When it comes to finding the best place to go grocery shopping in Columbia, consumers are picky. Nearly every store in Columbia has something cheaper than everybody else. A fair way to compare is to find the prices for both name brand and store brand products at every store. Canned vegetables provide a good example.

Most stores have their own store brand vegetables along with Del Monte, the name brand. In this study, Wal-Mart had the cheapest store brand and Del Monte vegetables. But that's just one comparison of 62 food items researched between 11 grocery stores: three Wal-Marts, three Gerbes, one Mosers, a Hyvee, a Schnucks, an Aldi and a Patricia's.

The difference in pricing is a result of two different pricing strategies. Stores can use either Hi-Lo pricing or EDLP, which is everyday low pricing. Wal-Mart and Aldi uses everyday low pricing, meaning most of their products cost less than other stores. For other stores like Schnucks, Gerbes, and Hyvee to keep up, they use Hi-Lo pricing. They use promotions and other sales to select a few items to be significantly cheaper.

So depending on when you go, you'll get a deal somewhere. Unfortunately, there is no single grocery store completely cheaper than the other. The margin of difference is so small, you are probably better off just going to the store closest to you and save a little gas money.

This study was conducted June 14th and June 22nd. Click on the link to see a full list of the prices of the products.