The Worst Time of Day To Go to the Grocery Store

Better Report

Popping into the grocery store to grab a few essentials isn’t always the quick and easy chore people hope it will be. Sometimes you walk in to find the shelves have been picked bare, and you’re forced to return another day. Other times they have what you need in stock, but the checkout line is longer than the queue for the most popular ride at Disneyland.

The surest way to avoid these issues is to do your grocery shopping at times when shelves are probably stocked and crowds are likely to be small. What makes things a bit tricky is those times don’t necessarily overlap, so you may end up dealing with low inventory but short lines. Let’s look at the worst time of day to shop, depending on your priority.

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The Worst and Best Times for Good Grocery Selection

It’s best to shop at the grocery store earlier in the day if you’re looking for a plentiful selection, as the shelves are more likely to be picked over as the day goes on. While supermarkets might restock certain items throughout the day, larger restocks are typically done after stores close or before they open, when there are no customers. So if you’re hoping for fully-stocked shelves, try to go in the morning as close to when the store opens as possible.

The day of the week matters, too. Many grocery stores do larger restocks midweek in anticipation of weekend traffic. The exact day may vary from store to store, so it’s worth doing a little recon at your local supermarket to see when shelves are fully stocked. (You can also ask employees directly.) You may find that there’s more inventory on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, making them better days for shopping than a Sunday or Monday after the weekend rush.

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One final thing to consider is when grocery stores start advertising their new products and sales. Typically, supermarkets begin new sales periods on Wednesdays, making that a good day to shop for discounted inventory — though crowds may be bigger since people will be coming to take advantage of those deals.

All this is to say that if you’re looking for a good selection, going shopping first thing Wednesday morning may be the best time. Late on Sunday, on the other hand, is one of several comparably worse times.

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The Worst and Best Times for Small Crowds

Studies have shown that 59% of shoppers go to the supermarket on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, making the weekend an especially bad time to shop if you’re hoping to avoid big crowds. Furthermore, according to statistics from the USDA released in 2019, the peak time to shop on weekends was from 11 a.m. to 12:59 p.m. The same time period was also busy on weekdays, as was 3 p.m. to 3:59 p.m. — around the time people with earlier shifts (such as teachers) may get out of work and start to shop for the evening ahead.

In addition to avoiding weekends and midday shopping, you need to be aware of major events that may be happening. For instance, if there’s a big sporting event like the Super Bowl or a golf tournament, people may be doing some last-minute shopping in the hours leading up to it. The same may hold true around a holiday, with people grabbing final groceries hours before Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and so on. And if you live in a churchgoing community, you may want to avoid the midday Sunday rush, when churchgoers are shopping after services.

Whether you’re prioritizing stocked shelves or small crowds, it seems that your best bet is to head to the grocery store earlier in the morning, during the middle of the week, and on days when there are no major local or national events. This isn’t always possible, of course, but it’s the surest way to avoid a stressful supermarket experience.

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Bennett Kleinman

Staff Writer

Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Inbox Studio. He is also a freelance comedy writer, devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.

This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Updated: July 20, 2023

Posted In: Home

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Wealth

7 Stores You Didn’t Know Have Senior Discounts

Better Report

As the cost of living continues to rise, finding ways to save has become more important than ever, especially for older folks looking to make their money last. Thankfully, many stores offer senior discounts — and while they may seem small, those savings can add up over time, helping lower the cost of everything from groceries and clothing to craft supplies and pet grooming services.

The only catch? The rules vary by store, and at large chains with independently-operated locations, discount policies may differ from one community to the next. For example, some discounts are available only on certain days, while others are limited to in-store purchases or require customers to join the retailer’s rewards program first.

But that shouldn’t stop you from taking advantage of those benefits. From Kohl’s and Michaels to PetSmart and Albertsons, here are some national chains that offer senior savings — plus what to know before you check out.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s is already known for its discounts, and seniors can get those prices down even lower on Wednesdays, when shoppers 60 and older get 15% off eligible in-store purchases. Although some brands and products are excluded, the discount can still be used on many clothing, home, and seasonal items. (You can’t use it in combination with other coupons, though.) Be sure to bring a valid photo ID to confirm your age at checkout.

Walgreens

Shoppers 55 and over who are members of the myWalgreens rewards program can take advantage of Walgreens’ monthly Seniors Day promotion, which typically takes place on the first Tuesday of each month and offers 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise purchased in stores and online. Certain exclusions apply, including prescriptions and some health care services.

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Ross Dress for Less

Every Tuesday, Ross Dress for Less offers shoppers 55 and older a 10% discount, known as the Every Tuesday Club. (According to The Senior List, certain clothing brands and home goods aren’t eligible, though no specific brands or items are named.) To take advantage of the savings, tell your cashier at checkout that you’d like to use the discount. You may also need to show ID.

