Walmart · November 2026
$79.57
for five weeknight dinners for a family of four: $3.98 a plate across 20 plates.
First month of the index, so there is no change figure yet. December will be the first comparison.
Online shelf prices at Sacramento Supercenter, 8915 Gerber Road, Sacramento, CA 95829 (store 3081), read on November 3, 2026. Not observed spending. No sales tax, delivery or service fees.
QUICK ANSWER
In November 2026, the groceries for five weeknight dinners for a family of four cost $79.57 at Walmart in whole packs: $3.98 a plate. The same basket came to $81.17 at ALDI and $80.88 at Kroger, in different towns. Size-matched to identical pack sizes, ALDI was cheapest at $74.54.
By store.
Each chain was priced at one store: the one its website showed us. The stores are in different states, so a gap between them mixes chain pricing with local pricing. Read it as three separate price checks, not a head-to-head.
| Store | Checkout total | Size-matched | Per plate | Lines on sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart headlineSacramento Supercenter, 8915 Gerber Road, Sacramento, CA 95829 (store 3081) | $79.57 | $79.57 | $3.98 | none |
| ALDIALDI St. Charles, 2670 W. Main Street, St. Charles, IL | $81.17 | $74.54 | $4.06 | none |
| KrogerKroger Rolla, 605 W 4th St, Rolla, MO | $80.88 | $80.85 | $4.04 | 10 of 30 |
Checkout total is what the packs cost at the till. Size-matched rescales any pack that differs from the basket size (ALDI sells rice in 3 lb bags, for example) to the basket size, so stores compare like for like. Target is missing: target.com showed a press-and-hold bot check before any grocery price loaded. We do not get around bot checks, so Target is not in this month's index.
By category.
| Category | Walmart | ALDI | Kroger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat & eggs | $27.60 | $25.54 | $26.95 |
| Dairy | $13.77 | $13.43 | $13.35 |
| Produce | $17.98 | $21.27 | $20.79 |
| Frozen | $1.96 | $1.95 | $2.18 |
| Rice, pasta & tortillas | $5.16 | $6.49 | $4.78 |
| Pantry | $13.10 | $12.49 | $12.83 |
| Basket | $79.57 | $81.17 | $80.88 |
Meat and eggs are 35% of the Walmart basket. That is where a week like this gets cheaper or dearer.
Every item, every price.
Whole-pack prices, linked to the product page we read. Quantities above one (two packs of ground beef, three peppers) are already multiplied in. Download all 90 lines as a CSV (2026-11).
| Item | Walmart | ALDI | Kroger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts, frozen3 lb bag | $9.84Great Value All Natural Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, 3 lb (Frozen) | $8.99Kirkwood Chicken Breasts (frozen), 48 oz | $9.49Kroger Frozen Raw Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, 3 lb |
| Ground beef, 80% lean1 lb pack | $12.8680% Lean / 20% Fat Ground Beef Chuck, 1 lb Roll, Fresh, All Natural* (× 2) | $11.9080% Lean 20% Fat Ground Beef, about 2.25 lb pack, $5.29/lb | $12.98Kroger 80/20 Ground Beef Roll 1 LB (× 2) |
| Smoked sausage (polska kielbasa)14 oz rope | $3.23Great Value Fully Cooked Polska Kielbasa, 14 oz (Refrigerated) | $2.99Parkview Polska Kielbasa, 14 oz | $3.29 sale, was $3.49Kroger Hardwood Smoked Polska Kielbasa Sausage Pork and Beef Rope, 14 oz |
| Large eggsdozen | $1.67Great Value Cage-Free Large White Eggs, 12 Count, 12 ct | $1.66Goldhen Large Grade A Eggs - 1 Dozen, 12 ct | $1.19Kroger Grade A Large White Eggs, 12 ct |
| Shredded cheddar cheese8 oz bag | $1.97Great Value Mild Cheddar Finely Shredded Cheese, 8 oz Bag | $3.29Happy Farms Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese, 16 oz | $1.99 sale, was $2.49Kroger Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese, 8 oz |
