Does anyone here shop at Aldi's?

vlagrl29 · February 2016

Do they have good food for a better price? Currently I shop at our local grocery store Sunfresh every 2 week and on the off weeks I stop by Sprouts for produce. Lately it seems like our grocery bill is a bit higher than what it use to be and I'm not buying anything extra or out of the norm. I'm thinking of checking out Aldi's but I've never been.

julieanne912 · February 2016

I don't, but only because we don't have them here.

I've always heard good things about them and their prices. I think they have a few quirks, like you pay to use a shopping cart or something like that? But I think that might be refundable once you return it to the rack (vs leaving it in the parking lot, which probably saves on labor costs).

jessica490 · February 2016

I don't and won't. You need a quarter to borrow a cart and I think you can only pay by cash or check. Their boxed and canned food seems ok but I just don't trust their fresh food. I don't know why or have a reason and it probably sounds stupid, but I just don't.

My sister shops there though and sit, but you can't get everything you need from that store, the selection is limited.

cupcait927 · February 2016

jessica490 said:

I don't and won't. You need a quarter to borrow a cart and I think you can only pay by cash or check. Their boxed and canned food seems ok but I just don't trust their fresh food. I don't know why or have a reason and it probably sounds stupid, but I just don't.
My sister shops there though and sit, but you can't get everything you need from that store, the selection is limited.

At the two Aldi stores in my area that I've shopped at, you can pay by debit or credit card as well, not just cash or check. Not sure if that's true now of every store but ours take cards. I love Aldi, I just forget to shop there because it's not part of my routine. I've bought everything from boxed goods, canned items, dairy, produce and frozen foods. The produce I've purchased has been great, just had to make sure I consumed it quickly since most of it was at peak and would've spoiled quickly. The selection can be limited but they always have the basics. My old roommate even bought her gas grill from there - still going strong 4 years later!

ETA - to address OP's question of cost, yes I do save quite a bit of money whenever I shop at Aldi. I kick myself every time I do a big shop because I could be saving money (plus H hates making multiple stops, and I hate grocery shopping so I make him go with me).

labro · February 2016

Yes you have to pay a quarter for a cart, but you get it back when you put your cart back in the cart return like you're supposed to.

I don't shop at Aldi because I don't like our store's selection. H and I don't really buy a ton of boxed or dry goods types of foods otherwise it would probably be worth it it go there. The selection of fresh foods ours has is pretty meh.... I usually shop sales at Publix, Kroger, and Costco depending on what we're getting.

On the other hand, my SIL LOVES Aldi. But she also has 2 kids, so I think they're buying a lot more cereal, rice, pasta, etc. than we are and it makes a difference in their budget.

hoffse · February 2016

I don't, but that's because our local store is kind of grimy, and I can't bring myself to shop there. I know it's probably irrational, but it grosses me out that the floors and such are always dirty, and I can't do it.

That's just our store though. The Aldi's where my parents live is really nice, and they shop there all the time. If ours was managed like that one, then I would definitely shop there.

As it is, we primarily shop at Costco, Publix, and Target with the occasional big run at Walmart.

jtmh2012 · February 2016

hoffse said:

I don't, but that's because our local store is kind of grimy, and I can't bring myself to shop there. I know it's probably irrational, but it grosses me out that the floors and such are always dirty, and I can't do it.

We haven't checked out the Aldis here, but I'm with ya on the floors. My wife being from Thailand likes to shop the Asian markets here. The look great when they open, but they never renovate. So after a few years the insides just look horrible and really makes me wonder about the food.

AprilZ81 · February 2016

I shop at our local Aldi all the time because it is so much cheaper.

Yes, you need a quarter to "rent" a shopping cart, but I keep one in my car console so it is always there when I need it. You get the quarter back when you return the cart to the corral. No big deal.

Most of their products are generic but for most of the products I can't determine the difference in a taste test. Some things I like more than others, but that is the way with shopping at any store. I can get a box of "Fruit Loops" for $1.60ish, "Fruity Pebbles" for $1.99, milk is about $2.50 a gallon... Condiments and baking supplies are where I find the biggest savings so when I do my holiday baking it is my first stop.

