What $40 Actually Gets You at Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart

The cost of groceries is on the rise. But at Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart, you can still find deals on everything from pantry staples to frozen meals. To prove just how unbeatable these bargains are, we filled a cart with $40 worth of food at these three retailers.

Whether you need to save on everyday essentials or looking for a way to eat healthier without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered. At these prices, you may even have enough cash left over to splurge on a gourmet goodie or decadent dessert.

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

Aldi Secrets: 7 genius hacks all Aldi shoppers should know

1. Aldi

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Aldi’s selection of low-priced, high-quality items is almost unbeatable. The retailer’s store brands make it possible to find affordable generics for every need. And we chose a cart full of products that reflect this.

Essentials such as eggs, fruit, and bagels are less at Aldi than at comparable retailers. We scored half a dozen L’Oven Fresh Everything Bagels for $1.95. Thomas’ brand-name version sells for over $2 more.

Apples are another staple you can save on at Aldi. A bag of the red delicious variety was only $2.89.

Along with low prices on the basics, Aldi also has affordable options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We picked items that are easy to mix and match, extending our shopping budget.

For example, you could toast one of the Everything bagels, add a scrambled egg, and sprinkle on a handful of cheese for breakfast. Layer Aldi’s Deli Sliced Buffalo Style Chicken Breast ($3.09) and Park Street Deli’s hummus ($2.49) on another bagel for lunch.

Top a third bagel with Reggano marinara sauce ($1.59) and Happy Farms Italian-style shredded cheese ($2.79), pop it into the oven, and bake a pizza bagel for dinner. But that’s not all.

Spread the hummus onto a Pueblo Linda flour tortilla ($1.99), crumble an Earth Grown veggie burger ($2.99) on top, and make a wrap. You’ll have three of the four 11-vegetable burgers left, so sandwich one between a bagel. And if you’re searching for a side, Earthly Grains Couscous is only $1.79 for a 10-ounce box.

2. Trader Joe’s

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TJ’s is stocked with fan favorites that get plenty of attention online. Viral sensations like the seaweed-wrapped Kimbap ($3.99) and plant-based bulgogi-filled vegan Jumeokbap ($4.99) are restaurant-quality buys at bargain prices.

You can also snag can’t-beat deals on frozen ready-to-heat-and-eat meals from around the globe. For $2.99, the Indian-inspired Channa Masala is a flavorful find. Eat it as-is, or pair the spiced chickpea meal with Trader Joe’s naan bread.

Even though Trader Joe’s is known for these foodie favorites, the retailer has plenty of affordable staples to fill your cart. We paid $1.99 for a bag of Spring Mix and $2.49 for Baby Bella Cremini Mushrooms. Mix in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette and a few tomatoes from your garden or a farm stand, and you have a super-sized salad for less.

Other basics to build meals around include the store’s refrigerated pizza dough ($1.69), Brussels sprouts ($1.49), and frozen fish. Score almost one pound of farm-raised tilapia for under $6 right now.

Fans of LaCroix may want to stock up on Trader Joe’s sparkling water. You’ll pay $4.19 for the name-brand eight-pack at Target. But TJ’s version is only $3.49. Choose from refreshingly fruity flavors, like raspberry lime or blueberry lemonade.

3. Walmart

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This superstore is known for its overall affordability. While some of the big box store’s generics are so-so, Walmart also has an unexpected amount of nutritious products at unbelievable prices.

We started our Walmart haul with low-priced salad staples. A head of iceberg lettuce was only $1.88, and a bag of Marketside fresh spinach was $1.98. Instead of expensive Olive Garden salad dressing — which can cost over $4.50 — we scored a Great Value dupe for $1.97.

If you want to add a protein, Walmart sells Realgoods’ seasoned chicken breast chunks for $7.86.

Other value-priced basics we found at Walmart include a 25.5-ounce bottle of olive oil ($9.74), garden combination pasta sauce ($1.67), penne pasta ($0.98), eighteen eggs ($2.64), and a half-gallon of whole milk ($2.35).

You can also score savings on pantry staples at Walmart. We bought a six-count of pre-sliced bagels for under $2 and a 20-ounce loaf of wheat bread for $1.42. Heat the frozen Realgood chicken and stack it between a bagel or two pieces of toasted bread.

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Bottom line

Which store has the best deals? It’s a toss-up. Aldi has budget-friendly prices on enough mix-and-match picks to make multiple meals, Trader Joe’s is a foodie’s best friend with creative culinary finds, and Walmart has unexpectedly healthy buys for less.

Everyday low prices aren’t the only way to save money on groceries . You can use the top rewards credit cards to earn cash back, travel points, and perks on eligible items.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).