Walmart vs. Albertsons vs. Target: Which Has the Cheapest Groceries?

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Aja Koska / iStock.com
Aja Koska / iStock.com

No matter where you shop, you’re probably paying more for groceries than you’re used to thanks to inflation. But some retailers offer better prices on groceries than others.

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TradingPedia analyzed the price of groceries at Walmart, Albertsons and Target, and found that in some categories, price differences could be as much as 41%. Here’s a look at which chain has the cheapest groceries.

Overall Winner: Walmart

To do its cost comparison, TradingPedia selected 37 common grocery items from major brands across the following categories: bakery; meat and seafood; fruits and vegetables; beverages; condiments/sauces; dairy and eggs; canned foods; frozen foods; and chips, snacks, nuts and popcorn.

The total cost of all 37 items was the cheapest at Walmart, with a total of $187.22. The full cart cost about 13% more at Albertsons, with a total cost of $210.90. And Target fell in the middle, with a total cost of $193.21.

Which Chain Has the Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables?

In the fruit and vegetable category, TransPedia compared the costs of 1 pound of strawberries, one banana, one Roma tomato, one orange, one onion and one bunch of broccoli. In this category, Walmart won again, with groceries that were significantly cheaper than the other retailers.

The total cost for the fruits and vegetables was $6.61 at Walmart, $7.94 at Target and $9.34 at Albertsons — 41% more than the cost at Walmart.

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Which Chain Has the Cheapest Snacks?

A bag of Lay’s potato chips, a container of Planter’s pistachios, a box of Orville Redenbacher microwave popcorn and a package of Oreos will set you back $37.46 at Albertsons — over $10 more than at Walmart, which is the winner in this category as well. That snack stash will cost you $27.06 at Walmart and $28.06 at Target.

Which Chain Has the Cheapest Beverages?

Walmart is the winner in the beverage category as well. A six-pack of Evian, a 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola and a 64-ounce bottle of Mott’s Apple Juice costs $17.90 at the big-box chain. For those same items, you’d pay $19.07 at Target or $22.27 at Albertsons — 24% more than you’d pay at Walmart.

Which Chain Has the Cheapest Dairy and Eggs?

In this category, Walmart and Target are neck and neck. The cost for butter, milk, eggs and Babybel cheese totaled $21.26 at Walmart and $21.36 at Target. Albertsons is 17% more expensive than Walmart in this category, with the total cost of those items coming to $24.86.