I always keep a box of penne on hand. It's a versatile pantry item that works for quick dinners, especially when I don't feel like putting much effort into cooking.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that both stores had penne for the same price.

I use mixed greens constantly, whether in salads, sandwiches, or smoothies.

I ended up with a bigger container at Walmart for a better price per ounce. Since I knew we'd use up these greens before they went bad, I also preferred buying the larger package.

Ground turkey is one of my favorite proteins to cook with, especially for tacos or rice bowls. I usually go for 85% lean.

Both stores provided me with a great quality product, but Aldi won me over with its lower price.

I love having frozen vegetables on hand for last-minute stir-fries or side dishes.

Both bags were solid, though Walmart's option was a bit cheaper by the ounce. Although I like the taste of Aldi's veggie mix better, Walmart gets the win on price.

Black beans are my go-to when I need to stretch a meal or add protein to a dish. I like mixing them with ground turkey or adding them to rice dishes.

Aldi wins this round, no question. Savings add up fast when it comes to pantry staples.

We go through a lot of shredded cheddar each week, whether we're using it on taco night or in scrambled eggs.

Prices were close, but Walmart just barely took this round. I couldn't tell a huge difference in taste or quality, so I'd buy this from whichever store I'm already at.

I was excited to find a big tub of Café Bustelo at Walmart, especially since buying larger quantities of something can often save you money in the long run.

However, I was surprised when I compared the cost per ounce. Aldi is my clear winner here: Same brand, same taste, way better value.

Milk is a weekly staple in our house. We use it for coffee, cereal, and baked goods.

In terms of price, Walmart takes this one by a small margin.

Whether for overnight oats or protein bites, I always have a container of these in my pantry.

This one was close, but Aldi still came out slightly ahead.

Mandarin oranges are a weekly snack favorite for us. I like that they're sweet, easy to peel, and healthy.

Walmart's Halos are great, but Aldi's mandarins won this round.

I can't leave the store without a treat. For me, it's usually dark chocolate.

The prices weren't too far off — but Aldi's Moser Roth bars felt like an even better value after I tasted the bar from Bettergoods. It wasn't bad, but it didn't beat my go-to chocolate.

Looking at these numbers, my money still seems to go further at my usual grocer: Aldi.

I found some pleasant surprises at Walmart, especially when it came to the prices of the mixed greens and milk. However, Aldi's lower prices across the board on staples like beans and coffee impressed me more.

Walmart also deserves kudos for its wide variety of brands and options. Aldi mostly only sells products from its own label, which some shoppers may not like.

Personally, though, I think Aldi's simplicity and limited options can make grocery shopping a quicker task.

Prices and sales may vary by location and over time, but for now, Aldi still reigns supreme for me.