From the 1st time I stepped into Aldi, I knew I was in savings heaven. I also knew it was yet another reason to move to the East coast. Aldi is my kind of store. Their everyday prices are better than the best rock bottom sales I see at other grocers and even beat deals we see around the holidays. Plus, their no frills motto means I’m in and out in 5-7 minutes with only the stuff I wanted to buy in the first place. Seriously, move over Disneyland, this is the best place on earth {Okay, okay—from a saving-money-on-groceries perspective}.
So are there ways to save even more at Aldi? Yep. As a matter of fact there are! Some I saw first hand, some have been emailed to me or left in the comments section. So I’m plopping them altogether right here so you can wrack up even more savings the next time you head to Aldi.
- Do your homework. You can look up the Aldi’s weekly ad online before heading to the store so you know exactly what their weekly sales are. They also have these ads available right when you walk in. The ads list all of their weekly specials, which discount their already discounted items. Those end up being stock up prices, so be sure to take advantage of them.
- Check the center aisle. I guess all sorts of deals to had are housed, at random, in the center aisles. There’s no rhyme or reason to what you’ll find, but be sure to take a quick peak and see what’s on sale there.
- Check their clearance section, too! If you’ve never seen Aldi’s clearance rack, you are seriously missing out! At most stores, you’ll find a moving rack of amazing deep discounted items. Check it out the next time you’re at Aldi, look for it!
- Watch for meat sales. When Aldi discounts their meat, they become stock up prices. You’ll normally see meat sales start midweek, but from what I’ve seen, you won’t be able to find cheaper meat prices anywhere.
- Buy discounted organics. Years ago, organic products were foreign to Aldi. But once they introduced a wider selection a few years ago, you can now find organic products with the same huge savings compared to other stores. Of course, your options are limited, but if you are an organics shopper, keep your eyes open for their organic deals.
- Don’t forget your bags or your quarter. Bring your own grocery sacks or they’ll charge you. They do this to keep their costs low so they can, in turn, pass those savings onto you! Also, you’ll need a quarter for a cart {which you’ll get back when you return it}.
- Swing by the bakery. Fresh baked goods at outlet store prices? Yes, please! Their bagels, croissants, rolls and bread are delish, and those prices are, too!
- Shop at the register. I saw some great deals on products at the register. So basically keep on shopping even when you’re unloading. Unlike the regular priced last second register buys at normal stores, the items at the register are just as inexpensive as everything else at Aldi!
- Check out their Fit and Active line. If you are watching your fat or calorie intake, look into their healthier line: Fit and Active. They offer foods with lower fat and calorie content as well as gluten free, low sodium, and GMO free food options, too.
- Don’t buy your eggs, cereal, milk, spices, pantry staples, or produce anywhere else. Seriously. Their everyday prices are the cheapest I’ve ever seen on these things. Your variety might be limited, but your wallet will absolutely thank you!
Follow those tips and you’ll watch your grocery spending shrink. Big time! What do you love about Aldi? Any tips you use to find even bigger savings there?
Save on!
~Mavis
bobbi says
I love Aldi! They do have the best prices at pretty good quality. I stock up on the pantry supplies all the time too! So awesome being able to save a bucj or two. 🙂
Laura says
I was buying the single trail mix packs at the register for around 89¢ each, but then I noticed they sell a whole box of them in the snack aisle. I forget the exact price but if you buy a whole box it comes in around 50 cents a pack.
Debi says
I love Aldi! Every time I go shopping there I say to myself, “Where was this store when I had three teenagers living at home?” and “Thank goodness I have this store in retirement!” I have never bought anything there that wasn’t top notch quality. I love their selection of special cheeses.
Jeanie says
I’ve been an Aldi shopper for about 26 years….long before it became cool. At that time, our one store was in the worst part of town. Now we have many stores in our town and they have all moved to nicer areas. It has been interesting to see the store evolve over time but the basics of stayed consistently low priced and great quality. You cannot beat the prices on the spices!! Their bread used to be horrible but it has become great and their cheese….is our downfall! The only thing that I can’t stand at Aldi is the canned soups. They are all gross. I rarely use them though so it doesn’t really have a big impact on me. Aldi for the win!
Melissa M. says
I shop at Aldi frequently and I enjoy using my Earthwise grocery boxes there. They are a sturdy foldable box with handles and can be bought on Amazon. They are an investment but so worth it to me!
Jennifer Grace says
A USDA meat inspector recommended Aldi ribs to our friends. Every time they smoke some for us they are the best ever!
Maureen says
I have found that Aldi’s consistently has very meaty baby back ribs. I wait for the sale and stock up.
