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Game On

The Super Bowl is as much a food holiday as it is a football holiday. Stores like Trader Joe's, Costco, and Aldi all use a model that allows them to pass on savings to the customers, which is especially useful for planning party menus. Depending on what you need and how many mouths there will be to feed, all three offer great values. Here we've compared 40 items from the three stores to help make your Super Bowl spread shine.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Lacey Muszynski also contributed to this story.

Cheapism

Tortilla Chips

Used for making nachos, eating big batches of chili, or dipping in salsa and queso, these are a classic staple of any game day spread.
Costco: $3.79 for 3 pounds (8 cents per ounce)
Aldi: 89 cents for 13 ounces (7 cents per ounce)
TJ: $2.69 for 1 pound (17 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Popcorn

Cheap and friendly to all kinds of dietary restrictions, this is a good go-to snack. You can even have a bit of fun with the classic treat by experimenting with some creative popcorn toppings.
Costco: $5.69 for 1.56 pounds (23 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $1.99 for 6 ounces (33 cents per ounce)
TJ: $1.99 for 5 ounces (40 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Mixed Nuts

Salty, protein-packed, and a refreshingly nutritious snack, nuts make the ideal minimalist nosh.
Costco: $15.79 for 2.5 pounds (40 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $4.99 for 14.75 ounces (34 cents per ounce)
TJ: $7.99 for 1 pound (50 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Trail Mix

Sweet and salty all at once, this mix hits all of the right flavors.
Costco: $12.89 for 4 pounds (20 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $4.89 for 1.62 pounds (19 cents per ounce)
TJ: $3.99 for 1 pound (25 cents per ounce)

Costco

Jerky

There's something satisfying about sitting around watching sports and gnawing on dried meat. It just feels right.
Costco: $9.99 for 12 ounces (83 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $3.39 for 2.85 ounces ($1.36 per ounce)
TJ: $5.99 for 4 ounces ($1.50 per ounce)

Cheapism

Potato Chips

On their own or paired with sandwiches or dips, potato chips are a must for game day.
Costco: $5.69 for 1.75 pounds (20 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $1.19 for 10 ounces (12 cents per ounce)
TJ: $1.99 for 10 ounces (20 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Beans

For anyone who is willing to do a little prep, beans come in handy for nachos and chili.
Costco: $6.99 for 7.75 pounds (6 cents per ounce)
Aldi: 69 cents for 15 ounces (5 cents per ounce)
TJ: 79 cents for 15 ounces (5 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Queso Dip

With chips, on chili, in quesadillas ... there are so many things to do with queso.
Costco: $7.79 for 1.5 pounds (32 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $2.29 for 15 ounces (15 cents per ounce)
TJ: $2.49 for 11.5 ounces (22 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Barbecue Sauce

As a marinade or a sauce, barbeque sauce will be slathered wherever there is beer and sports.
Costco: $5.49 for 5 pounds (7 cents per ounce)
Aldi: 95 cents for 1.13 pounds (5 cents per ounce)
TJ: $2.99 for 1.13 pounds (17 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Hot Sauce

This is one item that you'll want to have extra of for dousing everything from wings to nachos and pizza — whether you're making it at home or ordering delivery.
Costco: $5.59 for 1.56 quarts (11 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $1.99 for 12 ounces (17 cents per ounce)
TJ: $1.99 for 5 ounces (40 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Salsa

On its own, in a layered bean dip, or in quick burritos or nachos, salsa is the No. 1 condiment for a reason.
Costco: $7.49 for 4.75 pounds (10 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $1.19 for 1.5 pounds (5 cents per ounce)
TJ: $1.99 for 1 pound (12 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Ranch Dressing

More of a dip than a dressing for salad, ranch is loved by most Americans.
Costco: $9.99 for 2.5 quarts (13 cents per ounce)
Aldi: 89 cents for 16 ounces (6 cents per ounce)
TJ: $2.79 for 16 ounces (17 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Soda (Cans)

