By James Taylor | International Supermarket News
Over the past two weeks, I set out to compare two of America’s most prominent grocery retailers—Walmart and Kroger—by replicating the same weekly shopping trip at both stores. The aim? To test the real-life cost difference when buying the same (or near-identical) items in the same quantities, giving readers of ISN a ground-level look at value versus experience.
The Test
The experiment was simple: Week one, I went to Walmart. Week two, I visited Kroger. Each time, I filled my trolley with a standard list of weekly groceries, including:
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Fresh produce (lettuce, bananas, tomatoes)
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Dairy (milk, cheese, butter)
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Pantry staples (rice, pasta, cereal)
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Household goods (toilet paper, detergent)
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Proteins (chicken, minced beef, eggs)
While some branded items differed slightly due to store availability, the general product types and quality were matched as closely as possible.
The Results: Dollars and Sense
Here’s how it played out at the checkout:
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Walmart Total: $121.85
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Kroger Total: $131.40
That’s a $9.55 difference—a notable 7.8% saving by shopping at Walmart.
What Stood Out
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Price Consistency: Walmart offered more consistent pricing across categories. The store-brand options, such as Great Value, provided a clear advantage.
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Promotions & Loyalty: Kroger’s app-based loyalty programme offered discounts that helped narrow the gap, especially on produce and some branded items.
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Freshness: Kroger’s produce section appeared better curated, with a broader organic selection. However, prices leaned slightly higher.
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Checkout Experience: Walmart’s self-checkout lines were faster, though Kroger had more attentive in-store assistance.
The Verdict
If price alone is your top priority, Walmart still reigns supreme for the weekly family shop. But Kroger adds value through its personalised deals, freshness, and local sourcing—something many health-conscious or brand-loyal shoppers may prefer.
In today’s economy, every dollar counts, and retailers know it. While this is just one shopper’s snapshot, it reflects broader industry trends: Walmart continues to push aggressive pricing, while Kroger works to strengthen loyalty and experience.
Final Thought
Retailers should take note—consumers are now more savvy than ever. With food inflation still present and budgets tighter, the weekly shopping trolley has become more than just a routine—it’s a statement of trust, value, and customer experience.