5 Grocery Items That Are Better Deals at Trader Joe’s Than at Aldi or Walmart

When it comes to grocery shopping, you’ve got options. Places like Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Walmart often have great deals on snacks, pantry staples, meats, produce, frozen goods and the like.

Sometimes, the price differences between these stores is so negligible that you might not even notice it when shopping. But if you’re on a tight budget or if you want to live a little more frugally, even saving a few cents or dollars here and there can help in the long run.

GOBankingRates went through each of these grocery store’s selection of foods to see where you can find the best deals. Here are five grocery items that cost less at Trader Joe’s than at Walmart or Aldi.

Wondering how Trader Joe’s set its pricing? Here’s a look inside their pricing strategy.

Trader Joe’s price: 99 cents (1.41 ounces)

Trader Joe’s Rainbow’s End Trail Mix Bars are one of the grocer’s staples. They come with milk chocolate, candy-coated gems and have raisins, almonds and peanuts in them. The base of each bar is dipped in dark chocolate, so these are great for those with a bit of a sweet tooth.

While you won’t find the exact same trail mix bars at other stores, you can find something similar.

At Walmart, a small box of Nature Valley Fruit & Nut Granola Bars costs $2.97 when on sale. It’s normally $3.42. Aldi, meanwhile, has Millville Almond Sweet and Salty Nut Granola Bars for $1.89.

Trader Joe’s price: 99 cents (2 ounces)

Mini chocolate chip cookies make for a perfect mid-day or after-dinner snack. You can find the lowest prices for these at Trader Joe’s.

In comparison, Walmart sells Chips Ahoy! Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies for $1.74 (3 ounces). That’s a very small savings in terms of quantity, but the sticker price is significantly higher at Walmart than Trader Joe’s.

At Aldi, you can get Benton’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins for $1.79. These come in a 4-ounce bag. You do get more cookies for the price, but if your balance at the register is what matters and you don’t want too many sweets, you may want to stick with Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe’s price: $1.29 (6.2 ounces)

On the more savory side, you can get a Ciabatta Demi-Baguette at a very reasonable price. It has a caramelized crust and goes well with either balsamic vinegar or extra virgin olive oil. It’s also a great side if you’re having pasta or a similar dish.

In comparison, Walmart sells Marketside bake-at-home Twin Demi Baguettes for $1.98. With this, you get two separate baguettes, but the sticker price is higher. The closest similar deal at Aldi is the Specially Selected Take & Bake French Baguette for $1.49.

Trader Joe’s price: $1.79 (9 ounces)

Whether you’re having some late-summer grill parties in the backyard or want to whip up some burgers or hot dogs inside, condiments are good to have around. At Trader Joe’s, you can get a container of organic yellow mustard for under $2. It has a mixture of various spices, salt and vinegar for that familiar tangy taste. It can also last a long time.

In comparison, expect to spend $4.48 at Walmart for their French’s True Organics Classic Yellow Mustard. At Aldi, you can find non-organic mustard for cheaper than either location. But if you’re shopping wholly organic, Trader Joe’s is the way to go.

Trader Joe’s price: $2.29 (8 ounces)

Hummus is versatile as you can pair it with things like carrots or cauliflower or use it as a spread on pita bread. If you want something with a bit of flair, Trader Joe’s has a highly rated roasted garlic hummus.

The equivalent at Walmart is the Marketside Gluten-Free Roasted Garlic Hummus for $2.87. It comes in a slightly larger container, but costs more per ounce.

Aldi also sells hummus, but it costs $2.75, so you’re saving more at Trader Joe’s.

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