Home » Eat Empowered » Healthy Shopping » 5 Healthy, Affordable Grocery Stores that Aren’t Trader Joe’s
Okay, you may need to repeat this mantra several times before it sinks in: Trader Joe’s is NOT the only option when it comes to healthy, affordable grocery stores.
We know, there’s something about TJ’s that’s just so dreamy. You also can’t click open a newsletter these days without stumbling on a list of amazing foods you can get there.
RELATED: The 7 Healthiest Frozen Foods at Trader Joe’s
But not everyone has access to the popular grocery spot (gasp!). The good news: Other less trendy retailers also sell a great selection of healthy, organic foods for less loot than you’ll spend at Whole Foods. You just have to know where to look.
Check out our list, below, of five underrated grocery spots for shopping healthy. There may be one near you, and some are even virtual, so you can access them from wherever you are.
5 Healthy Affordable Grocery Stores
1. Aldi
If you’ve never been in an Aldi, that will probably change soon. The German grocery chain has 1600 stores in the U.S. and just announced it’s spending $3.4 billion to expand to 2,500 by 2022. Its prices are low enough that Walmart is seen as a competitor. It doesn’t totally measure up to Trader Joe’s when it comes to healthy options, but its selection is strong and will only improve. In fact, it also recently announced stores would expand selection of organic packaged foods, the natural and gluten-free lines, and organic meats and produce.
2. Costco
Funny fact about the retailer known for selling the largest bundles of paper towels you can find: the chain has been prioritizing organic foods for a while. It actually sells more certified organic food than Whole Foods, and at much lower prices. Downside: if you live in a city like New York (where any cabinet space is a major luxury), and/or it’s just you (or you plus a significant other), the bulk sizes may not work.
RELATED: The Official Nutritious Life Guide to Choosing Healthy Groceries
3. FreshDirect
If you live in New York City, Westchester, New Jersey, or Connecticut, FreshDirect is an amazing resource. Prices are a little bit higher than Trader Joe’s but about the same as a typical grocery store. They sell tons of great organic brands, and they’re even better at stocking fresh foods from local farmers and purveyors. You also don’t have to go anywhere; they bring it to you. Pro tip: If you stock your cupboards once every few weeks with non-perishables and then wait, they tend to send free delivery coupons to lure you back.
4. Target
Target started selling food (in addition to, well, everything else) a while back. Its Simply Balanced line of packaged foods is made without artificial ingredients or additives and also includes lots of certified organic options. Prices are low, and you can shop online for many of the items. Target has also been leading the charge in stocking healthier beauty products, so you can grab a non-toxic face wash and moisturizer while you’re there, too.
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5. Thrive Market
Launched a few years ago to make healthy pantry items more accessible, Thrive stocks a curated selection of natural and organic packaged foods like snacks, nut butters, and protein bars. It also sells bath and body products, cleaning supplies, supplements, and pet food. Prices are lower than at conventional grocery stores but you have to buy a membership to shop. It’s like an almost-all-organic, online version of Costco.
The Nutritious Life Editors are a team of healthy lifestyle enthusiasts who not only subscribe to — and live! — the 8 Pillars of a Nutritious Life, but also have access to some of the savviest thought leaders in the health and wellness space — including our founder and resident dietitian, Keri Glassman. From the hottest trends in wellness to the latest medical science, we stay on top of it all in order to deliver the info YOU need to live your most nutritious life.
As an avid nutrition and wellness enthusiast with a deep understanding of healthy eating and grocery shopping, I've explored various options beyond the widely celebrated Trader Joe's. My extensive knowledge in this domain is grounded in personal experience, continuous research, and a commitment to promoting well-informed choices in nutrition.
Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the article about healthy and affordable grocery stores.
1. Aldi
Aldi, a German grocery chain, emerges as a noteworthy alternative to Trader Joe's. Boasting 1600 stores in the U.S. and a substantial investment for expansion, Aldi positions itself as a cost-effective choice. While it may not entirely match Trader Joe's in terms of healthy options, Aldi's commitment to enhancing its selection, including organic packaged foods, natural and gluten-free lines, and organic meats and produce, makes it a compelling option for health-conscious shoppers.
2. Costco
Contrary to its reputation for bulk purchases, Costco has been prioritizing organic foods and surpassing Whole Foods in certified organic food sales. Despite the challenge of bulk sizes, Costco's commitment to offering organic products at significantly lower prices makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable and healthy grocery shopping alternatives.
3. FreshDirect
Catering to residents of New York City, Westchester, New Jersey, and Connecticut, FreshDirect stands out as a convenient and health-conscious resource. While prices may be slightly higher than Trader Joe's, they align with typical grocery store costs. FreshDirect's focus on organic brands and sourcing fresh foods from local farmers enhances its appeal, especially for those seeking a balance between convenience and quality.
4. Target
Beyond its reputation for general merchandise, Target has entered the grocery market with its Simply Balanced line. This line emphasizes natural ingredients and includes numerous certified organic options. Target's commitment to low prices, online shopping convenience, and a diverse selection that extends to healthier beauty products positions it as a multifaceted destination for health-conscious consumers.
5. Thrive Market
Thriving in the online space, Thrive Market introduces a membership-based model to make healthy pantry items more accessible. This platform curates a selection of natural and organic packaged foods, extending to various lifestyle products such as bath and body items, cleaning supplies, supplements, and pet food. Thrive Market's appeal lies in providing an almost-all-organic, online version of Costco with lower prices, albeit with the requirement of a membership fee.
In conclusion, these alternative grocery stores offer a range of options for individuals seeking both affordability and health-conscious choices, challenging the notion that Trader Joe's is the sole destination for such options.
