The Super Bowl is as much a food holiday as it is a football holiday. Stores like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Aldi all use a model that allows them to pass on savings to the customers, which is especially useful for planning party menus. Depending on what you need and how many mouths there will be to feed, all three offer great values. Here we’ve compared 40 items from the three stores to help make your Super Bowl spread shine.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Lacey Muszynski also contributed to this story.
Tortilla Chips
Used for making nachos, eating big batches of chili, or dipping in salsa and queso, these are a classic staple of any game day spread. Costco: $3.79 for 3 pounds (8 cents per ounce) Aldi: 89 cents for 13 ounces (7 cents per ounce) TJ: $2.69 for 1 pound (17 cents per ounce)
Popcorn
Cheap and friendly to all kinds of dietary restrictions, this is a good go-to snack. You can even have a bit of fun with the classic treat by experimenting with some creative popcorn toppings. Costco: $5.69 for 1.56 pounds (23 cents per ounce) Aldi: $1.99 for 6 ounces (33 cents per ounce) TJ: $1.99 for 5 ounces (40 cents per ounce)
Mixed Nuts
Salty, protein-packed, and a refreshingly nutritious snack, nuts make the ideal minimalist nosh. Costco: $15.79 for 2.5 pounds (40 cents per ounce) Aldi: $4.99 for 14.75 ounces (34 cents per ounce) TJ: $7.99 for 1 pound (50 cents per ounce)
Trail Mix
Sweet and salty all at once, this mix hits all of the right flavors. Costco: $12.89 for 4 pounds (20 cents per ounce) Aldi: $4.89 for 1.62 pounds (19 cents per ounce) TJ: $3.99 for 1 pound (25 cents per ounce)
Jerky
There’s something satisfying about sitting around watching sports and gnawing on dried meat. It just feels right. Costco: $9.99 for 12 ounces (83 cents per ounce) Aldi: $3.39 for 2.85 ounces ($1.36 per ounce) TJ: $5.99 for 4 ounces ($1.50 per ounce)
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Potato Chips
On their own or paired with sandwiches or dips, potato chips are a must for game day. Costco: $5.69 for 1.75 pounds (20 cents per ounce) Aldi: $1.19 for 10 ounces (12 cents per ounce) TJ: $1.99 for 10 ounces (20 cents per ounce)
Beans
For anyone who is willing to do a little prep, beans come in handy for nachos and chili. Costco: $6.99 for 7.75 pounds (6 cents per ounce) Aldi: 69 cents for 15 ounces (5 cents per ounce) TJ: 79 cents for 15 ounces (5 cents per ounce)
Queso Dip
With chips, on chili, in quesadillas … there are so many things to do with queso. Costco: $7.79 for 1.5 pounds (32 cents per ounce) Aldi: $2.29 for 15 ounces (15 cents per ounce) TJ: $2.49 for 11.5 ounces (22 cents per ounce)
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Barbecue Sauce
As a marinade or a sauce, barbeque sauce will be slathered wherever there is beer and sports. Costco: $5.49 for 5 pounds (7 cents per ounce) Aldi: 95 cents for 1.13 pounds (5 cents per ounce) TJ: $2.99 for 1.13 pounds (17 cents per ounce)
Hot Sauce
This is one item that you’ll want to have extra of for dousing everything from wings to nachos and pizza — whether you’re making it at home or ordering delivery. Costco: $5.59 for 1.56 quarts (11 cents per ounce) Aldi: $1.99 for 12 ounces (17 cents per ounce) TJ: $1.99 for 5 ounces (40 cents per ounce)
Salsa
On its own, in a layered bean dip, or in quick burritos or nachos, salsa is the No. 1 condiment for a reason. Costco: $7.49 for 4.75 pounds (10 cents per ounce) Aldi: $1.19 for 1.5 pounds (5 cents per ounce) TJ: $1.99 for 1 pound (12 cents per ounce)
