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Discount grocers can help you save even more

• A recent price study found several grocery chains that actually beat Walmart on price, with Costco and BJs averaging about 21% cheaper on groceries.

• Discount grocers like Aldi, Lidl, and WinCo also undercut Walmart, typically offering staples for 38% less on average.

• The study highlights the gap between the cheapest and most expensive grocers, which exceeded 33%, meaning shoppers who mix stores can save hundreds each year.

A recent grocery price study by Consumer Reports suggests that Walmart may not always be the cheapest place to shop, and in many cases, shoppers should head elsewhere.

They compared grocery prices at more than 30 supermarket chains across the country. The results showed that several retailers actually beat Walmarts prices, sometimes by a wide margin.

The biggest standout was Costco

According to the study, groceries at Costco averaged 21.4% cheaper than Walmart, making it the lowest-priced option overall. Another warehouse club, BJs Wholesale Club, was close behind with prices averaging about 21% lower than Walmart.

Several discount grocers also came in cheaper than the big-box giant.

Aldi and Lidl both averaged roughly 8% lower prices than Walmart, while WinCo came in about 3.3% cheaper.

Texas-based H-E-B also edged out Walmart slightly, with prices about 0.2% lower on average.

The six grocery stores that beat Walmart broke down like this:

1. Costco Wholesale
2. BJs Wholesale Club
3. Lidl
4. Aldi
5. WinCo
6. H-E-B

The study also showed just how much grocery prices can vary depending on where you shop.

Researchers found that the difference between the cheapest and most expensive stores in their analysis exceeded 33%, meaning shoppers who choose the right store can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Whole Foods ranked as the most expensive grocery chain, with prices averaging nearly 40% higher than Walmart. Several regional chains also landed near the top of the price scale.

How to actually use this information to save money

Knowing which stores tend to have lower prices is helpful, but there are also a few strategies shoppers can use to maximize savings.

Compare warehouse prices carefully.

Stores like Costco and BJs often have the lowest unit prices, especially for pantry staples like cooking oil, rice, nuts, frozen fruit, and pasta sauce.

But the savings usually come from buying in bulk. Always check the price per ounce or per pound to make sure the larger package is actually the better deal.

Use discount grocers for staples.

Chains like Aldi and Lidl frequently undercut traditional supermarkets on basics such as eggs, milk, bread, cheese, and produce.

Many shoppers save the most by doing a two-store strategybuying staples at discount grocers and picking up specialty items elsewhere.

Shop sales at traditional grocery stores.

Weekly sales at traditional grocery stores still beat Walmart prices on certain items. This is especially true with items like cereal, snacks, and soda.

Often times these are loss leaders for stores like Safeway, Kroger, and Publix. The hope is youll come in for the loss leaders, and end up buying a bunch of stuff at prices higher than Walmart because you dont want to visit another store.

Pay attention to unit pricing.

One of the easiest ways to save money is comparing the unit price listed on shelf tags. This tells you the real cost per ounce or per pound and makes it easier to spot the best value.

The takeaway:While Walmart remains one of the most affordable grocery retailers, especially if you use coupons, its not always the cheapest option. Shoppers willing to mix and match stores, and use the 3-Store Rule, may be able to trim even more off their grocery bills.

Prices have fallen by one-third in 12 months

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Egg prices are sharply lower than a year ago, with the average cost of a dozen eggs down more than 34% from early 2025 levels.

• A surge in egg supply after farmers rebuilt flocks devastated by bird flu has flooded the market.

• Demand has cooled as consumers who switched to alternatives during the price spike havent fully returned.

It wasnt that long ago that shoppers were complaining about the sky-high price of eggs. Now, its a completely different story.

Retail egg prices have dropped dramatically since their historic peak in early 2025, when shortages pushed the average cost of a dozen eggs to more than $6. Today, prices are far lower about $2.58 per dozen in January representing a decline of more than 34% from a year earlier, and nearly 60% below the March 2025 peak, according to consumer price data.

The sharp reversal highlights how quickly agricultural markets can swing from shortage to surplus.

From bird flu shock to recovery

The price surge in 2024 and early 2025 was largely triggered by outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, which forced farmers to cull tens of millions of egg-laying hens across the United States. The sudden loss of birds created a supply crunch that sent prices soaring nationwide.

But poultry producers responded quickly by rebuilding their flocks once the outbreaks eased. As new hens began laying eggs, supply recovered and eventually overshot demand.

