Candidly speaking, Purdue’s store and grocery situation isn’t super ideal – but it is improving. Since West Lafayette is not a huge metropolitan city, most of your typical grocery superstore options will require a CityBus ride (or an Uber). The presence of international students – one of the highest for a major university in the country – also means that grocery stores that cater to specific populations and their needs are also available.
On-campus Groceries
Your main options on-campus are unfortunately limited. You essentially have the Boilermaker Markets (the small gas station-esque places where you can use Dining dollars, Boiler Express, normal cash/cards, etc.), and the small Target on Chauncey Hill.
Off-campus Superstores
| West Lafayette | Lafayette | |
| Payless/Kroger | There are a few locations around town, but the West Lafayette location is pretty large and offers a variety of food options, and is on a CityBus route. You can find their sale flyers online. If you sign up for their membership card (free), you get discounts on various items, and some coupons are mailed to you on a monthly basis, based on what you normally shop for. If you sign up for their credit card, which can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard, it’ll be tied to your membership number, and you also get dollars back in ‘cash coupons’ every quarter, that can be used toward future Payless purchases. Most Payless locations also have their own gas station, and you get discounts on their gas by being a member. For a fee, you can order to pick up in their parking lot, and they’ve also implemented delivery. Payless has a pharmacy on site, and a Walgreens within walking distance in the same retail center. | Yes |
| Walmart Supercenter | There are multiple locations around town, but the West Lafayette is most frequented by Purdue students due to location and is located on a CityBus route. Offers both grocery items as well as clothing, household goods, auto care center, vision center, pharmacy, and garden center. For a fee, you can order online and pick up in the parking lot, or have items delivered. If interested, they have a credit card program, that can be used anywhere that Mastercard is accepted, but allows you to earn cash back on purchases. | Yes |
| Sam’s Club | No | Located in Lafayette, off State Road 26; probably a 15-20 minute drive from campus, depending on traffic. It is also on a CityBus route. Requires a membership, but look for membership deals for Purdue students, and especially around back-to-school time and holidays. This is a store where you buy things in bulk, similar to a Costco, if you’re familiar with those stores. They offer some items with same-day delivery. Depending on your membership level, free shipping on most items may be available. You can order online and they’ll have the items pulled for pickup, as well. They have an auto & tire center, pharmacy and bakery. If you’re buying items in bulk, this usually has the better prices. If you become a member, watch for special sales they have throughout the year to save even more on certain items. |
| Target | Very small store on State Street in West Lafayette. It is a little pricier than the larger store and offers limited selection, but could be a great solution if you just need to pick up something on campus really quick. You can sign up for their ‘Red Card’ as a debit or credit card, and it offers you 5% discount on purchases and special discounts throughout the year. | Target Supercenter offers grocery items, clothing, household goods, etc. They do offer a pickup option and sometimes there are extra discounts offered when you order something via the pickup versus shop for it in the store. |
European Groceries
ALDI (210 SAGAMORE PARKWAY, WEST LAFAYETTE & 957 SAGAMORE PARKWAY, LAFAYETTE)
Maybe you don’t know that shopping at Aldi is actually a German supermarket experience. This explains why you must pay a deposit, or pfand, when you pick up your shopping cart, which is refunded upon its return. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags; Aldi does have plastic bags, but customers are charged for them – another German practice.
Aldi, a no-frills supermarket, carries standard grocery items, but many of them are European brands. Its house wares are a hit, but as regulars at Aldi know, you can’t depend on finding items from one week to the next. At Christmastime, Aldi is the best place in town to find traditional German holiday treats, such as mulled wine, or Gluhwein, and chocolate advent calendars.
Asian Groceries
ASIA MARKET (2400 YEAGER ROAD, WEST LAFAYETTE)
Asia Market caters to multiple ethnic palates. Aisles are clearly labelled, noting food items from Africa, India, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China and Taiwan. Fresh and frozen meats, rice in bulk, and frozen items are all available, as are spices, sauces and easy-to-prepare foods. Dishes and house wares are also available.
BETTER WORLD MARKET (402 BROWN ST., WEST LAFAYETTE)
Better World Market is hidden just off the West Lafayette levee, tucked in behind Tapawingo Park and Wabash Landing. A fairly large supermarket, it carries a variety of items that cater to its Asian clientele. The store carries a variety of vegetables, from lotus root to Japanese yams. Customers can find everything they need to cook their dishes, such as bulk rice, fresh meat and spices, or they can find easy-to-prepare ramen noodles and frozen items. Some toiletries also are available, with translated labels, making it friendly for those unfamiliar with English. The store also offers local delivery and free pick-up. As a bonus, there is a small restaurant hidden in the back of the store, offering authentic Chinese cuisine.
HANA MARKET (3457 BETHEL DRIVE, WEST LAFAYETTE)
From its inauspicious frontage in a strip mall, Hana Market appears to be tiny. But upon entering, it’s a large space, filled with rows of items that cater to its audience. The store is about 80 percent Korean items with some Japanese and Chinese items. It’s a haven for those far from home, and a place where they can find familiar items. The store offers a variety of grocery items – from staples for cooking to quick items, easy to heat up and prepare, which are popular with students. People can pick up snack items or their daily supplies, such as rice and kimchi.
African & Caribbean Groceries
SAFARI GLOBAL MARKET (1221 SAGAMORE PARKWAY N, LAFAYETTE)
Safari Global Market is an African grocery store which specialized in the selling of premium quality African food products. It serves groceries and products for both African, Caribbean, and other communities at affordable prices.
Mexican Groceries
OASIS MEXICAN GROCERY (2338 SAGAMORE PARKWAY, WEST LAFAYETTE)
This store, on the edge of West Lafayette, offers everything one needs to make authentic Mexican food. From beans and rice to pre-made tortillas, Mexican food lovers can find everything they need. Beverages and speciality sweets are favourites.
JALISCO GROCERY (3315 MCCARTY LANE, LAFAYETTE)
Jalisco Groceries offers a vibrant selection of authentic Mexican ingredients and products.
MAMA’ INES MEXICAN BAKERY (518 SAGAMORE PKWY N., LAFAYETTE)
Mama Ines is a family owned bakery dedicated to making the best and most authentic artisan Mexican bread and pan dulce. Find home style tamales, cakes for all occasions, pastries and cake pops
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