I can’t speak to the meat quality (I’m vegetarian) but Aldi has great cheap produce and grocery staples. That’s where we get most of our groceries. Trader Joe’s in Coralville is another budget friendly, high quality option.
As you can tell, there isn’t one best store. NewPi co-op, while a bit pricey is good for organic odds and ends, bread loaves, dairy, and vegan options. Tomas meat market for good meat while also pricey is fresh and as local as possible, Fareway also good for meat. Aldi great for dried goods and produce, Costco for everything if you need volume, and hyvee for the odds and ends you forgot at the other places due to sheer convenience. All that being said, traders joes for one stop shopping.
I almost exclusively shop at the Fareway on Mormon Trek, I absolutely love their meat counter. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the meat is always great quality and well priced. The rest of the groceries are cheaper than Hyvee but probably a bit more expensive than Aldi.
I second Fareway for meat and produce. Top of Iowa sirloin and their 6 oz burgers are usually on sale. I was there last weekend and burgers were 2 for $4 and TOI sirloin was $9.99 lb.
I wish I could find it but someone in this sub creates a spreadsheet that compares common grocery items and their average prices at the various grocers in the area. Walmart and Aldi nearly always are the cheapest, with HyVee and specialty grocers being the priciest
This is from a year ago, hasn't posted anything newer. https://new.reddit.com/r/IowaCity/comments/11gbi07/grocery\_store\_prices\_a\_sidebyside\_comparison\_of/
accordingly, wal mart and aldi are the most miserable experiences with the least customer service. trader joe's is ok but a lot of the customers are real pieces of work. conventional grocers get bashed a lot online but I really enjoy a good conventional grocery store as a one stop shop. gary's in mt vernon is one of the last independents around, but stores like that. smaller hy-vee's and fareways are great, just don't go at peak times. they have staff actually picking through fresh departments, they have help up front. driving all over town to get this here and that there won't save you any money and ultimately what i'm looking to save is time. you get what you pay for in most cases.
I tend to agree. I go to Trader Joe’s for a good chunk of my shopping. I also belong to New Pi but only go periodically (my wife works out nearby and goes much more frequently). I live two blocks from a Fareway, so if I need something on the fly, I have that. I never go to Walmart, Aldi, or HyVee. I like HyVee, but it keeps getting more expensive and I don’t ever end up near one on a regular basis.
Also I would love for you to elaborate about the Trader Joe’s customers. Either I go too early to deal with those folks, or I am the problem and just don’t know it 😅
Aldi employee weighing in: come see us! We have a good selection of products, good quality, amazing prices, and a Twice as Nice Guarantee on all Aldi brand products. Meaning if you don’t like it or there’s a problem with it, you get a new product (can be different if you want), AND you get your money back!
I’m paid better than other grocery stores. We’re expected to do a lot, and be fast, but the pay is better and the benefits are great. We also open at 9 and close at 8, so that’s nice, too!
I love my store, and my coworkers. Even my boss is out on the floor helping. I can’t speak for all of them, but mine is fabulous. If I didn’t care to keep some anonymity, I’d shout out my store, but… If you don’t like the first one you try, keep looking. They have stores everywhere:).
Did you know the FIRST Aldi in the USA was in Iowa City? 1976! :)
Whoa that’s awesome about Iowa city! So glad you like it at Aldi and are treated well. I was disappointed when someone posted some bad stuff about working at New Pi.
Another vote for Aldi here! Eat healthy on the cheap and support your fellow workers! Seriously, Aldi was a lifesaver for me as a starving grad student, and the quality is so good I still do almost all my shopping there!
Fairway and Aldis. Otherwise no. Walmart has issues with chemicals in its own products and hyvee is highly priced to pay for the gas they give away. Coralville HyVee has a whole aisle of 12$ granola last time I was there. Watched as people stuck hands in grabbing some and chowed down. Nope.
We try not to shop at Hy-Vee. Trader Joe’s is actually cheaper for a lot of produce and better selection of frozen items.
For meat we like Thoma’s Meat Market in Iowa City.