It's nice to offer a frosty, refreshing beverage out of a can that is non-alcoholic. Consider stocking up on regional sodas from wherever the teams hail from.
Costco: $10.49 for 36 cans (29 cents per can)
Aldi: $2.89 for 12 cans (24 cents per can)
TJ: $3.49 for 4 cans (87 cents per can)

Cheapism

Cookies

There's no shame in buying pre-made cookies, especially when they come from the fresh baked section.
Costco: $7.99 for 2.25 pounds (22 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $2.85 for 14 ounces (20 cents per ounce)
TJ: $3.99 for 14 ounces (29 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Cake

Buying a pre-made cake and decorating it at home can be cheaper, quicker, and lot less mess to clean up than making one from scratch.
Costco: $18.99 for 9.5 pounds (12 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $3.49 for 1.25 pounds (17 cents per ounce)
TJ: $4.49 for 1.13 pounds (25 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Ribs (Uncooked)

Cooked slow and low on the grill or in a smoker, ribs are an easy crowd pleaser.
Costco: $2.99 per pound
Aldi: $2.69 per pound
TJ: $4.99 per pound

Cheapism

Chicken Wings (Uncooked)

Oven fried wings are a lot cheaper than (and just as crispy as) delivery.
Costco: $2.59 per pound
Aldi: $2.30 per pound
TJ: $3.50 per pound

Cheapism

Guacamole

Avocados can be expensive and difficult to find ripe, which means premade guac can actually be cheaper and more reliable.
Costco: $9.69 for 1.88 pounds (32 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $2.99 for 1 pound (19 cents per ounce)
TJ: $3.99 for 12 ounces (33 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Hummus

Everybody's favorite vegan dip — even if they don't care that it's vegan — hummus pairs well with veggies, pretzels, and chips.
Costco: $5.99 for 2 pounds (19 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $1.95 for 10 ounces (20 cents per ounce)
TJ: $3.49 for 1 pound (22 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Shrimp Cocktail

Nothing says party like a platter of shrimp cocktail.
Costco: $9.99 per pound
Aldi: $6.99 per pound
TJ: not available

Costco

Hot Dogs

Kept warm in a slow cooker, ready-to-go hot dogs can make you feel like you are at the game.
Costco: $9.99 for 3 pounds (21 cents per ounce)
Aldi: 99 cents for 15 ounces (7 cents per ounce)
TJ: $5.99 for 1 pound (37 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Hot Dog Buns

Make sure you get enough for the correct buns-to-dogs ratio.
Costco: $2.79 for 2 pounds (17 cents per bun)
Aldi: 85 cents for 12 ounces (11 cents per bun)
TJ: $1.99 for 12 ounces (25 cents per bun)

Cheapism

Burger Patties

Burgers are classic game day food, and any leftover meat can always be repurposed for chili the day after. Keep the crowd coming back for more by getting creative with the toppings.
Costco: $20.99 for 6 pounds ($3.50 per pound)
Aldi: $7.79 for 3 pounds ($2.60 per pound)
TJ: $6.99 for 1 pound ($6.99 per pound)

Cheapism

Burger Buns

Have leftovers after the party? Use buns for all kinds of sandwiches, not just burgers.
Costco: $2.79 for 2 pounds (17 cents per bun)
Aldi: 85 cents for 12 ounces (11 cents per bun)
TJ: $2.49 for 1 pound (31 cents per bun)

Cheapism

Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded mozzarella comes in handy for everything from nachos and quesadillas to burgers and chili.
Costco: $12.39 for 5 pounds (15 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $3.69 for 1 pound (23 cents per ounce)
TJ: $2.99 for 12 ounces (25 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Sour Cream

Used as the base of dips or as a topping, sour cream is a star condiment.
Costco: $3.99 for 3 pounds (8 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $1.49 for 1 pound (9 cents per ounce)
TJ: $2.19 per pound (14 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Ground Beef