KC says
If you forget to bring bags (or if you’ve got a grocery list with a lot of heavy things), just pick up sturdy empty boxes as you go through the store. It’s way easier to carry your canned goods in a box than in thin regular grocery bags, and there’s no charge. (This is how I hauled Aldi groceries to the car and home every time for a long time in two Aldi locations, and more than half of the other people I saw shopping did the same.) If there are not enough boxes (happened to me once; I’m not sure if there are more available at some times of the day or something?), you can still just unload your groceries into your car and then bag them up when you get home; I’ve never paid for a bag at Aldi.
Mavis Butterfield says
Love that tip! Thanks KC.
Dawn S says
I love Aldi, but wait until you get introduced to their competitor, Lidl! It has become my hands-down favorite grocery store. They even have an on-site bakery! Happy shopping!
Jannette says
Where is Lidl coming to the US and when?
Deb says
They have purchased property for a store in San Antonio but there has been no ground breaking yet.
Kara says
There are two Lidl stores in the Greenville. SC area. I’ll take Lidl over Aldi all day long. It’s awesome!
Lynn from NC Outer Banks says
No Aldi where I live (NC Outer Banks), but Lidl has purchased property here but not yet broken ground. Have never been in a Lidl, but these comments make me eager to see it built!
Nicole says
If your ever get to Greenville NC there is both a Lidl and Aldi. Well worth checking out. I’m now hooked. Went yesterday and my bill was 40% less that what it would have been at Walmart.
Lynn from NC Outer Banks says
Good to know, Nicole! When we travel in the state we often stop and shop at Aldi. I wasn’t aware a Lidl is in Greenville. I’ll keep my eye out. I especially would like to check out the bakery that I read they have within the store 🙂 Thanks!
Carrie says
Lidl’s are popping up all over NC just not in my city, Greensboro.
Laura Z says
We just got Lidl here in NC. It’s a lot like Aldi but with a fresh bakery case with real bread, more plants and fresh flowers,more wine and beer, and a wider selection of cheese and international products. I shop at both to score their specials for the week, but Lidl is my favorite.
Diana says
We have a Lidl in Winston-Salem, NC but alas, I live 35 miles away in Mount Airy, NC. blaaaah
Lisa Lindsey says
Lidl is more expensive than aldi
Rebecca Forst says
Couldn’t agree more Lidl puts Aldi to shame.
Cheryl says
I wish Denver had these prices. Groceries have gone up 3 times since my last raise…
Alice says
Put a box or two (or three or four!) in the trunk of your vehicle. Since you have to take your cart out to your car most of the time, just pack while you have your trunk open into your own boxes. That way you pack the way you want it packed and if your boxes are manageable enough you can just carry the box into the house to unpack. I’ve done this for years.
Alice
Ani says
Great idea! Thanks!
Marcia says
These are great tips. I for sure will check them out when I’m visiting family this summer. It’s a new addition since I left town 30 years ago.
Kim says
I like Aldi and they have great prices but i don’t like the fact that you can’t count on a product being there every time. If you find something you like, it might not be the next week or ever again. Also, if you want/need a certain produce item, they may not have it that week. It throws my meal planning into a tail spin.
I mostly bulk shop for pantry items (tomato paste, spices, nuts) and paper goods once every two – four weeks. I will pick up cheap produce when I’m there.
Sue says
I just walk around in the store with my bags from home and put my groceries in them.
That way I don’t need to get a cart and it keeps me to my list, works great.
PSU06VAL says
Not sure where in New England you are Mavis…but if you are anywhere near Amish &Mennonite families, an enclave I suppose there probably is a grocery store that can beat even Aldi! I love the few near me…cant beat veggies and the deli prices! On a side note… your enthusiasm is awesome. Glad to see you so vibrant and not bound by the HOA !
Gigi says
You’re right! My aunt lives near a few of those stores. The prices for flour (whole grain is less than $1.50 for 5lbs last time I was there) and spices are insanely cheap. I stock up every time I visit.
Lynne says
I learned about Aldi from your blog, but had never seen one. I visited one out of state, and then was able to find one about six towns away from where I live. Awesome place. Butter prices there are $1.99 and it’s almost impossible to find it under $3 anywhere these days. Their Fit & Active bread is just as good as any other bread you get at a supermarket, and it’s 45 calories a slice. I haven’t been disappointed by a purchase yet!
Cass says
No one mentioned the junk food. The prices on chips, crackers and cookies are wonderful. I do ALL my shopping for parties there. Sour cream and onion soup mix…yummy.
Someone said they didn’t like their soup….I know it is an individual taste….but I like their chicken noodle soup better than the brand name version, so give it a try.
I find that their brand of honey nut O cereal is harder than the national brand, so if you like your cereal hard, try it out.
Ani says
I’ve loved Aldi’s and live 30 minutes from 3 stores. Don’t forget to download the app. You can see the up coming specials. I purchased fantastic fleece sheets and comforters there last winter. Recently I got potting soil, raspberry and blackberry bushes. They have an awesome return policy, with the receipt.
