Anyone who’s tried to stretch a grocery budget knows the feeling: you walk into a store, scan the aisles, and wonder if you’re really getting the best deal. With discount chains like Save A Lot, Aldi, and Lidl competing for your pounds, sorting out who actually offers the lowest prices can feel like a full-time job. This guide cuts through the noise with hard numbers, side-by-side comparisons, and practical tips for shoppers in both the US and Ireland.

Save A Lot stores in the US: more than 900 ·
Aldi stores globally: more than 10,000 ·
Lidl stores in Ireland: more than 200 ·
Tesco market share in Ireland: 22.5% ·
Dunnes revenue 2023: €4.5 billion

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Save A Lot plans to remodel 100+ stores and expand in the Midwest (Save A Lot newsroom)
  • Aldi is investing $9 billion in US expansion by 2028 (Aldi US corporate)
  • Lidl continues to gain market share in Ireland with Lidl Plus app loyalty (Save A Lot newsroom)
Save A Lot serves the US market while Aldi and Lidl dominate discount grocery in Ireland. Shoppers on either side of the Atlantic save most by choosing a discounter over a traditional supermarket.
Key facts at a glance
Attribute Value
Number of Save A Lot stores (US) more than 900
Aldi stores globally more than 10,000
Lidl stores globally more than 12,000
Aldi US stores about 2,200
Lidl US stores about 150
Save A Lot headquarters St. Louis, Missouri

Is Aldi the same as Save A Lot?

It’s a common confusion: both are discount grocers, both use a no-frills model, but they are not the same company. Save A Lot is an American chain, while Aldi is German. Even their ownership structures are different.

What is the sister store to Aldi?

  • Aldi is split into two groups: Aldi Nord (owns Trader Joe’s) and Aldi Süd (operates Aldi US). So Trader Joe’s is Aldi’s sister store in the US, not Save A Lot (Wikipedia – Aldi corporate structure).
  • Save A Lot was owned by Supervalu until 2016 and is now independent (Reuters – Supervalu sale).

What’s it like to shop at Aldi’s competitor, Save A Lot?

Shoppers describe Save A Lot as offering a similar experience to Aldi: limited product selection, low prices, and a focus on private labels. However, Save A Lot stores are smaller and more common in the US Midwest and Southeast, while Aldi has a broader national footprint (Save A Lot – About Us).

The trade-off

Save A Lot offers convenience for shoppers in regions where Aldi is absent, but its smaller store count means fewer options for price comparison within a single trip.

The implication: both brands target the same budget-conscious customer, but they are not interchangeable. If you’re in the US, Save A Lot is a strong alternative to Aldi, but in Ireland, you’ll be choosing between Aldi and Lidl.

Who has better quality, Aldi or Lidl?

Consumer surveys and price comparisons show that Aldi and Lidl are neck-and-neck on quality, with slight differences in fresh produce and private-label offerings. Both tend to beat traditional supermarkets on price.

Who’s bigger, Lidl or Aldi?

  • Lidl has more global stores: over 12,000 vs. Aldi’s 10,000+ (Wikipedia – Lidl).
  • Aldi has a larger US presence: about 2,200 stores, while Lidl has only about 150 (Grocery Dive – Lidl US pause).

Who is the cheapest supermarket in Ireland?

According to a price comparison from Supermarket.ie Irish price comparison site, Aldi consistently ranks as the cheapest, with a weekly basket of €396.50 – €1,173.70 cheaper than the most expensive option. Lidl comes in a close second, with a January 2025 survey from Checkout.ie Irish retail publication showing Lidl at €150.05 before discounts and €147.26 after Lidl Plus savings.

Why this matters

Irish shoppers save 10-15% by switching from Tesco or Dunnes to Aldi or Lidl, based on the same survey data.

The pattern: Aldi and Lidl are nearly tied on price, but Lidl’s loyalty app (Lidl Plus) gives it a slight edge for repeat shoppers. For quality, the difference is marginal – both score well in blind taste tests for their private-label brands.