That rebound has been dramatic. In fact, egg inventories and flock sizes have grown so quickly that the industry is now dealing with oversupply, putting downward pressure on prices.

A classic supply glut

Economists say the current decline is a classic example of how agricultural markets work.When prices spiked, farmers expanded production to capture the higher profits. But by the time those new birds began producing eggs often months later the market had shifted. With more eggs than buyers, prices began sliding rapidly

Wholesale prices have dropped especially steeply. In some cases, they have fallen more than 80% from the highs seen earlier in 2025, according to market reports tracking egg commodities.

Retail prices typically follow wholesale trends with a delay, because supermarkets buy eggs through contracts and adjust shelf prices more slowly.

Demand hasnt fully recovered

At the same time, consumer demand has softened. During the height of the price spike, many households turned to alternative protein sources or cut back on eggs altogether. Some of that behavior has lingered, reducing the pressure on supply and helping push prices lower.

Seasonal factors also play a role. Demand often cools after major baking holidays like Easter, which historically leads to weaker egg prices in the months that follow.

Despite the recent drop, egg markets remain vulnerable to sudden changes. Bird flu outbreaks are still occurring sporadically, and even small disruptions can quickly tighten supply. Millions of birds have continued to be culled during localized outbreaks in 2026.

For now, though, shoppers are benefiting from the markets swing in the opposite direction.

After a year when eggs symbolized inflation at the grocery store, the humble staple has become one of the few foods getting noticeably cheaper.

Kids' toys and safety gear, furniture, and supplements are part of this week's recall roundup

ProRider bike helmets may fail in crashes

ProRider is recalling several low-cost bicycle helmets because they fail to meet mandatory safety requirements and may not protect riders in an impact.

• Specific hazard: These helmets can fail impact attenuation and stability requirements, increasing the risk of serious head injury or death in a crash.
• Scope/Stats: About 9,546 helmets sold nationwide in multiple colors (blue, green, red, black, purple) from June 2022 through May 2023.
• Immediate action: Stop using the helmet immediately and request a full refund by following the companys destruction-and-photo instructions.

ProRider, Inc., of Kent, Washington, is recalling ProRider Economy, Bike Helmets with turn ring, Bike Helmets Black Foam, BMX Helmet and Toddler Bike Helmets. The helmets were sold in blue, green, red, black and purple, with the model number, manufacture date (MM/YYYY) and serial number on a label inside the helmet. The recall was issued because the helmets violate the mandatory bicycle helmet standard and may not protect users during a crash.

The hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the helmets do not comply with impact attenuation, positional stability, labeling and certification requirements. If the helmet does not manage crash forces or stay properly positioned, it can fail to protect the riders head, raising the risk of severe injury or death. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled helmets immediately and contact ProRider for a full refund. To obtain the refund, consumers should destroy the helmet by cutting the straps and then send a photo of the destroyed helmet to org@prorider.com as instructed by the company.

Company contact

ProRider can be reached at 800-642-3123 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at org@prorider.com, or online at www.prorider.com (click Recall at the top of the page).

Source

Wayfair dresser recall cites tip-over danger

Hong Kong Baojia International is recalling 17 Stories 14-drawer dressers sold on Wayfair because the units can be unstable and tip over if not anchored.

• Specific hazard: Unanchored dressers can tip over, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can seriously injure or kill children.
• Scope/Stats: About 3,000 units sold on Wayfair.com from September 2023 through January 2026.
• Immediate action: Stop using the dresser in an unsafe manner and contact the firm for a refund.

Hong Kong Baojia International Limited is recalling 17 Stories Furniture 14-Drawer Dressers sold in black, white and brown. The dressers have a metal frame, a wooden top, and 14 collapsable fabric drawers, and measure about 11.8 inches long by 37.4 inches wide by 52.2 inches tall. The recall cites failure to meet the mandatory clothing storage unit standard required by the STURDY Act.

The hazard

The recalled dressers are considered unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, creating tip-over and entrapment hazards, especially for children. Federal regulators said the products violate the mandatory stability standard for clothing storage units under the STURDY Act. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should keep children away from unanchored dressers and stop using the recalled unit in any way that could allow it to tip. Contact Hong Kong Baojia International to request a refund and follow the firms instructions for completing the recall remedy.

Company contact

Consumers can contact Hong Kong Baojia International by email at Baojia_recall@outlook.com.

Source

Playground swing seats can fail and drop kids

LFTE USA is recalling certain commercial playground swing seats because supporting rivets can fail, creating a fall hazard for children.

