Cheapest grocery stores Old City/Center City/surrounding neighborhoods?

Submitted by gaja_s7p3m4f8-3b t3_zx0wjl in philadelphia

Hi, I’m looking for the absolute cheapest grocery stores that I can get to without a car from where I live in Old City. I am fine taking the El. I can also bike maybe 2 miles max if it’s safe. Can anyone offer suggestions?

When I first moved here I went to Acme, but I felt like I was getting ripped off. I currently go to the Giant on 8th and Market. It’s an improvement, but still feels like a little much.

Riverwards is a cool place, but seemed very expensive. Sue’s Market near the towers seems OK but doesn’t have a very large selection relative to Giant.

A friend suggested Aldi. The nearest one to me is on Broad between Spring Garden and Girard. I would have to take the MFL and then BSL to get there. I don’t necessarily mind the trip, but only if the prices warrant it. Any thoughts?

Someone also recommended HMart but I think the closest one to me is at 69th. Same question as Aldi.

I have gotten some stuff from Target in the past but my impression was that it was kind of overpriced. I have not tried Walmart yet. I assume it’s fairly cheap.

I don’t qualify for SNAP or anything, I’m just a frugal bitch. 😎

If anyone has a favorite store, and/or a ranking of the stores I mentioned, I’d love to hear it! Thanks x

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reversering t1_j1yiw3c wrote

IMO Alid is worth it. I save $50 - $100 a week over going to ACME or GIANT. It really can save you a lot.

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kellyoohh t1_j1z8enm wrote

Third this. I do all my grocery shopping at Aldi and it makes a huge difference.

I sometimes supplement produce at riverwards. Their packaged goods are expensive but their produce is relatively in line with aldi so I tend to go to riverwards for fresh stuff in between aldi trips.

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gaja_s7p3m4f8-3b OP t1_j20jrpf wrote

Just went to Aldi. Literally 1/2 the final cost for a typical grocery run than Giant. Great suggestion thank you so much! xo

I had to figure out how to take the Broad Ridge Spur (I didn’t know this existed). Only a little confusing. The SEPTA employees were very kind and helped me.

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Basic_Visual6221 t1_j1zgg63 wrote

Use acme app. The coupons and rewards do help. I've saved $3,000 in the last 3 years using the app.

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grittyfanboi t1_j20sy08 wrote

Highly recommend Aldi and honestly if you can get a bike and some paniers, saves you a lot of time. I ride once a week over to the one at Front and Oregon and it saves me and my wife so much money.

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rundy_emcee t1_j1z5hqo wrote

Second this, fits your description perfectly if you’re willing to do the commute you mentioned.

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porkchameleon t1_j1z8cnl wrote

I just checked it on Instacart: selection is poor compared to what I get elsewhere, and prices are lower only on some items, the rest is on par with ACME and Heirloom Market (which have a much better selection).

I also wouldn't be saving that much (I simply don't buy enough), so getting to Aldi (the closest one is way too far out) - my mileage will definitely vary.

I'ma stick to Instacart and local grocery stores.

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FistfulOPubes t1_j1zmhyx wrote

Just an FYI, prices in Instacart are a good 25-30% higher than you’d pay in person.

Source: an Instacart shopper left the receipt in the bag once and I compared prices to what I paid.

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porkchameleon t1_j1zuvte wrote

I shop at a handful of shops, and I compare prices of groceries to my local supermarket. Yes, the prices get an up charge in some places (it’s easy to see when searching for something specific across different outlets), but I wasn’t paying over much (if anything extra at all) at where I shop.

I also use ACME’s own delivery service, that one had the same prices/deals as in store; worth monthly subscription and a tip to the DoorDash driver.

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monkeymaxx t1_j1xxml8 wrote

There’s a great Asian grocery store at 4th and spring garden. But Aldi is my jam - you can get a lot of high quality stuff for cheap especially pantry staples. Also check out Reading Terminal Market - specifically Iovine for produce!

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Alwaysangryupvotes t1_j1zwxps wrote

For 60$ you can get a plethora of meats from the terminal market that should last well over 2 weeks. 10/10 recommend

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monkeymaxx t1_j204im8 wrote

Yes! Martin’s is my favorite for sausages and fresh short rib burgers. They have rotating sausage flavors on sale, just check out the board behind the counter.

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dotcom-jillionaire t1_j1yvd56 wrote

keep in mind that prices are pretty bad all around right now. i just paid $6 for a dozen eggs at produce junction (usually it's $2.50 for 36!).

splitting your time between stores can also help with cost. 400 spring garden is great for cheap produce and meat, but gets pricy for pantry items, frozen stuff, etc. trader joes can be good for frozen stuff, pantry items, cheese, etc but their other dairy and meat can be pricy.

find the two or three stores that work for you and rotate as necessary for various types of groceries. it won't be an astronomical cost savings, but $10 saved turns into $25 turns into... well you get the idea.

