There’s really no worse feeling than buying something and later realizing you could have gotten it cheaper somewhere else. Here in Santa Clara, we have a few different shopping options when it comes to produce, and sometimes it’s hard to tell which is best.
If you want to buy your produce so you can be healthy but also cost-savvy, check our price comparisons below. We looked at the cost of 10 popular fruits and veggies at Safeway, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and the Santa Clara Farmers’ Market to determine where you can get the best bang for your buck.
#SpoonTip: Produce prices fluctuate throughout the year, so save even more money by focusing your purchases on what’s in season.
Apples
Photo by Lindsey Cosgrove
Trader Joe’s: $0.69 per apple, or about $1.75 per pound
Safeway: $2.49 per pound
Sprouts: $1.49 per pound
Farmers’ Market: $2.00 per pound
The Verdict: Whoever said to eat an apple a day was not on a college student’s budget – that can get expensive. But, if you’re buying Gala apples, you can get the most for your money at Sprouts.
Spinach/Salad Mix
Photo by Lindsey Cosgrove
Trader Joe’s: $1.99 for a 5 ounce bag
Safeway: $3.99 for a 5 ounce bag
Sprouts: $2.99 for a 5 ounce bag
Farmers’ Market: $2.00 for a 6 ounce bag
The Verdict: Trader Joe’s and the Farmers’ Market come in close, but only the Farmers’ Market will give you that bonus ounce for essentially the same price. So next time you’re buying spinach or mixed greens, head to the Farmers’ Market. Popeye would be proud.
Onions
photo by Lindsey Cosgrove
Trader Joe’s: $0.59 per onion, or about $2.30 per pound
Safeway: $1.99 per pound
Sprouts: $0.99 per pound
Farmers’ Market: $1.50 per pound
The Verdict: Onions are something that no one really ever has, but any even somewhat-involved recipe will probably call for one. So, in the event that you find yourself needing a yellow onion, Sprouts is definitely your best bet.
Carrots
Photo by Angelina Marioni
Trader Joe’s: $0.79 per pound
Safeway: $1.50 per pound
Sprouts: $0.80 per pound
Farmers’ Market: $1.30 per pound
The Verdict: Trader Joe’s and Sprouts pretty much tie on this one. So, next time you want a crunchy and healthy snack, head to whichever market is more convenient.
Oranges
Photo by Angelina Marioni
Trader Joe’s: $0.59 each, or about $2.65 per pound
Safeway: $0.99 per pound
Sprouts: $0.99 per pound
Farmers’ Market: $2.00 per pound
The Verdict: Sprouts and Safeway are in a dead tie here. Either store is fair game next time you need a snack to refuel at halftime or want some fresh OJ.
Lemons
Photo by Lindsey Cosgrove
Trader Joe’s: $0.39 each
Safeway: $0.69 each
Sprouts: $0.50 each
Farmers’ Market: $0.50 each or $2.00 for 5
The Verdict: Trader Joe’s is the clear winner for lemons. But, if you find yourself making lemonade and needing 5 of them, the Farmers’ Market price will be just about even with TJ’s.
Strawberries
Photo by Lindsey Cosgrove
Trader Joe’s: $5.99 per carton
Safeway: $5.99 per carton
Sprouts: $3.98 per carton
Farmers’ Market: $4.00 per carton (fewer berries than the others)
The Verdict: Sprouts blew this one out of the water. There is no question where you should be buying your strawberries, with Sprouts coming in $2.00 cheaper than Trader Joe’s and Safeway and giving you more strawberries than the Farmers’ Market’s almost-equal price.
Sweet Potatoes
Photo by Lindsey Cosgrove
Trader Joe’s: $0.79 each, or about $1.80 per pound
Safeway: $1.99 per pound
Sprouts: $1.49 per pound
Farmers’ Market: $1.50 per pound
The Verdict: Sprouts and the Farmers’ Market come in pretty much tied. Your wallet will thank you when you buy your sweet potatoes at either place.
Snap Peas
Photo by Tori Robertson
Trader Joe’s: $5.25 per pound
Safeway: $4.00 per pound
Sprouts: $3.98 per pound
Farmers’ Market: $4.00 per pound
The Verdict: Safeway, Sprouts, and the Farmers’ Market all just about tie on this one. Basically, just don’t buy snap peas at Trader Joe’s.
Brussels Sprouts
Photo by Maggie Gorman
Trader Joe’s: $4.78 per pound
Safeway: $3.49 per pound
Sprouts: $2.66 per pound
Farmers’ Market: $3.50 per pound
The Verdict: Again, Sprouts takes this one. Coming in almost a dollar less than its next-closest competitor, Sprouts should be your go-to for Brussels sprouts.