Best Discount Grocery Stores In and Around Portland

Save More of Your Monthly Food Budget

Portland is an expensive city, which makes it even more important to save anywhere you can. I’ve gathered a list of the best discount grocery stores, bargain warehouse stores, specialty discount grocers, and bakery outlets in and around Portland.

I dream of baked goods and magical produce displays at New Seasons and Whole Foods as much as the next Portland hipster, but I don’t like leaving the store with a $35 receipt for four items. If you still want all the PNW vibes at your grocery store, you won’t have to look far.

The list below focuses on stores that originated in the Pacific Northwest. Don’t get me wrong: I stock up on canned goods at Walmart, and I am in love with Trader Joe’s.

If you find most of your budget-friendly shopping needs are met at national stores like Safeway, that’s great. Consider adding one of Portland’s best discount grocery stores to your shopping list. 

Discount Grocery Stores

Chuck’s Produce & Street Market

Chuck’s is a family-owned grocery store with two locations in Vancouver. They have a great bulk foods section, a beautiful display of fresh produce and plenty of weekly specials to help you save. Reminder: You will have to pay sales tax. Head up to Washington and swing by:

• 13215 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver
• 2302 NE 117th St, Vancouver

Fred Meyer

Let’s be honest—Freddie’s in not the most cost-effective, unless you know how to scope out the deals. Save more by taking advantage of weekly ad specials, digital coupons on their website, and using the mobile app. There are about 18 locations in the Portland Metro. Find one near you.

Grocery Outlet

Grocery Outlet, Bargain Market! I hope you all sang that as you read it. The GO sells groceries and other products for 40-70% off retail prices, which results in big savings for you. Be prepared to stock up while you’re there. Aside from dairy products and produce, you don’t always see the same items twice. Sign up for “WOW” email alerts to be notified about cools deals, such as wine tastings, oh and deals. 

WinCo

Winco is my all-time favorite grocery store. Employee owned. Bulk section. Wide aisles. Plenty of checkout lanes. Did I say bulk section? Make the most of your shopping trip by signing up for Winco coupons.

Warehouse and Specialty Stores

Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice 

This restaurant supply store is also open to the public. It is a great place to shop, especially if you have a big family. Groceries are sold at case prices and single packages. Swing by one of these 8 Portland metro locations:

• 910 N Hayden Meadows Dr., Portland
• 1825 NW 19th Ave., Portland
• 731 SE Stephens, Portland
• 8250 SE Stark Street, Portland
• 2521 NW Division St., Gresham
• 15700 SE 82nd Dr, Clackamas
• 11745 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard
• 3950 SW 17Oth, Aloha

Costco Wholesale

For my household, the annual membership fee of $60 is well worth it. The Kirkland brand products are by far the best deal, and can be found in every department. Remember that bulk isn’t always better. If the product goes bad before you can enjoy it, it’s a waste of money. I have made this mistake one too many times with bags of avocados.

Here are the nearby Costco locations:

• 4849 NE 138th Ave, Portland
• 13130 SE 84th Ave, Clackamas
• 7850 SW Dartmouth St, Tigard
• 15901 SW Jenkins Rd, Aloha
• 1255 NE 48th Ave, Hillsboro
• 6720 NE 84th St, Vancouver

Growers Outlet

Deeming itself Portland’s year-round farmers market, Growers Outlet is the best place for local, seasonal produce and cost-effective dried goods such as pastas, beans, trail mixes and more. This quaint location at 16145 NE Glisan St is worth a visit.

Tienda Santa Cruz

This grocery store opened in Portland in 2000. Offering groceries, meals and baked goods, it is a one-stop shop for authentic Mexican cuisine. Tacos are only $1.50 a piece. They have two locations in Portland:

• 24 SE 82nd Ave.
• 8630 N Lombard St.

Uwajimaya Asian Grocery

When the Beaverton location (10500 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy) opened a few years ago, it was all the rage. This still rings true for this well-stocked Asian supermarket, featuring products from Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is just like a regular grocery store with a lot more fun, unique food items. Here are the discount days:

• If you’re 60 or older, shop every Tuesday morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and get 10% off most regular-priced groceries (no coupons).
• College students get 10% off every Friday from 6 p.m. until closing and get 10% off most regular-priced groceries (no coupons). Bring your valid student ID.

Bakery Outlets

My great grandma introduced me to bakery outlets. She would visit the Franz outlet once a month and stock up, grab a free sample and then go home and freeze most of the loaves. 

Franz Bakery Outlets

• 340 NE 11th Ave, Portland
• 14510 SE Stark St, Portland
• 8440 SE 45th Ave, Portland
• 11540 SE Foster Rd, Portland
• 10840 SW Cascade Ave, Tigard
• 18075 SW TV Highway, Aloha
• 6701 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver

Bimbo Bakery Outlet

• 10750 SW 5th St., Beaverton

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