The 11 New York Discount Grocery Markets Where Groceries Cost Half The Supermarket Price
One grocery store in upstate New York sets some of its prices based on your household income. I had to read that twice. A sliding scale for groceries sounds like a wish, but it is a real way to shop.
That store is only one stop on this list. Another market runs as a non-profit and sends its sales toward a community coalition. A few more sit in Finger Lakes farm country, where spices, cheese, and baking goods come in big, budget-friendly bags.
I love that saving money on food can feel like a treasure hunt. At some of these spots, the shelves change from week to week. You could leave with a dented box of cereal, a sack of oats, and a bunch of fresh flowers for the table.
So how much smaller could your grocery bill get if you shopped a little differently?
1. Bargain Grocery, Utica, NY
Groceries with a good cause attached make your shopping list feel like a small act of kindness. This Utica store runs as a non-profit, and its sales support the Compassion Coalition.
The mission goes beyond cheap food, though cheap food is a big part of it. The store works to improve food access and cut down on food waste in the community.
So what lands on the shelves? Expect a wide mix of affordable produce, discounted goods, prepared foods, and even flowers.
Here’s the fun twist. The selection changes from week to week, so your trip can feel more like a scavenger hunt than a chore.
That shifting stock pays off for careful shoppers. Some people say they save hundreds of dollars a month by making this place a regular stop.
Plant-based eaters, take note. The store carries a lot of vegan items at prices that feel close to a giveaway compared to regular retail.
Paying is simple, too. Cash, EBT, and major debit and credit cards are accepted at the register.
Timing matters if you hate bumping carts. Thursday and Friday afternoons get busy, and Saturday stays lively from morning into the afternoon.
Monday evening is the quiet window for a calmer trip. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM and closes on Sundays.
On-site parking makes it easy to load up the trunk. Bring a few reusable bags, because you may leave with more than you planned.
Address: 1110 Lincoln Ave, Utica, NY 13502
2. Bargain Grocery Troy, Troy, NY
Fighting food waste never tasted so affordable. Over on River Street, this Troy shop sells many of the same groceries you’d grab elsewhere, just for far less.
The store opened in September 2024, which makes it a fairly new face in the Capital District. It shares its mission with the Utica location, including support for the Compassion Coalition.
Fresh produce is a strong point here. You’ll also find a range of frozen items, which is handy for stocking the freezer on a budget.
Shoppers often describe the assortment as surprising. One trip might bring pantry staples, while the next turns up something you didn’t expect at all.
Flowers show up here too. A cheerful bouquet next to your bag of apples? That feels like a win for the kitchen table.
The staff get a lot of love for being friendly. That counts for something when you’re hunting for deals and have a question about what just came in.
Hours run a bit shorter than at a big supermarket, so plan ahead. Bargain Grocery Troy lists its hours as 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday.
Sundays are closed. Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest, while Saturday afternoon is usually the busiest stretch.
Parking options include an on-site lot plus street parking nearby. It’s a quick visit kind of store, perfect for squeezing in a deal run between errands.
Address: 558 River St, Troy, NY 12180
3. Horning’s Surplus & Discount Groceries, Penn Yan, NY
Flooring, cheese, and a new spatula all on one receipt? At this family-owned surplus shop near Penn Yan, that kind of combo is totally normal.
The store sells discounted, overstocked, and new brand-name goods. Groceries share space with housewares and toys, so your list can wander a bit.
On the food side, think dairy products, baked goods, and plenty of snacks. Prices run lower than you’d expect, and shoppers praise the quality for the cost.
Surplus shopping works a little differently from a regular supermarket. You buy what’s there, so it helps to keep an open mind and a flexible meal plan.
Beyond the kitchen basics, the shelves stretch into kitchen tools and even flooring. Some bent and dent appliances turn up too, which could save you a bundle on a dented but working machine.
That mix makes it a fun stop on a drive through the Finger Lakes region. You might come for crackers and leave with a new mixing bowl.
Friday is the late night, with doors open from 9 AM to 8 PM. Monday through Thursday and Saturday, hours run from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday is closed.
Want elbow room? Early weekday visits tend to be the calmest, while Saturday afternoon draws the biggest crowd.
Shopping happens in person only, with no delivery. Grab a cart, take your time, and check the snack aisle twice.
Address: 848 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
4. Sauders Store, Seneca Falls, NY
Bulk bags, a fresh deli, and a cafe under one roof make this country store a full-day kind of stop. It sits on River Road outside Seneca Falls, and it’s roomy enough to wander.
