Buzz
Both Aldi and Trader Joe's are known for offering budget-friendly groceries, from breakfast essentials to pantry staples, but which store truly offers better prices? To find out, we conducted a detailed comparison of over 25 common grocery items, including milk, eggs, nut butter, and chicken, from both Aldi and Trader Joe's. The findings might surprise you.
Aldi, a German-based supermarket that shares a historical connection with Trader Joe's, often competes closely with its rival. For instance, buying bagels at Aldi is a smarter financial choice. A 20-ounce pack of six everything bagels costs just $1.49 at Aldi, while Trader Joe's charges $2.29 for an 18-ounce pack of six.
Similarly, Trader Joe's sells a dozen large organic eggs for $3.99 ($0.33 per egg), whereas Aldi offers a dozen large non-organic eggs for $2.39 ($0.20 per egg). If organic products are a priority for you, Trader Joe's might be the better option for eggs.
For other staples like olive oil, the two stores are evenly matched. Both Aldi and Trader Joe's sell 16.9-ounce bottles of Sicilian extra virgin olive oil for $7.99. Want to see how other popular items compare? Read on for more details. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on your location.
1. Greek yogurt
Pick: Aldi Friendly Farms Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt: 32 oz. Trader Joe's Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt: 32 oz.
When considering Greek yogurt, which is richer in calcium and protein compared to regular yogurt, Aldi's Friendly Farms option is a standout. A 32-ounce container, lasting several days, costs less than half the price of Trader Joe's Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt. However, for non-dairy alternatives, Trader Joe's excels with its selection of vegan cashew yogurt and dairy-free coconut yogurt in various flavors.
2. Cereal
Opt for: Aldi Millville Bran Flakes: 17.3 oz.Trader Joe's Organic Bran Flakes Cereal: 12 oz.
Looking to boost your fiber intake? Aldi's bran flakes are the smarter choice. Each box offers over 5 ounces more than Trader Joe's version, making it a better value for your morning routine.
3. Milk
Pick: Aldi Friendly Farms 2% Milk Half Gallon: 64 oz.Trader Joe's Ultra-Filtered Reduced Fat Milk: 59 oz.
If milk is a staple in your daily routine, Aldi's Friendly Farms 2% Milk in a half-gallon carton is a cost-effective choice compared to Trader Joe's smaller, pricier option. Additionally, Aldi offers a wide range of flavored non-dairy alternatives, including coconut, almond, and soy milks.
RELATED: Confused About Non-Dairy Milks? Here's a Breakdown of All Your Delicious Options
4. Eggs
Opt for: Aldi Goldhen Grade A Free Range Large Brown Eggs: a dozenTrader Joe's Organic, Free-Range Large Eggs: a dozen
Aldi's eggs, priced at just 20 cents each, are a bargain. However, Trader Joe's eggs are organic, which explains their slightly higher cost. If you have extra eggs to use quickly, consider trying one of these egg-based recipes.
5. Bacon
Select: Aldi Appleton Farms Center Cut Bacon: 12 oz.Trader Joe's No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon: 8 oz.
Starting your morning with bacon is always a good idea. For the best value, choose Aldi's larger bacon package over Trader Joe's smaller, pricier option.
6. Frozen vegetables
Select: Aldi Simply Nature Organic Mixed Vegetables: 16 oz.Trader Joe's Organic Green Vegetable Foursome: 14 oz.
Frozen vegetables are a convenient and nutritious addition to any meal. For a variety of options, Aldi's Simply Nature Organic Mixed Vegetables, featuring peas, green beans, carrots, and corn, offers better value compared to Trader Joe's similar product. However, Trader Joe's excels in creativity with offerings like Mexican Style Roasted Corn and Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry, though they come at a higher price.
RELATED: Yes, You Can Roast Frozen Veggies Straight From the Bag—Here's How
7. Oatmeal
Opt for: Aldi Millville Old Fashioned Oats: 42 oz.Trader Joe's Oven Toasted Old Fashioned Organic Oats: 18 oz.