After reading these posts, I’m looking forward to the Lidl stores!
Ellie says
Good to know about the flannel sheets! I took a chance and bought 2 pair of fleece lined leggings for like 7 bucks each. They are the nicest quality, soft, thick and smooth. Every time I put them on, a big ‘ahhh’ slips past my lips. I lived in them all winter and still look and feel new. Went back to stock up and of course they were gone.
Sea says
I also bought sheets there recently! They are very soft cotton (maybe 400 thread count), and were $29.99 for a king set!!! My husband always complains that our sheets are not soft enough, and always wants to buy outrageously priced high thread count ones, but he has not made any negative comments about this set. I supplemented it with a couple of cotton blend pillowcases in a complimentary pattern from Walmart, and it’s worked out great.
Practical Parsimony says
We have had an Aldi here for about four years and I have been in it three times. I need an electric cart. Walking and holding onto the cart was painful. And, I can never get the quarter in or out! So, I just offer a person returning the cart a quarter. Works for me. The first time I went in there, I was in pain and the floor was strewn with boxes of produce that had fallen off. The produce that was still where it belonged looked old and walked on. Aldi might be great for the able-bodied, but it is not for me.
A hail storm with record breaking hail shut the Aldi down for a month. Now, I received a coupon for $5 off $30 worth of groceries. I am trying to figure out how to use it.
Carrie says
My Aldi store is really responsive to complaints. I would tell a cashier next time you go that you love the store but wish it was more accommodating for people with disabilities.
nancy grimsley says
If you go to Aldi on Mon. after the new sale has begun, the meat which was on sale the previous week will be marked down. I picked up a pkg of chops that was 10.00. It had three big 2.00 off stickers. I assumed I would get 2.00 off. WRONG. They give you full value for ALL the stickers on a package. I got 6.00 off. They often get too much in for a particular ad and have tons of packages of meat left over and marked down. GREAT DEALS. So look for those big red stickers next time you walk past the meat.
Mavis Butterfield says
Awesome! Thanks Nancy.
Carrie says
I rarely see marked down items at Aldi but I do shop at 9am on Sunday before the crowds.
CSirca says
At my Aldi I have some of the FASTEST cashiers I’ve ever seen. I can’t unload my cart as fast as they ring stuff up!! It drives me nuts shopping for food anywhere else because I feel like they are moving in slow motion compared to the Aldi cashiers.
Sea says
Do you know one of the reasons the check out is so fast? Check out the packaging on Aldi house brands: they have multiple bar codes in different locations on the package, so they ring up no matter where the cashier scans it! Brilliant, right?!!
Gail says
our new sales prices start on Wednesday each week. Most times, if you shop on Tuesday, you can take advantage of both week’s sales. We love Aldi.
Rebecca in MD says
Love Aldi and appreciate your assembling all of these tips. Try their onion dip next time you have a party. I got a huge container for 99 cents and it was terrific. Love the hummus in particular, also. Our nearby Aldi’s just opened this year, and I have been raving about all the money I save.
Mike Logan says
My wife shops Aldi and Woolies in Australia. Aldi has some great buys – cleaning products in particular. Their fruit and veg is usually of a lower standard than the other two supermarkets but a lot cheaper. Some items aren’t so good. The meat range is limited. Still we save heaps there.
DavidB says
I agree about Aldi but look around for a Lidl; also German, the two compete to get prices down. Another is Farmfresh; they sell mostly canned (not bottled) goods but a few veg and beat Aldi and Lidl but usually in bulk – four cans of H***z Baked Beans for xample
Bette I says
NOT JUST AN ALDI POST–JUST BARGAIN SHOPPING!
I purchase all dairy, baking supplies, snacks, produce, etc. from Aldi (32 miles one-way). I check two stores who price match each other, I prefer one for my meat purchases. They wrap meat in plastic film and then paper, no freezer burn. Last month I had a whole pork loin sliced, tenderized and packaged for $1.69 lb.–great for breaded tenderloin sandwiches or stuffed pork rolls smothered in mushroom gravy. My husband gardens and I can/freeze whatever he brings in e.g. 30# buckets of tomatoes. We are so fortunate!
Judy says
Aldi being built in Fresno! I love them in Ohio except they wrap everything in produce in so much plastic! I will skip the produce because here in California there are so many cheap options for fruits and veg not on plastic tray with plastic wrap and plastic labels. I will love getting the meats, dairy, and dry goods at rock bottom prices. And the household goods are always an adventure. Never know what you will find, watch out for made in China tho.
Christine says
Our Aldi prices are not that great. The only items they’re consistently lowest on is produce. They do have random meat sales that are ok. 99% of everything else I the store I can find better prices ay Walmart.