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porkchameleon t1_j1z7agw wrote

> i just paid $6 for a dozen eggs at produce junction (usually it's $2.50 for 36!).

"Organic" ones are always that price; $2.50 for three dozen sounds like a fire sale for eggs that are about to "expire".

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sandwichpepe t1_j1y065q wrote

trader joes?

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OneToughFemale t1_j1yzhox wrote

Their prices on produce, dairy, and meat have been some of the best around lately

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emseefely t1_j1zudkw wrote

I’ve noticed some shrinkflation on some of their frozen foods but it’s still affordable especially if you want some change from the usual from time to time.

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LFKhael t1_j1yx7ln wrote

RE: Getting to Aldi, is 8th & Market within walking distance for you? You could just catch the Spur up to Fairmount.

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hatramroany t1_j1yzneb wrote

+1 for the spur - there’s also an Aldi at 46/Market if the el is really that much closer than the spur and OP doesn’t want to transfer.

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PollenThighs t1_j1zaxuw wrote

Came to say this about the 46th and Market Aldi. It's right at the station, you really don't have to walk anywhere and it IS that much cheaper. Online selections available on instacart aren't gonna compare to what's in stock. Even if you're supplementing what you can't find at Aldi with a quick stop elsewhere or a delivery service, shopping in person at Aldi is worth it.

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MomsSpecialFriend t1_j1zfu9l wrote

Agreed, they tend to leave the least expensive option off of the instacart page. I can never get regular eggs on there, no parm cheese.. it’s a thing. In person is way better.

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gaja_s7p3m4f8-3b OP t1_j20k0ya wrote

I just did took the Spur! Thank you for the suggestion. 8th St Station was a little confusing with all the separate lines and very low ceilings but I managed it. x

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LFKhael t1_j20lyaf wrote

Oh man, 8th & Market's signage is absolutely garbage. All it needs is some basic line paths to follow, but that's too much to ask for some reason.

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CheeseburgerLover911 t1_j20djpq wrote

spur?

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LFKhael t1_j20hgiu wrote

Broad Ridge spur of the BSL. Goes from 8th and Market through Chinatown then meets the regular BSL tracks at Fairmount.

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CathedralEngine t1_j1xwp32 wrote

The Mexican and Asian groceries in South Philly or Chinatown, Sue’s Produce in Rittenhouse for vegetables. Maybe Supreme in West Philly, and there’s an Aldi north of the 46th St stop of the el.

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uptown_gargoyle t1_j1ythvl wrote

Definitely avoid getting produce at Supremo. But the produce truck outside the parking lot is legit.

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PM_Me_Your_WorkFiles t1_j1z46ol wrote

Supreme is the worst. Gets shut down for health violations ALL the time, prices are often marked wrong, produce is always bad, and you have to check your bag at the front. Terrible grocer, a disservice to that neighborhood.

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Weird_Currency_412 t1_j1ygqni wrote

I just moved to Philly and Grocery Outlet is fair priced. Not a huge store but it has some of everything. There business model is to help undeserved communities. Not sure if one is near your location though.

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TheThingy t1_j1ytnul wrote

The nearest grocery outlet to Old City would probably be the one on Ridge Ave. Great prices though.

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kittylover3210 t1_j1ytnhq wrote

the Aldi at broad and fairmount is 2 miles from old city

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danstecz t1_j1ybhpb wrote

I wouldn't discount Acme or Target if they're not too out of the way for you, at least for a few items if you use their apps. I'm not a regular Acme shopper and somewhat frequently get $5 off $5 coupons in the Acme app. Or I'll get free item coupons or great discounts on a select few items every week. I just redeemed a digital coupon for their store brand frozen pizza for $1.99... they had anything from rising crust supreme to thin crust margarita to cauliflower and even broccoli crust to choose from. Limit 1 of course.

Same with Target; they will have 40%+ off on a couple grocery items each week through Target Circle. Target takes paper manufacturers coupons as long as the deal in Target Circle isn't a manufacturers coupon itself.

Of course you cannot do a full shopping and save money but if it is worth your time to hop in for a couple of random items you'll eat I would check out their apps.

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hatramroany t1_j1yzauu wrote

Target Circle (which is “free” to sign up for - I’m sure they’re collecting data or something but whatever) will also get you free subscriptions to Apple services. Apple Music for 4 months free is gonna save you about $50 if you subscribe to a music service

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porkchameleon t1_j1z7ouz wrote

How much is your time worth?

Bumming around for groceries several hours a week (add the stress of taking public transit and potentially shitty weather and who-knows-what) just to save a few bucks - I'd do the logistics and numbers first before committing to that, you may end up saving way less with time and travel factored in.

