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As autumn settles in, seasonal merchandise is popping up everywhere, and I took a close look at the fall offerings from two popular retailers: Walmart and Aldi. From limited-edition pumpkin treats to festive home decor, both stores have plenty of options-but which one delivers the best value?
With prices rising across the board, finding affordable seasonal items is more important than ever, especially for products we only use a few weeks each year. To help you get the most bang for your buck, I compared prices on everything from coffee and snacks to baking supplies and decorations. Here’s what I found.
1. Coffee – Aldi Takes the Lead
A pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks can set you back over $6, so brewing at home is a smart choice. Walmart’s Great Value Pumpkin Spice ground coffee comes in at $4.82 for 12 ounces, while Aldi’s Barissimo brand is slightly pricier at $5.89.
However, when it comes to pumpkin spice coffee pods, Aldi wins with a 12-pack priced at $4.29, beating Walmart’s $4.47. Adding seasonal creamers to the mix, Aldi’s Cinnamon Roll Coffee Creamer is $2.69 compared to Walmart’s $2.78, making Aldi the overall winner for your pumpkin spice fix.
2. Seasonal Snacks – Aldi Offers Better Deals
Walmart boasts a larger variety of fall snacks but leans heavily on brand names. For example, a 4.1-ounce bag of Ghirardelli’s chocolate jack-o’-lanterns costs $6.78, while Aldi’s comparable Choceur Fall Chocolate Pumpkins are $4.69.
Aldi also shines with specialty snacks like Pumpkin Pie Clusters ($3.29) and Pumpkin Spice Covered Pretzels ($2.99), providing tasty options at lower prices.
3. Bakery Items – Aldi Outshines Walmart
Both stores stock fall-themed baked goods, but Aldi offers better prices. Walmart’s six-pack of Marketside Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies is $5.97, while Aldi’s version is $4.49.
Aldi also sells a 10-pack of frosted sugar cookies for $4.35, beating Walmart’s $4.94. Though Walmart has a wider bakery selection overall, Aldi wins on price.
4. Fall Baking Products – Walmart Slightly Ahead
For those who prefer baking from scratch, Walmart edges out Aldi with slightly lower prices on boxed mixes and pumpkin pie crust. Walmart’s Great Value pie crust is $1.48 compared to Aldi’s $1.65 for a similar item.
While Aldi has competitive prices, Walmart offers a bit more value in this category.
5. Interior Decor – Aldi Scores Again
Looking beyond food, Aldi offers attractive fall home decor at better prices. A decorative pillow from Aldi’s Kirkton House is $12.99, nearly $2 less than Walmart’s similar My Texas House pillow.
For cozy throws, Aldi’s 50-by-60-inch plush blanket is $4.99, compared to Walmart’s $6.97 option. While ceramic pumpkins are similarly priced at both stores, Aldi takes the win overall.
6. Kitchen Items – Walmart Offers More Savings
Walmart wins on kitchen-themed fall items. A ceramic pumpkin cocotte is $5.97 at Walmart versus $7.99 at Aldi.
Though Aldi sells a cheaper two-pack of kitchen towels ($2.99) compared to Walmart’s four-pack at $13.78, Walmart’s hand soap offers better value per ounce, making it the winner in this category.
The Verdict
Aldi takes the crown for the best overall fall aisle bargains, offering strong savings on seasonal snacks, coffee, bakery items, and decor.
Walmart still impresses with a wider selection and competitive prices on baking products and kitchen items. For savvy shoppers, splitting trips between both stores can maximize savings and selection.
Money-Saving Tips for Fall Shopping
To get even more value, consider using cash-back credit cards on your purchases at both retailers. Beyond seasonal shopping, boosting your financial health can come from increasing income through side hustles, growing your savings with smart investing, and taking advantage of discounts and deals-especially on essentials like auto insurance.
With a bit of planning and careful comparison, you can enjoy all the flavors and festive touches of fall without overspending this season.