Can you really save big by shopping at ALDI? Here are my tips for shopping on a budget at ALDI. You CAN buy discount and still eat healthy!
I am a “born and raised” ALDI shopper so it isn’t a new concept to me that we can still get great tasting food without a well-known brand name attached. Okay, so not born, but raised. I grew up shopping at ALDI in both Pennsylvania and New York (states we lived in when I was growing up.) I know it was a huge part of my dad’s secret to spending $50/week on a family with 7 kids in the 90s and 2000s. Now it is the main grocery store our family shops at, so I though I would share my tips for shopping at ALDI on a budget.
The give and take of a tight budget often means you don’t get to eat the way you want or that you need to work extra hard to source things affordably. I love hearing first-time ALDI shoppers exclaim in awe over the deals they find and their shopping totals for large shopping trips.
ALDI is my go-to for staying on budget and not compromising some of the important things like products with no high fructose corn syrup or food with a bunch of unpronounceable additives. While I haven’t checked to see if all their products are void of those ingredients, they have been “cleaning them up” pretty quickly. THANK YOU for listening to your customers, ALDI!
Note: I am also going to share tips and observations for those who would like to shop organic on a budget. In the past shopping on a budget has proved challenging for those who strictly eat organic meats and produce or require a special diet, but ALDI is increasing their selections in both all the time.
Tips for Shopping on a Budget at ALDI
- You can’t beat their prices on milk and eggs. They also carry organic eggs and milk, which are generally a little cheaper than other major grocery stores. Another point for less shopping around!
- The SimplyNature line is a mix of all-natural and organic products that runs cheaper than most all-natural/organic brands and tastes just as good. Check your labels for what matters to you but the ingredient lists are fairly straight forward and “friendly.”
- ALDI is dedicated to removing controversial ingredients from their ingredients and keeps a low price point while doing so. Less time comparing products!
- Great selection of produce, including some organics. The prices are fantastic and I can really load up my cart on fresh produce without stressing about the $$ total.
- Organics/Naturals are mixed in with other products and can be found near the conventional option.
- Organic chicken and beef are priced comparative to major grocery stores. However, same price point means less shopping around!
- Prices fluctuate from week to week.
- Bring a quarter for the cart. I repeat, bring a quarter for the cart! BONUS: No one leaves their cart in the parking lot.
- Bring your own bags or pay $0.05 – $0.10 for bags there. They often have empty boxes from stocking shelves that you can use to load up your groceries but don’t count on it. It’s hit or miss.
- Pay with cash or debit. NO CREDIT CARD! **UPDATED**: They do take credit cards now.
- Know your prices and watch for a great deal. Stock up on non-perishables or freezable items like butter, pasta, and vegetables that freeze well. Need help knowing what to freeze and how? See my ever-growing list: Everything You Need to Know About Produce
- Their generic brands usually taste just like name brand so spending less doesn’t mean you sacrifice flavor.
- Don’t buy things you don’t need.
- LiveGFree is their affordable gluten-free line. I’ve tried several different products so I can report back that they are great options in terms of flavor if you are gluten-free.
- Plan before you shop. You can access ALDI weekly ads and special buys online. You can also create a shopping list based on what is in the ad and email it to yourself. I love this feature.
Are you an ALDI shopper?
Now I’m off to make my grocery list. Happy shopping on a budget!
