Tips like these helped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story in Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.
I am a card carrying ALDI fan club member. I know my manager by name and could almost walk to the newest location where I shop. Even though they’re known for their low prices and I’ve written about why I love to shop there before, there are still some specific ways you can save money at ALDI. Here are my best strategies.
Bring Cash
You can’t use credit cards at ALDI, only cash and debit. So either memorize that debit pin or pull out cash before you go. I always recommend using cash at the grocery store instead of plastic to keep your budget on track. I see a big difference in my own shopping (and I’m a money saving ninja) when I choose to use cash over debit.
Bring Bags & a Quarter
One of the ways that ALDI keeps costs down is that you have to purchase your own bags when you check out. You can use the empty boxes that store products are displayed in but I always empty my bags when I get home and place them back into my trunk immediately so I have them for the next trip. You also need to bring a quarter with you. Your quarter allows you to “rent” your cart. It’s yet another way overall prices are lower, because ALDI doesn’t have to hire workers to run around the parking lot collecting carts. But, it can catch you off guard if you’ve never been before or don’t have change in your car or wallet. I typically keep an ALDI quarter in the drink holder in the front seat.
Watch the Ads
ALDI has killer weekly savings on produce, meats, and speciality items. You want to watch the weekly ads that either come to your mailbox or you can check them online. You can also track ALDI’s deals on the Favado app.
Focus on Meats & Produce
It’s very easy to get caught up in the yummy snacks and chip items at ALDI each week. However, you’d do best to watch the deals on fresh and frozen meats, fresh and frozen produce. This is where you’ll really see the price difference from the regular grocery store. You might not always be able to find brand name items when it comes to household goods or pre-packaged foods. But ALDI’s meat, veggie, and fruit selection is hard to beat. Before we began paying off debt, I mistakenly held the opinion that the items at ALDI were a lesser quality but I’ve actually found the exact opposite to be true. I’ve never had a problem with meats or veggies when shopping there over the last 7+ years.
Clearance Seasonal Items
ALDI features a number of holiday seasonal items on a regular basis. While they have lower prices compared to most grocery stores, you can really get a steal on such items after the season passes if your ALDI manager marks down items to clearance. I’ve gotten crazy deals in the past on everything from kitchenwares to clothes and even shoes for my kids. You won’t find these items every time you shop at ALDI but if you have a careful eye and the patience, you can score a killer of a bargain.
Watch for Rotational Items
Regularly, ALDI features a number of goods that rotate in and out of their stock. Many times, they are food items based on a specific ethnic cuisine. Other times, they have a healthy living focus. We’ve discovered many family favorites in these rotational items and tend to stock up when we see them featured in the ad. Recently, our favorite mango peach salsa (once a rotational item) has become regular stock. It was difficult not for me to buy 7 jars.
Gluten Free & Organic Goodness
If you are avoiding gluten, lactose, or any other allergen ALDI products are the best marked in the business. It is very easy to see whether or not a regular product is free from these items by flipping over and looking at the labeling. ALDI has also introduced a line of products that are gluten free. The Princess Youngest has to avoid it as does the King so I am SO thankful for some affordable options like Gluten free Macaroni and Cheese ($1.49), Bread (the only bread my daughter will eat), cookies, and more. ALDI is also carrying a wide variety of organic products now, too. You can purchase organic produce, meats, and more!
Double Guarantee
Another money saving offer that sets ALDI apart is the Double Guarantee. If for some reason, you are unsatisfied with an ALDI purchase, the store will both replace the identical item AND give you your money back. I’ve only done this once (a box of taco shells weren’t very fresh) in seven years of shopping at ALDI but love knowing that anything I purchase would be replaced. You do need to keep the packaging and your receipt. Also note that the guarantee does not apply to non-food Special Buy items, alcohol, or national brands.
15 Things I Always Buy at ALDI
There are some items I can’t purchase anywhere else because they are so stinking affordable at ALDI. I don’t purchase them every week but I wouldn’t purchase these items for more anywhere else. I’m going from the price book in my head so I may be off a penny or (dime) or two. But the majority of the prices are seared into my brain. Also, these are regular prices. Occasionally the items will go on sale.
- Coffee: Fair Trade Dark Roast Barissimo 12 oz. $3.99 Regular Price
- Oats (Quick or Old Fashioned): 42 oz. $2.29
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: $3.99
- Cinnamon (4.25 oz): $0.99
- Cereal: Depends on the brand but usually $1.79
- Eggs: Varies but has been $1.49 recently at my ALDI
- 16 Inch Deli Pizza: $4.99 for Cheese Pizza (These are AMAZING and huge)
- Spinach: $1.79 9 oz. bag
- Gluten Free Bread: $3.99
- Pork Tenderloin: $2.89 per pound
- Real Vanilla: $1.99
- Natural Peanut butter: $1.69 per jar
- Black Beans: $0.59 per can
- Tomato Plants & herbs: In the spring watch for these items!
- Pumpkins: In the fall they’re as low as $0.99 but I’ve never seen them more than $3.99
I have many more favorites but these rank the highest! As a general rule, I purchase staples – herbs, flour, sugar, butter, cheese (because cheese is a staple in my house) only at ALDI. I also love the hams at Easter and the turkey breast, too. I could go on and on and on.
