Friday Frugalista: Aldi Savvy Shopping Tips

This week’s spotlight is on savvy grocery shopping at Aldi. While their coupon policies are nonexistent, Aldi’s sale prices are extremely competitive. If you haven’t taken a look at my produce price comparison spreadsheet yet, now is the time to do it! Aldi doesn’t have a huge variety (especially with organic produce), but the items they do have are very inexpensive!

Whether you’re an Aldi newbie or even a long time loyal customer, there are a few things to keep in mind while shopping there.

1. Shopping carts: If you want to use one of their shopping carts, bring a quarter with you! You will have to insert it into the cart lock to pull one out at the store entrance. You will receive your quarter back when you return the cart and lock it in. This cuts down on the staff they have to employ, which brings you cheaper prices!
2. Shopping bags: This is another way Aldi brings us lower prices. Shopping bags are not provided unless you pay for them. Be sure to bring your own!
3. Store Brands: Aldi does carry some name brand items, but the prices on them aren’t any lower than they would be at any other grocery store. The Aldi store brands are actually really great quality for the most part, so don’t knock them until you’ve tried them! (Many times, their “store brands” are actually just different packaging and lower prices for the same name brand item anyway!)
4. Double Guarantee: Speaking of trying them… Aldi has a really great double guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with anything you buy there, bring it back. They will refund your money AND replace the item!
5. Weekly Ad: Most grocery stores in the Atlanta area post their weekly ads the day the sales begin in stores. Aldi publishes their sale ads on their TWO WEEKS in advance of the start of the sale! Aldi sale ads are usually a basic 4 page flyer with outstanding low prices! You can view the sale ad on their website, using their mobile app (where you can also make shopping lists), by email blast, or simply pick up in the store. As you enter the store, there will be a rack with their current sale ad. As you leave the store, there is another rack by the exit with next week’s sale ad. Hooray for planning ahead!!
6. Special Buys: I’m a big fan of Aldi’s special buys section! It is always centered around some kind of theme. Right now, it’s very seasonal. You can find everything tiki torches to taco plates for great prices. I can’t resist stopping by that section every time I’m in the store!
7. Special Buy Meat Dept: Aldi has phenomenal meat specials each week. They’re only available as long as they last! They are advertised online and in stores, so be sure to get them before they run out!

My local Aldi store has only been open a few months, but it has certainly been enough to open my eyes to the kind of savings this great grocery store has to offer! Aldi doesn’t usually carry every single item on my grocery list, but I’m saving enough to make it worth going to two grocery stores.  Ali from Gimme Some Oven has a wonderful post on how to shop at Aldi as well as her favorite products to buy there.  Comment below with what items you love to buy at Aldi!