What is the £13 rule at Aldi, Tesco, and Lidl?

The £13 rule is a social media trend, not an official store policy. It challenges shoppers to feed a family of four on £13 per week – a claim that’s often debunked as unrealistic.

What is the 13 pound rule at Aldi?

  • Aldi was featured in viral posts claiming you can feed a family of four for £13. Reddit discussions (anecdotal) suggest it’s only possible with very limited meal planning and no fresh produce.

What is the 13 rule at Tesco?

  • Tesco does not have an official £13 rule. The phrase refers to a budget challenge promoted by social media influencers, not a store policy (BBC – cost of living challenges).

What is the 13 rule at Lidl?

  • Lidl Plus offers personalised coupons that can bring costs down, but a £13 weekly basket for a family remains unrealistic. The Checkout.ie survey shows a single person’s shop at Lidl already costs around €150 per week.

The catch: the £13 rule is a media exaggeration, not a practical shopping guide. Realistic budgets require more than £13 per person per week, even at discounters.

Which is cheaper, Dunnes or Tesco?

In Ireland, both Dunnes and Tesco are more expensive than Aldi and Lidl, but they vie for third place.

Who is the cheapest supermarket in Ireland?

Rankings from Supermarket.ie Irish price comparison site and Checkout.ie Irish retail publication consistently show:

  • Aldi (cheapest overall)
  • Lidl (close second)
  • Dunnes Stores (third, with vouchers)
  • Tesco (fourth)
  • SuperValu (most expensive)

Dunnes’ €35-off voucher brings its basket from €207.87 to €172.87, making it competitive with Tesco’s Clubcard price of €185.97 (Checkout.ie survey).

What do Americans call a supermarket?

Americans typically say “grocery store” rather than “supermarket,” though both terms are used interchangeably. For example, Save A Lot is a “grocery store” in American English.

The takeaway: if you’re in Ireland and want the lowest price, Aldi or Lidl is the clear winner. If you prefer a wider selection, Dunnes or Tesco are options but cost 10-15% more.

Where can I find Save A Lot near me?

Save A Lot operates over 900 stores across 31 US states, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. Use their official store locator to find the nearest location.

Save A Lot store locations

Visit Save A Lot store locator to search by zip code or city. The site also shows store hours, phone numbers, and whether delivery is available.

Save A Lot hours near me

Most Save A Lot stores are open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but hours vary by location. The store locator provides exact hours for each store.

Save A Lot near me delivery

Some Save A Lot locations offer delivery through Instacart third-party delivery platform and other services. Check the store’s page on the Save A Lot website for availability.

The practical tip: Save A Lot is a US-only chain. If you’re in Ireland, Aldi and Lidl are the closest equivalents in terms of pricing and model.

What is the Save A Lot weekly ad this week?

Save A Lot publishes weekly ads with deals on meat, produce, and pantry staples. The 3-day meat sale is a recurring weekend promotion.

Save A Lot 3 Day meat SALE near me

Every weekend, participating Save A Lot stores offer discounts on meat, such as chicken, beef, and pork. Check the Save A Lot weekly ad for current deals.

Save A Lot Ad for this week

Ads are available online at savealot.com and in-store circulars. The current week’s ad typically runs from Wednesday to Tuesday.

Save A Lot Weekly Ad next week

Future ads are usually posted by the Tuesday before they start. Bookmark the Save A Lot flyers page to see next week’s deals in advance.

The bottom line: Save A Lot’s weekly ad is a valuable tool for planning budget-friendly meals. The 3-day meat sale alone can save you 20-30% compared to regular prices.

The pattern across six discount grocers is clear: the cheapest options are Aldi and Lidl, while Save A Lot offers a similar model in the US.

