Costco Vs. Aldi: 2025 Price Comparison Shows Which Grocer Reigns Supreme

A new 2025 price comparison reveals that Aldi beats Costco in nearly every major grocery category, offering lower unit prices on everything from dairy to canned goods. While Costco still holds an edge in bulk produce and select household staples, Aldi remains the better choice for families seeking to slash their grocery budgets

By Vision Times News

Published: November 10, 2025

A new 2025 price comparison reveals that Aldi beats Costco in nearly every major grocery category, offering lower unit prices on everything from dairy to canned goods. (Image: Adobe Stock)

Compiled by Gao Yun, Vision Times

When it comes to grocery shopping, two of America’s most popular discount retailers — membership-based warehouse giant Costco and private-label powerhouse Aldi — both promise to help shoppers “save more” at the checkout line. Yet their business models, pricing strategies, and shopping experiences couldn’t be more different. So which one truly delivers the better value for families in 2025?

According to a new comparison by “The Daily Meal,” which analyzed real-world prices at stores in Vineland, New Jersey, Aldi consistently outperformed Costco across nearly all grocery categories this year. Here are the results.

The study used unit pricing (cost per pound or ounce) to ensure fair comparisons between Costco’s bulk quantities and Aldi’s standard packaging. Prices may still vary by region and timing, but the results provide a clear national snapshot of where everyday consumers are getting the better deal.

Main takeaway: Aldi wins overall while Costco leads in produce

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The Daily Meal reviewed nine major grocery categories: dairy, pantry staples, produce, beverages, meat and seafood, snacks and candy, frozen foods, baked goods, and canned goods.

Costco led only in fresh produce, while Aldi beat its rival in the other eight categories.

Still, Costco remains attractive to bulk buyers for products such as flour, frozen meals, and multi-packs. Many families have adopted a hybrid strategy — shopping at Aldi for weekly groceries and restocking bulk essentials at Costco.

Dairy: Slight advantage to Aldi

Of five dairy products compared, Aldi won three.

Milk: Costco’s two-gallon bundle at $4.24 per gallon narrowly beats Aldi’s Friendly Farms milk at $4.29.
Cheddar cheese: Aldi’s $1.99 per half-pound undercuts Costco’s $2.59.
Butter: Costco’s Kirkland Signature four-pound pack ($16.99) equals $4.24 per lb., compared with Aldi’s $3.49.
Ice cream: Aldi’s Sundae Shoppe 1.5-quart tub costs $2.99, versus Costco’s $18.99 per gallon ($7.12 per 1.5 quarts).
Heavy cream: Aldi’s $4.29 (32 oz) beats Costco’s $12.99 (64 oz) by nearly half.

Pantry staples: Aldi cheaper, Costco wins only on flour

Among four dry staples, Aldi was cheaper in three.

Peanut butter: Costco’s organic twin pack costs $11.99 ($5.99 each), while Aldi’s Peanut Delight sells for $1.99 per jar.
Flour: Costco wins with $0.35/lb. versus Aldi’s $0.47/lb.
Rice: Aldi sells for $0.66/lb., beating Costco’s $0.99/lb.

Fresh produce: Costco’s lone victory

Here, Costco’s bulk pricing gives it a slight edge.

Beefsteak tomatoes: Costco $1.49/lb. vs. Aldi $1.99/lb.
Bananas: Aldi $0.53/lb. vs. Costco $0.83/lb. (sold in 3-lb. packs).
Cauliflower: Costco $0.17/oz. vs. Aldi $0.19/oz.
Spinach: Aldi $1.99 per 8 oz. ($3.98/lb.) beats Costco’s $5.99/lb.
Strawberries: Nearly identical — Aldi $2.81/lb., Costco $2.79/lb.

Beverages: Aldi dominates

Aldi came out ahead in three of four beverage categories.

Coffee: Aldi’s 30.5-oz. can at $9.99 ($0.32/oz.) beats Costco’s 43.5-oz. can at $21.99 ($0.50/oz.).
Coca-Cola: Aldi $0.66 per can, Costco $0.85.
Water: Tie — both $0.12 per bottle.
Juice: Aldi’s 64-oz. jug costs $1.99, while Costco’s 96-oz. twin-pack totals $9.49.

Meat and Seafood: Aldi sweeps

Aldi outpriced Costco in all five protein comparisons.

Ground beef: Aldi $6.89/lb., Costco $6.99/lb.
Chicken breast: Aldi $2.49/lb., Costco $3.69/lb.
Chicken thighs: Aldi $1.55/lb., Costco $2.19/lb.
Bacon: Aldi $4.49/lb., Costco $6.24/lb.
Shrimp: Aldi $6.99/lb., Costco $9.49/lb.

Snacks and candy: Another win for Aldi

Gummy candy: Costco slightly cheaper at $0.22/oz. vs. Aldi $0.25/oz.
Potato chips: Aldi $1.74 (10 oz.) vs. Costco $9.99 (28 oz.).
Popcorn: Aldi $1.99 per bag, Costco $7.99.

Frozen foods: Aldi leads 3 to 2

Aldi offered lower prices in three of five frozen items.

Frozen cauliflower florets: Aldi $1.30/bag, Costco $2.74/bag.
Breakfast sandwiches: Aldi $1.24 each, Costco $1.49.
Prepared meals: Costco $8.62/lb., Aldi $9.99/lb.
Ice pops: Aldi $5.99/box, Costco $15.99.
Mixed berries: Costco cheaper at $3.39/lb. vs. Aldi $3.99/lb.

Baked goods: Largest gap in Aldi’s favor

Aldi won four of five bakery comparisons.

White bread: Aldi $1.29/loaf, Costco $3.49.
Hawaiian sweet rolls: Aldi $0.19 each, Costco $0.28.
Fresh cookies: Aldi $0.39 each, Costco $0.49.
Croissants: Aldi $0.66 each, Costco $0.72.
Mini muffins: Tie at $0.33/oz., though Aldi offers smaller, more flexible packs.

Canned goods: Aldi wins across the board

For stock-up shoppers, Aldi swept this category.

Green beans: Aldi $0.91, Costco $1.16.
Black beans: Aldi $0.99, Costco $1.24.
Canned tomatoes: Aldi $0.92, Costco $1.37.
Tomato sauce: Aldi $0.56, Costco $1.33.

Even among organic products, Aldi maintained a consistent edge.

Final verdict: Aldi takes the lead in 2025

Overall, “The Daily Meal” report concluded that Aldi provides greater overall savings than Costco in 2025, nearly across the board. Costco remains an excellent option for large households or bulk purchases, but for most American families shopping weekly for essentials, Aldi consistently delivers the lower total bill at the checkout line.

For full comparison charts and methodology, see the original report by “The Daily Meal.”