Goodwill

According to AARP, many Goodwill stores offer senior discounts on certain days of the week, but when and how much varies by location. Since each Goodwill is independently operated, the age requirements and discount amounts aren’t the same everywhere. In some areas, seniors can save anywhere from 10% to 30% on their purchases. Ask at your local store to see if you can save.

Albertsons

There are a number of grocery stores that give seniors discounts, includingAlbertsons, which has more than 350 locations across 16 U.S. states. According to Go Health, if you’re 55 or older, you can receive 10% off eligible purchases on the first Wednesday of each month. (SeniorSite.org notes that items such as alcohol, fuel, gift cards, and lottery tickets are excluded.) To take advantage of even more savings, sign up for the Albertsons for U™ rewards program.

Michaels

Michaels customers 55 and above can get a 10% senior discount on their purchases — including sale items — both in stores and online. (There are some exclusions, including clearance items, certain brands, and custom framing.) To qualify, you’ll need to sign up for a Michaels Rewards account and verify your age with a government-issued ID.

PetSmart

PetSmart helps seniors 65 and older keep their furry friends looking good with 10% off grooming salon services on Tuesdays at participating locations. Be aware that the discount applies only to grooming and can’t be used on merchandise; pets must also meet the store’s age, health, and vaccination requirements. A valid photo ID is required to receive the discount.

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Lauren Dana Ellman

Writer

Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York–based writer and editor specializing in lifestyle, travel, food, and shopping. A graduate of Syracuse University’s SI Newhouse School of Public Communications, she covers everything from destinations and hotels to fun product finds and personal essays. Her work has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, AARP, Travel + Leisure, Time Out, The Knot, and more lifestyle-oriented publications.

This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Updated: April 28, 2026

Posted In: Wealth

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Wealth

6 Things You Should Never Buy From Amazon

Better Report

Shopping online from big e-retailers may be convenient, but it’s not without downsides. As sites like Amazon — the biggest online retailer, responsible for more than 35% of all online sales in 2025 — have gobbled up consumer dollars, it’s become harder and harder to know what you’re buying. After all, a marketplace with hundreds of millions of listings from a large number of vendors, and a limited ability to vouch for all of them, means that some categories of products carry risks worth knowing about before hitting “Buy Now.”

These aren’t Amazon-specific failures so much as categories where the platform’s model — which relies heavily on third-party sellers (many of them unknown) — creates conditions for counterfeits, safety gaps, or a worse deal than you’d get elsewhere. With costs rising, it’s tempting to save a few bucks wherever you can, but do yourself a favor and think twice before ordering the kinds of products listed below on Amazon.

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Supplements

Many Amazon products come from third-party sellers, and experts warn that a lot of them would never be stocked in regular stores because they wouldn’t pass safety testing, are misleading, or are potentially dangerous to your health. This applies to supplements, where label claims are loosely regulated at all retailers, not just online.

Earlier this year, the FDA found that some products claiming to contain tejocote root — an herbal supplement derived from the Mexican hawthorn tree that’s marketed for weight management and appetite suppression — actually contained toxic yellow oleander, a poisonous plant that can be fatal to humans. Other supplements sold on Amazon have been found to include ingredients that weren’t on the label or even hidden prescription drugs. So, if you want to buy supplements, get them directly from a brand’s website or an authorized retailer instead.

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Anything With a “Frequently Returned” Tag

Amazon now flags items that have unusually high return rates, which is a useful signal — but the tag can be hard to spot on the product description pages. (The location of the tag has moved with updates, and its location can vary by page.) The label recommends checking reviews and the product description for more information, but a product can have a 4.5-star rating and a high return rate simultaneously, with no clear explanation as to why. Save yourself time, money, and stress and treat the “Frequently Returned” tag as a “Do Not Buy” sign.

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Large Appliances

A refrigerator or washing machine that arrives damaged is not fun to return. Large appliances require delivery coordination, installation, and hauling away the old unit — all services that a local, dedicated appliance retailer is going to handle far better than Amazon. Also: If something goes wrong, you’ll want to be able to call an actual human, not waste time trying to get a chatbot to solve your problem. The extra money you spend to buy locally will be worth it.

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Children’s Gear (Especially Sleep Products for Babies)

This is the highest-stakes category on the list. In 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s eSAFE team requested that commerce websites remove more than 50,000 products that were illegal or had been recalled. Consumer Reports found that recalled sleeping products linked to infant deaths were still available on Amazon (and other e-commerce platforms), and uncertified bike helmets have been sold on the platform as well. The problem is structural: Products sold by third-party sellers may appear identical to Amazon’s own retail listings, so you may not realize you’re buying from an unknown seller with no accountability. Bottom line: For anything going near a baby — especially sleep products — buy from a brand’s own site or a traditional retailer.