I have no complaints about their meat either. I don't care for their pre-seasoned meats but their raw/frozen meat products are fine.

Our Aldi can take ATM cards but not credit. I wish I could get rewards points, but I'd rather have the cost savings.

I'm now in the habit of doing a meal plan, creating a shopping list and then heading to Aldi to get as much as I can before heading to another store. I'm lucky that my Aldi is close to Meijer (my primary big box store) so while it is a second stop it isn't too far out of my way.

csuave · February 2016

All of mine look nice and take debit cards (not credit). You bring your own bag or have to pay to get theirs; I'm green and I like that.

I buy a ton of stuff there and think the quality is good. I have shopped there for a few years now and have only returned steak that was expired when H bought it and canned tuna that I thought was bad quality (I won't buy this again there). both times they honored their double your money back policy.

Boxed goods are good quality and very cheap. I frequently get instant oatmeal, chips, crackers, cereal, etc.
Produce needs to be looked at carefully and sometimes they run out/don't have it/what is left isn't good quality to buy. But that is only now and then. Overall I'm there several times a week (I shop Just in Time since I can walk there) and constantly buying things we eat every day like bananas, broccoli, salad, berries, carrots, cheese, yogurt, etc.

brij2006 · February 2016

I love Aldi's! I do my "bulk" shopping there once a month. Then I fill in the rest with Walmart or Kroger.

Yes you have to use cash, check, or a debit card there (ours doesn't take credit), but I don't find that to be a big deal. You also have to bring your own bags, but I just leave a bag full of reusable bags in my car. You can also grab any empty boxes off the shelves and use those to pack your items. You also do have to use a quarter for their carts, but you get it back when you put your cart back.

I find that a lot of things can be much cheaper, but you do have to watch it. They are also going to be changing the food that they carry and be more similar to a Whole Foods store. It's going to be a few month transition, but I'm not sure if their prices will change because of this (most likely). I also like that they carry a good selection of gluten free items, and their cheese selection is really good for the price point.

Here's some things I buy there and just did this weekend:
- Milk (was $2.15/gallon)
- Eggs (were .99/dozen)

- lunch meat and sliced cheese (buy in bulk then freeze)

- Shredded cheese (freeze)

- pineapple, grapes, lettuce blend, and spinach. It was cheaper here than at other stores, but their blueberries on the shelf were already moldy. So I bought those at Walmart instead.
- Canned and bagged beans, chicken stock, pasta sauce, pasta

- Frozen pizza (we love their Mama Cozi brand pizzas)

- Frozen veggies, but these are hit and miss on what they have in stock. I can usually find peas and corn, but have had trouble finding mixed veggies.

- Frozen fish fillets. They have individually frozen ones, and they are cheap and delicious. Great for a quick healthy meal.

brij2006 · February 2016

They have good cheap wine too. Just saying.

csuave · February 2016

brij2006 said:

They have good cheap wine too. Just saying.

Not in PA

But I suppose that keeps my grocery bill down

vlagrl29 · February 2016

well we already buy our chicken and beef from costco at bulk so we wouldn't be buying meat at Aldi's. Currenly we do buy a lot more boxed stuff because we have a kid - teddy grahams, nilla wafers, fruit bars, gold fish, fiber one bars, etc. Do they carry name brand things or is it like best choice?

jessica490 · February 2016

vlagrl29 said:

well we already buy our chicken and beef from costco at bulk so we wouldn't be buying meat at Aldi's. Currenly we do buy a lot more boxed stuff because we have a kid - teddy grahams, nilla wafers, fruit bars, gold fish, fiber one bars, etc. Do they carry name brand things or is it like best choice?

I've seen a few select name brands, but it's mostly off brands

csuave · February 2016

vlagrl29 said:

well we already buy our chicken and beef from costco at bulk so we wouldn't be buying meat at Aldi's. Currenly we do buy a lot more boxed stuff because we have a kid - teddy grahams, nilla wafers, fruit bars, gold fish, fiber one bars, etc. Do they carry name brand things or is it like best choice?

