The first time we visited Manchester, NH in the the fall (2015) I heard rumors that ALDI was coming to town. When we visited in May they had a storefront and sign, and this time I saw the announcement that they were opening June 23rd.
I was excited to be here in time for Grand Opening. ALDI plays a big role in staying on track with my grocery budget, like this $29/person budget ALDI meal plan, and this move is going to make me look at reducing my grocery budget even farther as a new challenge to beat. Thanks to the new ALDI Manchester, NH, that challenge will be much easier.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to shop at ALDI, or if it’s been quite a few years since you’ve been in one, they are a budget friendly grocery chain that offers a few name brand items but keeps costs down by running minimally and carrying private label products. In more recent years they have added organic products – both processed and fresh – and most stores carry their gluten-free product line, LiveGFree.
We took a walk through to see what our new store has to offer and compare it to our old options. ALDI Manchester, NH is bright and shiny, of course. Aren’t all things when they are new?
I’m going to mention some things I noticed and will update as these things change over the next months. I know our PA store adapted over the first year and I am hopeful that the very short “doesn’t have” list will become part of the “has” list.
ALDI Manchester has
- more space than we are use to, which is nice, especially if it stays even half as busy as it was for grand opening.
- more junk food options than I am used to seeing.
- a nice selection of affordable produce.
- friendly staff.
ALDI Manchester does not have
- organic produce.
- organic chicken (humanely raised). This is a frustration at any ALDI for me, though.
Tips for Shopping at ALDI
- Take a quarter for the cart. ALDI requires a deposit for your cart to encourage people to put the cart back where it belongs. This cuts down on parking lot incidents and paying someone to collect them, saving them and us money in the long run.
- Take reusable bags. You can purchase bags at the register for a nominal fee or collect an empty box to put your groceries in. However, it’s hit or miss whether they will have any empty boxes and you may as well save a nickel or dime and bring your own reusable bags. Every penny counts in the grocery budget. Why waste it on paper and plastic bags?
- Take cash or a debit card. ALDI does not accept credit cards so be prepared!
- Know your prices. It’s easy to get sucked into “it’s a deal” but know what your prices are so you don’t spend more on something here.
- Prices fluctuate from week to week, especially on fresh produce and, oftentimes, dairy.
- Have a budget and stick to it. That “it’s a deal” mentality can get the best of your grocery budget. Don’t fall prey to it.
- Shop the perimeter, kind of. Just like most grocery stores, the perimeter has the healthier and most important foods. In the case of ALDI, those items are near the back of the store and take up the back third of the perimeter.
- Try a brand. If you are use to certain name brand labels I recommend you try an off brand product to see if you like it. You might find it “tastes just like…”
For these and more great tips for shopping at ALDI, check out this article with 14 tips for saving money at ALDI.
Best Deals when Shopping ALDI Manchester, NH
- Butter – prices fluctuate but when they price it at $1.99 buy and freeze
- Tortilla chips
- Eggs (if you don’t buy organic or free range eggs)
- Chocolate chips
- Produce – again, prices fluctuate but we usually get the best deal on potatoes, onions, berries, avocados, and pineapple
- Cheese
- Cream cheese
- Tuna fish
- Many more great deals – some of them fluctuate from time to time