A new grocery price study may change where you shop

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — Many shoppers have a go-to grocery store they believe saves them the most money.

But a new nationwide study suggests that assumption may not always be true.

Consumer Reports recently compared grocery prices across several major grocery chains using the same basket of common household items. The report found that some stores shoppers think of as “cheap” were actually more expensive than expected.

According to the study, warehouse clubs like Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club ranked among the cheapest overall options.

Discount chains like Aldi also came in less expensive than Walmart in many cases. Meanwhile, some Florida favorites landed higher on the price list.

Publix — a grocery store many Floridians regularly shop at — ranked on the more expensive side of the study, costing noticeably more than Walmart for similar items.

Stores like Whole Foods were among the most expensive overall.

Consumer Reports says the difference between shopping at the cheapest and most expensive stores can add up fast — potentially costing families hundreds of dollars more each year.

Experts say one easy way to compare prices before shopping is by checking grocery store apps or websites, which often show real-time prices at local stores.

Another tip: build an online cart at multiple stores before heading out. That allows shoppers to quickly compare totals without having to drive to different locations.

Weekly ads can also make a major difference, especially for shoppers planning meals around sale items.

With grocery prices still a major concern for many families, experts say comparing stores — even occasionally — could lead to bigger savings than people realize.