• Specific hazard: Rivets that support the swing belt seat can fail, causing the seat to break and a child to fall.
• Scope/Stats: About 7,200 swing seats sold nationwide from January 2025 through September 2025.
• Immediate action: Stop using the recalled swings and request a free replacement seat.

LFTE USA Inc. is recalling Playground Swing Set Seats that were sold as part of assembled playground sets. The swing belt seat was sold in multiple colors (black, blue, green, red, tan and yellow) and is marked with code LF-65708 on the seat pad; only swings with model number 999604 are included. The company and regulators say the recall is tied to rivets that can fail and cause children to fall.

The hazard

The rivets used to support the swing seat can fail, which can cause the seat to break during use and create a fall hazard. LFTE USA reported one incident in which a swing broke and a child fell, resulting in a minor injury.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled playground swings immediately and contact LFTE USA to obtain a free replacement swing seat. If the swing is in a public or shared setting, restrict access until the replacement seat is installed.

Company contact

Consumers can contact LFTE USA by email at recall@lfteusa.com.

Source

Kluster magnet game recall warns of ingestion

Stoney Games is recalling Kluster magnet tabletop games because the loose, high-powered magnets are small enough to be swallowed and can cause life-threatening internal injuries.

• Specific hazard: Swallowed high-powered magnets can attract inside the body, causing intestinal perforations, twisting, blockage, blood poisoning and death.
• Scope/Stats: About 151,600 games sold nationwide and online from October 2018 to September 2025.
• Immediate action: Stop using the game, keep magnets away from children, and contact the company for disposal and replacement instructions.

Stoney Games, LLC of Bexley, Ohio, is recalling Kluster Fun Tabletop Magnet Chess Games sold in a black box labeled Kluster. The set includes about 24 magnets, an orange string, an instruction manual and a black storage pouch with Kluster printed on the front; some were also sold in a white pouch with gameplay instructions on the back. The recall was issued because the product violates the mandatory toy standard due to small, loose high-powered magnets.

The hazard

According to the CPSC, the games contain loose magnets that fit within the agencys small parts cylinder, making them a swallowing hazard for children. If more than one high-powered magnet is ingested, the magnets can attract each other (or other metal objects) through intestinal walls, leading to perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, blood poisoning and death. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnet games and take them away from children. Contact Stoney Games for instructions on how to dispose of the recalled magnets and receive replacement magnets that are not small parts.

Company contact

Stoney Games can be reached at 800-362-0977 from 8 a.m. to p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, by email at klusterrecall@gmail.com, or online at www.klustermagnets.com/recall or www.klustermagnets.com (click Recall at the top of the page).

Source

LIVEHOM fabric dressers recalled for tip-over risk

Simplehome is recalling LIVEHOM 11-drawer dressers sold on Amazon because the units can be unstable if not anchored, creating tip-over and entrapment hazards for children.

• Specific hazard: The dresser can tip if unanchored, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can cause severe injury or death.
• Scope/Stats: About 370 units sold on Amazon.com from December 2025 through January 2026.
• Immediate action: Stop using the dresser in a way that could allow tipping and contact Simplehome for a refund.

Shenzhen Lvmukeji Co., Ltd., doing business as Simplehome, of China, is recalling LIVEHOM-branded 11-Drawer Dressers made of fabric. The dressers were sold in black, white, pink, rustic brown and charcoal black and measure about 11.8 inches long, 39 inches wide and 46 inches tall with 11 fabric drawers. The CPSC said the product violates the mandatory clothing storage unit standard required by the STURDY Act.

The hazard

The recalled dressers can be unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, creating tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in serious injuries or death to children. Regulators said the product fails to meet the mandatory stability standard under the STURDY Act. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should keep children away from unanchored furniture and stop using the recalled dresser in a manner that could allow it to tip. Contact Simplehome to request a refund and follow the companys instructions for completing the remedy.

Company contact

Consumers can contact Simplehome by email at livehomerecall@163.com.

Source

Lidl candy recall flags undeclared hazelnuts

Lidl US is warning customers not to eat Favorina Chocolate Ladybugs German-Style Nougat because the product may contain undeclared hazelnuts, a potentially life-threatening allergen.

• Specific hazard: Undeclared hazelnuts can trigger serious or life-threatening allergic reactions in people with hazelnut allergies.
• Scope/Stats: All lots are affected; UPC 20304492; distributed to Lidl US stores across 10 states and Washington, D.C.
• Immediate action: Do not consume the product; return it to a Lidl store for a full refund.

