I Brought the Same Grocery List to Aldi & Target – Here’s Who Was the Clear Winner

Inflation makes staying on budget an exercise in futility for a growing number of Americans.

I shop for a living, and I’m going to let you in on a little secret — the skyrocketing price of everything from flour to frozen peas can throw me for a loop too. That’s why I price-shopped at two of my favorite stores, Aldi and Target, to find the best deals.

Which retailer made it easier to tackle high grocery costs? After comparing prices on popular products, I crowned one of these chains the winner. Keep reading to see if I scored better bargains at Aldi or Target.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Instead of wasting cash at overpriced gourmet bakeries, I snap up everything from buttery brioche rolls to mouthwatering muffins at both of these stores. Aldi and Target are economical alternatives that offer high-quality bakery buys at bargain prices. But which one has the better deals?

I started my search with brioche-style burger buns. Aldi sells a 12-pack from Specially Selected for $4.65, while Target’s four-count from Favorite Day is $4.39. Even though the superstore technically has the lower price, you get more for your money at the other retailer.

Along with buns, I also compared prices on breakfast bargains. Four of Aldi’s Bake Shop Blueberry Muffins sell for $4.29. The same quantity from Target’s Favorite Day costs $5.29.

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Yes, Target is a big box store. But the chain does have a prime selection of fresh produce. That said, is the big red bullseye retailer cheaper than Aldi?

Bananas are almost always on my shopping list. Not only are they packed with potassium, but they are also one of the most economical options in the produce department. Aldi sells the fruit for $0.49 per pound ($0.16 each). In comparison, Target charges $0.39 for one Good & Gather banana.

Bagged spinach is another item that I tend to buy in bulk. From green salads to stir-fry, this calcium-rich veggie is a frugal find that’s easy to use. I spotted an eight-ounce bag from Little Salad Bar for $2.09 at Aldi. Nine ounces from Target’s Good & Gather brand costs $2.39. In a price-per-ounce showdown, Aldi barely wins at $0.26 versus $0.27.

The skyrocketing cost of fresh meat and chicken could make you switch to a vegetarian diet. But if you’re craving a burger or want to whip up some wings, I did the legwork for you and scouted prices for these items at both stores.

One pound of 80/20 ground beef costs $5.29 at Aldi and $7.89 at Target. If you’re wondering about the price difference on poultry, I found a similar pattern. Kirkwood’s family pack of refrigerated raw chicken wings sells for $2.49 per pound at Aldi. Target’s Good & Gather air-chilled wings are over $1 more ($3.99 per pound).

Keep in mind that prices for meat and poultry products constantly change based on market value. While you could save money at Aldi today, Target might be the better option tomorrow.

Dairy products shouldn’t break the bank. And they won’t if you shop at these retailers. But if every penny counts (and really, when doesn’t it?), only one has the best value.

A 32-ounce container of Aldi’s private label Friendly Farms generic nonfat plain Greek yogurt costs $2.79. You’ll pay $3.49 for an almost identical Good & Gather item.

Like Greek yogurt, I also found cheaper cheese at Aldi. Happy Farms’ eight-ounce block of sharp cheddar costs $1.95. Target charges four cents more ($1.99) for the superstore’s Good & Gather brand.

Salty and sweet treats aren’t necessities. If your budget is tight, these are the first items to go. But if you have some extra wiggle room, I found the best deals on chips and candy.

An eight-ounce bag of Clancy’s Original Kettle Potato Chips costs $1.89 at Aldi. Target charges $2.59 for the same quantity. Even though the superstore’s option is the pricier pick, both retailers’ generics are steals. Cape Cod Kettle Cooked Potato Chips (eight-ounce size) retails for $3.99.

Where did I find the best deals on sweet snacks? Aldi sells a six-ounce bag of Gummy Sharks for $1.65 ($0.28 per ounce). A 12-ounce pack from Favorite Day costs $4.79 ($0.40 per ounce).

In a battle of desserts, I started with something simple: Vanilla ice cream. Aldi charges $3.25 for a 48-ounce tub from the store’s Sundae Shoppe brand. Target charges $4.59 for Favorite Day’s Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (also available in a 48-ounce size).

I also browsed seasonal flavors. Aldi’s eight-slice pack of Bake Shop Pumpkin Loaf Cake is a bargain for $4.29. Target’s Favorite Day version costs $6.49. But the big red bullseye retailer’s sinfully sweet spiced slices also include a generous topping of rich icing. If you prefer an extra pinch of sweetness, the additional $2.20 is worth it.

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Frozen foods are cost-effective and convenient. If fresh produce doesn’t fit your budget, swap refrigerated items for these freezer-section finds.

A 12-ounce bag of Season’s Choice Frozen Steamed Sweet Garden peas costs $1.09 at Aldi. Target’s Good & Gather Frozen Sweet Peas are $0.10 less ($0.99). I found the same price difference between the two stores’ frozen sweet corn.

While Target beat Aldi’s prices on both vegetable selections, the superstore lost in a chicken-strip battle. Kirkwood Crispy Chicken Strips (25 ounces) cost $7.69. The same size bag from Good & Gather sells for $8.69.

After adding up the totals, Aldi is the clear winner. But that doesn’t mean you should stop shopping at Target. While I paid more for most items on this list, the superstore also has plenty of deals on everything from brand-name bottled sparkling water to baking basics.

Here’s a way to keep more cash in your wallet without sacrificing quality for cost: Don’t choose one store over the other. Divide your list by retailer to get the best prices possible. While it may take more time to fill your fridge or pack your pantry, you could see serious savings on your next haul.

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