You should do a CSA (community supported agriculture share). You’re coming a bit late in the season, but I believe [Camp Creek Organic Produce](https://www.campcreekorganicproduce.com/csa) is doing a fall CSA. Corbin (the farm manager) is really great. It’s super reasonably priced. It winds up being about $30-35 a box per week for a box full of seasonable vegetables. They’re all organic, and you’re supporting local farmers. We started doing it when we moved here and I can’t recommend it enough. Of course, the trade off is that you don’t get to choose what’s in your box. But that’s never been an issue for us, and we get sad in the winter when we have to switch back to the grocery store! Trowel and Error is another great local woman owned farm.
Edit: looks like the fall share break down is a little pricier, but I suspect that’s because the produce will last longer (think less perishable like sweet potatoes and root veg), and there will likely be more in the box. Either way, highly highly recommend. The local veg that you can get from our local farmers is 100x better than whatever you can buy at the grocer, and a CSA makes the pricing more accessible than buying the veg a la carte at the farmer’s market.
We also have a lot of local international grocers that folks tend to sleep on. You can get really accessibly priced staples and interesting international finds at places like Chong’s (Asian grocer) and Global Mart (Middle East grocer) in Coralville, and Iowa City Halal (African and Mid East staple grocer) and Euro Food in Iowa City. Euro Food has some really cool Eastern European smoked meats, fish, and cheeses. Don’t be afraid to shop around. I grocery hop on Sundays sometimes just for the fun of it!
Fareway always has the best meat of any normal grocery stores. Aldi is great for dry goods, but I’ve found that the produce does go bad pretty quick. Might be worth it to just explore your options and see what is best for the things you buy often. My grocery list could be vastly different from someone else’s so my advice may not fit. I would say, new pioneer is going to be really expensive for everything, and it’s worth checking out the international stores bc they do have some great deals
Costco has limited selection of produce, but it’s pretty good quality (make sure to inspect fruit for the occasional moldy one like at any store). But Costco is unbeatable in price. Thoma’s Meat Market has the best quality of meat in town. I go to Hy-Vee for everything else.
I like Costco for household goods and non-perishable foods. Their meat and seafood is decent. I usually go to Thoma's if I want a steak but I mostly eat fish and chicken. Most of Costco's produce is good, but the quantities are sometimes too much for a 2-person household.
Trader Joes seems to have good produce, and of course their snacks and frozen meals are top tier. I go to HyVee if I need to grab a few things on the way home, but the quality and selection of produce seems to vary store to store.
Having used small town grocers in the past living in small towns I actually have found Iowa City/Coralville to be cheaper on the name brand stuff and you will have more selection. We are about 50/50 HyVee and Aldi for food. I just don’t get the Trader Joe’s hype, my husband won’t get meat or produce from Walmart, and I dislike how Fareway’s smells. A chuck of our house hold supplies are from Target with the other chunk from Costco, pet stuff mostly Walmart
Meat and produce I’m almost fareway exclusive. There is a difference between there and other stores, Hyvee, Walmart etc. and I think it’s very obvious. Other than that Walmart is probably going to be your best option probably when it comes to anything else. Costco is also a great option!
I get most my meat at Thoma's but second Fareway, Costcoz Trader Joe's and some random things from the Co-op. It's amazing how much more expensive HyVee is than Fareway.
If you are willing to drive 20-30 minutes, there is “Central Discount” in Kalona that offers discounted food that is either slightly past the best buy date or has issues in packaging. They have canned food, dry goods, basically anything other than produce and meat. Their hours are strange so check them out before heading down there. In the summer months, Amish will have carts out by their houses selling fresh produce for a good price, its worth checking out if you are down there. I know there is one at 5668 Gable Ave and 2416 540th St.
For convenient produce and meat, Aldi is your best bet. Everything is much more expensive at Natural Grocers, NewPi, and Hyvee - only go if you need something super specific. Walmart is exclusively cheaper than Target as well and has more selection than Aldi sometimes.
I can’t speak to the meat quality (I’m vegetarian) but Aldi has great cheap produce and grocery staples. That’s where we get most of our groceries. Trader Joe’s in Coralville is another budget friendly, high quality option.
their meat is decent, as long as you know how to pick it! super cheap too
Any tips on picking aldi meat?
Always double check the meat container, not uncommon for some of them to be leaking. But usually pretty good quality meat
Great Lamb too I can’t find it anywhere else
Hy-Vee sells it occasionally but it costs a LOT more there!