| Sour cream16 oz tub | $1.84Great Value Original Sour Cream, 16 oz Tub | $1.75Friendly Farms Sour Cream, 16 oz | $1.89 sale, was $1.99Kroger Original Sour Cream, 16 oz |
| Salted butter1 lb (4 sticks) | $2.96Great Value Sweet Cream Salted Butter, 4 Sticks, 16 oz Box, 16 oz (4 sticks) | $2.89Countryside Creamery Salted Butter Quarters, 16 oz | $3.09 sale, was $3.79Kroger Salted Butter Sticks, 16 oz (4 sticks) |
| Grated parmesan cheese8 oz shaker | $3.18Great Value Grated Parmesan Cheese, 8 oz Shaker | $2.79Reggano Grated Parmesan Cheese, 8 oz | $3.19Kroger Parmesan Grated Cheese, 8 oz |
| Whole milk1 gallon | $3.82Great Value Whole Vitamin D Milk, Gallon, 1 gal | $2.71Friendly Farms Whole Milk, 1 gal | $3.19Kroger Vitamin D Whole Milk Gallon, 1 gal |
| Yellow onions3 lb bag | $2.25Fresh Yellow Onions, 3 lb Bag | $2.19Fresh Yellow Onions, 3 lb | $2.89Kroger Yellow Onion 3 lb Bag |
| Garlic1 bulb | $0.64Garlic Bulb Fresh Whole, Each, 1 bulb | $1.49Garlic, 3 ct | $0.79Garlic, 1 ct |
| Russet potatoes5 lb bag | $2.25Fresh Whole Russet Potatoes, 5 lb Bag | $3.69Baking Potatoes, 5 lb | $3.69Russet Potatoes Bag, 5 lb |
| Carrots2 lb bag | $2.26Fresh Whole Carrots, 2 lb Bag | $1.99Fresh Whole Carrots, 2 lb | $2.29Kroger Whole Carrots, 2 lb |
| Broccoli crowns2 crowns | $3.66Fresh Whole Green Broccoli Crowns, 1 Each, 1 crown (× 2) | $4.18Broccoli Crowns, per lb, about 1.0 lb each, $2.09/lb (× 2) | $3.28Broccoli Crown, 1 crown (× 2) |
| Green bell peppers3 peppers | $2.19Fresh Green Bell Pepper, Each, 1 pepper (× 3) | $2.69Freshire Farms Green Peppers, 3 ct | $2.67Fresh Large Green Bell Pepper, 1 ct (× 3) |
| Romaine hearts3 hearts | $3.63Fresh Romaine Lettuce Hearts 3 Count, Each, 3 hearts | $3.59Romaine Lettuce Hearts, 3 ct | $3.99Kroger Romaine Lettuce Hearts, 18 oz |
| Green onions1 bunch | $1.10Fresh Whole Green Onion 1 Bunch | $1.45Green Onions, 5.5 oz | $1.19Green Onions, 1 bunch |
| Mixed vegetables, frozen12 oz bag | $0.98Great Value Mixed Vegetables, 12 oz Steamable Bag (Frozen) | $0.98Season's Choice Frozen Steamed Mixed Vegetables, 12 oz | $1.09 sale, was $1.25Kroger Frozen Mixed Vegetables, 12 oz |
| Sweet corn, frozen12 oz bag | $0.98Great Value Whole Kernel Corn, 12 oz Steamable Bag (Frozen) | $0.97Season's Choice Frozen Steamed Super Sweet Corn, 12 oz | $1.09 sale, was $1.25Kroger Frozen Super Sweet Corn, 12 oz |
| Long grain white rice2 lb bag | $1.82Great Value Long Grain Enriched Rice, 32 oz (2 lb) | $2.65Earthly Grains Enriched Long Grain White Rice, 48 oz | $1.79Kroger Enriched Long Grain White Rice, 32 oz |
| Spaghetti1 lb box | $1.36Great Value Spaghetti, 16 oz | $1.89Reggano Spaghetti, 32 oz | $1.00 sale, was $1.19Kroger Spaghetti, 16 oz |
| Flour tortillas, soft taco size10 count | $1.98Great Value Medium Soft Taco Flour Tortillas, 17.5 oz Bag, 10 Count, 10 ct / 17.5 oz | $1.95Pueblo Lindo Flour Tortillas - 10 Count, 17.5 oz | $1.99Kroger Soft Taco Size Flour Tortillas, 10 ct / 17.5 oz |
| Pasta sauce24 oz jar | $2.14Great Value Traditional Pasta Sauce, 24 oz | $1.89Reggano Tomato, Basil and Garlic Pasta Sauce, 24 oz | $1.99Kroger Classic Tomato Traditional Pasta Sauce, 24 oz |
| Black beans, canned2 cans, about 15 oz each | $1.84Great Value Black Beans, 15 oz (× 2) | $1.70ALDI Black Beans, 15 oz (× 2) | $1.78 sale, was $1.00Kroger Black Beans, 15.25 oz (× 2) |
| Diced tomatoes, canned14.5 oz can | $0.96Great Value Diced Tomatoes in Tomato Juice, 14.5 oz Can | $0.96Happy Harvest Diced Tomatoes, 14.5 oz | $1.00Kroger Diced Tomatoes, 14.5 oz |