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Pet Medications

Pet medications sold by third-party Amazon sellers may be counterfeit, improperly stored, expired, or harmful in ways that are impossible to detect from a photo — and even when you have the product in hand, in some cases. Sellers go to great lengths to mimic the look of popular name brands, but in reality, these fraudulent meds lack the ingredients that make the medication effective and may even contain harmful substances. Counterfeit versions of flea and tick medications sold online, for example, have been found to contain pesticides dangerous to cats and dogs. Don’t put your four-legged friend at risk — get those medications from your vet or a licensed pet pharmacy.

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Anything From an Unfamiliar Seller (Especially If It’s High Stakes)

Purchases from third-party vendors make up more than 60% of Amazon’s sales, and for those purchases, it’s hard to suss who’s responsible for issues — especially when consumer safety is involved. According to Consumer Reports, Amazon has argued that it’s basically just a delivery service connecting the dots between sellers and consumers, and therefore isn’t liable for the safety of third-party listings.

So, the higher the stakes of what you’re buying, the more it’s worth buying from a seller you can actually identify. But low-stakes items that don’t match your expectations are still a waste of time, money, and resources. To see the vendor behind a specific product, look for the “Sold by” information. (Can’t find it easily? Do a CTRL+F search for “Sold by.”)

Does this mean you should never shop on Amazon? In some cases, it’s still the best option in terms of price, access, and speed. Just know that what you see on an Amazon listing isn’t necessarily what you get. So, taking a little extra time to investigate — checking the seller’s information, skipping sponsored results (anyone can pay to have their product featured first, which can inflate sales and reviews), reading the reviews closely, and going directly to a retailer’s page — is absolutely worth it to make sure you’re getting what you actually want.

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Erin Scottberg

Writer

Erin Scottberg is a Brooklyn-based writer, garden designer, and houseplant expert — and the founder of Full Sun Studio (fullsun.studio), a garden design and plant consulting studio in New York City. She holds an Urban Horticulture Certificate from Brooklyn Botanic Garden, an NYC Street Tree Pruner License, and an NYC Master Composter Certification, and spent three years as Head of Content and Education at The Sill. When she's not working, you can find her creating in her textile studio, running craft nights in her neighborhood, or hanging with her rescue pup, Sunny. She's an ambitious DIYer, avid composter, and has never been able to walk by a thirft store without taking a look.

This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Updated: May 27, 2026

Posted In: Wealth

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Wealth

11 Stores You Didn’t Know Have Outlets

Better Report

Going to the outlet mall was once a big event. You’d pile into the car and drive to a collection of luxury-brand stores that had merchandise available at a greatly reduced price. At the end of the day, you’d return home with bags full of designer duds and your wallet not that much lighter.

These days, outlets are no longer just brick-and-mortar locations — you can find plenty of them online — but the concept is the same. A store with “outlet” at the end is an offshoot of a brand where the manufacturer sells extra stock, returns, factory seconds, and more directly to consumers. (Many outlet stores also create products specifically for the outlet.) In addition to lower base prices, outlets also have consistent sales to clear out the extra stock, so they’re great places to score deals. And in recent years, they have extended well beyond their designer roots. Here are a few big brands you may not have known have outlet stores — and how you can shop them.

Target

Target is already full of deals, but when stores have extra stock they need to clear, they’ll send it to Target salvage stores. According to Krazy Koupon Lady, these stores won’t have the Target name attached: Instead, you can find highly discounted items from Target (and maybe from Walmart and Amazon as well) at Goodwill, Big Deal Outlet, Bargain Hunt, Bulldog Liquidators, Dirt Cheap, and other retailers. Where the items end up depends on your state, so ask local Target employees where their stores offload extra inventory.

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REI

If you’re planning an outdoorsy vacation and don’t want to break the bank, tracking down deals at REI’s outlet is a good place to start. Their outlet stock — which the site says consists of “end-of-season closeouts and previous-year models” handpicked by their dealers — can be up to 40% off. Plus, everything is backed by REI’s 100% satisfaction guarantee, and you can return anything you buy online from the outlet at an REI store if it doesn’t work for you.

Amazon

Already a frequent destination for bargain shoppers, Amazon offers even more discounts on the outlet section of their site. It’s regularly updated with new products, and you can browse the deals category for even more markdowns.

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Pottery Barn

Redecorating is expensive, and you don’t want to cut corners on furniture since you have to look at — and sit on — it every day. Thankfully, there are Open Box outlet pages for Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and Pottery Barn Teen, which all list returned items (hence the name “Open Box”) at a discount. If you want to see items for yourself, the company also has in-person outlets. Stock varies, but some (like the location in Elizabeth, New Jersey) have Instagram pages where they announce stock. You can find the outlets on Pottery Barn’s store locations page (look for the “O” icon).