Oatmeal is associated with numerous health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, boosting the immune system, and promoting heart health. For a budget-friendly option, Aldi offers oatmeal at just $0.06 per ounce.
8. Bananas
Pick: Aldi bananasTrader Joe's bananas
Trader Joe's bananas are priced at $0.19 each, but Aldi's bananas are even more affordable at $0.14 each, though prices may vary based on size. For baking banana bread, Aldi is the better choice.
9. Bagels
Select: Aldi L'oven Fresh Everything Bagels: 20 oz.Trader Joe's Everything Bagels: 18 oz.
Bagels are a breakfast favorite, and Aldi's offering is both larger and more affordable than Trader Joe's. With a half-dozen bagels at a lower price, the choice is clear.
RELATED: 6 Major Mistakes You're Making When Baking Bread, According to One of the World's Top Experts
10. Bread
Opt for: Aldi L'oven Fresh White Bread: 20 oz.Trader Joe's White Sliced Bread: 22 oz.
Surprisingly, Aldi offers a loaf of sandwich bread for under a dollar. While Trader Joe's White Sliced Bread is slightly larger, it costs more than double, coming in at $0.09 per ounce compared to Aldi's $0.04 per ounce.
11. Deli meat
Pick: Aldi Never Any! Oven Roasted Turkey Breast: 7 oz.Trader Joe's Organic Oven Roasted Turkey Breast: 6 oz.
To pair with your sandwich bread, consider turkey, a lean meat packed with health benefits. Aldi's turkey is a better deal at $0.55 per ounce, while Trader Joe's version costs around $0.83 per ounce.
12. Cheese
Select: Aldi Happy Farms Deli Sliced Medium Cheddar Cheese: 8 oz.Trader Joe's Sliced New Zealand Organic Cheddar: 8 oz.
Aldi's cheese is significantly cheaper than Trader Joe's, but the latter offers an unmatched variety at this price range. From the beloved Unexpected Cheddar to unique options like Kerrygold Irish Cheddar with Chili Peppers and Italian Truffle Cheese, Trader Joe's excels in flavorful cheese varieties.
RELATED: 12 Trader Joe's Truffle Products to Upgrade Your Next Meal or Snack
13. Fresh fruit
Opt for: Aldi Cara Cara OrangesTrader Joe's Cara Cara Navel Oranges
If you're in the mood for the unique taste of Cara Cara oranges, Aldi is the place to grab these seasonal citrus fruits.
14. Hummus
Pick: Aldi Simply Nature Organic Classic Hummus: 8 oz.Trader Joe's Organic Hummus: 8 oz.
While homemade hummus is simple to prepare, Aldi's healthy dip is a convenient and affordable option, costing $0.40 less than Trader Joe's comparable product.
15. Nuts
Aldi Southern Grove Chili Lime Cashews: 10 oz.Select: Trader Joe's Thai Lime & Chili Cashews: 1 pound
Nuts are a delicious and nutritious snack, especially when enhanced with bold flavors. Trader Joe's Thai Lime & Chili Cashews are priced at $0.49 per ounce, making them eight cents cheaper per ounce than Aldi's Southern Grove Chili Lime Cashews. A rare victory for TJ's!
RELATED: All Nuts Are Good for You, But These 8 Are the Healthiest
16. Granola bars
Pick: Aldi Millville Sweet & Salty Peanut Crunch Bars: 7.4 oz.
Whether you enjoy granola bars for breakfast or as a snack, keeping a box in your pantry is always a good idea. Aldi's Millville Sweet & Salty Peanut Crunch Bars are significantly more affordable than a comparable product from Trader Joe's.
17. Pasta
Select: Aldi Reggano Spaghetti: 2 poundsTrader Joe's Italian Spaghetti: per pound
Trader Joe's offers pasta at $0.99 per pound in various shapes, while Aldi provides options at $1.39 for 2 pounds. However, Trader Joe's boasts a wider selection, including Tricolor Spaghetti and Organic Yellow Lentil & Brown Rice Spaghetti.