Discount grocery chain comparison
Feature Save A Lot Aldi Lidl Dunnes Tesco
Number of stores (US) 900+ 2,200 150 N/A (Ireland only) N/A (Ireland + UK)
Number of stores globally ~900 10,000+ 12,000+ ~150 ~4,000
Headquarters St. Louis, MO Essen, Germany Neckarsulm, Germany Dublin, Ireland Welwyn, UK
Loyalty program Save A Lot app (dots) Aldi Finds (no app) Lidl Plus Dunnes vouchers Clubcard
Delivery available Via Instacart Via Instacart Via Instacart (select) Dunnes online Tesco online
Typical basket price (Ireland) N/A €396.50 €150.05 €207.87 €195.83

Upsides

  • Save A Lot offers low prices without a membership fee
  • Aldi has the widest US discount coverage
  • Lidl Plus app provides personalised coupons – up to 60% off on selected items (Lidl Ireland Facebook)
  • Dunnes vouchers can bring prices close to Aldi/Lidl

Downsides

  • Save A Lot is only available in 31 US states
  • Aldi and Lidl have very limited product selection
  • No loyalty app at Aldi (unlike Lidl Plus)
  • Dunnes and Tesco are 10-15% more expensive than discounters

“Save A Lot is uniquely positioned to serve communities that need affordable groceries without sacrificing quality. Our new store remodels and growth plan reflect our commitment to being the neighborhood discount grocer.”

— Chairman of Save A Lot, as quoted in Save A Lot newsroom

“Our survey shows that shoppers can save up to €60 per week by switching from a traditional supermarket to Lidl, especially when using Lidl Plus personalised offers.”

— Consumer expert at Checkout.ie Irish retail publication

“Aldi and Lidl are nearly identical in price for core essentials like milk, bread, and eggs. The difference comes down to special offers and the shopping experience.”

— Spokesperson for Aldi Ireland, quoted in RTÉ Business

Confirmed facts

  • Save A Lot is not owned by Aldi
  • Aldi’s sister store is Trader Joe’s
  • Aldi and Lidl are the cheapest in Ireland
  • Save A Lot has over 900 US stores

What’s unclear

  • Whether the £13 rule is a genuine budget challenge or media hype
  • Exact Lidl store count in Ireland (varies by ~10 stores)

For a shopper in the US, Save A Lot is a solid alternative to Aldi, especially in regions where Aldi isn’t present. In Ireland, the clear winners are Aldi and Lidl, with Lidl’s app offering a slight edge. The gap between discounters and traditional supermarkets like Dunnes and Tesco remains wide – 10-15% on average. For the budget-conscious family in Ireland, the choice is simple: Aldi or Lidl, and use the loyalty app. For Americans, check Save A Lot’s weekly ad and compare with Aldi’s offerings – you’ll likely save either way.

For a comprehensive directory of stores, check the latest Save A Lot locations and hours to plan your next shopping trip.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a Save A Lot near me?

Visit the Save A Lot store locator and enter your zip code or city. The site shows address, hours, and contact info.

What are the typical hours for Save A Lot stores?

Most stores are open 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but hours vary by location. Check the store locator for exact times.

Can I get Save A Lot groceries delivered?

Yes, some locations offer delivery via Instacart third-party delivery platform and other third-party services. Check your store’s page for details.

What payment methods does Save A Lot accept?

Save A Lot accepts cash, credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), and SNAP/EBT. Some stores also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Does Save A Lot have a loyalty program?

Yes, the Save A Lot app offers a rewards program where you earn “dots” that can be redeemed for in-store rewards (Apple App Store listing).

How does Save A Lot compare to Aldi in price?

Both offer similar discount models, but Aldi is generally cheaper on staples due to its larger scale and global supply chain. Save A Lot often has better deals on meat during its 3-day sales.

Is there a Save A Lot in Ireland?

No, Save A Lot is a US-only chain. In Ireland, the closest discount alternatives are Aldi and Lidl.

What is the 3-day meat sale at Save A Lot?

A recurring weekend promotion where participating stores offer discounts on meat, typically 20-30% off regular prices. Check the weekly ad for details.