When it comes to grocery shopping, you’re spoiled for choice. Stores like Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Walmart often offer great deals on snacks, pantry items, meat, produce, frozen foods and more.
Sometimes the price differences between these stores are so small that you may not even notice them when you’re shopping. But if you’re on a tight budget or want to live a little more frugally, saving a few cents or dollars here and there can be helpful in the long run.
GOBankingRates looked at the food offerings at these grocery stores to find out where you can find the best deals. Here are five groceries that cost less at Trader Joe’s than at Walmart or Aldi.
Wondering how Trader Joe’s sets its prices? Here’s an insight into their pricing strategy.
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Trail Mix Bars
Price at Trader Joe’s: 99 cents (1.41 ounces)
Trader Joe’s Rainbow’s End Trail Mix Bars are a staple at the grocer. They’re filled with milk chocolate, hard candy, and raisins, almonds, and peanuts. The bottom of each bar is dipped in dark chocolate, so they’re ideal for those with a sweet tooth.
Even if you can’t find the exact same trail mix bars in other stores, you may still find something similar.
At Walmart, a small box of Nature Valley Fruit & Nut Granola Bars is on sale for $2.97. It normally costs $3.42. At Aldi, Millville Almond Sweet and Salty Nut Granola Bars are available for $1.89.
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Mini chocolate cookies
Price at Trader Joe’s: 99 cents (2 ounces)
Mini chocolate chip cookies are a perfect snack between meals or after dinner. You can find the best prices 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 price is significantly higher at Walmart than at Trader Joe’s.
Aldi has Benton’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins for $1.79. They come in a 4-ounce bag. You do get more cookies for that price, but if checkout is a priority and you don’t want too much candy, you might want to stick with Trader Joe’s.
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Ciabatta half baguette
Price at Trader Joe’s: $1.29 (6.2 ounces)
For something heartier and very reasonably priced, Ciabatta Demi-Baguette has a caramelized crust and goes well with balsamic vinegar or extra virgin olive oil. It also makes a great accompaniment to pasta or a similar dish.
In comparison, Walmart sells Marketside Twin Demi Baguettes for baking at home for $1.98. This gives you two separate baguettes, but the price is higher. The most similar offering at Aldi is the Specially Selected Take & Bake French Baguette for $1.49.
Organic Yellow Mustard
Price at Trader Joe’s: $1.79 (9 ounces)
Whether you’re grilling in the backyard in late summer or cooking burgers or hot dogs indoors, spices are always a good choice. At Trader Joe’s, you can get a container of organic yellow mustard for under $2. It contains a mixture of different spices, salt and vinegar for that familiar tangy taste. Plus, it has a long shelf life.
In comparison, expect to pay $4.48 for French’s True Organics Classic Yellow Mustard at Walmart. You can find non-organic mustard cheaper at Aldi than either location. But if you want to shop exclusively organic, Trader Joe’s is the way to go.
Hummus with roasted garlic
Price at Trader Joe’s: $2.29 (8 ounces)
Hummus is versatile because you can combine 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 Marketside’s 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 save more at Trader Joe’s.
Photo Disclaimer: All photos are for illustrative purposes only.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Grocery Items That Are Cheaper at Trader Joe’s Than Aldi or Walmart