Big selection is the name of the game. The store offers a lot of bulk items at discounted rates, which helps if you bake, cook for a crowd, or just like a full pantry.
Good news for your wallet. Shoppers report that much of the stock costs less than at most big chain grocery stores.
Fresh food gets plenty of attention here too. Local produce and meats fill out the shelves alongside the bulk goods.
Hungry while you shop? The deli and cafe serve prepared foods, and there’s a bakery for something sweet on the ride home.
Flowers are part of the mix as well. It’s a nice touch when you want to brighten the house without a separate trip.
Restrooms are available, which matters on a long country drive. Parking comes easy too, with a free lot on site.
Hours run Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Friday stretches to 7 PM, Saturday closes at 5 PM, and Sunday is closed.
For a peaceful visit, try Tuesday or Thursday evening. Saturday afternoon is when the aisles fill up the most.
Address: 2146 River Rd, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
5. Oak Hill Bulk Foods, Inc., Penn Yan, NY
Spice lovers, your new happy place might be on Route 14A. This Penn Yan specialty grocer is known for bulk goods, cheese, and spices at very fair prices.
Part of the appeal is the unusual stock. The store carries plenty of items you won’t spot at a typical grocery store.
Bulk shopping can stretch your budget in a big way. Buying larger bags of baking basics or seasonings often costs less than tiny jars and boxes.
The cheese counter deserves a slow walk. Pair it with fresh produce, and you’ve got the start of a pretty great snack board.
There’s an onsite cafe for prepared food when hunger hits mid-aisle. A bakery adds fresh treats to the lineup.
Organic products are available too, which is helpful if you like cleaner labels without paying top dollar. Flowers round out the offerings.
Need a quick break? Free Wi-Fi and restrooms make it easy to pause, check your list, and keep going.
The store also offers in-store pickup. That’s handy if you know exactly what you want and need to get back on the road.
Doors open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM, with Sundays closed. Saturday morning into the afternoon is the busiest time.
Weekday evenings are the quiet stretch for relaxed browsing. Free parking keeps things simple when your trunk gets heavy.
Address: 3173 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
6. Lantz’s Bulk Foods Inc, Warsaw, NY
Breakfast first, bargains second sounds like a solid game plan. At this Warsaw store, an onsite cafe serves breakfast and lunch right next to the shopping aisles.
The doors open at 7 AM on weekdays and Saturdays. Early birds can grab a bite and fill a cart before most supermarkets get going.
Spices are a big deal here. The assortment is huge, so you can finally replace that ancient jar of paprika in your cupboard.
Bulk foods make up much of the store, and prices stay reasonable. Buying in larger amounts can help families and home bakers save over time.
Beyond the bulk bins and bags, you’ll find a bakery. Organic products are on hand for shoppers who want them.
Planning a longer stop? Free Wi-Fi and restrooms make the cafe a comfy place to rest during a trip through Western New York.
Weekday hours run from 7 AM to 5 PM. Saturday closes a little earlier at 4 PM, and the store stays closed on Sundays.
Thursday and Saturday are the busy days, from morning into afternoon. If crowds aren’t your thing, aim for another weekday.
You can shop in person at Lantz’s Bulk Foods, and the store also accepts shipping orders by phone or email. Bring a list, but leave a little room for whatever catches your eye in the spice section.
Address: 5673 State Route 20a E, Warsaw, NY 14569
7. Price Rite Marketplace of University Ave., Rochester, NY
Store brands are the secret weapon at this Rochester supermarket. Price Rite stocks its own-brand products right beside fresh foods and everyday groceries.
Why does that matter? Own-brand items usually cost less than big-name labels, and they can trim a weekly bill fast.
Shoppers recommend this location for grocery savings. Many say its prices beat the major supermarkets.
The produce section is a highlight, so don’t rush past the fruit and vegetables. A bakery and flowers add to the lineup.
Here’s a perk the smaller country stores on this list don’t offer. Delivery is available, which helps on busy days or snowy Rochester afternoons.
Parking gets praise too, with a free on-site lot. Restrooms are available if you need a quick stop.
Long hours make this one easy to fit into your week. The store opens at 8 AM daily and stays open until 9 PM Monday through Saturday.
Sunday closes a little earlier, at 8 PM. Weekend afternoons, especially Saturday and Sunday, tend to be the busiest times.
Weekday mornings from Monday to Thursday are much calmer. That’s the sweet spot for a quick, focused shopping run.
