Inflation is a killer for all of us, whether we are on a fixed income or have unlimited financial resources. Is there anyone who likes paying more for basic necessities like groceries, gas, housing, etc.? The Biden administration says inflation is falling. Yet food prices continue to rise.

Last year, several grocery chains in Idaho reported record revenues but little to no profit due to high cost of goods. Restaurants in Idaho and across the country are either going out of business or struggling due to high food costs. Regardless of political affiliation, no one likes paying more for food.

Idahoans looking to save money on grocery costs are in luck. Fortunately, we live in a state where consumers have plenty of choice. Shoppers can choose from Walmart, Costco, Winco, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Grocery Outlet, Ridley’s and other grocery stores that offer a wide variety of goods and prices.

However, is there one grocery store in Idaho that is known to have the lowest prices on quality goods? Is there more than one store with a wide selection and the lowest prices? Has anyone objectively evaluated Idaho grocery chains to determine the best value for budget-conscious consumers?

The answer to these questions is a resounding yes, because Idaho is home to not one, not two, but three of the cheapest or most affordable grocery chains in the country.

A few months ago US news and world reports reported on the cheapest grocery stores in the country. Three of those stores are in Idaho. Can you guess which ones?

First on the list is locally-based WinCo, which came in third on the list. The store does its best to keep costs down. The atmosphere is very simple, no frills. Customers must pay with cash or debit card. The company saves money by not charging a credit card processing fee and passing those savings on to customers. WinCo is employee-owned, which reinforces the sense of community in each store.

The next store is Grocery Outlet, which prides itself on offering consumers branded goods at reasonable prices. The company is privately owned and therefore can make pricing more flexible and consumer-friendly.

Directly behind the Grocery Outlet is Costco. The company recently opened a new location in Meridian that has been well received by the Meridian, Star and Eagle communities. Consumers save money by choosing from a limited selection and buying in bulk.