I did my numbers a couple of years ago, and I had everything delivered since (probably time to re-do it now, since prices gone up for quite a few things since, though).

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Basic_Visual6221 t1_j1zgc0z wrote

So I'm an acme employee that shops at aldi. Aldi is great for a lot, especially the staples. If you shop at acme, get the app, get the app, get the app. It honestly saves a ton of money and the reward points are amazing. You can use them for gas points or free grocery things. I do aldi for a lot, acme for the sales amd things I can't get at aldi.

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Toidal t1_j1z77cd wrote

The Giant near the 22nd trolley stop is really good. It's the 'regular' version of the store, not the Heirloom version on 8th. Their chicken breast is almost always $2.49 a pound which is the cheapest I've ever seen it. Sometimes it even goes to pre inflation $1.99 too. They're also really good about rotating stock so you can often get the 50% off meat as long as you freeze or cook it relatively soon.

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MomsSpecialFriend t1_j1zg3zs wrote

I’m pretty sure giant changed their meat markdowns to a 33% max when they started that app for last chance food. :( I used to shop on Mondays when they tagged the meat.

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aloysiusdumonde t1_j1y6dki wrote

Hung Vuong & Spring Garden Market for produce & meat, Fresh Grocer @ Cecil B. Moore off the BSL for most other groceries (bowl & basket) and oddly enough Sprouts for eggs. There is also a cheese spot in RTM that sometimes (not always) has amazing deals.

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kindofasshole t1_j1zaue3 wrote

Only go to fresh grocer if you really feel like getting ripped off, absolutely horrible prices.

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imothypsy t1_j1yvpht wrote

Aldi is great and very affordable

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MomsSpecialFriend t1_j1zfgy2 wrote

The prices at aldi are well worth the effort. They don’t sell like.. brand name stuff but they have almost everything you could need and you can get your specialty stuff elsewhere. Their meat is a little higher than giant family pack prices, but literally every other thing is cheaper by far. Produce is extremely cheap there and good quality. I always start my shopping there and finish at giant for meat/loss leaders. Make sure you are loading the giant coupons online too, they often have some good ones.

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nnp1989 t1_j1zoj6q wrote

Riverwards is generally expensive, but they nearly always have produce and breads marked down to $1/bag. Definitely worth checking out.

It’s a bit of a walk, but the Italian Market can’t be beat for produce and meat prices.

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gd215 t1_j20vbp6 wrote

Trader Joe’s

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BraveCheesecake6090 t1_j1z8mx5 wrote

Aldi is worth it, there is also one in Fairmount that I find somewhat easier to get to but I have a twice weekly commute into center city where I just take broad street line. Like it’s right next to the Fairmount exit.

Aldi is roughly 1/3 the price of Acme and you can easily stock up for the month for only $60 or so. I go about twice a month and spend about $30 per trip if I don’t get anything like a $12 bottle of tide or like a $20 coat rack or stuff like that

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goldfn325 t1_j1ztpvj wrote

If you are not picky with what you get, try using the app Too Good To Go. I have gotten a TON of groceries at OK Produce in the RTM for like $10. You just have to be fine with them giving you things that are about to expire or they have a surplus of. Lots of good restaurants on the app too.

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caitthegreatttt t1_j1z42p2 wrote

Liberty Choice on Front Street near Norris. 🙏🙏

Cheap pantry and frozen food AND a cheap deli counter in the back with banging middle eastern food. If the ice cream place next door is open it's also v good.

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Devin1405 t1_j1z5q51 wrote

I feel like some of their stuff costs more than going down to Acme but I also only get a few things from there. I like going to them them if in a pinch though since I'm right down the street.

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ifthereisnomirror t1_j1z8l5m wrote

Has the deli counter reopened? It closed during covid and the last few times I was in it was still closed.

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caitthegreatttt t1_j1zl17a wrote

Damn I haven't been in a minute so I can't say for sure. It kept me alive for a chunk of 2019 😂

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99centstalepretzel t1_j1zhhdm wrote

I left Fishtown mid-2014. I still dream about their Falafel sandwiches. Do they still have those???

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caitthegreatttt t1_j1zl539 wrote

Last time I had one there was right before COVID. It was heaven on earth then. ❤️

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99centstalepretzel t1_j1zoyvj wrote

Good to know! Next time I'm up that way, I'll have to pay a visit. That corner of Fishtown has changed so much, I'd imagine!

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UndercoverPhilly t1_j1zalkj wrote

What about the Italian Market? I don’t live close enough anymore for it to be worth it, but when I did I could get a bag of produce cheaper than the supermarkets in CC or Bella Vista. Do you have any friends with cars that you could carpool regularly to Aldi’s? I like the meat at RTM but it’s not necessarily cheap. Trader Joe’s is the most convenient option for me, although probably not the cheapest in the city.

