Grocery prices are bacon our hearts, so we dug into the best deals across Iowa. Check out these 8 chains and local stores that will save you a pretty penny.
It’s no egg-xageration to say that grocery prices have gotten out of hand in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic saw rapidly rising food prices early on, per research published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and though prices have fallen somewhat since, they haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Cut to 2026, and inflation is on the rise during President Donald Trump’s second term, for myriad reasons, including the new war with Iran. Unfortunately, this may only get worse. The conflict in the Middle East is causing oil prices to rise, according to PBS News, which can, in turn, cause our food prices to balloon even more if prolonged. It’s a sad truth: Food reaches our grocery stores in trucks, and trucks require a lot of gas to keep chuggin’ along. Additionally, farmers need fuel to operate machinery and fertilize crops.
But you’re not completely powerless. While you can’t control the price of groceries, you can milk every bit of savings out of them by shopping strategically. Some grocery store chains and independent shops have better deals than others, and we dug into them to find the best options for you. Who knows—you may just save enough on your groceries to go warm up at one of Des Moines’ best comfort food spots or visit and buy from one of Iowa’s top maple syrup farms.
1. Aldi
When it comes to good grocery deals, Aldi is often the first place people look. Aldi came to the U.S. by way of Essen, Germany, where it was founded in 1913. Many decades later, Aldi opened its first U.S. store in Iowa in 1976. That’s right: Aldi’s stateside expansion began in our fair state, and today, the grocery chain has 41 locations across Iowa.
Aldi has good everyday deals on produce and nonperishable goods alike, as well as meat. Its Weekly Ad also updates, well, weekly, to give you refreshed sales often. Iowans on Reddit appreciate Aldi for both its ongoing and timely deals.
“If there’s an Aldi near you, I heartily recommend shopping there! I’m not sure if it’s considered a discount grocery store or not, but I’ve yet to find a place that consistently has lower prices, even when the other store is having a sale,” one user shared. Another offered a “pro tip” to shop in the morning when goods from the previous day have been marked down if you can for even bigger steals. Good thinking!
2. Highway 2 Discount Groceries
Address: 19686 IA-2, Bloomfield, IA 52537
Highway 2 Discount Groceries is an underrated gem just outside of Bloomfield proper, but keep in mind that it’s closed every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. As such, you’ll need to plan accordingly when visiting it. That said, you’ll want to visit. This grocery store offers fresh meat, cheese, produce, and dairy at discounted rates because everything comes from a local Amish community.
Locals have found other gems there, too. “Great place to buy all kinds of spices, candies, etc.,” one Google reviewer shared, adding that you can also get the cheese and meat in bulk.
Just one hot tip from previous shoppers: Review the expiration dates on your items before checking out. Though seemingly infrequent, folks have found expired items. Otherwise, Highway 2 Discount Groceries has glowing reviews, landing a primo 4.6-star Google rating.
3. Central Discount Grocery
Address: 2298 540th St SW, Kalona, IA 52247
Another Amish-run grocery store with a 4.6-star Google rating, Central Discount Grocery services the Kalona area with various snacks, baked goods, canned food, and more. Many of the items are close to expiring, which is why they’re sold at a bargain, so we wouldn’t recommend buying in bulk here. Also keep in mind that Central Discount Grocery is closed the same days as Highway 2 Discount Groceries—Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday—and does not accept card payments, only cash or check.
“This is a staple in our shopping routine. The prices on most items are unbeatable. I walked out with a piled high cart for 130.00,” one local shared in their Google review. “There were a lot of expensive sauces, cereals and personal items in this cart. You can definitely get your money’s worth in this store.” Others note that the store’s attendees are quite amicable, so don’t be afraid to give Central Discount Grocery a shot if you’re in the area.
