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Shopping Aldi for the first time and not sure what to expect? Here's everything you need to know – Don't forget to grab #22 while at the store!
22 Tips for Shopping Aldi
Y'all know I talk alot about shopping Aldi to easily save big for your family, and just last week a reader emailed to thank me because she was saving so much more each week just by shopping there.Â
But, if you've never tried shopping Aldi before there are a few things to know before you shop. (Even if you're a seasoned Aldi shopper I hunted down a few hints that may surprise you!)
I'm going to pretend you've never ever set foot in Aldi before, and give you the nitty gritty on saving big while you're there . . . Aldi is just about one of my favorite places ever to go!
See my latest trip to try the new Aldi Pickup service – it was a breeze and only added $1.99 to my order!
Honestly, what makes me happiest about shopping Aldi is watching a super-cute-pulled-together older couple pull up in their BMW to shop. I manage to see one every. single. time.
If you don't have to pay for more, why on earth would you?
Shopping Aldi is for all the smart frugal folks out there. 😉Â
Here are a few secrets for shopping at Aldi you need to know:Â
1. Aldi requires you to bring your own bags (or you can purchase them for $.06 per bag at the store.)
2. You’ll need to pay a quarter to use a cart at Aldi.
When you return the cart, you’ll get your quarter back. This helps keep the carts in the cart bins instead of all over the parking lot.
3. Aldi does not accept manufacturer coupons.
However, very occasionally you'll find an Aldi store coupon in your local paper, especially when a new store opens in your area.
4. The Aldi sale ad varies some by location.
To view your local store’s ad, go HERE.
5. Aldi almost always has the best price on milk and eggs you'll find in your area.
Sometimes milk and eggs at Sam's or Costco are a few cents less, but if you don't have a Sam's or Costco membership, shopping Aldi can save a bundle without paying membership fees at those stores.
6. Aldi carries a ton of keto friendly and gluten free foods.
Aldi has increased their specialty food items immensely over the past few years. They also carry quite a few vegetarian options!
7. Shopping at Aldi is EASY.
Especially if you have small children, Aldi shopping is just a wee bit easier than shopping other stores. I love that I can get in and out in less than 20 minutes (even for a big grocery trip), because Aldi doesn't carry all the clutter that other stores tend to keep.
8. Use cashback apps at Aldi to save even more.
Ibotta and Checkout 51 both allow you to get cash back when you purchase items at Aldi, which is such an easy way to save!
9. Watch for store coupons inside Aldi.
Every once in awhile you'll luck upon a store coupon at Aldi, usually on items that are reduced in the meat department. It doesn't happen often, but if you luck into an Aldi coupon be sure to use it!
10. Watch for Aldi Holiday clearance.
After any major holiday (Valentine's, Christmas, Easter, etc.) your store should have a few items reduced pretty significantly. My store still had Christmas clearance on sale when I shopped yesterday!
11. Aldi offers special crazy seasonal sales.
Always check the center aisle of Aldi for their weekly Aldi Finds. Everything from cute napkins to home decor, even furniture, backyard patio supplies, and plants. I love browsing the aisles to see what Aldi has next!
Be sure to watch the Aldi deals closely because at least once a year early in the Spring (usually the last week of May), Aldi has their huge camping sale. Thing cheap (but good quality!) sleeping bags, camping gear and more.
12. Aldi and Trader Joe's are the same brand.
If you love Trader Joe's, you might as well shop Aldi. Your shopping experience will be a little more bare bones, but you won't pay inflated prices for a fancier store.
13. Aldi only hires people aged 18 and up (and they pay very well.)
Several years ago, my 17-year-old had been looking for a job, so while shopping I asked for more information (they had a sign up looking for help.) The cashier said she loved working there, and that “full time” at Aldi is considered 30 hours per week, which means she gets a generous health benefits package.
At the time, our stores starting pay was $12/hour, and our cashier really was pleased with her job there (I loved hearing that!)
14. If you don't like an item at Aldi, return it.
If you purchase an item at Aldi and aren't pleased with it, return it for a double back guarantee. Go HERE to learn more.
15. Aldi keeps their prices low by keeping things bare bones.
Nothing's fancy at Aldi.
Like, nothing.Â
When you check out, no one's going to bag your groceries for you, you'll return your own cart to keep their prices lower, and the entire store is geared toward cost efficiency.
The plus side to that is that you save money because of a no-frills experience ~ which is totally worth it for me!
16. Watch for price reductions or dollar off stickers on items for extra savings.
Aldi regularly has certain “price reductions” available throughout the store. Watch for those savings to save even more!
17. Buy meat on Wednesdays (and produce too.)
Watch for special meat specials available on Wednesdays only as well ~ these quickly sell out so if you shop too late you may miss this one.
18. Meat isn't always a great price at Aldi.
I honestly haven't found meat to be a great price at Aldi, so usually stock up at Kroger or Fresh Thyme Market (Sprouts.) Be sure to know your stock up price on meat before shopping so you never pay too much at Aldi (or anywhere.)
19. Name brands are typically priced too high at Aldi.
Aldi carries very few name brands, and what they do carry is usually priced to high. If you absolutely love name brands Aldi probably isn't the best place to shop ~ instead wait for your favorite brands to go on sale at your local grocery.Â
20. Find out when your sale ad starts to get the best price on produce.
By shopping the day  your sale ad starts you'll get the pick of the best produce at Aldi. If you have to shop later in the week, ask your cashier when that day additional produce trucks normally come and shop soon after the truck delivers.
21. Bonus tip ~ Aldi originated in Europe, and has great chocolate. 🙂
Check out more Aldi history over HERE.
22. Always, always, always buy the big Aldi Pizza when you shop.
There are so many great deals at Aldi, but my favorite ever is their huge (um, GINORMOUS!), pizzas to take and bake at home. Expect to spend $4.99-$5.99 and easily feed 5-7 people depending on how hungry a bunch you have at home – this is by far my favorite weird Aldi shopping trick!
Do you love shopping Aldi? I'd love to hear any other tips you have when you shop! It's definitely a favorite place for me to quickly get in and out of, and for the most part I've been incredibly pleased with everything I've bought there. Leave a comment to share your thoughts!
Looking for more info on Aldi? Here you go . . .Â
- 20 Items You Need to Buy at Aldi
- Free Aldi, Costco & Sam's Club Price Comparison Sheet
- 76 Aldi Keto Foods to Try
- Aldi Grocery List (Print and Head to the Store!)