Ranch Dressing
More of a dip than a dressing for salad, ranch is loved by most Americans. Costco: $9.99 for 2.5 quarts (13 cents per ounce) Aldi: 89 cents for 16 ounces (6 cents per ounce) TJ: $2.79 for 16 ounces (17 cents per ounce)
Soda (Cans)
It’s nice to offer a frosty, refreshing beverage out of a can that is non-alcoholic. Consider stocking up on regional sodas from wherever the teams hail from. Costco: $10.49 for 36 cans (29 cents per can) Aldi: $2.89 for 12 cans (24 cents per can) TJ: $3.49 for 4 cans (87 cents per can)
Cookies
There’s no shame in buying pre-made cookies, especially when they come from the fresh baked section. Costco: $7.99 for 2.25 pounds (22 cents per ounce) Aldi: $2.85 for 14 ounces (20 cents per ounce) TJ: $3.99 for 14 ounces (29 cents per ounce)
Cake
Buying a pre-made cake and decorating it at home can be cheaper, quicker, and lot less mess to clean up than making one from scratch. Costco: $18.99 for 9.5 pounds (12 cents per ounce) Aldi: $3.49 for 1.25 pounds (17 cents per ounce) TJ: $4.49 for 1.13 pounds (25 cents per ounce)
Ribs (Uncooked)
Cooked slow and low on the grill or in a smoker, ribs are an easy crowd pleaser. Costco: $2.99 per pound Aldi: $2.69 per pound TJ: $4.99 per pound
Chicken Wings (Uncooked)
Oven fried wings are a lot cheaper than (and just as crispy as) delivery. Costco: $2.59 per pound Aldi: $2.30 per pound TJ: $3.50 per pound
Guacamole
Avocados can be expensive and difficult to find ripe, which means premade guac can actually be cheaper and more reliable. Costco: $9.69 for 1.88 pounds (32 cents per ounce) Aldi: $2.99 for 1 pound (19 cents per ounce) TJ: $3.99 for 12 ounces (33 cents per ounce)
Hummus
Everybody’s favorite vegan dip — even if they don’t care that it’s vegan — hummus pairs well with veggies, pretzels, and chips. Costco: $5.99 for 2 pounds (19 cents per ounce) Aldi: $1.95 for 10 ounces (20 cents per ounce) TJ: $3.49 for 1 pound (22 cents per ounce)
Shrimp Cocktail
Nothing says party like a platter of shrimp cocktail. Costco: $9.99 per pound Aldi: $6.99 per pound TJ: not available
Hot Dogs
Kept warm in a slow cooker, ready-to-go hot dogs can make you feel like you are at the game. Costco: $9.99 for 3 pounds (21 cents per ounce) Aldi: 99 cents for 15 ounces (7 cents per ounce) TJ: $5.99 for 1 pound (37 cents per ounce)
Hot Dog Buns
Make sure you get enough for the correct buns-to-dogs ratio. Costco: $2.79 for 2 pounds (17 cents per bun) Aldi: 85 cents for 12 ounces (11 cents per bun) TJ: $1.99 for 12 ounces (25 cents per bun)
Burger Patties
Burgers are classic game day food, and any leftover meat can always be repurposed for chili the day after. Keep the crowd coming back for more by getting creative with the toppings. Costco: $20.99 for 6 pounds ($3.50 per pound) Aldi: $7.79 for 3 pounds ($2.60 per pound) TJ: $6.99 for 1 pound ($6.99 per pound)
Burger Buns
Have leftovers after the party? Use buns for all kinds of sandwiches, not just burgers. Costco: $2.79 for 2 pounds (17 cents per bun) Aldi: 85 cents for 12 ounces (11 cents per bun) TJ: $2.49 for 1 pound (31 cents per bun)
Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded mozzarella comes in handy for everything from nachos and quesadillas to burgers and chili. Costco: $12.39 for 5 pounds (15 cents per ounce) Aldi: $3.69 for 1 pound (23 cents per ounce) TJ: $2.99 for 12 ounces (25 cents per ounce)
