Kroger has been identified as the most affordable grocery chain for store-brand essentials, according to a new price comparison study by Restaurant Furniture Plus. The study analyzed the cost of 15 essential store-brand items, including milk, bread, eggs, and chicken breast, across four major U.S. grocery chains.
Kroger's basket of these items totaled $30. Walmart followed in second place with a basket costing $30.95. Aldi secured third place with a total of $33.15, though its store-brand dairy products were noted as a good value. Albertsons came in last among those surveyed, with a basket total of $35.58.
The study did not include retailers such as Costco, Trader Joe's, H-E-B, or Piggly Wiggly. Trader Joe's was excluded because it did not carry all the specific items targeted for the comparison. Costco was omitted due to its bulk packaging, which made direct price comparisons challenging.
The findings come as many Americans face increased costs of living. Food prices have risen 32 percent over the last five years, contributing to financial strain for households. A recent Urban Institute study indicated that more than a quarter of working-age Americans have incurred credit card debt to cover grocery expenses, highlighting food affordability as a significant concern.
In response to changing consumer habits, supermarkets have been expanding their prepared food sections, offering items like rotisserie chickens, fresh sushi, and family meal bundles. This trend has coincided with a reported decrease in foot traffic at quick-service restaurants, as consumers increasingly opt for the prepared meal options available at grocery stores, which are often perceived as a better value compared to fast food prices.