As the cost of living continues to climb across the United States, many households are feeling the strain at the grocery store.
A new study by debt relief program Freedom Debt Relief, shared by Newsweek, found that grocery shoppers in many states are paying more than 50% extra by shopping at higher-cost markets instead of the cheapest available option.
To identify the cheapest and most expensive major grocery chains in each state, Freedom Debt Relief used Consumer Reports' 2026 grocery price comparison, which ranked retailers against Walmart based on the cost of a comparable basket of common groceries.
Here’s which grocery stores are the most and least affordable in Missouri.
What is the cheapest grocery store in Missouri?
Aldi topped the list as the most affordable grocery chain in Missouri,
as it did in 31 other states.
The German-based retailer keeps prices low by emphasizing private-label brands, offering a smaller selection and operating leaner stores with lower overhead costs. Those savings are then passed on to shoppers through lower prices at the checkout counter.
Besides Aldi, three other chains frequently came out on top:
- Lidl: Cheapest in Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia
- Walmart: Cheapest in Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico and Wyoming
- WinCo Foods: Cheapest in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington
Shop Aldi and other grocers on Instacart
What is the most expensive grocery store in Missouri?
While Aldi earned top marks for affordability, Whole Foods landed on the opposite end of the aisle.
The analysis found Whole Foods was the most expensive major grocery chain in 44 states, including Missouri. In some states, shoppers paid roughly 52% more for a comparable basket of groceries at Whole Foods than they would at the lowest-cost alternative.
Much of the difference comes down to each retailer's business model. Whole Foods stocks a wider selection of organic, specialty and premium products and offers a more service-oriented shopping experience, factors that can contribute to higher prices.
Four other chains topped the list as the most expensive grocer in their respective states:
- Safeway: Most expensive in Alaska and South Dakota
- Trader Joe's: Most expensive in Delaware
- Albertsons: Most expensive in North Dakota
- Shaw's: Most expensive in Vermont
How many Aldi Stores are in Missouri?
There are 103 total Aldi locations in Missouri.
To find the closest Aldi near you, use the chain's store locator.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: This grocery store chain ranks the cheapest in Missouri
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