When my family moved to this area a few years ago, one of my biggest concerns was where and how to go grocery shopping. We’d come from Utah, and all of our familiar stores were gone. I recognized Kroger, since in Utah, Smith’s is a member of the Kroger chain of stores. But suddenly, I was surrounded by Food Lion, Food City, Aldi, Ingles, and others that I’d never heard of before. I have four children, three of them being boys, so we go through A LOT of food. I needed to know how to shop in these new stores.
This post is for the me of three years ago. When I asked people where they grocery shop, this is information I would have loved. If you are new to the area, trying to save money, or searching for specifics in your grocery shopping endeavors, I hope this is useful to you as well.
Aldi: Shop here if you’re looking for budget-friendly groceries
At least half of my grocery shopping is done at this store each week. Their produce, meat and dairy sections are fairly typical of other grocery stores, but often at a better price. Their chicken breast is regularly $2.49/pound, where other stores are $2.99/pound. One of the things we’ve loved are their dye free options. They have drinks, chips, pop-tarts, yogurt, and cereal all with natural food dyes. We love the “aisle of shame.” My kids call it the “fun aisle.” Each week, there are new non-grocery items for sale. I bought flower bulbs this spring. A pack of six lily bulbs was $2.50, and they all came up and flowered beautifully. My daughter also got the cutest Minnie Mouse shoes.
Keep in mind: Their produce is a little hit and miss. I’ve had the best grapes and the worst grapes both from Aldi. The watermelon I bought last week was much more flavorful than the one I got this week from Kroger, but the apples were not as good. Also, if you want to save money at this store, you really need to buy their store brand. Most things we’ve really loved. My family likes their cheetos better than the name brand (plus they’re dye free!), but their doritos were terrible! They also use a coin deposit system for their carts. You insert a quarter to use one and then get it back at the end. You’ll also need to pay for paper bags or bring your own.
BJ’s (Maryville): Shop here if you want bulk items
This store is much like Costco and Sam’s Club. They sell bulk items, which works great for a large family like mine. They have some good prices, like for eggs and shredded cheese, which are priced lower than anywhere else in Maryville. They have well-priced rotisserie chicken, which makes for an easy dinner. There are also great coupon options on their app.
Keep in mind: Be careful with produce. It’s really easy to buy in bulk and then have it go to waste on your counter. While they have some things priced well, others are not. I typically do not buy meat from this store because I can get it cheaper elsewhere. You will also need to pay for a membership to shop at this store.
Cash and Carry Wholesale (Maryville): Your stop for snacks
My kids call this The Snack Store. It’s like a thrift store for groceries. Things are priced well. We often go there to buy the things that we don’t actually need, hence “snack store.” They have cereal, crackers, and other boxed food. They also have a variety of drinks and a small selection of frozen food.
Keep in mind: There is no produce in this store. As such, it won’t be a one stop shop. Most of their items are either nearing or past their expiration date.
Costco (Farragut): Another bulk store
This is my favorite big box store! I love Costco’s bulk options. Specifically, Costco tends to have a large selection of organic items and groceries that will fit into different dietary needs. When I nursed my babies, I had to cut most of the major allergens from my diet due to their FPIES, and I found great options at Costco. Their toy aisle is a fun stop throughout the year, with items at a good price. Their food court is also a fun stop at the end of a shopping trip. I love that I can bring groceries and dinner to my family at a decent price.
Keep in mind: Unless you have an unlimited budget, you’ll want to go to Costco with a list or a specific amount that you are willing to spend. It’s super easy to rack up a $400 bill with one grocery cart. Like BJ’s, you’ll need to pay a yearly membership fee.
Food City: Shop here for great quality produce
Food City has great produce, and often, they partner with nearby farms to have a selection of local produce. Watching their ads can give you some great sales as well, particularly on their Food Club items. In their meat section, they frequently run sales for five small packages of meat for $14.99. You can choose a variety of meats, and this often ends up saving you money. Of the stores, they also have the best deli fried chicken.
Keep in mind: This store tends to be on the pricier side.
