A recent study by CashNetUSA has examined the cost of a typical basket of vegan groceries at Walmart stores across the United States, revealing considerable differences in pricing between states. The study analyzed Walmart prices in the most populous cities of each state, comparing them to the national average.
Affordability across states
Among the findings, Arkansas emerged as the most affordable state for vegan groceries, with prices approximately 3.8% below the national average. Conversely, Hawaii registered the highest prices, with costs for vegan products 31.8% higher than the national average.
The study also identified significant price fluctuations from year to year. Arizona saw the largest decrease in prices for vegan groceries, with a drop of 3.4% since 2023. In contrast, Alaska experienced one of the sharpest increases, with prices rising 11.94% over the same period.
In terms of affordability, Massachusetts stands out as the most accessible state for vegan shoppers. In the state’s largest city, it takes just over an hour of work at the local average wage to purchase a typical basket of vegan groceries.
Price variations and consumer impact
While some regions experienced price reductions, others saw increases across various products. Walmart President and CEO, C. Douglas McMillon, noted in a February earnings call that prices for some everyday items, such as deli snacks and apples, have decreased, while others, like asparagus and blackberries, have become more expensive.
Despite the lower prices in Arkansas, the state is not the most affordable when income levels are considered. Residents in Arkansas, where Walmart’s headquarters is located, must work an average of 1 hour and 33 minutes to afford the basket of vegan groceries. This is among the highest times spent relative to income in the study, although it is still less than in Mississippi, where residents need to work 1 hour and 43 minutes.
The impact of ‘bettergoods’
The study also examined the impact of Walmart’s new private label, “bettergoods,” launched in 2024, which includes premium vegan products. While prices for these products may vary by state, vegan grocery costs at Walmart are generally consistent across the country, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii, where premiums are significantly higher.
Walmart continues to focus on maintaining its “everyday low prices” model, though there are concerns that potential future trade tariffs could increase prices for certain products. CFO John David Rainey acknowledged the possibility of price increases in an interview with CNBC, but explained that these would not affect the majority of Walmart’s inventory.
In addition to the regional price variations, the study noted that there are differences in local wages, which directly impact how affordable vegan groceries are in each state. The data gathered from this study provides a clearer picture of the factors influencing vegan grocery prices at Walmart across the US.
