5 Grocery Aisles That Experts Say Could Offer the Biggest Savings in 2026
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Food inflation, especially for food away from home, persists. Consumer price index data showed that food prices were 2.9% higher in January 2026 than in January 2025.
However, cooking meals at home remains one way to save money. Food-away-from-home prices rose 4% year over year, while food-at-home prices were 2.1% higher.
Not every food category was affected the same. Experts shared five foods you may find cheaper in grocery aisles in 2026.
1. Frozen Foods
Experts overwhelmingly listed frozen fruits and vegetables as healthy foods that can help shoppers save money. Heidi McIndoo, registered dietician at FoodieMomRD, called them “very underrated,” noting that she always has frozen fruits and veggies in her freezer.
“These items are frozen soon after harvesting, [so] they are very nutrient dense. Plus, they are usually less expensive and have a much longer shelf life, which means less risk of them going bad and shoppers losing money by throwing them in the trash,” she said.
2. Eggs
After years of escalating prices, egg costs are coming down in 2026. “We’re past the holidays and high prices related to the Avian flu are lowering thanks to the hen population coming back,” McIndoo said.
Although shoppers can expect another seasonal spike around Easter, now is a good time to enjoy your favorite egg dishes.
Erica Sandberg, finance expert at BadCredit.org, agreed that eggs are back to being an excellent deal. “Since they’re so high in protein as well as other essential vitamins, they’re an essential for supermarket bargain hunters,” she said.
3. Poultry
The new U.S. food pyramid, which favors protein over complex carbohydrates, has more Americans shopping for meat, which is driving prices up. “Meat prices continue to increase,” said Marty Bauer, e-commerce expert at Omnisend. “This may lead shoppers to turn to chicken.”
He suggested legs and thighs, which tend to be cheaper than leaner cuts, for budget-conscious shoppers.
You can also find savings on whole birds, which can stretch for several meals. “If you have a Costco membership, their whole roasted chicken is a consistent ‘yes,'” Sandberg said. “It’s a loss leader for the company, at around $5 for an entire bird weighing about 3 pounds. They’re incredibly versatile.”
4. Canned and Frozen Protein
There’s more good news for Americans following the newly revised food pyramid and ramping up their protein intake. Canned proteins, including sardines, tuna and canned chicken, combine convenience with a long shelf life and value pricing.
Sandberg also suggested frozen proteins like bagged shrimp and other seafood. “I do compare the cost to their fresh counterparts first,” she said.
5. In-Season Produce
If you’re shopping for fresh produce, make sure to look for in-season fruits and vegetables. “In the winter, you should see reduced prices on citrus, including grapefruits, tangerines and oranges,” Sandberg said.
Look for healthy green vegetables that can be used to stretch a meal too. “I’m always surprised by how much broccoli or green beans I can get for just a dollar or two,” she said.
More From GOBankingRates