Food Lion: Use their ad to shop meat and produce deals
I mainly shop at this store for their sales on meat, which rotate about every 4-6 weeks. They often mark their chicken breast down to $1.99/pound, and their pork shoulder roast will go on sale for $.99/pound, which is the best price around. If you are in the store, they always have a produce item on sale at a great price. In their weekly ads, you can also find a buy 2 get 1 free sale.
Keep in mind: Like most stores, not everything is a great deal here. They are priced competitively with stores like Kroger. Their produce section also tends to be a bit smaller than other stores.
Kroger: If I only had time to shop at one store, this is the one I’d choose
When Kroger puts an item on sale in their weekly digital deals, it is often the best deal you will find. Their Johnsonville Smoked Sausage was on sale this last week for $2.99. At Walmart, it was $3.97. Shopping their sales can save you significant money. They have good quality produce and meat. Another perk, often shopping with multiple children, is their snack bin. My children can munch on a free piece of fruit while we’re shopping. I also love that shopping earns me fuel points, which I have used to save up to a dollar per gallon of gas.
Keep in mind: You have to use their app. You need to get on each week and clip their digital coupons. Also while their sales are fantastic, not everything is a great deal.
Publix: Shop here for a great experience and friendly people
If you want a clean store with friendly clerks that will go out of their way to be helpful, Publix is the way to go! They also have great produce and a great meat section, with cuts of meat that are difficult to find in other locations. (I’m looking at you tri-tip.) Publix also does well with their coupons. I often have a $5 off $30 coupon, and on my Publix anniversary, they’ve given me a coupon for a small bouquet of flowers.
Keep in mind: You get what you pay for, and by that I mean that for all of the cleanliness and friendliness, there is a price. Even on their BOGO sales, Publix often has their prices marked higher than other grocery stores.
Sam’s Club (Knoxville): Go for the pizza…and the bulk items
I would go to Sam’s Club just for their food court pizza. I can feed my family of six for $30, which is a big selling point for me. Plus, their crust is great! Sam’s Club is like the other big box stores, but they all have a slightly different selection. I really like Sam’s Club for their deals on toys. This is not an everyday thing, but I always go through their toy section, and especially on Black Friday and right after Christmas, their toys are on great sales. Don’t forget your rotisserie chicken, and this is the place to buy granola bars.
Keep in mind: All of the information from BJ’s and Costco applies here. Watch the produce. It’s easy to buy too much and let it go bad. It’s also very easy to spend your entire grocery budget and more here. This store also requires a yearly membership fee. If you are not already a member, Groupon often has great deals for half off on membership.
Trader Joe’s (Knoxville): Find your unique items here (like candied jalapenos!)
This store has a loyal following, and for good reason. Trader Joe’s carries good quality groceries but also unique items that they are known for. Their Everything But the Bagel Seasoning is fantastic, and they often have unique seasonal items. They also have prepared dishes for when you don’t have the time/energy to cook but you don’t want take out.
Keep in mind: If you have a strict budget and want to only shop at one store, this would be a hard one for that.
United Grocery Outlet: If you want a good deal
This is your store for good prices. Items here have been marked down to sell quickly. Due to the nature of this thrift grocery store, items on the shelf are constantly changing, but they generally have a selection of produce, meat, boxed/canned foods and frozen items.
Keep in mind: Before you head to this store, look at the weekly ads for other nearby grocery stores. Many items at this store are past their sell by date, and you’ll want to be sure that you aren’t getting the same price as you would at another store for a fresh item. (This has happened to me.) They also don’t have a large selection.
Walmart: Go here for back to school shopping
We all know Walmart. They boast great prices and a good selection, from groceries to clothes to everyday essentials. It’s convenient to have a one stop shop for all of the things I need. For back to school deals, Walmart is the place to go. They have crayons, glue sticks, notebooks, and folders for great prices.
Keep in mind: Quality can be an issue on some of the Walmart brands. Also, if you are willing to shop at more than one store, many times Kroger or Aldi will have things cheaper than Walmart. Be careful getting caught up in the idea that they are the low price leader. While this is often true, there are things that may surprise you. Produce is also hit and miss, and they don’t run special sales, except around Black Friday and Christmas, and those are often only found online.
Which other stores do you grocery shop at in and around Knoxville? Leave your suggestions in the comments.
