CINCINNATI — If you still need to make a grocery run before Memorial Day Weekend, where you shop could make a big difference in what you spend.
WCPO checked Meijer, Kroger, Walmart and Aldi to see which stores are offering the best deals this week on some of the most popular cookout items.
Hamburger buns
If you're having a classic backyard barbecue, chances are hamburger buns are on your list.
Meijer and Aldi had the lowest price this week at $1.39 a pack. Walmart was close behind at $1.48, while Kroger came in at $1.99.
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
| Meijer | $1.39 |
| Aldi | $1.39 |
| Walmart | $1.48 |
| Kroger | $1.99 |
Ground beef
Several stores are offering deals on larger packs of ground beef this week.
Aldi had the lowest per-pound price with ground beef for about $3.49 a pound in a 5-pound roll. Meijer's 3-pound package came in at $3.99 a pound.
| Store | Price Per Pound | Package Size | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldi | ~$3.49/lb | 5 lbs | ~$17.45 |
| Meijer | $3.99/lb | 3 lbs | ~$11.97 |
Money-saving tip: Aldi's 5-pound roll offers the lowest per-pound price, but the $17 total cost makes it a better value only if you're feeding a large group.
WATCH: Where to find the best prices on cookout essentials
Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob is on sale at most stores this week.
Aldi had the lowest price at $2.39 for a four-pack. Walmart and Kroger were close behind at $2.98 and $2.99. Meijer's four-pack was the most expensive at $5.49 — but their better deal this week is bulk sweet corn, priced at five ears for $2.
| Store | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aldi | $2.39 | 4-pack |
| Walmart | $2.98 | 4-pack |
| Kroger | $2.99 | 4-pack |
| Meijer | $5.49 | 4-pack |
Money-saving tip: Skip Meijer's four-pack and go for their bulk sweet corn instead — just $2 for five ears.
Watermelon
You can't forget the fruit. Walmart had the lowest price this week on whole seedless watermelons at $4.67. Aldi was close behind at $4.89, and Kroger came in at $4.99.
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $4.67 |
| Aldi | $4.89 |
| Kroger | $4.99 |
Two-liter sodas
For two-liter sodas like Coke or Pepsi, Meijer and Kroger have the best name-brand deal this week at two for $5. At Walmart, two-liter bottles of Coke are $2.97 each. Aldi has a lower overall price at $1.29, but that's for its store-brand Summit Cola — not a name brand.
| Store | Price | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Meijer | 2 for $5.00 | Name brand (Coke/Pepsi) |
| Kroger | 2 for $5.00 | Name brand (Coke/Pepsi) |
| Walmart | $2.97 each | Name brand (Coke) |
| Aldi | $1.29 each | Summit Cola (store brand) |
Money-saving tip: If you don't mind going store brand, Aldi's Summit Cola at $1.29 is the cheapest option on the shelf.
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