West Elm

Though West Elm has decent deals during sales, you can find even deeper discounts on their Open Box page, where they sell returned items. Because the items are returned, they may have signs of use — make sure to review the extra images of the item before you buy to understand its condition (damage or wear will be marked with red stickers).

Best Buy

The Best Buy Outlet is a great place to find returned, refurbished, or clearance electronics, wearable tech, appliances, and more. There are 19 outlets in 14 states; the location in Cleveland, Ohio, specifically sells major appliances, so it’s the place to go for new kitchen or laundry appliances. You can shop Best Buy’s returned products online as well.

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean has a reputation for high-quality outdoor goods that last forever — so getting those items discounted at one of the company’s outlet stores feels like an especially great deal. You can find outlets in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York. Check out the company’s store locations page.

Zales

New jewelry doesn’t have to break the bank. Zales has an online outlet with deals up to 50% off (and some promotions give even deeper discounts than that), so it’s a great place to shop for everything from casual hoop earrings to diamond engagement rings.

Pendleton

Pendleton Woolen Mills was established in Oregon in 1863, and it’s still producing its iconic cozy blankets, high-quality wool products, and more today. The company has some physical outlets, as well as an online outlet with a small selection of deep discounts on an assortment of items; check back regularly to see if anything you’ve had your eye on gets added.

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Inc. owns Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, and the clothing rental brand Nuuly. The individual stores don’t have specific outlets, but you can find clothing, shoes, and accessories from all of them at the company’s resale store, Reclectic. It’s a great option if you love secondhand and vintage shopping but want a more updated wardrobe. There are six Reclectic locations around the country. If you’re looking for furniture, there are two Anthropologie Home Outlets in Pennsylvania.

Lululemon

There are some brick-and-mortar Lululemon outlets, but you can also browse the “we made too much” page on their website. This overstock page has items priced under $50, so if you keep an eye on it, you can probably find your preferred size, color, and style of fitness gear at a great price.

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Ali Eldridge

This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Wealth

The Most Underrated Perks of Your Costco Membership

Better Report

Most people sign up for Costco because of the bulk groceries and cheap gas (and maybe the famous $1.50 hot dog combo). But beyond the warehouse deals and excellent Kirkland products, membership comes with several underrated perks that can save you hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars every year. Many members never take full advantage of these benefits, even though they’re included with the annual fee. Here are some perks you don’t want to miss out on.

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Costco Travel Deals

One of the best lesser-known perks is Costco Travel, which offers discounted vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and hotels exclusively for members. Using Costco’s travel portal often includes extra perks like resort credits and free upgrades. Rental cars are especially popular because Costco frequently beats major travel booking sites on price and includes a free additional driver.

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Auto Savings Beyond Gas Discounts

Most people associate Costco with cheap gas, and while this is absolutely true, the savings for car owners go far beyond the pump. Through the Costco Auto Program, members can access exclusive pricing on select new and used vehicles at participating dealerships, helping shoppers avoid stressful price negotiations. Some members save more than $1,000 using the program.

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Costco also helps members save after they buy a car. Participating service centers offer 15% off parts and services, sometimes amounting to $500 a visit. And tires purchased through Costco include free lifetime services like balancing, rotations, inflation checks, and flat repairs — routine maintenance services that can become expensive elsewhere.

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Prescription Savings

Health care costs can add up quickly, which is why Costco’s pharmacy benefits are among the membership’s most underrated perks. Through the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP), members can receive significant discounts on medications — sometimes reportedly saving up to 80% compared to standard retail prices. In some cases, shoppers even find Costco’s cash price on a prescription is lower than what they pay with insurance. Membership covers pet medications, too.

Optical Discounts and Free Adjustments

Costco’s optical department can save members a surprising amount of money: Glasses and contact lenses are often cheaper than what you’ll find at many traditional retailers, and eye exams are heavily discounted at many locations. Additionally, you may be able to get your glasses adjusted for free, even if you didn’t buy them there.

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Costco Next

Many members have never heard of Costco Next — not to be confused with Costco Direct, an online-only service that allows members to save when they make multiple purchases as part of the same transaction (the more you buy, the more you can save). With Costco Next, members can shop online directly from brands at Costco-negotiated prices on things like cookware, furniture, skin care, and fitness equipment. It’s useful for finding discounts on products that aren’t stocked in your local warehouse.