Lidl US issued an allergy alert for Favorina Chocolate Ladybugs - German-Style Nougat because hazelnuts are not declared on the label. The affected product is identified as all lots with UPC 20304492 and was distributed to Lidl US store locations in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. The notice warns that consumers with hazelnut allergies face the risk of severe reactions.

The hazard

Hazelnuts are a known allergen, and the FDA notice warns that people with hazelnut allergies may suffer serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they eat the affected product. Because the allergen is undeclared, consumers may not realize the risk before consuming it.

What to do

Customers who purchased Favorina Chocolate Ladybugs - German-Style Nougat should not consume the product. Lidl said consumers should return it to their nearest Lidl store for a full refund.

Company contact

Lidl US Customer Care Hotline: (844) 747-5435.

Source

Primal Herbs supplement recall cites hidden sildenafil

Primal Herbs is recalling Primal Herbs Volume after testing found undeclared sildenafil, which can dangerously interact with some prescription medications.

• Specific hazard: Undeclared sildenafil may interact with nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.
• Scope/Stats: All orders placed between July 2 and September 19, 2025, sold nationwide via primalherbs.com.
• Immediate action: Stop using the product immediately and contact the company for a replacement shipment or full store credit.

Primal Herbs announced a voluntary nationwide recall of Primal Herbs Volume. The company said the product contains sildenafil, an ingredient that was not declared, creating potential risks for consumers taking certain prescription drugs. The recall applies to all orders placed between July 2 and Sept. 19, 2025, purchased through primalherbs.com.

The hazard

According to the FDA notice, sildenafil can interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with underlying health conditions or those taking medications that can interact with sildenafil may face increased risk if they use the product without knowing it contains the drug.

What to do

Consumers who purchased Primal Herbs Volume during the affected period should discontinue use immediately. Primal Herbs said customers should contact the company to receive a complimentary replacement shipment or a full store credit.

Company contact

Email hello@primalherbs.com or call +1 (856) 420-6117.

Source

New research shows medical costs are reshaping everyday spending

• About one-third of Americans say theyve cut back on everyday expenses to afford health care.

• The findings come from large national surveys conducted by Gallup and West Health in 2025.

• Health care costs are also delaying major life decisions like retirement, job changes, and buying a home.

Health care costs are influencing how many Americans manage their money and in some cases, the choices they make about their future.

According to new research from the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America, roughly one-third of U.S. adults say they have had to make at least one financial trade-off in their daily lives to afford health care. That represents more than 82 million people nationwide.

The study

The findings come from two surveys conducted by Gallup in partnership with West Health.

The first survey took place between June and August 2025 and included nearly 20,000 adults from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Participants were recruited using address-based sampling and Gallups probability-based national panel. The surveys were conducted online and weighted to reflect the demographics of the U.S. adult population.

A second study focused on how health care costs affect life decisions. That survey was conducted from October to December 2025 and included 5,660 adults who are members of the Gallup Panel. Some respondents completed the survey online, while others returned printed questionnaires by mail.

Together, the two surveys provide a detailed look at how Americans experience the financial side of health care.

What the results show

The research highlights how widespread the financial impact of health care has become.

Overall, over 33% said they have made one or more than one trade-off in the last 12 months to pay for health care expenses.

The sacrifices people reported making vary widely. Some respondents said they cut back on everyday expenses like utilities (9%) or driving less to save on gas (11%). Others said they stretched their prescription medications (15%) or borrowed money to help pay medical bills (15%).

While financial pressure is most common among people without health insurance, the data suggests the issue is not limited to that group.

For those without insurance, 62% report making at least one sacrifice to cover medical costs. Even among people with insurance, close to three in ten say theyve made similar adjustments. Even many insured and middle-income households report making sacrifices to keep up with medical costs.

Health care expenses are also influencing long-term planning. About 9% of adults say they postponed retirement due to health care costs, while 18% delayed changing jobs, and 14% postponed buying a home. Smaller shares say they put off starting or expanding a family.

Takeaways for consumers

• Health care costs can affect everyday budgets. The study shows that many Americans are cutting back on routine expenses to cover medical bills, which highlights how health care spending can spill into other parts of household finances.

• Insurance doesnt always eliminate financial strain. While uninsured adults report the highest level of trade-offs, a significant share of insured Americans also say health care costs have forced them to adjust their spending.

• Medical expenses can influence major life decisions. Some people report delaying plans like retirement, job changes, buying a home, or starting a family because of health care costs.