I Compared 2026 Grocery Prices at Trader Joe’s and Aldi — Here’s Who Won
Written by
Catherine Collins
Edited by
Amen Oyiboke
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Trader Joe’s and Aldi are both beloved grocery stores with devoted customers. However, in 2026, families are trying to save money on groceries as prices continue to rise. So, we compared the prices of several items to find a winner.
Unsurprisingly, Aldi had the most competitive prices. Recent data from Consumer Reports supports this, showing that Aldi prices are even lower than Walmart’s overall. However, people enjoy going to Trader Joe’s to get items they can’t find anywhere else. Plus, Trader Joe’s employees have exceptional customer service.
That said, for those curious about how Aldi and Trader Joe’s compare, here are the prices of several common grocery items.
Organic Milk
Trader Joe’s: $5.99
Aldi: $4.25
Winner: Aldi
Trader Joe’s organic milk A2 is significantly more expensive than Aldi’s organic whole milk. For customers with families who drink a lot of milk or who need milk for baking, Aldi has a better price.
Unsalted Butter
Trader Joe’s: $3.49
Aldi: $3.55
Winner: Trader Joe’s
Admittedly, Aldi’s Countryside Creamery Unsalted Butter Sticks and Trader Joe’s Unsalted Butter Quarters are very close in price. Although Trader Joe’s is the winner, the prices are comparable.
Pancakes
Trader Joe’s: $3.49
Aldi: $2.19
Winner: Aldi
For this category, we compared Aldi’s Complete Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix with Trader Joe’s Organic Silver Dollar Pancakes. Trader Joe’s does stock other types of pancake and waffle mixes, but not always consistently. So, even though Trader Joe’s might have more unique products and even better-tasting pancakes, Aldi consistently stocks their pancake mix.
Raspberries
Trader Joe’s: $7.99
Aldi: $2.99
Winner: Aldi
Aldi’s raspberries are consistently affordable, which is great for an item that seems like an expensive delicacy in these high-inflation times. Trader Joe’s raspberry prices can vary depending on the time of year, but they are approximately $7.99 for the 18-oz. pack.
Olive Oil
Trader Joe’s: $9.99
Aldi: $7.99
Winner: Aldi
Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Olive Oil is highly rated and only $7.99, whereas Trader Joe’s Imported Olive Oil costs $2 more and is not organic.
Ketchup
Trader Joe’s: $2.49
Aldi: $4.48
Winner: Trader Joe’s
Ketchup is the one category where Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup is the winner, although it is in a smaller size than Aldi’s ketchup. Many customers prefer the taste of Trader Joe’s ketchup to Aldi’s Heinz Tomato Ketchup.
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