Just a few name brand things (Cheerios, Kraft singles are two I know of off the top of my head). From the things you have listed everything I have tried is as good or close enough to the name brand version in quality/taste.

I'm not sure if the name brand items they carry are cheaper than typical grocery stores...I haven't compared.

brij2006 · February 2016

vlagrl29 said:

well we already buy our chicken and beef from costco at bulk so we wouldn't be buying meat at Aldi's. Currenly we do buy a lot more boxed stuff because we have a kid - teddy grahams, nilla wafers, fruit bars, gold fish, fiber one bars, etc. Do they carry name brand things or is it like best choice?

It's a mix of both.

I will say that I find their version of goldfish (Penguins) aren't as good, but DD still scarfs them down.

vlagrl29 · February 2016

I think maybe I will take DH with me maybe this weekend and we can scope it out before I try a trip there. Essentially I would be replacing Aldi's with our SunFresh store - I don't want to go to 3 stores. That just defeats the purpose of time management which is important to me.

jessica490 · February 2016

vlagrl29 said:

I think maybe I will take DH with me maybe this weekend and we can scope it out before I try a trip there. Essentially I would be replacing Aldi's with our SunFresh store - I don't want to go to 3 stores. That just defeats the purpose of time management which is important to me.

Yes, I agree with this. We do *most* of our shopping at 1 store. I feel it saves us time and money. My parents run around to a few different stores to score deals but to me it's a pain and I don't have time or patience for that.

maple2 · February 2016

We don't have an Aldi's in our current location, but we used to live near one. It never became a regular store for us because I couldn't count on it to have the things I wanted, particularly when it came to produce. I'm definitely a one store a week kind of person, and usually a trip to Aldi's would mean we'd need to make a trip to a 2nd store. At least for us, the cost savings weren't enough to make up for the extra time and effort of going to 2 places. We would occasionally stop there and stock up on non-perishable staples if we had some extra time or needed a bunch of things they were likely to have.

CuriousKiddosMama · February 2016

We are supposed to be getting an Aldis soon and I'm interested to try it out. I've never shopped there before but have heard about their transition to more organic and non gmo foods, which isn't a huge priority for us, but if we can get it at a reasonable price will be worth it.

PurpleBookmark · February 2016

I've been meaning to try Aldi's for months now, I know a lot of people that rave about it. The thing is I love our local Wal-Mart - we actually prefer a lot of their Great Value/ Equate/ Parent's Choice brands to name brands. Also if I need a belt or pair of pants for someone I can get them there too. I don't have much time for an extra shopping trip so I'm not sure at this rate if I'll ever get there.

JoanE2012 · February 2016

jessica490 said:

I don't and won't. You need a quarter to borrow a cart and I think you can only pay by cash or check. Their boxed and canned food seems ok but I just don't trust their fresh food. I don't know why or have a reason and it probably sounds stupid, but I just don't.
My sister shops there though and sit, but you can't get everything you need from that store, the selection is limited.

I actually like this - so many people are too lazy to return carts to the corral, so for stores that don't do this, there's always a ton of carts around the lot. More chance for one to roll into my car. And of course, you get your quarter back!

I don't shop there because there's not one near me. But when we lived close to one, we would go there. It wouldn't replace our regular grocery store, but supplement with certain things.

blondie42107 · February 2016

I shop Aldi along with a big box store (a few blocks away) and Sam's Club (we don't have Costco). I've recently bought: milk, eggs, canned tomatoes (diced, no salt added, stewed, etc), canned beans (pinto, black, kidney), cereal, oatmeal, pure maple syrup, pasta, ravioli (frozen), deli meats (Never Any line), shredded cheese, fruit/apple sauce pouches (organic - my kids love them!), WINE

The sale ad we got today advertises: 10lb russet potatoes $1.49, blueberries (pint) $1.89, 3lb bag of mandarins $2.29. I usually pay 59 cents for canned tomatoes, 79 cents if I get the organic.

