Trader Joe's vs Whole Foods: Which Is Actually Cheaper in 2026?

Trader Joe's is consistently 20–40% cheaper than Whole Foods on comparable items. A typical weekly grocery basket at Trader Joe's runs $85–$110 vs $140–$180 at Whole Foods. But the comparison isn't purely about price: Whole Foods has a broader product selection (especially premium and specialty items), a much larger prepared foods section, and Amazon Prime integration. Trader Joe's has better value, more private-label innovation, and a more curated, efficient shopping experience.