Premium Alkalines such as the Durcell Procells are quite expensive when purchased in small twin packs, they compare well with the German made Varta High Energy D-cells etc

http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Energy-Profes...ergy+D+Alkaline

Buying in Bulk is the way to go. Duracell Procells can be purchased for just over 1$ each when buying packs of 24.

http://www.amazon.com/Duracell-Procell-A...cell+D+Alkaline

D cells compares very favorably (bang for the buck) with AA cells, when you consider that they have 6-7 times the stored electrical energy of an AA Alkaline cell and much greater potential to delivery high Watt/hrs capacities at higher drain currents. i.e > 1 watt loads. D cells are the way to go for home use! AA cells for portable lightweight gadgets.

http://www.amazon.com/Duracell-Procell-A...cell+D+Alkaline

i.e. just under 50 cents per AA cell. AA cells to compete would typically would need to priced around 15-20 cents per Cell.

I will just purchase the occasional 2xD pack from a local discount store, which are just as good performers as the Varta and Duracell Procell and Coppertops, but will cost around half the price. These are Aerocell 2xD packs from Lidls (German made).

Generally though I have switched to German made Ansmann MaxE D LSD NiMhs rechargeables which are much more cost effective in the long run, although initially they are very expensive.