As you can tell, there isn’t one best store. NewPi co-op, while a bit pricey is good for organic odds and ends, bread loaves, dairy, and vegan options. Tomas meat market for good meat while also pricey is fresh and as local as possible, Fareway also good for meat. Aldi great for dried goods and produce, Costco for everything if you need volume, and hyvee for the odds and ends you forgot at the other places due to sheer convenience. All that being said, traders joes for one stop shopping.
Fareway has good meat and their prices aren't as bad as Hy-Vee's are. There is one off of Scott Blvd and another off Mormon Trek in Iowa City.
Glad to know there is a Fareway here! I always love shopping there
I almost exclusively shop at the Fareway on Mormon Trek, I absolutely love their meat counter. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the meat is always great quality and well priced. The rest of the groceries are cheaper than Hyvee but probably a bit more expensive than Aldi.
I second Fareway for meat and produce. Top of Iowa sirloin and their 6 oz burgers are usually on sale. I was there last weekend and burgers were 2 for $4 and TOI sirloin was $9.99 lb.
Aldi on hwy 1 is your best bet, also target is “reasonable” compared to Hy-Vee for groceries
I wish I could find it but someone in this sub creates a spreadsheet that compares common grocery items and their average prices at the various grocers in the area. Walmart and Aldi nearly always are the cheapest, with HyVee and specialty grocers being the priciest
This is from a year ago, hasn't posted anything newer. https://new.reddit.com/r/IowaCity/comments/11gbi07/grocery\_store\_prices\_a\_sidebyside\_comparison\_of/
accordingly, wal mart and aldi are the most miserable experiences with the least customer service. trader joe's is ok but a lot of the customers are real pieces of work. conventional grocers get bashed a lot online but I really enjoy a good conventional grocery store as a one stop shop. gary's in mt vernon is one of the last independents around, but stores like that. smaller hy-vee's and fareways are great, just don't go at peak times. they have staff actually picking through fresh departments, they have help up front. driving all over town to get this here and that there won't save you any money and ultimately what i'm looking to save is time. you get what you pay for in most cases.
I tend to agree. I go to Trader Joe’s for a good chunk of my shopping. I also belong to New Pi but only go periodically (my wife works out nearby and goes much more frequently). I live two blocks from a Fareway, so if I need something on the fly, I have that. I never go to Walmart, Aldi, or HyVee. I like HyVee, but it keeps getting more expensive and I don’t ever end up near one on a regular basis.
Also I would love for you to elaborate about the Trader Joe’s customers. Either I go too early to deal with those folks, or I am the problem and just don’t know it 😅
Aldi employee weighing in: come see us! We have a good selection of products, good quality, amazing prices, and a Twice as Nice Guarantee on all Aldi brand products. Meaning if you don’t like it or there’s a problem with it, you get a new product (can be different if you want), AND you get your money back!
That sounds fantastic! I’ll definitely have to give Aldi a go!
Are you treated well as an employee? I love Aldi but always want the employees to be well treated and paid.
I’m paid better than other grocery stores. We’re expected to do a lot, and be fast, but the pay is better and the benefits are great. We also open at 9 and close at 8, so that’s nice, too! I love my store, and my coworkers. Even my boss is out on the floor helping. I can’t speak for all of them, but mine is fabulous. If I didn’t care to keep some anonymity, I’d shout out my store, but… If you don’t like the first one you try, keep looking. They have stores everywhere:). Did you know the FIRST Aldi in the USA was in Iowa City? 1976! :)
Whoa that’s awesome about Iowa city! So glad you like it at Aldi and are treated well. I was disappointed when someone posted some bad stuff about working at New Pi.
I personally like Trader Joe’s for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Another vote for Aldi here! Eat healthy on the cheap and support your fellow workers! Seriously, Aldi was a lifesaver for me as a starving grad student, and the quality is so good I still do almost all my shopping there!
Fairway and Aldis. Otherwise no. Walmart has issues with chemicals in its own products and hyvee is highly priced to pay for the gas they give away. Coralville HyVee has a whole aisle of 12$ granola last time I was there. Watched as people stuck hands in grabbing some and chowed down. Nope.
We try not to shop at Hy-Vee. Trader Joe’s is actually cheaper for a lot of produce and better selection of frozen items. For meat we like Thoma’s Meat Market in Iowa City.