Sour Cream
Used as the base of dips or as a topping, sour cream is a star condiment. Costco: $3.99 for 3 pounds (8 cents per ounce) Aldi: $1.49 for 1 pound (9 cents per ounce) TJ: $2.19 per pound (14 cents per ounce)
Ground Beef
An essentials for anyone making their own burger patties, bean dips or tex mex dishes. Costco: Variable units ($3.89 per pound) Aldi: Variable units ($2.49 per pound) TJ: $3.99 for 1 pound ($3.99 per pound)
Sausage (Raw)
Cook up sausages alongside or instead of hot dogs or use it to build flavor in any number of recipes. Costco: $13.99 for 5 pounds ($2.80 per pound) Aldi: $2.99 for 1.19 pounds ($2.69 per pound) TJ: $4.49 for 1 pound ($4.49 per pound)
Dip
Pre-made dips and seasonings make whipping up a last minute dip a cinch. Costco: $7.99 for 1.94 pounds (26 cents per ounce) Aldi: $2.49 for 10 ounces (25 cents per ounce) TJ: $2.99 for 10 ounces (30 cents per ounce)
Mustard
Not as popular as salsa or ketchup, mustard is still a necessary condiment. Costco: $4.89 for 3.75 pounds (8 cents per ounce) Aldi: 55 cents for 1.25 pounds (3 cents per ounce) TJ: $1.69 for 9 ounces (19 cents per ounce)
Pretzels
Crisp pretzels are a traditional sports-watching snack. Costco: $6.69 for 1.75 pounds (24 cents per ounce) Aldi: $1.29 for 1 pound (8 cents per ounce) TJ: $1.99 for 12 ounces (10 cents per ounce)
Ketchup
If you’re addicted to ketchup, you probably put it on everything. It also comes in handy as a marinade or seasoning to build flavor. Costco: $8.49 for 8.25 pounds (6 cents per ounce) Aldi: $1.69 for 2.38 pounds (4 cents per ounce) TJ: $1.99 for 1.5 pounds (8 cents per ounce)
Lemonade
Even in winter, lemonade is a refreshing non-alcoholic option that everybody loves. Costco: $5.99 for 6 quarts (3 cents per ounce) Aldi: $1.29 cents for 1.63 quarts (3 cents per ounce) TJ: $2.99 for 2 quarts (5 cents per ounce)
Fruit Platter
It’s okay to offer something that is fresh, healthy, and delicious during the big game, especially if it comes pre-cut. Costco: $9.99 for 3 pounds (21 cents per ounce) Aldi: not available TJ: $3.99 for 1 pound (25 cents per ounce)
Frozen Pizza
Cheaper and fresher than delivery, frozen pizza is a good back-up plan to keep in your freezer. Costco: $9.49 for 4.24 pounds (14 cents per ounce) Aldi: $2.19 for 14.5 ounces (15 cents per ounce) TJ: $3.99 for 14.8 ounces (27 cents per ounce)
Paper Towels
Do not underestimate the need for clean-up supplies. Paper towels are a handy staple any time of year, too. Costco: $16.79 for 12 rolls ($1.40 per roll) Aldi: $4.49 for 6 rolls (75 cents per roll) TJ: $3.99 for 3 rolls ($1.33 cents per roll)
Cutlery
When hosting a group of people, disposable cutlery is often the option of choice. Costco: $11.49 for 360 pieces (3 cents per piece) Aldi: $4.39 for 96 pieces (5 cents per piece) TJ: not available
Cups
What good is a keg if there are no cups? Costco: $9.79 for 240 cups (4 cents per cup) Aldi: $2.99 for 50 cups (6 cents per cup) TJ: not available
Plates
Having a plate to use makes everything feel more civilized. Costco: $10.99 for 220 plates (5 cents per plate) Aldi: $2.99 for 70 plates (4 cents per plate) TJ: not available
Napkins
Always have plenty of napkins on hand, especially if your party spread includes ribs or dips. Costco: $8.99 for 1,040 napkins (less than 1 cent per napkin) Aldi: $1.69 for 250 napkins (1 cent per 2 napkins) TJ: $1.99 for 100 napkins (2 cents per napkin)