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Extended Warranties

Buying electronics at Costco can come with an extra layer of protection. Many items — such as TVs, computers, projectors, and major appliances — include extended warranty coverage for up to two years at no additional cost. That extra coverage can save shoppers a lot of money if something breaks after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

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Lauren Dana Ellman

Writer

This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Updated: April 28, 2026

Posted In: Wealth

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Wealth

10 Things You Shouldn’t Buy at Aldi

Better Report

With over 2,000 locations (and growing) across the United States, Aldi has quickly become one of the more popular grocery chains in the country. Part of the reason is that Aldi offers high-quality products at low prices, making it a dream destination for shoppers on a budget. But for all of Aldi’s fantastic deals, there are some products worth buying elsewhere. In some cases, it’s because the savings can’t make up for the quality. In others, it’s because even Aldi’s prices aren’t the lowest. Here are 10 items you should avoid buying at Aldi and seek out somewhere else.

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Chicken Breasts

Many Aldi shoppers report that the store’s prepackaged chicken breasts have an off-putting flavor and strange texture. They’re often criticized for being rubbery and tough, which some speculate has to do with their genetically-modified nature. But not all Aldi chicken products get the same complaints. Shoppers are fond of Aldi’s bone-in chicken options.

Paper Products

If you’re looking to replenish your toilet paper or paper towels, steer clear of shopping at Aldi. This is not to say that Aldi sells inferior paper products, or that the goods are overpriced (in fact, they may be cheaper than what’s available at Target and Walmart). It’s more about the fact that you can find better savings at big-box wholesalers such as Sam’s Club, BJ’s, and Costco, which have a reputation for selling paper products on the cheap.

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Fresh Produce

Aldi customers regularly report rapid spoilage for fresh produce. Some widely derided products include bagged onions and “fresh” berries, among other problematic produce. Reviews repeatedly point to inconsistencies within the produce department, with many customers complaining of mealy textures and short shelf lives. So while the company may sell these products at a lower cost, it comes with an added risk of not knowing how long the produce will last.

Name-Brand Goods

While walking through the aisles at Aldi, you may be tempted to snag a familiar brand of mayonnaise or peanut butter. But though the name-brand products may be cheaper than they would be at other grocery chains, they’re still often priced higher than the Aldi-brand alternatives. So, if you want to save, you should opt for the more affordable — but typically still high-quality — Aldi-brand option instead.

Summit Soda

According to some reviews, Summit, Aldi’s own line of soda, doesn’t live up to the same standard that you expect from Coca-Cola or Sprite. Instead of buying a generic soft drink at Aldi, get a name-brand soda somewhere else. They’re about the same price as they are at Aldi, and odds are, you’ll find a coupon to get the soda on discount, whereas Aldi doesn’t even accept coupons.

Deli Meat

Depending on who you ask, Aldi either offers decent-quality deli meat, or some of their offerings in that department are slimy and disgusting. In any case, Aldi stores lack traditional deli counters, which means you’re stuck buying whatever’s been packaged, and you won’t have the option to get the meat sliced to your liking. You may want to go to a store that has a deli section where you can speak to someone and get the meat sliced to the perfect thickness instead.

Jarred Pickles

Aldi shoppers have taken to sites like Reddit to express dissatisfaction with the store’s brand of shelf-stable jarred pickles. Many say that the pickles are mushy and lack the crunch that fresh pickles tend to have, while the website Aldi Reviewer declared them to be “fine.” While those pickles leave something to be desired, others say that the store’s refrigerated pickles are actually quite tasty.

Cream Cheese

People online have described Aldi’s cream cheese as being “sour” or having a “metallic” flavor. Even those who are less critical of the product say it’s inferior to trusted cream cheese brands such as Philadelphia, which many shoppers consider to be well worth the higher cost.

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Millville Crispy Oats

Millville Crispy Oats are Aldi’s take on Cheerios. But many people report that the cereal is awful, with one Redditor even saying that it tastes “like packing material.” Another declared it was “the only Aldi food that I’ve put directly in the trash.” Given that Aldi doesn’t accept coupons — while other grocery stores frequently discount their cereal — we’d suggest buying your cereal elsewhere.

Deodorant

In an interview with Yahoo! Finance, David Bakke, an Aldi shopping expert at the website DollarSanity, noted that the price of deodorant isn’t all that cheaper at Aldi. One brand of deodorant actually cost more at Aldi than it did at Target. If you’re looking to save money and smell good, we’d advise doing price comparisons at other stores and using a coupon to get the best deal.

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Ali Eldridge

This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Wealth

This Is the Most Expensive Supermarket in the U.S.

Better Report

Thanks to the rising cost of fresh vegetables, coffee, beef, and other essentials, buying groceries feels like more of an onerous expense with each passing day. This is especially true at certain chains that charge higher average prices than their competitors.

If you’re one of the many Americans who yearn for a lower grocery bill, it’s best to avoid costlier supermarkets. And thanks to the experts at the trusted brand Consumer Reports, we know the stores where you’re likely to pay more. They analyzed the cost of commonly purchased items sold by mainstream grocery chains in six regional U.S. locations, and put together a list of the most (and least) expensive supermarkets.