Do you shop at ALDI? What other savings tips would you recommend?
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
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The meat is good quality? I’ve always been weary about buying it.
The steaks (sirlion) are awesome. I’ve bought some and froze them..so good.
I love the meat there. I’m not sure where all the ALDI meat is fishy sort of rumors came from. I’ve never ever had a problem.
A couple of years ago, ALDI discovered that some of their beef in the U.K. was actually horse meat. It only affected Europe, and was an issue with a supplier. Several grocery chains were affected.
http://www.snopes.com/food/tainted/aldi.asp
Years ago (like 25 or more) my parents used to shop there and the meat was terrible. I remember that my mom bought it a couple of times and it was just gross! I only tried it again when I started shopping there because of the money back guarentee
and have you had any problem with the meat??
I still didn’t love it. It was fine for things like tacos or spaghetti, but I usually buy better quality stuff for actual hamburgers. Our Aldi’s moved to the other side of town, so now we shop at Ruler Foods (Kroger’s version of Aldi’s) and their meat is all really good. Their steaks are probably my favorite and they have several levels of hamburger to pick from.
I wish we had a Ruler Carrie! I’m hoping one comes to our area soon. I’ve heard very good things. 🙂
I’ve not had any problems with the meat at our ALDI Amy. 🙂
Do you have more than one Aldi you like? I am from Indianapolis. I have been to a couple different Aldi stores and some carry different items. I have tried W. Washington St., Plainfield and the Avon store. The Avon store seem to have a wider range of varieties in the frozen section, but I would be driving by two Aldi’s to get to Avon. Whats your opinion on this
I haven’t really noticed that before. That’s interesting!
I shop at the W. Washington store every week. But I’ve considered going to the Avon or Pfield store because they are bigger and might carry more organic items. If you save more and have a better selection, do it!
CHEESE! That’s my favorite thing to buy at Aldi. From a bag of shredded cheddar to a log of goat cheese to string cheese, it’s all awesome.
YES. Fresh mozzarella and the honey goat cheese is the BEST.
I’m an Aldi convert, and now include it in my shopping routine bi-weekly. I’ll be using this post with friends as one more reason to shop there! I’m with you on the 15 items you should buy there. I’d add a couple more …
I always buy my butter there. It’s usually priced around $2.75 (I think), but they’ll often sell it for close to $2 around the holidays. I stock up and keep them in my freezer. I forgot to pick some up on my last trip and thought about throwing one in my cart at SuperTarget. I about had a heart attack! The generic Target brand was over $4! Mama doesn’t need butter that bad.
I’ve also found that my Aldi consistently carries a name brand of Kefir (drinkable yogurt) there for at least $1 less than I’ve seen in other stores. I’ve converted my kids to drinking that instead of those darn little Danimals they used to be obsessed with (and chug in 2 seconds flat).
The biggest thing I try to convince people of who are leary of Aldi is that it’s very easy to shop there, save a significant amount of money compared to your big box grocer, AND eat well. We consume a lot more fresh fruit and produce now, for much less, thanks to my trips to Aldi. Love this series, Cherie!
YAY. I’m so glad you’re getting something from it. I’m planning to do a store a day this month until I run out. I ALWAYS buy butter at ALDI too. It was hard to limit myself to only 15 items.
Speaking of fresh produce, the Aldi’s in my town has great produce
Aldi’s has great products, but he “natural” peanut butter is not pure peanut butter. They add honey and other stuff to it.. If you want all peanut PB you have to go elsewhere. The coffee the lady mentioned is quite good for the price
Buy the organic almond butter! Jif Natural has added sugar…that’s likely the closest name brand comparison for ALDI pb.
Milk! Here in Wisconsin, and aren’t we the Dairy State?, I buy milk for about $1 cheaper per gallon. Prices fluctuate but if I have a choice, I get mine there. I’ve been getting individual yogurts there when payday seems too far away and there was a special Sea Salt Caramel Greek version that was my favorite, haven’t seen that in awhile. Bagels are far more affordable here for non frozen bagels. The bread and baked goods are awesome. The meat is high quality. Their gourmet cheeses, hummus, and dips are tasty. Granola bars are decently priced. Fruits can be touch and go, pricewise and selectionwise but I’ve bought most of my berries and apples there in the last few years. Bagged bananas are not my favorite so I buy elsewhere. Some canned foods and box mixes seem to be extra salty, does anyone else notice that? Perhaps I will write to the company the next time I notice. I’m not sensitive to salt content but I’ve noticed it on more than one product. Seasonal treats and offerings are phenomenal!
I do notice extra salt in some of the snack items!!
I find that most canned and box mixes have are salty…not just Aldi brand. I think that just goes with the territory…the more processed the food, the more salt there’ll be!
We love their pizzas 4.99 is a very cheap meal when you need a quick one?
My experience with the veggies and fruit is they go bad quick- only buy what you can use in about 3 days…. what about you?
