Cheapest Place To Buy Groceries in the USA—Ethically (Organic, Vegan, Gluten-Free)

When I left Canada and had to travel down through the USA, I needed to find the cheapest place to buy groceries—ethically. I needed affordable organic, vegan, and gluten-free food.

Normally, if I have to be in the States, I buy most of my groceries from lovely local food co-ops, plus a few other markets that offer healthier choices. But that’s no longer a default option.

Many grocery stores have been selling their food at very high prices. This includes the local food cooperatives. I’ve found it all shocking.

I’m a big believer that no matter how little or how much money one has, everyone must live on a budget, or that money will disappear. So I try my best to live on a frugal budget.

I won’t pay $7 for one small can of healthier soup when that same can was recently $4 (or $2 and some change when on sale, which is the only time I ever purchase such soup).

A particular shipper I once relied upon for bulk purchases has also become too expensive. Plus, in my opinion, they’ve become unethical. I am not willing to support them anymore.

So I had to do a little research. I had to find where I could purchase affordable groceries. Ethically. And those groceries needed to be organic, vegan, and gluten-free.

Of course, some decide to change their ethics daily. There isn’t always a perfect choice. Our options are limited if those in charge behave badly.

But I took a look into how grocers were founded, funded, and the causes they support—including the behaviors of those in power within these organizations. As much as I could, anyway.

After that, I actually found a few places where it seemed I could buy cheap groceries in the USA—ethically (or, as ethically as possible). They all sell organic, vegan, and gluten-free options.

But this is not an easy transition for me.

I love strolling endlessly through small local food co-ops that work to save our health and the planet, as one loving home for all. I love those earthy stores and like-minded people.

That said, I am grateful. I’m now finding more affordable food through the following stores.

Trader Joe’s

When in the States, I now shop for the bulk of my pantry items at Trader Joe’s. It just makes sense. Every time I check out, my bill is literally a fraction of what it would be elsewhere. I am delighted and grateful every time. Again, these are organic, vegan, and gluten-free grocery items. And I avoid their food wrapped in plastic. That is really important to me.

• beans, black (canned)

• beans, garbanzo (canned)

• beans, white northern (canned)

• soup, lentil (canned)

• artichoke hearts (canned)

• olives, kalamata

• milk, soy (soybeans + water only)

• vinegar, red wine

• apples, honeycrisp

• satsumas/mandarins

• bananas

• avocados

• toilet paper (if I can’t find it wrapped in paper elsewhere)

• organic hummus (if there isn’t a nearby Costco for a larger tub)

• etc.

Sprouts

When in the States, I now shop for eco household and some grocery items at Sprouts. I can’t believe how much more affordable they’ve been at Sprouts. And in Santa Barbara, California, Sprouts sold the best avocado sushi I’ve ever tasted (that very talented individual making it should be paid very well to train every sushi counter in every single Sprouts). I also enter my phone number at checkout to earn points and cash back, which I love.

• paper towels (brown)

• spray cleaner (seventh generation)

• laundry soap

• coffee, instant (when road tripping)

• water, bottled in glass (if I can’t find free refill stations)

• lime juice (in glass)

• lemon juice (in glass)

• vinegar, balsamic (in glass)

• corn, sweet (canned)

• nut butter (in glass)

• witch hazel

• carrots

• cucumbers

• onions, green

• cilantro

• parsley

• dark leafy greens

• etc.

Costco

When in the States, I now shop for some very specific items at Costco. We are only two people. How does this make sense? On my first trip to Costco, I saved nearly $100. And I was buying while on a road trip, when I had hardly any space to stash food. Thus, we now choose our pit stops based on where Costco stores are, so we can gas up affordably and add free air to the tires, too. Again, this is hard for me. I’d rather be at a cute little co-op. But this is also reality.

• granola (purely elizabeth)

• chia seeds

• flax seeds

• hemp hearts

• pine nut hummus

• crackers

• quinoa (when we have a kitchen)

• coffee (when we have a kitchen)

• mushrooms (canned; when we have a kitchen)

• bread (Franz Deli Style Sourdough is delicious toasted, and satiates the craving for sourdough/French bread/baguettes all in one; when we have a kitchen)

• carrots (if I can’t find them sold without plastic elsewhere)

• veggie masala + rice (a treat when in stock; when we have a kitchen)

• sweet potatoes (when we have a kitchen)

• gloves, work

• wipes, rico (online order)

• etc.

Food Co-ops

Even though I no longer buy all my staples at cute little local food co-ops, I’ve found that it’s okay to continue buying just a few items at food co-ops—when those items are priced affordably. This allows me to stroll the aisles and inhale the ambiance. I’m just more strategic as I do. I won’t say this doesn’t hurt. It does. But, again, this is reality, and I’m so grateful I can pivot.

• deli food (my comfort treat; can vary from $9.99-12.99/lb)

• soup, lotus foods rice ramen (my partner’s comfort treat; individual packets)

• produce (I wait for the best pricing)