America’s cheapest grocery stores

The year of 2018 has brought grocery shopping to another level of convenience that was never thought possible. But one of the most important aspects of grocery shopping remains the same: Shoppers still care how much money can they save while buying groceries.

The team of retail experts at Consumer Reports conduct a survey every year to determine how much shoppers are spending at more than 60 recognizable chain supermarkets across the nation. They ask 50,000 shoppers about their spending habits at each grocery store—and compare prices of grocery staples at each chain, too.

Consumer Reports shared their ranking of the top seven supermarkets that scored best for affordability: While these supermarkets outperformed others by slashing prices, the following list is ranked alphabetically.

1. Aldi - The German retailer makes low-cost, private-label products the focus of its stores, which have a much smaller footprint than traditional grocery stores.

2. Costco - Costco's Kirkland products are often much cheaper than similar products elsewhere.

3. Fareway - This is a smaller regional chain with locations in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota—but their reputation for low prices has earned Fareway serious street credit with retail experts around the nation, according to Cooking Light.

4. Market Basket - This Northeastern chain is beloved by New Englanders for low prices and rows of self-checkout lanes—many locals compare Market Basket to Publix, a Southeastern regional chain that’s known for its BOGO deals and unique deli services.

5. Trader Joe’s - It has been named America's favorite grocery store two years in a row, and shoppers can't get enough of the private-label products that TJ's is known for.

6. WinCo.- A warehouse-like chain clustered along the West coast and into the Midwest, sells their items in bulk, which is why their prices are so shockingly low.

7. Woodman’s - Woodman's can be found in Illinois and Wisconsin and sells items in bulk—but shoppers don't need a membership.