Coupons Vs. Aldi: Testing Jewel-Osco Prices in Chicago
Can Jewel-Osco with coupons beat Aldi's prices? We put them to the test.
Coupons Vs. Aldi: Testing Jewel-Osco Prices in Chicago
For Chicago shoppers, the grocery store landscape is dominated by two major players: the legacy giant, Jewel-Osco, and the budget-friendly challenger, Aldi. The question on every savvy shopper’s mind is: can Jewel-Osco’s coupons and deals actually beat Aldi’s everyday low prices? We decided to put them to the test.
The Methodology
We created a shopping list of 11 common grocery items and compared the prices at a Chicago-area Aldi and a Jewel-Osco. For Jewel-Osco, we used the “for U” digital coupon prices where available. Prices are based on approximate costs at the time of writing and may vary by location.
The Shopping List
Here’s what we bought:
- Milk (1 gallon, 2%)
- Eggs (1 dozen, large)
- Bread (1 loaf, whole wheat)
- Chicken Breast (1 lb, boneless, skinless)
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 80/20)
- Cheddar Cheese (8 oz, shredded)
- Apples (1 lb, Gala)
- Bananas (1 lb)
- Cereal (1 box, Cheerios)
- Pasta (1 lb, spaghetti)
- Pasta Sauce (24 oz jar)
The Price Comparison
| Item | Aldi Price | Jewel-Osco Price (with coupon) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | $2.89 | $3.29 |
| Eggs | $1.79 | $2.49 |
| Bread | $1.29 | $2.99 |
| Chicken Breast | $3.49 | $2.99 |
| Ground Beef | $4.29 | $3.99 |
| Cheddar Cheese | $2.19 | $2.50 |
| Apples | $1.89 | $1.99 |
| Bananas | $0.59 | $0.69 |
| Cereal | $2.49 | $1.99 |
| Pasta | $0.99 | $1.29 |
| Pasta Sauce | $1.29 | $1.50 |
| Total | $23.19 | $25.71 |
The Verdict
In our test, Aldi was the clear winner, coming in at $2.52 cheaper than Jewel-Osco for our basket of 11 items. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story.
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When to Shop at Aldi: For everyday staples like milk, eggs, bread, and produce, Aldi’s prices are hard to beat. If you’re not brand-loyal and are looking for the lowest possible price, Aldi is your best bet.
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When to Shop at Jewel-Osco: Jewel-Osco shines when it comes to sales and coupons on specific items. In our test, chicken breast, ground beef, and cereal were all cheaper at Jewel-Osco with a coupon. If you’re a savvy shopper who plans your meals around the weekly ad and diligently clips coupons, you can find some amazing deals at Jewel-Osco, especially on brand-name products that Aldi doesn’t carry.
The Bottom Line
For the ultimate savings, a two-store strategy might be your best bet. Buy your staples at Aldi, and then head to Jewel-Osco for the weekly sales and deals on your favorite brand-name items. With a little planning, you can get the best of both worlds and significantly reduce your grocery bill.