| Chicken broth32 oz carton | $1.50Great Value Gluten-Free Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton, 32 fl oz | $1.25Chef's Cupboard Chicken Broth, 32 oz | $1.49Kroger 99% Fat Free Chicken Broth, 32 oz |
| Soy sauce15 oz bottle | $1.82Great Value Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce, 15 fl oz | $1.65Burman's Soy Sauce, 15 fl oz | $1.89Kroger Brewed Soy Sauce, 15 fl oz |
| Taco seasoning1 oz packet | $0.50Great Value Taco Seasoning Mix, Original, 1 oz | $0.46Casa Mamita Original Taco Seasoning Mix, 1 oz | $0.49Kroger Original Taco Seasoning, 1 oz |
| Salsa, chunky16 oz jar | $1.97Great Value Thick and Chunky Salsa Medium, 16 oz | $2.59Casa Mamita Chunky Salsa, Medium, 24 oz | $2.19 sale, was $3.29Kroger Thick & Chunky Medium Salsa, 16 oz |
| Ranch dressing16 oz bottle | $2.37Great Value Classic Ranch Salad Dressing & Dip, 16 fl oz | $1.99Tuscan Garden Ranch Dressing, 16 fl oz | $2.00 sale, was $2.79Kroger Creamy Ranch Salad Dressing, 16 fl oz |
| Checkout total | $79.57 | $81.17 | $80.88 |
Notes on individual lines
- Walmart, large eggs: Cage-free: California sells only cage-free eggs.
- ALDI, ground beef, 80% lean: Variable-weight pack, price estimated by ALDI.
- ALDI, large eggs: Not cage-free (Walmart line is cage-free).
- ALDI, shredded cheddar cheese: No 8 oz bag listed.
- ALDI, garlic: Sold as 3 bulbs.
- ALDI, broccoli crowns: Price per crown estimated by ALDI.
- ALDI, mixed vegetables, frozen: Listed as likely out of stock.
- ALDI, long grain white rice: No 32 oz bag listed.
- ALDI, spaghetti: No 16 oz box listed.
- ALDI, salsa, chunky: No 16 oz chunky jar listed.
- Kroger, large eggs: Not cage-free.
- Kroger, broccoli crowns: Sold by weight at $2.39/lb; the price is Kroger's estimate for one crown.
- Kroger, romaine hearts: Sold by weight (18 oz bag), so it is not size-matched against a 3-heart pack.
How the index works.
The basket.
Family of 4, five weeknight dinners: two adults and two school-age children, 20 plates. The 30 items cook these dinners:
- Sheet-pan chicken with potatoes, carrots and broccoli
- Spaghetti with meat sauce and a side salad
- Beef and black bean tacos with corn
- Chicken and vegetable stir-fry over rice
- Sausage, pepper and potato skillet with fried eggs
Salt, pepper, cooking oil and dried spices are assumed to be in the cupboard. The basket stays the same every month, so a change in the number is a change in prices. If we ever change it, we will say so on this page.
Why each item is in the basket
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts, frozen (3 lb bag): The week's main protein: 1.5 lb each for the sheet-pan dinner and the stir-fry. A frozen bag has a fixed weight, so the price is comparable month to month.
- Ground beef, 80% lean (1 lb pack): 1 lb for the spaghetti meat sauce and 1 lb for the tacos. 80/20 is the most common grind.
- Smoked sausage (polska kielbasa) (14 oz rope): The protein in the sausage, pepper and potato skillet. Fully cooked, so it stands for a quick weeknight protein.
- Large eggs (dozen): Fried eggs on top of the skillet dinner. Eggs are the most watched grocery price in the US.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz bag): Taco night.
- Sour cream (16 oz tub): Taco night and the baked potatoes.
- Salted butter (1 lb (4 sticks)): Potatoes, rice and pan cooking across the week.
- Grated parmesan cheese (8 oz shaker): Spaghetti night.
- Whole milk (1 gallon): Milk with dinner for the kids. A gallon of milk is a standard price benchmark.
- Yellow onions (3 lb bag): Goes into four of the five dinners.
- Garlic (1 bulb): Meat sauce and stir-fry.
- Russet potatoes (5 lb bag): Sheet-pan dinner and the sausage skillet.
- Carrots (2 lb bag): Sheet-pan dinner and stir-fry.
