Where to Save the Most Money on Groceries in Rhode Island
Between rising prices and busy schedules, grocery shopping can feel like a balancing act. But small choices — like where you shop — can help ease some financial stress.
Knowing where to shop in the Ocean State and what each store offers can help you make confident choices that fit your budget.
Key takeaways
- Saving money at the checkout ≠ cutting corners on quality.
- Rhode Island shoppers have plenty of choices, from big-name chains with loyalty perks to smaller markets offering local deals.
Major grocery chains in Rhode Island 🍅
Rhode Island shoppers have plenty of well-known grocery chains to choose from, and each has its own mix of savings, convenience, and rewards. Some focus on weekly sales, while others keep prices low year-round.
Stop & Shop
Locations: 25
📍 Where to find: All over the state
Stop & Shop is one of the most well-known grocery stores in Rhode Island. The GO Rewards program helps you earn points for gas and grocery discounts, while “Savings Stations” make it easy to find digital coupons in-store.
For shoppers who value consistency and convenience, Stop & Shop delivers both.
Aldi
Locations: 9
📍 Where to find: Cranston (2), Johnston, Middletown, North Smithfield, Providence, Mumford, Warwick, and Westerly
Aldi focuses on everyday low prices instead of weekly specials. Most products are private-label, often matching or exceeding name-brand quality for less.
If you’re all about savings, Aldi is tough to beat. Remember to bring your own bags and a quarter for the cart deposit, as these small steps help Aldi keep costs low.
Shaw’s
Locations: 8
📍 Where to find: Barrington, Cranston, East Providence, Middletown, North Providence, Riverside, Wakefield, Warwick
Shaw’s is a long-time New England favorite known for great produce and regular promotions.
With the Shaw’s for U™ app, you can unlock digital coupons and personalized savings that help stretch your grocery budget even further.
Market Basket
Locations: 2
📍 Where to find: Johnston and Warwick
Market Basket, a longtime Northern New England favorite now expanding into Rhode Island, lives up to its slogan: “More for Your Dollar.” Prices stay consistently low without heavy reliance on loyalty programs.
With a wide selection and steady pricing on staples, it’s a top pick for families watching their food budget.
Price Rite
Locations: 5
📍 Where to find: Cranston, Johnston, Pawtucket, Providence, Woonsocket
Price Rite is designed for budget-conscious shoppers who still want brand-name quality. Weekly digital deals and the Price Rite Marketplace app make it easy to clip coupons and plan affordable trips that fit any budget.
Price comparison at top Rhode Island grocery stores
Prices can vary more than you think from store to store. Whether you’re buying weekly staples or planning a big family dinner, knowing where your grocery dollars stretch the furthest can help you plan confidently.
Here’s an idea of prices at Rhode Island’s most popular grocery chains at the time of this writing (October 2025):
| Stop & Shop | Aldi | Shaw's | Market Basket | Price Rite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dozen eggs | $4.99 | $2.99 | $4.29 | $3.69 | $4.99 |
| Gallon of milk | $4.29 | $2.49 | $3.79 | $2.99 | $4.29 |
| 1 lb. ground beef | $7.55 | $6.59 | $5.99 | $6.99 | $5.49 |
| 5 lb. bag of white rice | $5.99 | $4.92 | $5.49 | $5.99 | $4.29 |
| Loaf of white bread | $1.49 | $1.55 | $1.49 | $1.49 | $1.39 |
💡Tip: Prices reflect general averages and may vary by store or week. Always check for updated local deals before shopping.
Local and specialty markets not to skip 🥬
Big-name stores aren’t your only option. Rhode Island has local and family-run markets that deliver great quality — and often great value — especially on fresh or locally sourced goods.
Dave’s Fresh Marketplace
Locations: 10
📍 Where to find: Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Smithfield (2), North Kingstown, Warwick (2), Wickford
Dave’s Marketplace is Rhode Island’s largest locally owned grocer, known for fresh produce, bakery items, and prepared foods.
While packaged goods can be slightly higher, Dave’s often features local brands and weekly specials. This is a great option for shoppers who want to support small businesses while still staying on budget.
Roch’s Fresh Foods
Locations: 2
📍 Where to find: Narragansett and West Greenwich
Roch’s Fresh Foods emphasizes farm-fresh produce and locally made products at fair prices. This family-run store offers seasonal ingredients, personalized service, and a curated selection of meats, seafood, and specialty items. Roch’s can be a smart stop for quality Rhode Island ingredients.
Urban Greens Co-op Market
Locations: 1
📍 Where to find: Providence
Urban Greens Co-op Market is a community-owned grocery store focused on local, sustainable, and organic products. It offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other groceries. Everyone is welcome to shop, but members enjoy discounts and a voice in store decisions.
➢RELATED: The Benefits of Living Green: 6 Ways to Start Today
Comparing top Rhode Island specialty stores
Not all specialty and local markets advertise their prices, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan for savings. These stores often offer value in freshness, local sourcing, and unique products you won’t find at big chains.
Understanding what each market specializes in can help you make confident choices and get the most for your grocery dollars.
| Store | Specialty | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Dave’s Fresh Marketplace | 🍞 Bakery 🧀 Deli |
|
| Roch’s Fresh Foods | 🦞 Seafood 🥩 Meats |
|
| Urban Greens Co-op Market | 🧑🌾 Organic and sustainable |
|
Best Rhode Island grocery store rewards/loyalty programs
Loyalty programs can add up to serious savings over time, especially if you shop at the same stores each week. Before your next grocery trip, pay attention to local flyers, online coupons, and download these apps to sign up for weekly deals:
- Stop & Shop GO Rewards: Earn points for every dollar spent. Redeem them for gas discounts or grocery savings.
- 🍏: App Store
- 🤖: Google Store
- Shaw’s for U™: Access personalized digital coupons and rewards that add up to monthly savings.
- 🍏: App Store
- 🤖: Google Store
- Price Rite Marketplace app: Clip digital coupons and browse weekly flyers for in-store discounts.
- 🍏: App Store
- 🤖: Google Store
- Urban Greens Co-op Market: Members enjoy discounts on select items, early access to specials, and a voice in co-op decisions. You can sign up online.
- Dave’s Marketplace email club: Join the mailing list to receive weekly sale updates and featured product alerts.
Other ways to save while grocery shopping in Rhode Island 💸
Saving on groceries isn’t just about where you shop — it’s also about how you plan. With a few small changes, you can make grocery shopping easier and your budget stretch further.
- Plan meals before shopping. Build your list around weekly sale items to stay on budget.
- Compare unit prices. Check price per ounce or pound to find the best deal.
- Buy seasonal produce. Local in-season fruits and vegetables are often cheaper — and fresher.
- Use digital coupons and rebate apps. Stack store rewards with apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards for extra cash back.
- Shop mid-week. Many stores restock and mark down items mid-week, giving you the first pick of sales.
- Stock up during sales. Buy non-perishables or frozen items when prices drop and store them for later.
Rhode Island grocery stores for the most savings 💰
If you’re focused on the lowest overall cost, Aldi and Price Rite often lead the way for the best deals. For a mix of convenience, rewards, and variety, Stop & Shop or Market Basket might be your best fit.
And don’t overlook local favorites like Dave’s Fresh Marketplace and Roch’s Fresh Foods. They deliver freshness, community connection, and personalized service that make grocery shopping more rewarding.
Notice: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about your financial circumstances.