By Joshua M. Bernstein / Photography by Elizabeth Coetzee

Grocery shoppers regularly buy store-brand cereal to save several bucks, but for many, private-label beer seems a step too far. It's understandable, said Arlin Zajmi, director of national buying for adult beverages at the discount grocer Aldi: "In the past, from a private-label perspective, many retailers focused on price and forgot about quality. We do the opposite and start with quality first."

Aldi is part of a growing wave of chain retailers, including Costco, Wegmans, Stewart's Shops and Trader Joe's, that work closely with craft breweries to produce compelling beers that deliver on both value and taste. "We wanted to make a beer that's so good, no one could complain about the price or the quality," said Russ York, the corporate buyer for wine, beer and spirits at Costco.

From refreshing lagers to decadent stouts, all five of these private-label beers warrant a spot on your shopping list.

1 | The Hazy IPA for Wegmans

Other Half Brewing Astor Place IPA (6.2% ABV)

For the 2023 opening of the Wegmans in Manhattan's Astor Place, Brooklyn's Other Half created this lush, fruity hazy IPA, found in all the chain's stores licensed to sell beer. With a Wegmans Shoppers Club membership shave $2 off a four-pack. 4 (16-ounce) cans, $18

2 | The Crisp Aldi Pilsner

Aldi Pilsner Wernesgrüner Pil Legende (4.9% ABV)

Aldi tapped European brewing giant Carlsberg to produce this true-to-style German pilsner. Its pleasant bitterness and crispness complement grilled burgers and yardwork. Available at more than 2,000 Aldi stores across the U.S. 4 (500 ml) cans, $7

3 | The Trader Joe's Treat-Turned-Beer

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter (9.2% ABV)

Richmond, Va.'s Hardywood Park produces special releases paying homage to popular T.J.'s treats. This strong imperial porter channels the grocer's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. 1 (16-ounce) can, $3.75

4 | A Crowd-Pleasing Costco Lager

Kirkland Signature Helles-Style Lager (4.5% ABV)

Deschutes Brewery uses premium Weyermann malt here to bridge the gap between craft and bulk-buy lager. "This is a chance for us to bring our craft beer to Americans everywhere," said CEO Peter Skrbek. 12 (12-ounce) cans, $14

5 | The Gas-Station Upgrade at Stewart's

Paradox Brewery Mountain Brew Lager (6% ABV)

The Stewart's Shops chain recently rebooted Mountain Brew, with a refreshing new recipe from Adirondacks brewery Paradox. "Our customers really trust and expect private label," said Chad Kiesow, chief operating officer. 2 (19.2-ounce) cans, $4

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Prop Styling by Emma Ringness

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 17, 2025 11:45 ET (15:45 GMT)

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