Where to buy groceries in the United States: a review of supermarkets

If you are going to settle in a small town, your choices will be limited to the local market and a few grocery stores. You will have to drive to larger shopping centers or wholesale supermarkets.

In this article, we want to provide an overview of supermarkets: what stores are available in the United States, what you can buy there, and where newcomers and immigrants can find the best deals. We will also remind you of some things that immigrants may not expect in American stores.

Let’s start with affordable supermarkets whose names are known even to those who have never been to the States.

Walmart Supercenter

Walmart stores are practically everywhere in the United States.

To give you an idea of what you can find in a Walmart store, think of the products in Auchan or a large ATB market, and add a bargain shop where everything is priced at $10.

Pros: The selection is simply enormous. They have food, household items, pharmacy supplies, toys, books—basically, everything you could desire.

Cons: Fresh food is rarely found; the store prefers to sell long-lasting products such as pasta, canned goods, and grains, among others. There is also an issue with the store sourcing cheap household goods from China, so when choosing something for your interior, clothing, or anything else, pay attention to the quality. Not everything cheap is good quality.

Target Store

If Walmart is the largest and cheapest store in the United States, Target comes next on the list. Here, things are not as cheap, but the quality of products is significantly better, including the food items.

Pros: A wide variety of products, including fresh groceries.

Cons: Prices are higher compared to Walmart. However, in our opinion, it’s worth paying a little extra for the quality and assurance of feeling good about your purchases.

Costco Supermarket

This supermarket chain differs from the two mentioned above in that entry to the stores is only allowed with a “membership card.” It operates on a system similar to European Metro stores. Of course, you can purchase a membership card for approximately $50-55. Once you become a member, you are free to visit any of their locations.

Costco often offers additional services such as tire installation and vehicle washing.

Pros: High-quality products, excellent service, the option to make wholesale purchases with products packaged in larger quantities of 6-10 units or more. If you enjoy stocking up once a month and know exactly what you need and in what quantities, Costco is the place for you.

Cons: Entry requires a membership card, which needs to be purchased in advance. Essentially, this investment will motivate you to shop specifically at this chain. If the store is far away or not conveniently located on your route, it may be somewhat inconvenient.

Aldi Store

Aldi is a regular grocery and household goods store. What sets it apart from others? The Aldi store chain resembles more of a warehouse, without intricate creative layouts or decor. It’s simply packed with a lot of merchandise. Americans perceive it as a “no-frills” store.

Pros: Pleasant prices. The store caters to categories of customers such as retirees, low-income families, and migrants, offering products and prices that correspond to their needs.

Cons: Limited selection of basic products and goods compared to Target and Walmart, of course. The store’s appearance may be unfamiliar, and it is suitable for those who come specifically for the products, without expecting a fancy shopping experience.

Food Lion Supermarket

Food Lion is another affordable supermarket chain. It offers a wider selection compared to the Aldi warehouse-style store, giving you plenty to explore and try.

Pros: Greater variety of products at affordable prices, and the store layout is familiar to our eyes.

Cons: Prices are generally higher than at Aldi. Another issue is that the chain does not cover all of the United States, mainly serving the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

Now let’s talk about stores with average and high prices that you can find in the United States.

Harris Teeter

A standard and familiar store, somewhat similar to the Silpo supermarket chain in Ukraine. It offers a wide range of products with an average price point. If you have a moderate income, you can comfortably shop here.

Pros: Plenty of fresh products, moderate prices, and discounts and promotions for regular customers.

Cons: Limited selection of long-lasting products. It may not be suitable for those on a tight budget or who prefer to save money, except for occasional visits. Another downside is that these stores are primarily located in the Mid-Atlantic region, with no presence in other states.

Whole Foods

Roughly speaking, it’s a trendy store with a focus on fresh products. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer healthy eating over indulgence.

Pros: Good service, a wide selection of interesting fresh fruits, various organic products, and farm-fresh produce. Many locations throughout the United States.

Cons: Prices are above average but tolerable.

Similar to Whole Foods, Publix offers a wide selection, but the store is more oriented towards customers with thicker wallets.

One downside is that the store’s locations are primarily in the Southeastern region of the country.

Publix

Similar to Whole Foods, Publix offers a wide selection, but the store is still geared towards customers with deep pockets.

One downside is that the store’s locations are primarily in the Southeastern region of the country.

Earth Fare

This is probably the most prestigious among all the stores we have described. Here, you can find anything, from cheeses and wines from Europe to other delicacies for food enthusiasts.

Pros: The stores in this chain offer a variety of international products, not only those made in the USA.

Cons: The average bill is high, as this is a place where people are willing to spend a considerable amount on groceries and household products. The store chain has not yet expanded to all states, focusing mainly on the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

It’s evident that new retail locations, both large and small, are constantly opening. You will always find something new to discover, try, and learn about in America.

We have described the major supermarket chains in the United States to help you navigate and choose the best store for your initial shopping needs, taking into account your budget.

Now let’s discuss the pitfalls that you may encounter in American stores.

What else is important to know about shopping in the US:

1. Buying groceries in bulk is common in America

Well, maybe not everyone, but the majority of people do. Trust me, over time, you will do the same.

It’s truly cost-effective. You can take advantage of deals and promotions and avoid having to go for groceries every other day. Buy several gallons of milk and other products at once, saving on gas and the time spent on frequent trips. You’ll need to plan your meals for the week and maybe grab some additional items (just in case you crave dessert).

2. Taxes are not included in the item price

Pay attention! When you reach the cashier, the total amount will be higher than what’s listed on the price tags. Depending on the state, the tax rate can be around 8-10%, and the cashier will automatically add it to your bill.

3. Keep an eye on discounts, special days, and promotions

Before heading to the store, check for deals, discounts, and coupons online. If you have a membership card with a specific store, find out about their discount days and promotions. It will help you shop smart and save money.

Well, we hope we’ve been helpful. Enjoy your shopping experience and happy savings!