Is Costco Really the Best Discount Supermarket? New Data Says…
If you’re looking for more ways to save on groceries , changing up where you shop may be enough to make a difference! Consumer Reports investigated which common retailers offered the lower prices on common items—and the answers may surprise you! Wondering if your go-to spot made the list? Keep reading to learn about the best discount supermarket out there, how much you can expect to spend on grocery staples and what other supermarkets could still help you reduce your grocery bill.
'Consumer Reports' study: Which discount supermarket is really cheapest?
This month, Consumer Reports released a report that looked at the prices of commonly purchased items at mainstream grocery chains in six U.S. cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and Virginia Beach.
The researchers recorded their findings based on the total price of grocery carts that included product, meat and package items. Naturally, the selection differed at each store, which ultimately impacted prices. For example, some offered larger or smaller sizes of certain items, while other grocery stores were abundant in private-label brands but offered fewer name-brand products.
And here's the wonderful news for your wallet: Despite all these variables, one store consistently came out on top across every city tested—Costco is officially America's least expensive supermarket!
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Curious how Costco stacked up against other grocery stores? Consumer Reports used Walmart as the baseline store to see the price difference at its competitors, and six different chains ranked as the top cheapest options available in the U.S.
Here’s a breakdown of who made the list:
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Costco
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BJ’s Wholesale Club
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Lidl
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Aldi
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WinCo
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H-E-B
If you’re looking to save on your grocery shopping, it seems Costco is the best discount supermarket around! While you do have to pay for an annual membership ($65 for a Gold Star membership and $130 for Executive) to shop in the store, the lower prices and bulk sizes can save you in the long run.
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Costco is known for its unique seasonal finds, bakery goods, clothing items and more. While the limited-time product drops are popular among avid shoppers, the affordability of the groceries themselves is what encourages most people to sign up for a membership.
If you’re wondering the true cost of buying grocery staples at this discount supermarket, here’s a look at what you can expect to spend when buying grocery staples.
Bread
Costco sells both name-brand, private-label and freshly baked bread at its stores—and in most cases, you will be able to snag a two-pack of loaves at a discount! For example, a double pack of 20 oz. loaves of Artesano bread costs $6.95 , while two separate 20-oz. loaves of Sara Lee Artesano bread at Walmart will run you $7.14.
Eggs
Whether you love them fried, scrambled or boiled, Costco makes it easier to stock up on eggs for less. Free-range eggs can sometimes be pricey, but you can grab a 24-count of Kirkland Signature Free Range Large Eggs for just $8.07. (By contrast, two packs of 12-count free-range eggs at Aldi cost $8.50).
Butter
Get all of the creamy butter you need for baking and cooking at Costco for a steal. Buy the 4-count pack of Kirkland Signature unsalted butter—and get 16 sticks for just $10.93! If you try to stock up on four of the 16 oz. packages of Great Value unsalted butter, you’ll end up spending $13.76.
Meat
It’s no secret that meat can rack up your grocery bill, but you can save more when you buy larger quantities at Costco. For example, buy a 5.63-pound pack of 88 percent lean ground beef for $41.94 or 11.91 pounds of chicken thighs for $26.54. A ll of that protein can definitely be used in multiple meals!
Milk
If you’re in need of a gallon or two, you may find a better deal at another supermarket near you. A 2-count of Kirkland whole milk is a bit on the high side at $7.95, especially compared to Aldi, where you can get two gallons for $4.98. You’ll fare better with an organic variety, however, as a 3-pack of half-gallon organic whole milk is $17.03 at Costco—but $18.78 at Walmart.
Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance at Costco locations, but the cost can vary wildly depending on seasonality and the amount you’re buying. It’s a good idea to compare prices to other stores in your area, as you may be able to get more of your favorite produce at a lower price at Walmart, Aldi or Lidl.
Whether you decide to try a Costco membership, explore Aldi or Lidl or simply use these prices as a benchmark for what constitutes a good deal at your current store, you're now armed with the knowledge to make every dollar count.
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