Committed to Organic and Low Prices. Yes, for real.

Growing up I lived near an Aldi and I don't think we ever shopped there. Now Aldi is one of my go-to grocery stores. So, what changed? Honestly, a simple conversation. A friend gave me the quick rundown on how Aldi keeps their prices so low. I checked it out, found the products and prices to be as amazing as my friend said, and now I go there all the time.

There are a few things you need to know before you go to Aldi. I’ve listed the top 5 below. It’s pretty different than your average American grocery store, but in a lot of good ways.

While I started with the basics, I now get a lot of my groceries at Aldi. To learn more about what people find at Aldi, follow the #AldiHaul on social media.

Aldi is a Spectacular Grocery Store. Here’s Why.

Aldi is a German grocery store (it’s actually in the same family as Trader Joe’s). In good German fashion, the store focuses on essentials and is very minimalistic and efficient. It has been doing very well in the States over the last few years, remodeling and building a slew of new stores. Aldi has a strong customer base and is winning people over all the time with their commitment to organic options with affordable prices. Not used to seeing those two statements next to each other? Me either, until I started shopping at Aldi. In addition to offering a wide variety of organic and fair trade foods, Aldi has made significant commitments to reducing plastics in their packaging and is working towards renewable energy sources in their operations.

I’ve been shopping at Aldi for over 5 years now. It took me a few trips to learn the layout of the store and figure out which foods I absolutely love. And while I still love a trip to Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Fresh Market, I’ve come to realize that my grocery budget goes further at Aldi. And, in turn that helps me be able to support my favorite local food sources and small scale farmers. So these days, Aldi really is my go-to grocery store.

Never been to an Aldi?

Here are the 5 things you need to know before you go:

1. Bring a Quarter.

Aldi has just enough employees to keep their stores running smoothly. And that doesn’t include baggers/shopping cart retrievers. They encourage shoppers to return their own carts by allowing you to rent one for $0.25. And everyone does it. When you walk up to the carts, you’ll have to insert your quarter to a contraption on the handle (image below) to get it free from the other carts. And, when you’re done, you’ll return your cart to get your quarter back. Having this concept explained to me for some reason was hard to understand. I wish someone had just shown me a picture. So here’s one for you! It is quite easy.

Always have a quarter so you can get a cart. Insert to release from the chain. When returning, plug the chain link in to release your quarter.

Since many of us don’t carry cash anymore, I find it best to keep a few quarters in the car at all times.

Pro tip: Pre-COVID, experienced Aldi shoppers all knew the good deed of scouting the parking lot when you arrive. They’re looking for someone who is about to return a cart. And they hand them the quarter instead so the person returning the cart doesn’t have to walk their cart back and they don’t have to go untether one. People may be less comfortable with this exchange these days but once the pandemic calms down, it’s a good strategy. These days, you stop in the front door to wipe your cart handle down and get some hand sanitizer on your way in (and out if you wish).

2. Bring Your Own Bags.

Aldi has never offered single use plastic bags for groceries. Read as: they don’t bag your groceries. That may seem crazy, but knowing how much plastic bag waste grocery stores generate … it may be the most environmentally friendly thing a grocery store in America could do. They do have bags for sale at the register for a nominal price (with both plastic and canvas options). But it is best to bring your own.

Unlike bulk club stores, they don’t have a lot of boxes lying around that you can use to carry your groceries. You may find some but even then, they tend to be small and shallow. Like your Aldi cart quarter, keep your reusable bags in the car!

Pro Tip: There’s a shelf counter just after check out where you can bag your items. Be polite. If you have a really full cart, move to the far side of the counter to be out of the check out aisle traffic as it will take a few minutes for you to bag everything.

3. Expect (Almost) No Brands You Recognize.

Another price saving measure Aldi uses is being relatively brand free. They work with many brands you know and love but they don’t include branding on the packaging. This also translates into a smaller store than you may be used to. Instead of having an entire wall of marinara sauces, they have a handful of choices. Typically they offer a base line, a speciality, and an organic option. I personally love this because I don’t have to spend 15 minutes comparing the options including their labels and prices. If you love your brands and have to have them for most foods, Aldi might not be the place for you. But if not, you’ll find decisions are easy and quick.

