Aldi is the place to be!
I discovered Aldi through my girlfriend, who began shopping there in 2022, and I have been nothing short of impressed since. Aldi has a no-frills approach. They are straightforward, efficient, and entirely focused on great value. I don't need the unnecessary extras! Simplicity and saving money are the name of the game to me! Aldi is a refreshing change from the chaos at Kroger and Costco.
I've been telling friends about my positive experiences at Aldis and how their fresh, high-quality options easily rival more expensive stores. Many of my friends are skeptical, but I say, don't knock til you try it. A few of my favorite items are pictured below this post.
If you haven't been to Aldi and you're curious about it, check out my tips for ensuring a productive and positive Aldi experience.
Take a Quarter for a Cart: Aldi requires a 25-cent deposit to use a shopping cart. When you return the cart, you'll get your quarter back, so keep a quarter handy to avoid any hassle.
Bring Your Own Bags: Aldi doesn't provide free bags, so bringing your own reusable shopping bags is essential. I usually don't use a cart and will use my big bag to hold my groceries.
Keep an Open Mind if You Have a Meal Plan: While Aldi offers a great selection of products, certain items may occasionally be out of stock. Be flexible and ready to make substitutions as you shop. And if you need Asian items, Aldi is very limited on those.
Go on Wednesday Mornings: Aldi typically restocks its shelves on Wednesday mornings, making it the best time to find fresh produce and new weekly deals.
Check Out the Aldi Finds Aisle: Aldi has a special aisle dedicated to limited-time specialty items called Aldi Finds. You can discover unique, seasonal, and sometimes quirky products here, so don't skip it!
Buy in Bulk When Possible: Aldi often offers bulk items like toilet paper at discounted prices. Stock up on non-perishables when you can to save money in the long run.
Look for Aldi's Private Labels: Aldi's private label brands are often just as good, if not better, than name-brand products and usually come at a lower price. Give them a try!
Consider Bringing a Cooler Bag: If you plan on buying refrigerated or frozen items, a cooler bag or packs can help keep your groceries fresh, especially if you have a long drive home. I forgot my cool packs last weekend and bought some frozen food bags instead!
Use the Aldi App: Download the Aldi app to stay updated on weekly ads, special buys, and digital coupons. It can help you plan your shopping trip and maximize savings.
Bring Cash or a Debit Card: While Aldi does accept most major credit cards, they are known for keeping costs low by avoiding high credit card fees, so using a debit card or cash can sometimes be more efficient. At the Aldi I go to there is only one cashier and only the cashier will accept cash. There could be a short line for the cashier.
Avoid Sunday Afternoons: It's a little crazy and may trigger Costco memories!
Try their Coffee Creamer: It's the best-kept secret and rivals the expensive ones. Their fall flavors are fantastic!
Try NeverAny! Meats: The salmon, chicken, and beef are all great and the prices are even better. My pretty lady especially likes the Italian and Breakfast Chicken Sausages.