Address: 1230 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
8. Price Rite Marketplace of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY
Walking out with a full cart and money to spare is the dream. At this Syracuse Price Rite on Erie Boulevard, budget shoppers say that dream happens.
Some shoppers even call its prices the cheapest in the city. That’s a bold claim, and it explains why the parking lot stays full.
The store carries a wide range of grocery products. Fresh foods sit alongside Price Rite’s own-brand items, which help keep totals low.
Produce is a strong department here. Add a stop at the bakery, and maybe grab some flowers while you’re at it.
Delivery is offered for days when you can’t make it in. That’s a big help in Central New York winters.
The store opens at 8 AM every day. It closes at 9 PM Monday through Saturday and at 8 PM on Sunday.
Crowds can be tricky here, so plan smart. Afternoons and evenings from Wednesday through Sunday tend to be the busiest stretches.
Mornings are your best bet for quieter aisles. Monday and Tuesday also skip the heavy busy windows.
A free on-site lot makes loading groceries easy. Restrooms are available, which is nice during a big stock-up trip.
Address: 1625 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13210
9. Country Side Grocery, Penn Yan, NY
A little bit of everything is the best way to describe this Hazard Road shop. Country Side Grocery is a small bulk food store with big savings in rural Penn Yan.
Shoppers keep using one word about the prices: amazing. That’s high praise for a store that’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking.
Cleanliness stands out here. The shelves look tidy, which makes bulk shopping feel simple and calm.
The mix covers groceries and staples. Fresh produce is a highlight, so check what’s in season when you stop by.
The atmosphere earns kind words too. Staff come across as polite and friendly, which makes a quick stop even more pleasant.
Penn Yan shows up three times on this list, and that’s no accident. This corner of the Finger Lakes has a strong lineup of bulk and discount stores.
Why not make a loop? You could visit a few Penn Yan stops in one day and compare deals.
Hours run Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Saturday hours are shorter, from 8:30 AM to 3 PM, and Sunday is closed.
That early Saturday closing catches people off guard. Plan your weekend trip for the morning to give yourself time to browse.
Restrooms are available on site. Shopping happens in person only, so bring bags and a little patience for the back roads.
Address: 2500 Hazard Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
10. Rolling Grocer 19, Hudson, NY
Paying based on your household income sounds wild at a grocery store. Rolling Grocer 19 in Hudson uses a sliding scale model that does exactly that.
The idea is simple and pretty brilliant. Prices shift with income, so more people can afford fresh, healthy food.
Local food is front and center. The store offers locally sourced, healthy, and organic options.
Fresh fruit and vegetables lead the way. Many shoppers call it the best option around for fresh, affordable produce.
The shelves go well beyond produce, too. Look for dairy, different breads, spices, oils, grains, and a frozen section.
Need shampoo or soap? Toiletries are in stock, so you can finish more of your list in one stop.
Shoppers often point to the community spirit behind the payment model. It feels like a grocery store built around neighbors helping neighbors.
Here’s a bonus for busy schedules. The store is open seven days a week, from 9 AM to 7 PM.
In-store pickup is available if you want to grab and go. Tuesday afternoon into evening is the busiest window.
Many other times stay quiet, including Monday and Saturday mornings. Plan around those for a relaxed visit.
Address: 6 S 2nd St, Hudson, NY 12534
11. Western Beef Supermarket, Ridgewood, NY
With beef right in the name, you can guess where this Ridgewood store shines. Western Beef is a warehouse-style supermarket with full meat, seafood, and dairy departments.
Warehouse-style means a big, no-frills setup. Lower costs on the store side can mean lower prices for you.
Shoppers call it very affordable and well stocked. Plenty also praise the low prices and wide selection.
The meat department is the natural first stop. Seafood comes next, followed by a dairy section for milk and cheese.
Craving something ready to eat? A bakery and deli section help you grab lunch or a fresh loaf.
Produce is another strong department. Flowers are available as well, which is a nice extra in a busy New York City neighborhood.
Hours are generous for city life. The store opens at 7 AM daily and stays open until 10 PM Monday through Saturday.
Sunday closing time is 9 PM. Busy stretches include Saturday morning through afternoon, plus Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday afternoons.
Monday night is the quietest time to shop. Night owls, this one’s for you.
Delivery is available on days you’d rather stay home. Parking includes an on-site lot, a rare treat in Queens.
Address: 47-05 Metropolitan Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385