- Broccoli crowns (2 crowns): Sheet-pan dinner and stir-fry.
- Green bell peppers (3 peppers): Stir-fry and the sausage skillet.
- Romaine hearts (3 hearts): Side salad with the spaghetti and lettuce for the tacos.
- Green onions (1 bunch): Stir-fry and taco topping.
- Mixed vegetables, frozen (12 oz bag): Bulks out the stir-fry.
- Sweet corn, frozen (12 oz bag): Side for taco night.
- Long grain white rice (2 lb bag): Under the stir-fry, with leftovers for another week.
- Spaghetti (1 lb box): Spaghetti night.
- Flour tortillas, soft taco size (10 count): Taco night.
- Pasta sauce (24 oz jar): Spaghetti night.
- Black beans, canned (2 cans, about 15 oz each): Stretch the taco beef so 1 lb feeds four.
- Diced tomatoes, canned (14.5 oz can): Into the meat sauce.
- Chicken broth (32 oz carton): Stir-fry sauce and cooking the rice.
- Soy sauce (15 oz bottle): Stir-fry sauce.
- Taco seasoning (1 oz packet): Taco night.
- Salsa, chunky (16 oz jar): Taco night.
- Ranch dressing (16 oz bottle): Side salad and a dip the kids will eat vegetables with.
Whole packs.
You pay for the whole bag of rice, even if the week uses half of it. So does the index. That makes it a checkout total, not a cost per portion eaten. Leftover rice, butter, soy sauce and ranch carry into the next week.
How prices were collected.
- Whole packs only: you pay for the whole bag, box or jar, even when the week uses part of it.
- The store's own brand where one exists (Great Value, ALDI brands, Kroger), otherwise the cheapest plain match.
- Regular grocery items, not organic, not family packs, not multipacks.
- The pack size closest to the basket size; when a store only sells a different size, the line is priced at that pack and size-matched separately.
- Prices were read by hand in a web browser on November 3, 2026, one store per chain. Walmart: walmart.com prices for the store the site picks for a signed-out visitor, read in a browser. ALDI: aldi.us with the In-Store option chosen for this store, read in a browser. ALDI has no store near the Walmart ZIP, so this is a different region. Kroger: kroger.com prices for the store the site picks for a signed-out visitor, read from search results in a browser. Sale prices are what the page charged that day; the regular price is kept alongside.
- The price is what the website charged that day, including any sale price. Sale lines show the regular price too.
- Sold-by-weight items (ALDI ground beef, broccoli crowns) use the store’s own estimate for one pack.
What it does not cover.
- No sales tax, delivery fees, service fees, tips, coupons or loyalty discounts.
- Online prices can differ from the shelf in the store, and prices vary between stores of the same chain.
- One store per chain is a price check, not a national average. It is not the Consumer Price Index and not what households actually spend.
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks other than milk are outside the basket.
Cite or embed the index.
Journalists, bloggers and newsletters are welcome to use the figures with a link to this page. Suggested credit:
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Common questions.
How much does a week of dinners cost for a family of 4?
In November 2026, the MealPot Grocery Index basket of 30 items for five weeknight dinners for two adults and two children cost $79.57 at Walmart in whole packs, or $3.98 a plate. These are online shelf prices on November 3, 2026, before tax.
Which store was cheapest?
Size-matched to the same pack sizes, ALDI came lowest at $74.54. Each chain was priced at one store in a different state, so part of the gap is local pricing, not the chain.
How often is the index updated?
Once a month, with the same basket. Each month keeps its own dated CSV, so changes can be checked line by line.
Is this the same as grocery inflation?
No. It is one fixed basket priced at a few named stores. Official food-at-home inflation is the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which samples far more items and stores.
Sources.
- Walmart website, Sacramento Supercenter, 8915 Gerber Road, Sacramento, CA 95829 (store 3081): 30 product prices read on November 3, 2026. Each price links to the page we read; the CSV lists every URL.
- ALDI website, ALDI St. Charles, 2670 W. Main Street, St. Charles, IL: 30 product prices read on November 3, 2026. Each price links to the page we read; the CSV lists every URL.
- Kroger website, Kroger Rolla, 605 W 4th St, Rolla, MO: 30 product prices read on November 3, 2026. Each price links to the page we read; the CSV lists every URL.
- Basket, method and monthly refresh: maintained by MealPot. MealPot is independent of the stores listed and is not paid by them.
Plan the week, then shop the list.
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More on grocery costs: budget calculator · price your list · average budgets by household · family of 4 budget