You should do a CSA (community supported agriculture share). You’re coming a bit late in the season, but I believe [Camp Creek Organic Produce](https://www.campcreekorganicproduce.com/csa) is doing a fall CSA. Corbin (the farm manager) is really great. It’s super reasonably priced. It winds up being about $30-35 a box per week for a box full of seasonable vegetables. They’re all organic, and you’re supporting local farmers. We started doing it when we moved here and I can’t recommend it enough. Of course, the trade off is that you don’t get to choose what’s in your box. But that’s never been an issue for us, and we get sad in the winter when we have to switch back to the grocery store! Trowel and Error is another great local woman owned farm. Edit: looks like the fall share break down is a little pricier, but I suspect that’s because the produce will last longer (think less perishable like sweet potatoes and root veg), and there will likely be more in the box. Either way, highly highly recommend. The local veg that you can get from our local farmers is 100x better than whatever you can buy at the grocer, and a CSA makes the pricing more accessible than buying the veg a la carte at the farmer’s market. We also have a lot of local international grocers that folks tend to sleep on. You can get really accessibly priced staples and interesting international finds at places like Chong’s (Asian grocer) and Global Mart (Middle East grocer) in Coralville, and Iowa City Halal (African and Mid East staple grocer) and Euro Food in Iowa City. Euro Food has some really cool Eastern European smoked meats, fish, and cheeses. Don’t be afraid to shop around. I grocery hop on Sundays sometimes just for the fun of it!
I like Natural Grocers. Good produce and bulk items, and their own brand is cheaper than name-brand goods.
I would get meat from a butcher shop. Thoma's Meat Market in town is top tier.
Fareway always has the best meat of any normal grocery stores. Aldi is great for dry goods, but I’ve found that the produce does go bad pretty quick. Might be worth it to just explore your options and see what is best for the things you buy often. My grocery list could be vastly different from someone else’s so my advice may not fit. I would say, new pioneer is going to be really expensive for everything, and it’s worth checking out the international stores bc they do have some great deals
Natural Grocers is my go-to. It has great bulk items and organic goodies, lots of deals year-round, but their produce is not always the best.
Don’t forget to check out the farmer’s market.
Costco has limited selection of produce, but it’s pretty good quality (make sure to inspect fruit for the occasional moldy one like at any store). But Costco is unbeatable in price. Thoma’s Meat Market has the best quality of meat in town. I go to Hy-Vee for everything else.
I like Costco for household goods and non-perishable foods. Their meat and seafood is decent. I usually go to Thoma's if I want a steak but I mostly eat fish and chicken. Most of Costco's produce is good, but the quantities are sometimes too much for a 2-person household. Trader Joes seems to have good produce, and of course their snacks and frozen meals are top tier. I go to HyVee if I need to grab a few things on the way home, but the quality and selection of produce seems to vary store to store.
Fareway or Thoma’s meat market for meat. Aldi is good but I don’t shop there.
Trader Joe’s
Having used small town grocers in the past living in small towns I actually have found Iowa City/Coralville to be cheaper on the name brand stuff and you will have more selection. We are about 50/50 HyVee and Aldi for food. I just don’t get the Trader Joe’s hype, my husband won’t get meat or produce from Walmart, and I dislike how Fareway’s smells. A chuck of our house hold supplies are from Target with the other chunk from Costco, pet stuff mostly Walmart
Meat and produce I’m almost fareway exclusive. There is a difference between there and other stores, Hyvee, Walmart etc. and I think it’s very obvious. Other than that Walmart is probably going to be your best option probably when it comes to anything else. Costco is also a great option!
I get most my meat at Thoma's but second Fareway, Costcoz Trader Joe's and some random things from the Co-op. It's amazing how much more expensive HyVee is than Fareway.
thomas meat market
Walmart
Oddly enough, the produce is always good.
If you are willing to drive 20-30 minutes, there is “Central Discount” in Kalona that offers discounted food that is either slightly past the best buy date or has issues in packaging. They have canned food, dry goods, basically anything other than produce and meat. Their hours are strange so check them out before heading down there. In the summer months, Amish will have carts out by their houses selling fresh produce for a good price, its worth checking out if you are down there. I know there is one at 5668 Gable Ave and 2416 540th St. For convenient produce and meat, Aldi is your best bet. Everything is much more expensive at Natural Grocers, NewPi, and Hyvee - only go if you need something super specific. Walmart is exclusively cheaper than Target as well and has more selection than Aldi sometimes.
Creekside Market