With grocery prices rising, shoppers are looking for any way to stretch their dollars. Aldi is known for its low prices and no-frills shopping experience, while Walmart has long held a reputation for being the go-to store for affordable everything. I decided to put both to the test by buying the exact same grocery list from each store. The results were surprising, and not just in terms of total cost. Price is one thing—but quality, selection, and shopping experience also made a big impact. Here’s how Aldi and Walmart stacked up in a side-by-side grocery showdown.
1. The Grocery List I Used for the Comparison
To keep the test fair, I created a basic grocery list made up of 20 everyday items. Here’s what it included…
- Milk
- Eggs
- Bread
- Ground beef
- Chicken breast
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Bananas
- Apples
- Canned vegetables
- Rice
- Flour
- Sugar
- Butter
- Cereal
- Potatoes
- Cheese
- Lunch meat
I chose store-brand versions whenever available to keep it budget-focused. I also made sure all items were as close in size and weight as possible. This list reflects what a small family or single shopper might buy in a typical week. With my cart ready, I headed to Aldi and Walmart on the same day.
2. Aldi’s Total: Surprisingly Low (With a Few Trade-Offs)
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At Aldi, my total came to $53.64, and I found most of the items on my list in under 30 minutes. The store-brand products were noticeably cheaper than Walmart’s in many categories, especially dairy, canned goods, and produce. Milk was $0.50 less per gallon, and eggs were 40 cents cheaper. However, Aldi’s smaller selection meant I had fewer brand or flavor options to choose from. For example, I couldn’t find the exact brand of pasta sauce I usually use, so I had to settle for a generic alternative. Still, the savings were clear and consistent across almost every category.
3. Walmart’s Total: Higher—but More Variety
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At Walmart, my receipt totaled $65.91—about $12 more than Aldi for the same list. Some items, like cereal and bread, were slightly more expensive even when using store-brand options. On the plus side, Walmart had a wider selection of brands, flavors, and sizes, which gave me more flexibility. The shopping experience was also more familiar and felt more like a traditional grocery store. It took longer to shop because of the size of the store and the crowded aisles. If you value choices and convenience, Walmart does offer more, but at a price.
4. Quality and Taste: A Close Call
One concern many people have with discount grocery stores is quality, and that was something I paid close attention to. After trying both sets of groceries, I found that most Aldi products tasted just as good as Walmart’s. The produce was fresh, the canned goods were solid, and the baked goods were soft and flavorful. The only noticeable difference was in the snacks and condiments, where Walmart’s name brands edged out Aldi’s generics in flavor. Still, for everyday staples, Aldi held its own. If you’re not picky, Aldi’s quality won’t disappoint.
5. Checkout, Speed, and Overall Experience
Aldi wins hands down on speed. The checkout process was lightning fast thanks to its efficient system and barcode placement. That said, you’ll need to bring your own bags and bag your own groceries at Aldi, which can be a learning curve. Walmart offers self-checkout and cashier lanes, which can be more convenient if you’re in a rush or buying in bulk. However, I waited longer in line at Walmart despite having more available registers. Aldi’s simplicity may seem barebones, but it made for a faster, more focused trip.
Aldi Wins for Budget Shoppers, But It Depends on What You Value
After comparing receipts, prices, quality, and experience, Aldi came out clearly cheaper, saving me around $12 on a modest grocery haul. If you’re focused purely on saving money and can live with fewer choices, Aldi is a strong winner. However, if you prefer a wide variety of brands and don’t mind paying a little more for convenience, Walmart still holds value. Both stores have their strengths, but for budget-conscious shoppers, Aldi proves it can deliver serious savings without sacrificing much. The best grocery store for you comes down to what you prioritize—price, selection, or speed. Either way, knowing the differences can help you shop smarter every week.
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