I shopped at Aldi and Lidl. After comparing prices and experience, I found my winning budget grocery chain.

I visited two budget grocery chains, Aldi and Lidl, to compare their prices and overall shopping experience. Initially, Aldi had lower prices on most of my grocery staples, but I preferred my shopping experience at Lidl. Both chains primarily stock their own private-label products, allowing them to offer lower prices by cutting out the middlemen.

However, Lidl provided a more welcoming shopping environment with carts available without needing a quarter, brighter lighting, and a cleaner appearance. Although Aldi had slightly lower prices in some categories, Lidl's displays, particularly in the produce section, made me feel more at ease. Both stores offered a selection of ready-made meals, with prices ranging from $5.99 to $6.99, with Aldi slightly undercutting Lidl in a few instances.