The marinara section is a great example of how Aldi works. There’s the baseline marinara, both meat and meat free (bottom shelf). They also offer a specialty sauce and an organic option (middle shelf). There’s even a gourmet option (top shelf).

Randomly you will see some branded items. For example, Dawn dish soap and Goldfish Crackers.

Remember how I noted that Aldi is in the Trader Joe’s family? If you’re an avid Trader Joe’s fan you’ll see some of your favorite products at Aldi, unbranded. They work with some of the same providers. At Aldi, with the brand-free packaging, the savings is passed on to you. For example, these Maple Leaf Cookies seasonal favorites are at both stores:

4. Organic is Very Affordable.

Like crazy affordable. I can get a full cart of groceries at Aldi with many organic items and not break $100. It’s insane. And let me tell you, I would bring my own bags and rent a cart for a quarter all day long for the prices on organic food at Aldi. Do your own price checking, but I think you’ll be surprised at the price point on comparable items at other grocery stores.

The average price at other grocery stores for organic chicken or beef stock in my area is between $2.50 - $3.00. Aldi beats this by almost a whole dollar. That’s crazy.

5. Seasonal Deals Don’t Last Long.

Aldi’s has what they call “Seasonal Items” and “Aldi Finds.” Seasonal deals and items may be mixed in with regular items. Aldi Finds are more along the lines of household goods and are usually in their own dedicated aisle. Sometimes shelf stable food items will be included in the Aldi Finds as well.

Some of their best deals on food are Seasonal Items that are mixed in with regular groceries. For example, in the Winter you’ll find great prices on bulk bags of citrus. Come Summer they have fantastic prices on berries and melons. And then you won’t see the deal again for months. They may also stop carrying the item depending on what it is until the same time next year. (Think: Egg Nog.)

In addition to meat, dairy and produce, Aldi also has shelf stable seasonal items. This includes holiday items, certain sauces, pastas, and cookies. No joke, I’ve seen entire families in an Aldi stocking up on these Aldi Seasonal deals. And as you can imagine, they’ve taken to limiting quantities as a result. When you see a price that seems too good to be true, check for a limit sign, like with these cans of pumpkin (check out these prices!):

Instead of price gouging customers for canned pumpkin at Thanksgiving, Aldi offers it at a very affordable price and then limits how many you can buy. They also offered an organic canned pumpkin in their Seasonal Aisle for a little over a dollar a … — Instead of price gouging customers for canned pumpkin at Thanksgiving, Aldi offers it at a very affordable price and then limits how many you can buy. They also offered an organic canned pumpkin in their Seasonal Aisle for a little over a dollar a can.

If you find a seasonal item and love it, just know that you may not see it again for a long time. So how do you know what is seasonal? Most of the time they are labelled. Look for the “Seasonal Item” label shown below. For example, this lamb deal probably won’t be here the next time I stop in:

Look for the “Seasonal Item” label on tags. That means it won’e be around for long!

Another note on Aldi Finds: they tend to be household items they aren’t planning to stock. Sometimes these deals are amazing. I find them a bit hit or miss. But if you’re into digging for deals, they’re worth a look. Some random Aldi Finds I’ve purchased and loved include: Christmas socks, stackable small kitchen serving bowls, a book shelf, a cast iron braiser, wrapping paper, birthday cards, garden hoses, and a scarf.

In conclusion, remember before you go to Aldi:

Bring a Quarter
Bring Your Own Bags
Don’t Expect To See Brands
Organic is Very Affordable
Seasonal Items Don’t Last Long

If you’ve never been to Aldi, I’d recommend going once to pick up just a few items. Walk the store and get the lay of the land. There’s a lot to process since you won’t see brand names and the way they stock shelves is a little different. But I think you’ll quickly pick up the layout and hopefully find what a great deals this little grocery has to offer. And if you want to do even more research before you go, check out these store images from Aldi corporate. It’s basically a virtual tour of the store.