I love shopping at Aldi. There are so many great, quality products to buy, but it could be an adjustment if you haven't shopped there before. Here are all my top tips for shopping at Aldi.
What's the hype about Aldi?
If you feel like Aldi has had a re-birth in the last few years or so, you're right. The hype about Aldi is so well-deserved, and here's why... you can purchase such quality ingredients and groceries for SUCH an affordable price. Like if I spend $25 on charcuterie board groceries, that board is PACKED. For grocery shopping, you can get so many meals, snacks and more for such a great price. It's so wallet-friendly without having to sacrifice the quality of the food you bring home.
Tip 1: Do I need a quarter? Can I ask for a quarter at Aldi?
If you want a cart, yes, you need a quarter. But, don't worry if you forget your quarter. I've been there plenty of times. Just walk into your Aldi and ask the cashier working for a quarter. I feel like. I don't need to give you a manners lesson, but if they have a line, wait until they are ready to assist you.
If you don't need a cart, some Aldi stores have baskets available. Not all stores, though. So, if you're trying to shop without a cart or a quarter, I would hope you're just there to grab a few things.
Why do you need a quarter at Aldi?
Aside from tips for shopping at Aldi, it may make sense as to why they do some things they do. Their whole philosophy behind having a quarter for your cart is so they can keep their prices as low as possible. If they don't have to employ extra workers to be on cart duty, then they don't need to cover those wages by raising prices.
Tip 2: What's the best day to shop at Aldi?
Quick answer: Wednesday or Sunday. If you've seen my TikTok videos, you know my mom and I go every Wednesday. However, not all Aldi is restocked on Wednesdays, some are restocked on Sunday. To figure out what day your Aldi restocks, simply look at the dates of your weekly ad then you'll know!
But, do you have to go on the days they re-stock?
Not necessarily, but they re-stock the Aldi Finds on those days. Aldi Finds famous tag line is "once it's gone, it's gone!" So it's always fun going on the days that they are freshly restocked so you get all the pickings of the weekly Aldi Finds.
Tip 3: Can I bring bags into Aldi?
Yes! They actually encourage that so much that if you forget your bags at home, you can purchase paper or plastic bags or use boxes to pack your groceries. They do have really nice reusable bags for sale, too. I love this insulated bag I bought about a year ago. It's so nice, so if you see a thick, cooler-like grocery bag, purchase it!
Tip 4: Do you bag your own groceries at Aldi?
Yes, you do! After you empty out your cart onto the checkout counter belt, you move your cart right next to the cashier. They then scan your grocery items and put them directly into the cart. You do your own bagging! There are bagging stations, which is essentially a long counter, where you bag your own groceries. This goes along with the quarter philosophy. The fewer people they have to employ, the lower they can keep the prices.
Tip 5: Does Aldi carry name-brand groceries?
Yes, they do. But, if you want to stick to saving money and still purchase award-winning products, I recommend purchasing Aldi-brand products. There are a lot of different brands under the Aldi name.
What are the Aldi brands?
- liveGfree - "tasty, indulgent 100% gluten-free food."
- Simply Nature - "Simply organic, non-GMO verified products that are healthy and delicious."
- Earth Grown - "100% plant-based vegan and vegetarian products."
- Fit & Active - "meal replacements and healthy snacks made for a healthier you."
- Winking Owl Wine - "wine with character and integrity."
- Specially Selected - "Gourmet and specialty foods made to delight."
- Elevation - "Next level protein bars and powders."
- Never Any! - "High-quality meat with no antibiotics, hormones, or artifical ingredients."
- Little Journey - "Award-winning baby products, made with lots of love."
- Pueblo Lindo - "A delicious variety of Hispanic foods."
- Barissimo Coffee - "Great tasting coffee at affordable prices."
Tip 6: Can you buy Aldi things online? Yes!
Aldi is available through Insta-Cart and you can order your Aldi products online for curbside pick-up or delivery! Aldi is making it so much easier to grocery shop from the comfort of our own home.
Tip 7: Bring your reusable bags, you do have to bag your own groceries at Aldi!
Now, don't panic if you forget your reusable bags. Aldi does have bags to purchase for a few cents. If you don't want to purchase bags, they always have cardboard boxes in the aisles. They also have super cute reusable bags for sale that I love. They have these insulated bags for sale during part of the year, and if you see them, snag one! I bought one last year and I love it.
Tip 8: Pay attention to the price signs, they are very telling!
The price tags are super telling at Aldi, here's what they mean!
- Yellow Shelf-Tags: these are ALDI's regularly stocked items. If you try a product with a yellow tag and love it, yay! That means it's there for the forseeable future.
- White Aldi Finds Tags: Any ALDI Finds products have a specific ALDI Finds tags. If you love that product, maybe buy two since once it's gone, it's gone! But don't bulk buy, leave some finds for the rest of us.
- Blue Tags: Those are the ALDI Seasonal Favorites or new ALDI products. They aren't necessarly Finds, and they may not be staple products, they're seasonal favorites. If they're labeled as "New" then those are some new products they haven't had in the past.
- Red Tags: Look out for additional steals throughout the store with their ALDI Savers tags.
Tip 9: Does Aldi accept coupons?
Nope. Aldi doesn't accept coupons. With their structure, including the quarters, bag your own groceries, and reusable bags, their prices are kept at a low price so they don't offer or honor coupons.
Tip 10: Be sure to check out Aldi's gluten-free and vegan products!
They have such a vast array of gluten-free and vegan products that are at such an affordable price. I know many people who are both gluten-free and vegan and they swear by their products. You can't get everything you'll need, but you'll be able to get a good chunk of your grocery list crossed off.
After all these tips for shopping at Aldi, want some Aldi-inspired recipes?
- Brunch Charcuterie Board
- Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Cedar Plank Salmon on the Grill
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Mayo
Pin it for later!
Be sure to pin these tips fo shopping at Aldi for later!
Leave a Reply