When moving to a new country, one of the first challenges is figuring out where to buy food and essential household items. The U.S. has a wide variety of grocery stores, supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and online shopping options, each offering different products, pricing, and services. As a new immigrant, understanding where to find affordable groceries, kitchen supplies, personal care products, and household essentials will help you settle in faster.
Many stores, such as Walmart, Costco, and Target, sell both groceries and household goods, making them convenient one-stop shopping destinations. Additionally, online services like Amazon Fresh, Walmart+, and Instacart allow you to order groceries and essentials for home delivery, saving time and effort.
This guide will help you understand where to shop, how to compare prices, and how to save money when buying food and everyday necessities in the U.S.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may receive a small commission to help support our site, at no additional cost to you.
Grocery Stores and Retailers in the U.S.
The U.S. has a wide range of supermarkets, discount stores, and wholesale clubs, each catering to different shopping preferences and budgets. Knowing where to shop can help you find the best prices and quality products for your needs.
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
Supermarkets are the most common places to buy fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples. Some of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S. include:
Walmart Supercenter – One of the most affordable places to buy groceries and household items. Many locations also offer curbside pickup and home delivery.
Kroger– Operates under different names in various states (Ralphs, Fry’s, King Soopers) and offers loyalty programs for discounts.
Albertsons – Well-known supermarket chain with frequent weekly sales and digital coupons.
Publix – Popular in the Southeast U.S., known for quality service and fresh produce.
Trader Joe’s – Specializes in affordable, high-quality grocery items, including international foods.
Warehouse Clubs for Bulk Shopping
Warehouse clubs allow shoppers to buy in bulk, which is great for large families or saving on long-term essentials. A membership is required, but the savings can be significant. The most popular warehouse clubs include:
Costco – Offers bulk groceries, cleaning supplies, and household goods. Costco members can also access discounted gas, appliances, and electronics.
Sam’s Club – Similar to Costco but owned by Walmart, with competitive pricing on food, personal care products, and kitchen supplies.
BJ’s Wholesale Club – A regional warehouse club that accepts manufacturer coupons, providing extra savings.
Discount Grocery Stores
For budget-conscious shoppers, discount grocery chains offer lower prices on everyday items:
Aldi – Known for affordable groceries with a focus on store-brand products.
Lidl – Similar to Aldi, with low-cost produce and bakery items.
WinCo Foods – A warehouse-style grocery store where customers bag their own groceries to save on costs.
Ethnic and Specialty Grocery Stores
For international ingredients and specialty items, many cities have ethnic grocery stores that cater to different communities:
H Mart – A well-known Korean grocery store chain.
Patel Brothers – Specializes in Indian and South Asian groceries.
El Super or Cardenas Markets – Popular for Mexican and Latin American foods.
Middle Eastern, African, and European Markets – Many cities have small markets catering to specific cuisines.
Visiting ethnic grocery stores can be a great way to find familiar foods from your home country while also exploring new options.
Online Grocery Shopping and Delivery Services
Online grocery shopping has become increasingly popular in the U.S., offering a convenient way to buy food and household essentials without visiting a physical store. Many grocery chains and online retailers provide home delivery and curbside pickup, making shopping easier for busy families, people without transportation, or those who prefer to shop from home.
Popular Online Grocery Services
Several major retailers offer online shopping for groceries, kitchen essentials, and household products:
Amazon Fresh – A grocery delivery service available to Amazon Prime members in select cities. Offers fresh produce, meats, pantry staples, and household essentials with same-day or next-day delivery.
Walmart+ – A membership service that provides free grocery delivery from local Walmart stores, including fresh food, personal care products, and home supplies.
Instacart – A delivery service that partners with local grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Costco to provide same-day grocery delivery.
Target Drive Up & Same-Day Delivery – Allows customers to order online and either pick up at the store or get home delivery through Shipt.
Comparing In-Store Pickup vs. Home Delivery
Curbside pickup – Many stores allow customers to order groceries online and pick them up at a designated parking spot. This option is usually free and faster than home delivery.
Home delivery – This is More convenient but may require a delivery fee or membership, such as Walmart+ or Amazon Prime.
Subscription grocery services – Some companies, like Misfits Market and Thrive Market, deliver organic and specialty foods on a recurring basis.
Online grocery shopping is especially useful for those who live far from a grocery store, have mobility challenges, or want to save time.
Great Ways to Shop for Household Essentials
In addition to groceries, new immigrants need to buy household essentials, including kitchen supplies, cleaning products, personal care items, and toiletries. These items are available at big-box retailers, warehouse clubs, and online marketplaces.
Where to Buy Household Essentials - Brick-and-Mortar Stores
Walmart – One of the best places to buy affordable kitchenware, dishes, cookware, bedding, and household cleaning supplies. Walmart also offers budget-friendly furniture and appliances.
