Went to Aldi!

[amastewa93]

So I've been reading about Aldi's recent renovations. Evidentally, they are trying to appeal to the Whole Foods crowd. So, I decided to go do my grocery shopping there this week.

I generally spend $100 a week or so at the grocery store near me (less than a mile from home). While it is super close (way closer than Aldi), I managed to save $51 on groceries this week (not trimming anything from my normal list).

Anybody else an Aldi shopper? Any tips for a newbie?

[msomnipotent]

I have been meaning to try it out again since they have added organics, but just haven't been there yet. I can't say that I was all that impressed the two times I went before.

[bjl584]

I shop Aldi for most things.

If you're looking for a certain name brand item you might have to go elsewhere depending on what you are looking for.

Also, if you want high quality fresh meat you will have to go somewhere with a full service deli and butcher on staff.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I've never been in a Whole Foods, so I don't understand the comparison. I found this Business Insider article that compares Aldi to 365 by Whole Foods, which I'd never heard of.

http://www.businessinsider.com/aldis-new-store-design-mimics-whole-foods-2017-2/#aldi-which-is-about-30-cheaper-than-walmart-is-growing-rapidly-the-chain-has-about-1600-stores-in-the-us-with-plans-to-add-another-500-in-the-next-couple-of-years-365-by-whole-foods-has-six-stores-with-plans-to-add-16-more-in-the-next-year-15

I've shopped at Aldi for a long time. I would say the upgrading of their stores has been gradual. I don't think they've made a radical change. They still have limited brands, with very few nationally advertised brands. They still stack products in boxes on top of each other, despite what the article says. They are still a bag-it-yourself store. They still charge for bags, but give away boxes. The organic produce started becoming available years ago. They still have some incredible sales on produce. They still require a quarter to get a shopping cart (refunded after use). They still have really fast checkers.

Could it be that 365 by Whole Foods is imitating Aldi, and not the other way around?

[disneysteve]

I haven't been in an Aldi for years. I have no doubt that they have some good deals but I'm also sure they don't have everything we want. That would mean going to two stores for grocery shopping which is a pain. I'd rather stick with one place (Wegman's in our case) that has everything and be able to get all of our shopping done in one trip.

[amastewa93]

Hi everyone! Thanks for the responses....

My other half has been so against heading to Aldi for such a long time that this was a small triumph in my household haha. The opportunity to save $200 or so a month, however, will have us in there weekly now.

There are still a few things I'll have to head to the local grocer for... My fiance, for instance, eats low carb tortillas and a few other low carb items that are simply not available at Aldi. But we will still be able to save a ton by getting the bulk of our food there. (Even if the fiance hates we have to bring our own bag.)

I'm definitely excited to add this extra cash to savings!

[disneysteve]

Even if the fiance hates we have to bring our own bag

LOL. I always bring my own bags no matter where I'm shopping. We use the reusable ones to cut down on waste (plus they hold more and are easier to carry). We have a ton of them that we've gotten for free over the years. I think we only have a couple that we actually paid for ($.99 each).