Which Houston grocery store chain has the lowest prices on food staples?

[JL]

Originally Posted by Zhang Fei

I am referring to a meat-and-potatoes store. I don't need an organic section, a selection of 500 European cheeses or exotic Oriental condiments.

It really all depends. You should look at the ads each week and find out. Sometimes Walmart is not always the lowest when HEB could have sales on that particular item you want. Walmart is generally cheaper most of the time, but the other stores from time to time, will have a good sale on the items you might be looking to buy. Also, each store seems to vary in price, but you can ask the one in your location to match the price of the other location. I've done this with Kroger and HEB, but don't know if Walmart prices vary or not. I stopped going to Randalls years ago since it was just too expensive. Also, to my surprise, Foodarama is not that cheap. The Foodtown on S.Kirkwood and Bissonett has some decent prices too.

[Myztri]

I have found, at least in my experience, with what I shop for, since I don't mind most store brands (except on cheeses) is that HEB is cheaper. I do buy my diapers and household stuff at Wal-Mart, since I like their Parents Choice brand and they are far cheaper than anything else.
I will occasionally go to Randalls since it is right by my house, but only if I HAVE to have it, though I like the bakery at the one near my house (Fry near I-10) because they have delicious bagels and breads.

[blkgiraffe]

Originally Posted by crone

I have had to return perishable items, a big boneless ham for one, that were days past their sell by date to HEB, and Kroger. Should have checked it myself.
I participated in a study about grocery chains and prices between upper middle class and low income neighborhoods. The produce, dairy and meat in the low income neighborhoods were higher priced and lower quality.
Read the Wednesday ads and buy what is on sale. Those specials go in cycles. Stock up then.

This is true. If anyone has shopped at the HEB on Scott St in 3rd Ward and the others in a more nicer area; you'll notice the difference in prices. On top of that; the bread at the Scott St HEB is awful! Moldy and all.

[blkgiraffe]

Originally Posted by tstone

They can ad match whatever they want but the produce, dairy and meat at Wal-Mart usually starts going rancid the day you bring it home.

Pretty much. I brought two loafs of bread from there and it went bad in less than a week; Wal-Mart is not the ideal place for grocery shopping imo; unless your looking for snacks. I do most of my shopping at HEB, but sometime go to Kroger's or Foodtown. What shocked me when I first came to Houston was you guys don't use HEB points like in Waco. I was pissed when I offered my points card and the cashier said "we don't use that here".

[Margarita Salt]

We prefer Kroger. You get pretty good specials when you use a Kroger card plus you save 10 c per gallon on gas which is already competitively priced. They will also send you coupons in the mail pretty regularly that seem to match up with your spending habits.

[MissCrystalKate]

Thrift living shop at Canino Farmer's Market (huge selections of fresh fruits & veggies) Joe V's(almost everything cheaper), Aldi (almost everything), 99 Cents (dry goods), Family Dollar Store (dry goods), Dollar-Tree (dry goods), HEB (low prices almost everything), Food Town( almost everything), Fiesta (selected items cheaper, fresh produce & meat), Kroger (need card for special prices, fresh veggies and sweet fruits), Randalls (selected items cheaper), Wal-Mart (animal food cheaper). Enjoy shopping till your budget drop! (",)

[nabin_raj]

ALDI...If you have one near your place, great. just moved to houston from Dallas. Dallas has tons of Aldi , houston is up and coming and has about 20 i guess. went to walmart, six pieces of kiwi cost $4.30, searched GPS and closest aldi was 9 miles away, Drove the 9 miles and did all the my grocery, the six pieces of kiwi alone was $1.30 which covered for my gas!!! forget any other store ....ALDI is the cheapest!!!

[Svensk08]

Originally Posted by nabin_raj

ALDI...If you have one near your place, great. just moved to houston from Dallas. Dallas has tons of Aldi , houston is up and coming and has about 20 i guess. went to walmart, six pieces of kiwi cost $4.30, searched GPS and closest aldi was 9 miles away, Drove the 9 miles and did all the my grocery, the six pieces of kiwi alone was $1.30 which covered for my gas!!! forget any other store ....ALDI is the cheapest!!!

Around here, Walmart is not noted for low prices or good quality in the produce dep't. Many people do better at the larger HEB and the Kroger Signature stores.

[OwlAndSparrow]

Hong Kong Market, H-Mart, Fiesta, and HEB are the best, in that order, but it depends on what you're getting and how close each one is to where you live.