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About the Rankings

Before we discuss the most expensive supermarket, it’s worth noting a few things about the methodology used by Consumer Reports. All the prices they compiled reflect sales and discounts available with free loyalty cards, and exclude any discounts that could be attained through coupons or smartphone apps. Prices were gathered in person in late summer 2025. The publication used Walmart — the largest grocery retailer in the county — as a baseline average, determining a percentage difference in the total cost between Walmart groceries compared to food bought at other chains.

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The Most Expensive

At the very top of the national list is Whole Foods, coming in at 39.7% more expensive than Walmart. After the analysis was published in February 2026, Whole Foods contacted Consumer Reports to say that the company’s prices reflect factors important to its customers, such as ingredient sourcing, and that it has reduced prices on 25% of its items in the last 18 months. Nevertheless, Whole Foods remains atop the list.

Rounding out the top five most expensive supermarkets are the New England-based chain Shaw’s (+31.9%), the Texas-based El Rancho (+30.1%), and two stores primarily located in Illinois: Jewel-Osco (+29.7%) and Mariano’s (+27.6%). And in what might be a surprising twist for fans of Trader Joe’s, that chain was the ninthmost expensive in the U.S., costing 24.6% more than Walmart. Target, meanwhile, was a mere 5.9% more expensive than the baseline.

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The Least Expensive

Across the nation, six grocery chains rank as more affordable than Walmart. The most affordable of the bunch is Costco Wholesale, where customers might expect to pay 21.4% less on groceries than the national average.

BJ’s Wholesale Club is next at 21.0% cheaper than Walmart. Other inexpensive supermarkets include the East Coast chain Lidl (-8.5%), the nationally known brand Aldi (-8.3%), the Western/Midwestern-based WinCo (-3.3%), and the Texas-based H-E-B (-0.2.%).

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Regional Differences

Consumer Reports looked at six regions as part of the study: Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles/Southern California, and Virginia Beach. While Walmart was the baseline for all, there were a few regional differences when it came to the most expensive supermarket.

Whole Foods was the most expensive grocery store in four of the six regions. Prices were highest in Virginia Beach, where Whole Foods cost 57.7% more than the baseline. But Whole Foods was the second-most expensive supermarket in both Chicago, where Jewel-Osco topped the list (+29.7%), and Denver, where the most expensive grocery store was Trader Joe’s (+30.0%).

When it came to the most affordable chain, there was no straying from the national norm: Costco came out on top in each region — especially in Boston, where Costco’s grocery prices were 37.0% lower than the baseline average.

Person checking out at grocery store — Credit: © Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Key Takeaways

If you’re looking for a more affordable grocery experience, shopping at wholesale chains such as Costco or BJ’s might be the way to go. Walmart is also an ideal option, especially considering its convenience and the fact that around 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart or Sam’s Club subsidiary.

To see the complete breakdown of national and regional rankings, head to Consumer Reports.

Featured Image Credit: © Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Bennett Kleinman

Staff Writer

This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer Medical Disclaimer Financial Disclaimer

Updated: July 20, 2023

Posted In: Wealth

Hero Image Credit: Better Report

Home

Why Your Dishwasher Is Leaving Dishes Dirty

Better Report

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Better Report may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Doing the dishes by hand isn’t for the faint of heart, which is why homes have a dishwasher in the center of their kitchen. Most of them look (and operate) the same: you fill it, insert your pod (or liquid detergent), and select your cycle. It runs, chimes incessantly, and then your dishes are sparkly clean, ready to be used again. Right? Right? Too often, dishes that go into your dishwasher dirty come out the same way — cleaner but not completely clean.

So, what are you supposed to do? Well, you shouldn’t scrub dishes by hand before putting them in: Though it seems counterintuitive, modern detergents and dishwashers are designed to work more effectively with some food residue. It’s true; the enzymes in your detergent need food particles to activate, and the dishwasher’s sensors may adjust the wash cycle based on the level of dirtiness. (Smart, huh?) But if that isn’t your problem, it could be a dirty filter or the detergent you’re buying.

Dropps Ultrawash Plus (64 Pods)

BUY FOR $34 AT DROPPS

BUY FOR $35 AT AMAZON

You see, dishwasher detergent has become an oddly crowded category. You can buy pods that promise streak-free glassware, powders that insist they’re safer for the planet, liquids engineered for “tough jobs,” or tablets wrapped in materials no one can pronounce. Somewhere in that mix sits Dropps, a brand that built its name on sustainability long before it was a trendy marketing move. Their latest product, the UltraWash Plus pods, is the company’s most confident attempt to move from “eco-friendly alternative” to “everyday essential.”