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ageofadzz t1_j20mekk wrote

I just spent $22 on loads of produce at the Italian market

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kpgclark t1_j20icvu wrote

Sprouts has pretty good prices on produce and it's really fresh. As an example, avocados were 33 cents last week. Berries are always priced below other markets. Although Instacart is prices and most grocery stores have higher prices via that platform, products at Sprouts aren't marked up.

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UndercoverPhilly t1_j20le08 wrote

Wow! That’s cheap for avocados. I might have to check out Sprouts. I can walk there but it’s not that close.

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cluttered-thoughts3 t1_j1zig58 wrote

Just came here to say that I agreed the acme in old city is outrageous expensive. I’ve never felt so ripped off shopping there.

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sailbag36 t1_j1zrph4 wrote

The Asian grocery at the corner of 4th and Spring Garden

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SexySheep88 t1_j2002jr wrote

Try the Aldi in on Front & Oregon is South Philly. The 57 bus takes you to within a few blocks (4th & Shunk or 4th Oregon about the same distance from the store) and you pick it up to go back north on 2nd & Oregon.

Alternatively, you can take the 57 all the way to Whitman Plaza and go to the Shoprite. More expensive than Aldi, but cheaper than Acme.

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trostol t1_j20gdnl wrote

it sure aint Acme that i can tell you(sadly works at one)

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e_chi67 t1_j1z93qc wrote

Absolutely aldi

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kindofasshole t1_j1zam7r wrote

If you can afford it, I highly recommend an e-cargo bike to carry your groceries. And yeah, the aldi at fairmount station is great. Would recommend taking the bus though (maybe the 61, depending on where you live) if you’re carrying more than one or two bags of groceries. Fairmount station is not currently ADA accessible, and if you’re going to take the spur, it can get a little creepy down there.

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99centstalepretzel t1_j1zh5r0 wrote

Do you have the Flash Food app at all? I know that the area Giant stores have bought into it. It's basically an app that allows grocery stores to put stuff that's about to go bad. It's been a godsend for meats and breads (which can be frozen). For veggies, I get a farm share (major shoutout to Highland Orchards for being the most affordable one around) - $20 for produce that lasts me (a single apartment dweller) close to two weeks.

If finding surprises in your food and hunting for near-expired grocery items is not your thing (I can see why - it's not a sustainable plan), I will agree with the others on Aldi/TJoe's (for basics, frozen foods, and snacks); Whole Foods (believe it or not) for generic-brand items, and same with Target for one or two generic items; and the Asian grocery stores in the city (either on Spring Garden, Washington, or Oregon. I believe the ones on 3rd and Oregon and 4th and Spring Garden have the same owners) have been wildly good for produce and meats (imo, the 6th and Washington one is best for meats). AND if you live in South Philly, the Hispanic grocery stores have also been wonderful for produce (there's one on 7th and Tasker, and I believe 7th and Morrisish? There's also one on like 10th and Snyder that is wonderful, and I miss it so much)

I only touch Acme, if I happen to be in the area and I just need a real-quick 1 or 2 items things. My neighbor and I are regulars at the South Street one, and the manager there is very nice - but goddamn it's expensive.

It's rough out there. Good luck!

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yossiea t1_j20s4yc wrote

Also, check out the app FlashFood. If you're OK with food that is approaching the date stamped, you can get really good deals.

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daveypop75 t1_j2195vg wrote

Cheapest is Aldi by a mile but due to inflation thier prices have risen significantly. And from my experience it goes walmart, Shop Rite, Sav-a-lot, Cousins, Fro Gro, Acme, Trader Joe's and then all the fancy spots fall inline after that.

Not sure how sprouts compares but it looks expensive lol

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UndercoverPhilly t1_j21pps5 wrote

Acme on South Street is definitely more expensive than Trader Joe's, at least it used to be. I used to shop at Whole Foods (before it became Amazon) and when that ACME first opened it rivaled WF with prices on some items. The store that was there before ACME was cheaper than WF.

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daveypop75 t1_j21u5s5 wrote

Ppl have told me that trader Joe's has really good prices...but none if those ppl will step foot in an aldi...so I'm holding me ground!

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UndercoverPhilly t1_j222sbn wrote

Before today, I didn't even know there were any Aldi's in Philly. I went to one in Europe and it was very economical. I shop at the TJ on Arch St. and many of the customers there come on foot. (Unlike the one on Market St. and 22nd? which has it's own free parking lot). It might just be a question of convenience. To me it wouldn't really be worth the time to take the subway up to Aldi to shop since I wouldn't be able to carry much.

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