Hmm, that hasn’t been my experience at all. I’m a stickler for looking at dates and we cruise through produce very quickly though.
My experience is the same. But, when I lived in a different town, it was better. I think it depends on their local supplier!
We go once a month and do one huge shopping. Aldis Is about an hour away! We buy meat and when we get home we split it up and toss it in the deep freeze. In fact we even through the extra bread, butter, and ect in the deep freeze. We save lots of money!
We recently got an Aldi in our town! I have really enjoyed shopping there.it’s amazing the amount of food I can get for the price. I always have an Aldi quarter and keep bags in my car.
I also look for someone who is finished with their cart and trade them my quarter for their cart, while I am going in the store. I think it is is a win for them and a win for me!
They’ve got an organic free range grass fed ground beef that is only $6 a pound at my store – sold in prepackaged one pound packages. It’s wonderful. I always get their organic cow milk and stock up on their organic cheese when it comes around. The only not wonderful thing I ever had from there was a meat lasagna 3 years ago, and my husband prefers “real Doritos” to the Aldi version.
You can also use Checkout 51 app to get money back on certain items.
Fantastic tip. I’ve really got to check out Checkout 51 (ha!). You’re not the first person to mention it to me lately. 🙂
Wondering how many different app. do you have on your phone? I have added “digamarc discover” , Walmart, Cartwheel, mejier and shopkicks? What apps do you feel are the best? Just thinking that is alot of apps. on my cell phone? Just trying to see what everyone likes or doesn’t like. feed back please..Thank you
I buy canned goods at Aldi’s by the case. Corn, creamed corn, green beans, peas, tomato, etc. @ 3 for $1 on most of these you can’t beat the price!
I live near Chicago, the area that Aldi’s was first in, and have shopped at Aldi’s since 1985-86. I have done two stints of working for Aldi’s (not for people who are not in top shape) and I also have relatives all over Europe who shop at Aldi’s. I have lived in the Northwest, the South and here in the Midwest. There is no other store that does it so well. I worked in Wisconsin at Aldi’s and the district manager had go to court to defend the low Aldi’s price of saltine crackers. The WI law says that no retailer can sell a product for less than wholesale cost, as in a loss leader. The manager went to court to show the paper work to the judge and to tell the other stores, hey, this is how we do it, why don’t you use the same method… Aldi’s won their case. My best item that I use from Aldi’s is their frozen, ground turkey for 1.89 a 1 lb roll. I use it in place of ground beef in everything. My kids have hamburgers out of it, I make pasta sauce out of it, everything, even in soup. The fat level is almost non-existent so I do not drain it. I find marked-down meat in the fresh meat section and freeze it in Aldi’s freezer bags. I get their 1.99 pizzas, all their pastas, breads, canned vegs, cake mixes for birthdays (great when marked down after holidays). All of their chocolate is SOOO MUCH BETTER than american chocolates that it is laughable. I bless the people who will not shop at Aldi’s so I can still find a parking spot and a shopping cart to use.
My husband loves the Mama Cozzi’s pizzas and I think their pop-tarts are better than any brand name.
I have to pack lunch daily for my toddler and find the greatest treats at Aldi. The string cheese is less than 1/2 the price of any other store we visit. He loves the organic, no sugar added apple sauce cups they rotate in, the fruit strips that are basically all fruit, and everything we need to make energy bites. (peanut butter, oats, ground flax seed, raisins, choc chips, coconut, vanilla, honey) In addition to price and quality, I love that I can get in and out with 2 weeks worth of food in half an hour. I can do all of my grocery shopping on my lunch break! I used to need to hit a second store on the way home for the things I couldn’t get at Aldi, but they are so great that our preferences have adjusted and I rarely go elsewhere now.
Love, love, LOVE Aldi! I was just here yesterday and got a 3 back of bodysuits for my grandson for $5.99, a wooden puzzle for $4.99, plus a myriad of interesting and delicious food items! This weeks find was Baker’s Corner Salted Caramel Lava Cake (premixed batter….you just have to bake it), Caramel Cookie gelato (sooo good), salted caramel Greek yogurt (are you sensing a theme here?), frozen fruit for smoothies (much cheaper than Wally World), CHEESE (love their prices on cheese; especially when they have a special buy on Kerrygold brand cheese), etc. Fantastic place to shop and save money! Oh, and their frozen gyro kit is fabulous. I can’t even FIND that anywhere else!
We have begun trying different food store brand items because we found that the quality is usually superior to similar name brand products. I am back in love with Honey Grahams. The name brand tastes like cardboard. The Aldi’s brand tastes like I remember as a kid, for less than half the price!
Aldi is my favorite store! Especially for party food, their chips, dips, cheese, crackers are SO affordable to feed a crowd! I love browsing the seasonal products…their baking products are a super deal! I’ve not bought meat there, but will try it now!
Many do not know this but Aldi is in the same family as Trader Joes. You will sometimes find the same item at both stores (like the frozen french onion soup-delish!) but it’s priced less at Aldi.
I’ve shopped at Aldi’s many times. I have never been disappointed by anything I have purchased there. Their meat is great and the produce is fantastic!