The UltraWash Plus is a pod-style detergent with a biobased certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That certification means most of the ingredients come from biological sources rather than petroleum, making it ideal for shoppers who care about environmental impact but don’t have the patience to decode ingredient lists. The pods themselves use a chambered design — separate compartments that hold detergent, enzymes, and a degreasing liquid. This isn’t just for show, though it looks cool. Dishwasher detergents rely heavily on enzymes to break down food, and when those enzymes mingle with the wrong ingredients too early, they lose their effectiveness. By isolating them until the wash cycle begins, UltraWash Plus aims to deliver better cleaning power without relying on harsher chemicals.

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Of course, your detergent ultimately has to work, and while the UltraWash Plus pods don’t surmount the strongest, most aggressive pods on the market, they sit comfortably near the top. They clean standard daily messes without drama, handle proteins and sauces effectively, and don’t require pre-rinsing dishes. And that last point matters more than people realize: pre-rinsing wastes water and time, and needing to do it undercuts whatever a detergent claims about convenience or cleaning strength. So, if you want a pod that aligns with your sustainability goals without feeling like a step backward, Dropps makes that decision easy.

Featured Image Credit: Maria Korneeva/Getty

Evan Malachosky

Managing Editor

Evan is a writer and editor based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His work has appeared in GQ, Esquire, Popular Mechanics, Gear Patrol, and more.

This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer Medical Disclaimer Financial Disclaimer

Updated: May 21, 2024

Posted In: Home

Hero Image Credit: Better Report

Wealth

An Adorable Holiday Collab That Supports Homeless Pets

Better Report

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Better Report may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Bissell’s popular Little Green Machine has a built-in handle that gives it a slightly bag-like appearance. It’s not, but Bissell just made that fantasy closer to reality. Their new limited-edition collaboration with designer Susan Alexandra turns life’s messiest moments into joyful, hand-beaded bag charms, each one inspired by spills, smudges, and the everyday chaos we all know too well. The best part? 100% of proceeds support Bissell Pet Foundation and its mission to help pets through adoption, microchipping, crisis response, and more.

Bag charms are a trendy accessory this holiday season, and this surprise collab takes the trend to a new level: fashion meets function (with a cause to support). Clip them onto your purse, backpack, keys, or even the Little Green Mini, turning the best-selling portable deep cleaner cuter than ever. You can even grab the Little Green Mini Bundle, which includes the machine and one charm paired together for the ultimate gift. With Susan Alexandra’s signature playful aesthetic and Bissell’s iconic cleanup power, this collab is equal parts stylish and good-spirited.

Whether you’re shopping for a pet parent, a bag charm collector, a friend who embraces life’s little messes, or someone who loves supporting brands that give back, you’ll find two favorites below worth adding to your cart before they sell out.

Woof, There It Is Bag Charm Bundle

This is for the pet lover whose camera roll is 98% photos of their dog. It includes the limited-edition Woof, There It Is beaded dog charm, plus the Bissell Little Green Mini, the portable deep cleaner that saves carpets during muddy-paw season. (A note: the dog charm is exclusive to this bundle.)

BUY FOR $173 AT BISSELL

Mustard Mayhem Bag Charm

The Mustard Mayhem charm is the perfect gift for your spill-prone friend. This small beaded hot dog transforms a classic food into something genuinely cute and clips onto anything that needs a pop of personality. Pair it with a tote, handbag, backpack, or even gift it with their favorite condiments for a playful moment.

BUY FOR $68 AT BISSELL

Featured Image Credit: Courtesy of Bissell

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Megan Rogers

Commerce Editor

Based in Los Angeles, Megan blends over five years of publisher experience with a data-first approach to commerce content. She’s collaborated with leading commerce teams at Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Reader’s Digest, and Taste of Home to name a few. When she’s not diving into product trends, you’ll find her exploring new adventures as a newlywed or spoiling her rescue dog, Ram Ram.

This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer Medical Disclaimer Financial Disclaimer

Updated: September 10, 2025

Posted In: Wealth

Hero Image Credit: Better Report

Wealth

The Best Cyber Monday Deals, According to Our Editors

Better Report

It takes time to find a good deal and even more to find a great one, which is why our editors have been hard at work compiling the scroll-stopping steals on Amazon and beyond. Whether you want to prep for a springtime hobby, are in the market for new boots, or are stocking up on everyday household items while they’re on sale, these are the items you’re actually saving money on, according to our editors.

Shopping Tip: If you have a long list of people to buy gifts for, it’s best to approach Cyber Monday with a few ideas already in mind. Don’t let the deals trick you into purchasing something your recipient doesn’t need or want. Could one person really use a Kindle? Maybe your spouse hasn’t stopped mentioning a new mattress. A little prep work makes sorting through thousands of discounts more manageable.

