehouse clubs like Costco and BJ’s consistently ranked among the cheapest options, often coming in about 20 percent less than Walmart. Discount chains like Aldi and Lidl were also among the most affordable choices.
On the other end of the spectrum, stores like Whole Foods -- and in some areas, even Trader Joe’s -- can run 25 to nearly 40 percent higher than Walmart for the same groceries.
Consumer Reports says strategic planning can still save shoppers a significant amount of money, even without switching stores entirely.
“Don’t rely on just one store. Mixing trips between discount chains and traditional supermarkets or buy some items in bulk, while picking up specialty items elsewhere,” Vines said.
Consumer Reports also recommends signing up for store loyalty programs and using the store’s app to unlock digital deals. Before heading to the store, take stock of what you already have at home.
“And then be as intentional as you can about exactly what it is that you need,” Vines said.