18. Veggie burgers
Pick: Aldi Earth Grown Black Bean Chipotle Burger: 10 oz.Trader Joe's Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers: 12 oz.
Both boxes contain four burgers, but Aldi's meat-free option is more affordable, even though Trader Joe's burgers are slightly larger.
RELATED: 6 Simple Steps to Grilling the Best, Juiciest Burgers Ever
19. Chicken
Select: Aldi Fresh Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks: 1.75 poundsTrader Joe's Organic Free Range Chicken Drumsticks: per pound
For large gatherings or family meals, Aldi offers a cost-effective option for chicken. Their drumsticks are priced at approximately $2.28 per pound, slightly cheaper than Trader Joe's $2.49 per pound. However, Trader Joe's chicken is organic, unlike Aldi's.
20. Fish
Select: Aldi Specially Selected Cold Smoked Salmon: 3 oz.Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel Seasoned Smoked Salmon: 4 oz.
Both Aldi and Trader Joe's offer a variety of packaged fish options. For smoked salmon, Aldi is the better choice at $1.33 per ounce, compared to Trader Joe's $1.49 per ounce.
21. Fresh vegetables
Pick: Aldi Simply Nature Organic Chopped Kale: 12 oz.Trader Joe's Organic Shredded Kale: 10 oz.
Both stores offer a variety of fresh vegetables, but Aldi provides better value for kale. Use this leafy green to create a nutritious salad or a filling smoothie.
RELATED: 15 High-Protein Vegetables and How to Incorporate Them Into Your Diet
22. Quinoa
Select: Aldi Simply Nature Organic Quinoa: per poundTrader Joe's Organic White Quinoa: per pound
Among grains, quinoa stands out as one of the healthiest options. Aldi offers a one-pound bag of this nutritious grain at a price over a dollar less per pound than Trader Joe's.
23. Rice
Select: Aldi Specially Selected White Basmati Rice: 2 poundsTrader Joe's Organic Basmati Rice: 2 pounds
Aldi takes the lead in pricing for rice as well. Their large bag of basmati rice is perfect for creating a filling vegetarian meal or serving as a side to a flavorful curry.
24. Nut butter
Pick: Aldi Simply Nature Creamy Almond Butter: 12 oz.Trader Joe's Mixed Nut Butter: 12 oz.
Both Aldi and Trader Joe's offer excellent nut butter options, but Aldi's Simply Nature Creamy Almond Butter is the more budget-friendly choice. For a unique twist, Trader Joe's Mixed Nut Butter, made with almonds, cashews, walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and pecans, is worth the slightly higher price.
RELATED: These Are the 10 Best Nut and Seed Butters For a Protein Boost
25. Hazelnut spread
Select: Aldi Berryhill Hazelnut Spread: 13 oz.Trader Joe's Cocoa Almond Spread: 13 oz.
There's no need to feel guilty about craving chocolate! When the urge strikes, you can either indulge in some decadent brownies or opt for a healthier alternative like spreading hazelnut paste on toast or pairing it with fresh fruit. Purchasing this sweet treat from Aldi rather than Trader Joe's can save you over $2.
26. Olive oil
Aldi Specially Selected Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 16.9 oz.Trader Joe's Sicilian Selezione Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 16.9 oz.
It's a draw! Whether you choose Aldi or Trader Joe's for your olive oil, you're making a great choice. The TJ's variant combines three olive varieties and is crafted in Sicily. It boasts a "rich, buttery" flavor with a smooth texture, making it perfect for enhancing salads, seasoning roasted vegetables, or as a dip for artisan bread.
27. Butter
Choose: Aldi Countryside Creamery Unsalted Butter: per poundTrader Joe's Butter Quarters, Unsalted: per pound
Butter is an essential ingredient, whether you're baking or whipping up creamy mashed potatoes. Opting for Aldi's version can help you save a little on this kitchen staple. While a 30-cent difference may appear small, it can make a significant impact on your budget over time.
