10 things I used to buy at HEB but now get for less at Aldi

10 things I used to buy at HEB but now get for less at Aldi

If you've ever compared receipts between H-E-B and Aldi, you already know the difference can be bigger than you expect. Aldi doesn't win on every single product, but there are certain groceries that consistently keep more money in your pocket without giving up quality.

If you swap even a handful of them, you'll notice your weekly total shrinking fast. Here are the items worth moving over to Aldi if you haven't yet.

Dairy Basics

Milk, butter, and eggs are almost always cheaper at Aldi. Even when H-E-B runs promotions, Aldi's everyday prices usually land lower. Since these are weekly staples for most households, that small gap really adds up across the month.

You're not trading down in quality either. Aldi's dairy section is reliable, and you can get what you need without overspending.

Bagged Produce

Bananas, apples, carrots, and salad mixes tend to be much more affordable at Aldi. While H-E-B carries a wider selection, Aldi keeps the basics priced low enough that stocking up doesn't hurt your budget.

Because produce prices fluctuate, having Aldi as your go-to for everyday fruits and vegetables helps keep your cart balanced without sacrificing freshness.

Cereal and Breakfast Foods

Cereal is where the price gap really jumps out. Aldi's versions often cost half of what you'll pay at H-E-B, and the taste is close enough that most families don't notice the difference.

The same goes for oatmeal and pancake mix-those pantry staples that disappear fast but cost less when you stick with Aldi.

Frozen Vegetables

Frozen veggies are a budget-saver, and Aldi almost always undercuts H-E-B's price per bag. Whether it's broccoli, peas, or mixed blends, you can fill your freezer without spending extra.

That means you're less likely to waste fresh produce when life gets busy, and you still have quick, healthy options ready to cook.

Pantry Staples

Canned beans, tomato sauce, pasta, and rice are noticeably cheaper at Aldi. These are small-dollar items, but because they build the backbone of so many meals, the savings stack up fast.

H-E-B has more variety, but Aldi's private labels deliver the same results at a fraction of the cost.

Bread and Baked Goods

Everyday loaves, hamburger buns, and bagels typically cost less at Aldi. H-E-B does carry specialty options, but for basic bread, Aldi makes it easier to stay stocked without paying extra.

Bread also freezes well, so you can grab a couple of loaves in one trip and avoid running back midweek.

Cheese

Block, sliced, and shredded cheese consistently come out cheaper at Aldi. Even specialty cheeses for entertaining or cooking are usually priced better than what you'll find at H-E-B.

If your family goes through a lot of cheese, this is an easy swap that keeps your grocery bill in check without scaling back.

Snacks

Chips, crackers, and cookies can add up fast at H-E-B. Aldi's private label snacks are priced lower and hold up surprisingly well against name brands.

That makes it easier to keep the pantry stocked without blowing your budget on extras.

Meat for Weeknights

Aldi's chicken, pork, and ground beef often beat H-E-B's everyday prices. While H-E-B occasionally has great sales, Aldi tends to stay lower overall.

Since meat is one of the highest-cost categories in most carts, even small savings here can have the biggest payoff on your receipt.

Drinks

Juice, sparkling water, and even coffee tend to cost less at Aldi. H-E-B may have more options, but Aldi keeps the basics priced low, making it easier to keep your fridge stocked.

If you've been trying to cut back on drink costs, this is an easy category to switch.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.