I get a lot of our meat either from family (go farmers!) or from Sam's Club because the bulk price is good!

bcarb · February 2016

I cant believe how many people don't shop at Aldi! It is SOOOOO much cheaper than the bigger stores. We shop there every other week and sometimes weekly-It seriously only takes 15 minutes to get in and out. We buy most of our produce there because it is soo much cheaper. I have never once had a problem with it. We also buy our meat there. It is probably better to buy the knock off version rather than name brand stuff there because the name brand items are more expensive than what you would see at a big box store. Our store takes debit card, just not credit. You have to bag your own groceries (which I prefer) and you "rent a cart" but you get your quarter back, I don't see how that is a big deal and really more stores should do it instead of wasting the baggers time collecting carts instead of bagging my groceries. I highly suggest anyone who is one the fence about aldi to try it out. worth it! oh and they have AWESOME wine for 2.99.

als1982 · February 2016

I'm a stock pile shopper, so I watch the sales and shop in that manner. (For example, I'll buy 20 bags of cheese when it's $1.50 or less and last week I bought 50 frozen burritos for H's lunches since they were BOGO). I do most of our shopping this way at Sprouts (cheap produce, bulk items and great BOGO deals) and Price Chopper (a regional chain). I supplement with Costco sales (but I only buy when they offer a "coupon") and we usually get a meat bundle from my mom or brother every Christmas that will last us the majority of a year. Aldi is out of my way, and our grocery stores here don't sell wine or alcohol, but if they did, I might drive a little out of my way for $3 hooch.

jtmh2012 · February 2016

bcarb said:

Our store takes debit card, just not credit.

This is what would keep me from shopping there. I don't carry that much cash on me and I don't let anyone run my debit card. Too many protections are lost in my opinion and nobody needs to have direct access to my checking account. Although, I guess in a pinch I could bring a checkbook, but that'd require me to actually remember it.

beetee123 · February 2016

I did a short stint working for Aldi, and just knowing how they run the business the food is good quality there. We were taught to check the produce and anything that looked even slightly off had to be tossed. That's actually part of the reason I left because it was so hard for me to throw out a bunch of bananas because they were starting to brown a little bit. It seemed really wasteful to me that they at least didn't have a program where they donated those items. Almost everything is the generic aldi brand, but most of the time you can't tell the different. We actually have some products that we prefer the aldi brand. They do market research to figure out what people will buy generic and what is better to sell name brand. For example, they know people won't buy aldi brand toothpaste so they sell crest, but most people don't care if their cotton balls are name brand. Their name brand stuff never seems to be that much cheaper than any other store.

vlagrl29 · February 2016

we went to aldis yesterday to check it out. I don't think its going to be one of those stores that replaces my current grocery store. It didn't carry enough variety of things to make it a 1 stop shop so I will still be checking out a couple different grocery stores looking if there is anything more affordable.

Erikan73 · February 2016

You can save money there as long as you don't look for brand names. Be willing to try things but only get one of an item until after you try it. Some things are as good if not better then brand names, others not. It's all a matter of personal preference. Fresh flowers are a great price there. Check veggies and fruit before you buy them, as they sometimes don't have the shelf life they do in other stores. Now how much money you will save, if any, depends on what the prices are like at the stores you go to. They don't really beat the prices on fresh foods to the mom & pop store we shop at. But the little store we shop at doesn't carry laundry soap, toliet paper and toiletries. It's worth checking out if you have one near you.

csuave · March 2016

My Aldi is now taking all major credit cards. I go in there all the time so I suspect it was implemented March 1. May be worth checking with your local Aldi to see if it is in more locations.

This is great for us because all our groceries will now be on cc and easier to track plus more cc bonus!

cupcait927 · March 2016

csuave said:

My Aldi is now taking all major credit cards. I go in there all the time so I suspect it was implemented March 1. May be worth checking with your local Aldi to see if it is in more locations.

This is great for us because all our groceries will now be on cc and easier to track plus more cc bonus!

Just checked the Aldi website - there's a big banner on their homepage saying they now accept major credit cards, so I'm assuming this applies to all locations.

Does anyone here shop at Aldi's?

Re: Does anyone here shop at Aldi's?

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