4. Trader Joe’s
For the uninitiated, Trader Joe’s and Aldi may seem similar, but they actually have a fair few differences. For one, Trader Joe’s isn’t a European company; it started in California in the ‘60s. There’s also the fact that most of what Trader Joe’s sells falls under its own private label, so you won’t find discount M&Ms or Barilla pasta there. Still, you can find some really great deals, and that may specifically be because Trader Joe’s manufactures the bulk of its products.
Trader Joe’s has great deals in every department, but some of the best are produce and pantry staples. Many produce items priced by the pound at other big-box grocery stores are priced individually, leading to big savings on everything, especially larger vegetables like squash. Sadly, there are only two Trader Joe’s locations in Iowa—one in Coralville and the other in West Des Moines—so this option may not be for everyone. But if you’re around those two areas, you may want to check it out.
5. 150 Discount Store
Address: 1664 150th St, Hazleton, IA 50641
150 Discount Store is a third Amish-run discount grocery shop with a 4.6-star Google rating that’s keeping Iowans fed for less. Located in Hazleton, this surplus store sells various dry goods, cheeses, freezer staples, and more at lower prices than big-box stores. Unlike the other Amish-run shops on this list, 150 Discount Store is open six days a week, only closing on Sundays.
This shop has earned its high rating earnestly. Its Google reviews frequently mention friendly customer service and full, consistently stocked shelves. Plus, the affordable prices don’t hurt. “Man, can you find deals here. Worth the drive up,” one pleased visitor wrote. Another shared, “One of many awesome stores out in the [A]mish community. This store has a wonderful variety of things to offer at an unbeatable price.”
6. Fareway Stores
Anyone who grew up in Iowa is familiar with Fareway. This grocery chain was born in Iowa and has expanded to a few surrounding states, including Illinois, Kansas, and Minnesota.
Fareway is known for being affordable while still providing supermarket variety and vibes. In particular, people compare it to Hy-Vee, another popular grocery chain, and note that its prices are cheaper than the competition. “Fareway has good meat and their prices aren’t as bad as Hy-Vee’s are,” one shopper mentioned in a Reddit thread about affordable grocery stores in Iowa City.
In addition to having decently affordable prices from the get-go, Fareway has a weekly ad with myriad deals for shoppers to capitalize on if they want to save a few extra bucks. All you have to do to sign up is enter your email address and main store location here. Then, you’ll begin receiving the weekly ad—and saving a little extra hard-earned money.
7. Super Saver
Address: 2401 W Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Since the ‘80s, Super Saver has aimed to bring quality ingredients to residents of Nebraska and western Iowa. It has lower prices than many big-box stores, which you can see with a quick scroll through its produce section. Who can beat avocados for $.77 each? Super Saver also runs digital coupons and weekly deals to help bring down prices even further.
Shoppers note that you’re not skimping on quality when you shop at Super Saver, even if the name sounds like you might be sacrificing it for a good deal. Reviews indicate that visitors generally leave Super Saver pleased with their purchases.
“Great sales, excellent variety of product. This is one of my favorite stores to shop. Don’t forget to check the discount corner and the great deals in the manager special bin in the meat department,” one shopper wrote after visiting the Council Bluffs location. Count us in!
8. Thoma’s Meat Market
Address: 1331 Muscatine Ave, Iowa City, IA 52245
If you’re looking for high-quality meat and would prefer to go straight to the source, you’re in luck. Thoma’s Meat Market in Iowa City is a full-service butcher shop that prioritizes heritage-breed meats—aka excellent quality.
Now, we get it: Butcher shops seem like something only the rich can afford. But in this case, that’s not true. Thoma’s Meat Market has many reviews that specifically discuss how affordable it is. Plus, you can order cooked food here, from sandwiches to ribs and fried fish, so visiting is a win-win.
“Great local butcher shop! Good variety of meats and at fair prices too! Highly recommend,” one shopper wrote in their Google review. “Excellent experience. Great meat and prices are the same or lower as Fareway and HyVee [but] much better quality,” a second guest shared. We’re on our way!