Our Favorite Deals
Home and Bedding Deals
Kitchen Deals
Tech Deals
Beauty and Wellness Deals
Style and Accessory Deals
Seasonal Must-Have Deals

Our Favorite Cyber Monday Deals

The best prices we’ve seen on products we actually use (and recommend). From everyday staples to viral favorites, these are the picks worth adding to cart. We’re also reaching for the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop for everyday cleaning because it uses chemical-free steam to handle everything from floors to grout and carpets, which is especially helpful in homes with kids and pets.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

$349

$179

49% OFF Amazon

Olay Vitamin C MAX Face Moisturizer

100% Cotton Premium Turkish Bath Towel Set

$73

$40

45% OFF Wayfair

Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set

$148

$89

40% OFF Cozy Earth

PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop

Eight Saints Skincare Most Loved Skincare Set

Intuit TurboTax Deluxe

$80

$56

30% OFF Amazon

Home and Bedding Deals

Whether you’re upgrading your space or hunting for homey gifts, these finds bring comfort and style at prices that make it easy to refresh your whole home. We also like the Bagnizer Plastic Storage Bins with Bamboo Lids for bringing order to living rooms and closets, offering a polished look on shelves while neatly corralling everyday odds and ends.

Plastic Storage Bins with Bamboo Lids

$36

$30

16% OFF Amazon

Aokeyee Shoe Organizer for Closet

$50

$38

24% OFF Amazon

Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blanket

$90

$47

48% OFF Wayfair

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

$288

$173

40% OFF Cozy Earth

Casper The One Premium Foam Mattress

$949

$759

20% OFF Casper

100% Cotton Premium Turkish Bath Towel Set

$73

$40

45% OFF Wayfair

Dyson V8 Plys Cordless Vacuum

Kitchen Deals

Whether you’re shopping for a home chef or need to upgrade your own arsenal of cooking tools, these are great deals on some of our favorite kitchen items. A reliable pick to have on hand is the Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer, which gives fast, accurate readings in just a couple seconds and works for everything from weeknight roasts to grilling, baking, and even candy making.

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer

$20

$15

28% OFF Amazon

The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste & SQeeZY Scrubber

$10

32% OFF Amazon

PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop

Glass Meal Prep Containers with Lids (8 Set)

$61

$44

28% OFF Amazon

ClearSpace Pantry Organizers

$25

$20

20% OFF Amazon

Kitchen Drawer Organizer

$66

$45

32% OFF Amazon

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

$135

$99

26% OFF Our Place

Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker

$40

$25

38% OFF Wayfair

Dublin Crystal White Wine Set

$31

$20

35%OFF Wayfair

Empava Portable Induction Hot Plate Cooktop

$76

$68

11% OFF Amazon

Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker

$230

$180

22% OFF Amazon

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder

$200

$160

20% OFF Amazon

KITCHENAID Gingham Oven Mitt 2-Pack

$21

$14

36% OFF Amazon

STANLEY Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

$45

$27

40% OFF Amazon

Ninja Single Serve Blender

Tech Deals

The holidays are a great time to grab new tech devices — from tablets to headphones. This is when you’ll usually see some of the best discounts, or, at the very least, prices match the lowest point they’ve been this year.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

$349

$180

49% OFF Amazon

Roku Streaming Stick HD

$30

$16

47% OFF Amazon

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch

$200

$120

40% OFF Amazon

JBL Go 3 Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Beauty and Wellness Deals

Like tech devices, beauty, wellness, and personal care items are often discounted during tentpole sales events. It’s a great time to stock up on tried-and-true favorites or finally try something new.

Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Live it Up Treat Yourself Pack

$60

$34

43% OFF Live it Up

Salt & Stone Deodorant & Mini Body Mist Duo

Eight Saints Daydreamer Soothing Moisturizer

$40

$26

36% OFF Amazon

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser

$80

$50

38% OFF Amazon

Shark HD430 Flexstyle

$350

$199

43% OFF Amazon

Dr. Melaxin Exfoliating Peel

$39

$25

36% OFF Amazon

Style and Accessory Deals

Maybe your winter wardrobe needs a refresh, or you’re shopping for jewelry for a loved one. Consider these options. They’re stylish additions anyone would be happy to receive.

Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set

$148

$89

40% OFF Cozy Earth

UGG Knit Beanie & Tech Gloves Set

$95

$40

57% OFF Nordstrom Rack

Athleta All About Vertical Crossbody Bag

$65

$46

30% OFF Athleta

Litfun Fuzzy Slippers

Versace Silicone Strap Watch

$165

$50

69% OFF Nordstrom Rack

Seasonal Must-Have Deals

Embrace the holiday spirit with these seasonal essentials. From festive decor to stylish serveware, these picks are perfect for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.