An essentials for anyone making their own burger patties, bean dips or tex mex dishes.
Costco: Variable units ($3.89 per pound)
Aldi: Variable units ($2.49 per pound)
TJ: $3.99 for 1 pound ($3.99 per pound)

Cheapism

Sausage (Raw)

Cook up sausages alongside or instead of hot dogs or use it to build flavor in any number of recipes.
Costco: $13.99 for 5 pounds ($2.80 per pound)
Aldi: $2.99 for 1.19 pounds ($2.69 per pound)
TJ: $4.49 for 1 pound ($4.49 per pound)

Cheapism

Dip

Pre-made dips and seasonings make whipping up a last minute dip a cinch.
Costco: $7.99 for 1.94 pounds (26 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $2.49 for 10 ounces (25 cents per ounce)
TJ: $2.99 for 10 ounces (30 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Mustard

Not as popular as salsa or ketchup, mustard is still a necessary condiment.
Costco: $4.89 for 3.75 pounds (8 cents per ounce)
Aldi: 55 cents for 1.25 pounds (3 cents per ounce)
TJ: $1.69 for 9 ounces (19 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Pretzels

Crisp pretzels are a traditional sports-watching snack.
Costco: $6.69 for 1.75 pounds (24 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $1.29 for 1 pound (8 cents per ounce)
TJ: $1.99 for 12 ounces (10 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Ketchup

If you're addicted to ketchup, you probably put it on everything. It also comes in handy as a marinade or seasoning to build flavor.
Costco: $8.49 for 8.25 pounds (6 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $1.69 for 2.38 pounds (4 cents per ounce)
TJ: $1.99 for 1.5 pounds (8 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Lemonade

Even in winter, lemonade is a refreshing non-alcoholic option that everybody loves.
Costco: $5.99 for 6 quarts (3 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $1.29 cents for 1.63 quarts (3 cents per ounce)
TJ: $2.99 for 2 quarts (5 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Fruit Platter

It's okay to offer something that is fresh, healthy, and delicious during the big game, especially if it comes pre-cut.
Costco: $9.99 for 3 pounds (21 cents per ounce)
Aldi: not available
TJ: $3.99 for 1 pound (25 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Frozen Pizza

Cheaper and fresher than delivery, frozen pizza is a good back-up plan to keep in your freezer.
Costco: $9.49 for 4.24 pounds (14 cents per ounce)
Aldi: $2.19 for 14.5 ounces (15 cents per ounce)
TJ: $3.99 for 14.8 ounces (27 cents per ounce)

Cheapism

Paper Towels

Do not underestimate the need for clean-up supplies. Paper towels are a handy staple any time of year, too.
Costco: $16.79 for 12 rolls ($1.40 per roll)
Aldi: $4.49 for 6 rolls (75 cents per roll)
TJ: $3.99 for 3 rolls ($1.33 cents per roll)

Cheapism

Cutlery

When hosting a group of people, disposable cutlery is often the option of choice.
Costco: $11.49 for 360 pieces (3 cents per piece)
Aldi: $4.39 for 96 pieces (5 cents per piece)
TJ: not available

Cheapism

Cups

What good is a keg if there are no cups?
Costco: $9.79 for 240 cups (4 cents per cup)
Aldi: $2.99 for 50 cups (6 cents per cup)
TJ: not available

Cheapism

Plates

Having a plate to use makes everything feel more civilized.
Costco: $10.99 for 220 plates (5 cents per plate)
Aldi: $2.99 for 70 plates (4 cents per plate)
TJ: not available

Cheapism

Napkins

Always have plenty of napkins on hand, especially if your party spread includes ribs or dips.
Costco: $8.99 for 1,040 napkins (less than 1 cent per napkin)
Aldi: $1.69 for 250 napkins (1 cent per 2 napkins)
TJ: $1.99 for 100 napkins (2 cents per napkin)