Target – Sells a wide range of home goods, personal care products, and small kitchen appliances. Known for stylish and affordable home essentials.
Dollar Stores (Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Dollar General) – Great for low-cost cleaning supplies, storage containers, and paper products.
IKEA – A popular furniture store where you can find affordable plates, cookware, utensils, and storage solutions.
Buying Essentials in Bulk
Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club allow you to buy cleaning products, paper towels, laundry detergent, and toiletries in large quantities, which can save money over time. However, bulk shopping is best if you have enough storage space to keep extra items.
Consider Online Shopping for Household Goods
For convenience, many household essentials can be ordered online and delivered directly to your home.
Amazon – A one-stop shop for kitchen essentials, cleaning products, personal hygiene items, home decor and more..
Walmart+– A membership program that provides free shipping and grocery delivery.
Instacart – Allows you to order groceries and household essentials from local stores and have them delivered in as little as an hour.
Online shopping is ideal for busy families or those without easy access to large retail stores.
Many online retailers also offer subscription services, allowing you to automatically reorder essentials like toilet paper, detergent, and personal care products.
How to Save Money on Groceries and Essentials
Shopping for food and household necessities in the U.S. can be expensive, but there are several strategies to reduce costs and stretch your budget.
Using Store Loyalty Programs and Coupons
Many grocery stores and retailers offer loyalty programs that provide discounts and rewards:
Kroger Plus Card – Saves money on groceries, fuel, and pharmacy items.
Target Circle – Offers personalized deals on groceries and household goods.
Safeway for U – Provides digital coupons and rewards for frequent shoppers.
Coupons are also widely used in the U.S. and can be found:
In-store apps and websites.
On coupon websites like Coupons.com
In weekly grocery store ads and newspapers.
Buying in Bulk to Save on Everyday Essentials
Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club allow shoppers to buy in bulk, reducing the cost per item. Bulk shopping is best for:
Non-perishable foods like rice, pasta, canned goods, and snacks.
Household supplies such as paper towels, laundry detergent, and cleaning products.
Personal care items including shampoo, soap, and toothpaste.
Buying in bulk can lead to significant savings, but it is important to have enough storage space to keep extra items.
Comparing Store Brands vs. Name Brands
Most grocery stores sell store-brand products, which are often cheaper than name brands but similar in quality. For example:
Great Value (Walmart) – A lower-cost alternative to national brands.
Kirkland Signature (Costco) – Offers high-quality products at wholesale prices.
Simple Truth (Kroger) – A natural and organic store brand at affordable prices.
Choosing store brands instead of name-brand products can lead to significant savings over time.
Using Gas-Saving Apps for Grocery Store Trips
How to Avoid Common Shopping Mistakes
For new immigrants, adjusting to shopping in the U.S. can take time. Avoiding common mistakes will help you shop smarter and avoid overspending.
Checking Online Reviews Before Buying Household Items
When shopping for kitchen supplies, appliances, or personal care items, reading online reviews on Amazon, Walmart, or Target can help ensure you are buying a quality product.
Look for items with high ratings and detailed customer feedback.
Avoid cheap products with poor durability.
Compare prices across multiple retailers to find the best deal.
Not Buying More Perishable Items Than You Can Use
It can be tempting to buy in bulk, but fresh food like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats expire quickly. Only buy what you can use before the expiration date to prevent food waste and lost money.
Checking Expiration Dates and Package Conditions
Before purchasing food, especially items on sale, check:
Expiration dates to make sure the food is fresh.
Packaging for damage, leaks, or signs of tampering.
Frozen and refrigerated items to ensure they are stored at the right temperature.
Being Aware of Marketing Tricks That Encourage Impulse Buying
Stores often place expensive or unnecessary items at eye level or near checkout lanes to tempt shoppers into impulse purchases. To avoid this:
Stick to a shopping list.
Avoid buying unnecessary snacks or promotions just because they are advertised as a “deal.”
Compare price per unit instead of just the overall price.
Understanding Return Policies for Groceries and Essentials
Most grocery stores do not accept returns on perishable foods, but household items, kitchen supplies, and unopened non-food products can often be returned. Always check return policies before making a purchase, especially for large or expensive items.
By being mindful of common shopping pitfalls, you can save money and avoid waste.
Mastering Grocery and Essential Shopping in the U.S.
Learning how to shop for food and essentials in the U.S. is a key step in settling into your new life. With so many options available, it is important to:
Choose the right grocery stores, discount retailers, or online services based on your budget and needs.
Use loyalty programs, coupons, and bulk shopping to save money.
Compare prices and read online reviews before purchasing household essentials.
Take advantage of online grocery delivery and curbside pickup for added convenience.
By planning ahead, using cost-saving strategies, and shopping smart, you can easily find everything you need to make your new home comfortable.
For more essential steps on settling into life in the U.S., refer back to Welcome to the United States – A Guide for New Immigrants for more information on finding housing, transportation, and other necessities.
