Retirement Budget: Boomers Say These Three Grocery Stores Provide the Best Value In 2024

Prince Frederick, Maryland USA

Food prices are finally stabilizing after years of inflationary spikes.  Prices for dairy and related products, for example, decreased 1% from last year. That’s good news for retirees living on a fixed income, as well as for anyone struggling to pay for groceries.

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GOBanking Rates asked 1,023 American adults between June 13 and June 24, 2024, about their retail shopping experiences, including grocery stores and fast-food restaurants; as a result, boomers on a budget say these three grocery stores provide the best value in 2024.

Walmart

With its consistently low prices and more than 4,600 stores nationwide, Walmart claimed the top spot among retirees searching for a good bargain. An average of 36% of retirees surveyed in the recent GOBanking Rates study said Walmart offered the best value in 2024.

The retail giant is best known for its low-pricing strategy. Walmart offers “Everyday Low Prices” through its extensive supplier network, efficient supply chain and store policies. Its private labels, “Great Value” and “Equate,” offer shoppers lower-cost alternatives to name-brand food, health and beauty products while maintaining a similar quality. Walmart’s price matching policy saves consumers time while getting the best price available.

“Rollback Deals” on basic pantry staples and personal care items like pasta, canned goods, cereal, toothpaste, shampoo and soap and provides temporary discounts on everyday items.

Aldi

Like Walmart, Aldi is also known for its low prices, private label brands and streamlined operations, making it an excellent option for retirees living on a fixed income. Over 18% of retirees in the recent GOBanking Rates study rated Aldi as their top choice.

Unlike Walmart, Aldi stores are smaller in size and provide customers with a simpler layout. Aldi provides fewer yet high-quality products, allowing shoppers to avoid product overwhelm. Self-bagging also keeps prices low. The combination of size, simplicity and efficiency makes shopping at Aldi easier and less confusing for older adults. Aldi’s business model also enables shoppers to save time and money by making fewer but more cost-effective trips.

Kroger

You may know the Kroger brand by one of its many banners, including Ralph’s, Harris Teeter, Food 4 Less, Fry’s or Ralph’s. Regardless of the brand name, 11% of retiree respondents to the GOBanking Rates study found Kroger’s brands to offer the best value for their money.

Some Kroger brand stores provide senior discounts on specific days. Its in-house pharmacies also provide health and wellness services, including prescription fulfillment, immunizations and health screenings. Kroger’s “Simple Truth” brand caters to health-conscious retirees through its organic and natural products.

Kroger, like Walmart and Aldi, offers private label products as an alternative to brand labels, keeping prices low for cost-conscious consumers.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Retirement Budget: Boomers Say These Three Grocery Stores Provide the Best Value In 2024