Aldi vs. Trader Joe’s Grocery Prices on 6 Everyday Staples — Which Is More Affordable?

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As families try to save money on groceries amid continued rising prices, it can be hard to determine where to shop to get the best deal. That’s why we compared the prices of several Trader Joe’s and Aldi items to find a winner.

Unsurprisingly, Aldi had the most competitive prices. Recent data from Consumer Reports supports this, showing 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 from both stores so you know where to save money.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of March 27, 2026 and subject to change.

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