Store Review: Aldi

As many of you know, I love shopping at Aldi. I'm quick to tell its virtues to anyone who will listen and I get excited when I encounter others who love the store as much as I do. It may surprise you to know that I haven't always been an Aldi shopper. I had heard good things about it here and there, but I never took the plunge 1) because the closest Aldi is in Moore and 2) I didn't believe it could be that different than a normal grocery store. Then, I read my friend Mary Rachel's blog post about Aldi and it was truly life-changing.

I know it sounds ridiculous to say that going to a particular grocery store can be life-changing, but it's true! Since I started shopping at Aldi, I save an average of $150 per month on groceries. If that doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will! Just check out my grocery receipt from today's trip (this is the exercise Mary Rachel used so successfully on me):

24 pack bottled water - 2.99
frozen waffles - 2 boxes at 1.29 each
dryer sheets - 1.99
red beans and rice - .99
sliced swiss cheese - 2.19
frozen lasagna - 2.69
chicken broth - 1.39
3 lb. bag apples - 2.49
hummus - 1.69
feta cheese crumbles - 1.99
granola bars - 1.89
green beans - 5 cans at .49 each
trail mix bars - 1.89
Q-tips - 1.29
frosted flakes cereal - 1.69
4 cups shredded cheddar - 2.99
4 cups shredded mozzarella - 2.99
3 dozen eggs - 1.29 each
mustard - .69
fruit cups - 1.49
applesauce and pudding cups - 3 at .89 each
rice crispy treats - 1.79
kettle chips - 1.99
yogurt cups - 2 at .35 each

GRAND TOTAL: $53.45


Can you believe that's all it cost? Neither can I! In fact, it's always such a surprise when the cashier tells me the amount because my cart is nearly always full, and that would mean hundreds of dollars at a more mainstream grocery store.

I know you're probably thinking that the quality of food can't be very good for these prices, but you'd be wrong! In fact, Aldi often buys from the same suppliers as name brand companies, but they simply put their own labels on those products and are able to sell them for less. Of course, personal preference will dictate some of what you buy there, for example Levi and I are picky about meat, milk, bread and butter. Those are items we prefer to spend more on to get the brand we like at a major grocery chain. However, these are all items that are for sale at Aldi if you are less picky than us and want to save even more money.

There are a few things you should know about going to Aldi. You'll need a quarter to use a shopping cart, but you will get the quarter back when you return the cart after shopping. This helps them keep costs down by not employing people to round up carts. Also, you'll need to take your own bags or expect to buy some at the store (I bought a giant reusable Aldi bag on my first trip that fits most of what I buy). Again, this helps them keep down costs by not giving away free bags (and it helps the environment!).

I hope this has convinced some of you to at least try shopping at Aldi. I'd love to know if it's as life-changing for you as it was for me! And, just as a side note, I'm not being paid to say any of this, but if Aldi wants a new spokesperson I might be a good fit! :)