Saving money on groceries is a priority for many households, and ALDI has earned a reputation for offering high-quality products at lower prices. With a few strategic tips, you can maximize your savings at ALDI and stretch your grocery budget even FURTHER. Here’s some very practical advice for making the most out of your next shopping trip to your local ALDI.

1. Plan Your Meals and Make a Shopping List

One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to plan your meals for the week.

By deciding in advance what you’ll cook, you can create a precise shopping list and AVOID impulse buys.

Before heading to ALDI, take inventory of what you already have at home.

Plan your meals around items you already own and make a list of what you need to buy.

Stick to this list while shopping to avoid unnecessary purchases.

2. Use ALDI’s Weekly Ads and Specials

ALDI offers weekly ads that highlight their current specials and deals.

These ads can be found online or in-store. Reviewing these ads before you shop can help you take advantage of the best deals.

ALDI also has special “Aldi Finds,” which are limited-time offers on a variety of items, from food to household goods.

Planning your shopping trip around these specials can lead to significant savings.

See Also: The Best Stuff to Buy at ALDI to Maximize Your Savings

POTENTIAL SAVINGS AT ALDI?

When buying essentials like vegetables, canned goods, pasta, dairy, and eggs you can expect to save 10-15% compared to a store like Walmart. Just go check out the store if you haven’t, you’ll be AMAZED with their low prices. The one item where you won’t save very much is on meats.

3. Buy ALDI’s Private Label Brands

One of ALDI’s biggest cost-saving strategies is their extensive range of private label brands.

These brands are often just as good, if not better, than their name-brand counterparts but come at a fraction of the cost.

Some popular ALDI brands include:

– Simply Nature: Organic and non-GMO products.

– liveGfree: Gluten-free products.

– Never Any!: Meat products free from antibiotics, added hormones, and animal by-products.

– Little Journey: Baby essentials like diapers, formula, and baby food.

– Specially Selected: Gourmet and specialty items.

4. Bring Your Own Bags

ALDI encourages eco-friendly practices by requiring customers to bring their own bags.

If you forget, you can purchase bags at the store, but this adds to your total cost.

Bringing reusable bags not only saves you money but also helps reduce plastic waste.

5. Use a Quarter for the Cart

At ALDI, you’ll need a quarter to unlock a shopping cart.

This system helps keep costs down by ensuring carts are returned properly and not left scattered around the parking lot.

When you return your cart, you get your quarter back. Remember to bring a quarter with you to avoid any inconvenience.

6. Take Advantage of ALDI’s Return Policy

ALDI has a generous return policy called the “Twice as Nice Guarantee.”

If you’re not satisfied with a product, ALDI will replace it and refund your money.

This policy applies to most items except for non-food ALDI Finds, alcohol, and national brands.

This guarantee ensures you can shop with confidence, knowing that your satisfaction is a priority.

PRO TIP

Beware of the “treats” trap. From this Reddit thread, “I spend more money on “treats” at Aldi then I do elsewhere because they are cheaper, but I end up getting more.” This is an easy trap to fall into thinking you’re saving money but end up spending more in the long run.

7. Shop ALDI Finds Early

ALDI Finds are special items that are available for a limited time and in limited quantities.

These can range from seasonal food items to home goods, and they often sell out quickly.

To get the best selection and take advantage of these deals, shop early in the week and early in the day.

See Also: Clever Tricks to Save Big at the Grocery Store

8. Compare Prices Per Unit

When shopping at ALDI, pay attention to the unit prices listed on the shelf tags.

This information allows you to compare the cost per ounce, pound, or item, helping you identify the best deals.

Sometimes, larger packages may seem like a better deal, but the unit price can reveal otherwise.

9. Stock Up on Non-Perishables During Sales

When you find a great deal on non-perishable items, consider stocking up.

Products like pasta, rice, canned goods, and household items can be stored for long periods and purchased in bulk when prices are low.

This strategy can help you save money in the long run and reduce the number of shopping trips you need to make.

10. Utilize ALDI’s App

The ALDI app is a valuable tool for saving money.

It provides access to weekly ads, special deals, and the latest ALDI Finds.

You can also create a digital shopping list within the app to keep track of what you need.

Additionally, the app sometimes features exclusive digital coupons and offers that can help you save even more.

11. Shop Seasonal Produce

ALDI offers a variety of fresh produce, and buying what’s in season can save you money.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season options.

For example, buy berries and corn in the summer, apples and pumpkins in the fall, and root vegetables like carrots and potatoes in the winter.

“Time Saver” Factor

For many ALDI shoppers the time savings is a HUGE positive. It’s very easy to be in and & out of ALDI with a full cart is less than 30 minutes. If you’re a fan of less choice, and don’t need to pick between 6 brands of things like flour, eggs, pasta, and cheese you’ll love ALDI.

12. Check the Clearance Section

Most ALDI stores have a clearance section where you can find deeply discounted items.

These are often products that are nearing their expiration date or seasonal items that need to be cleared out.

Checking this section can lead to significant savings on groceries and household goods.

13. Avoid Pre-Packaged Convenience Foods

While pre-packaged convenience foods can save time, they are often more expensive than buying ingredients separately and making meals from scratch.

Cooking from scratch can be more cost-effective and healthier.

Look for basic ingredients at ALDI and make your own snacks, meals, and baked goods.

14. Buy in Bulk Wisely

Some items are more cost-effective when bought in bulk.

ALDI offers a variety of bulk items, but it’s important to ensure you’ll use them before they expire.

Non-perishable items like toilet paper, paper towels, and certain dry goods are good candidates for bulk buying.

15. Compare Prices with Other Stores

While ALDI is known for its low prices, it’s always a good idea to compare prices with other local grocery stores.

Sometimes, other stores may have sales or promotions that make certain items cheaper.

Use price comparison apps or check weekly ads from other stores to ensure you’re getting the best deals.

16. Use Cash to Limit Spending

One way to avoid overspending is to shop with cash.

Decide on a budget before you go shopping and bring only that amount in cash.

This method can help you stick to your budget and make more mindful purchasing decisions.

17. Take Advantage of Special Buy Weeks

ALDI periodically has “Special Buy” weeks where they offer themed products at discounted prices.

These weeks might focus on international foods, kitchen gadgets, or other unique items.

Keep an eye out for these special events to score great deals on items you wouldn’t normally find at ALDI.

See Also: The Cheapest Grocery Stores in Your Neck-of-the-Woods

18. Buy Store Brands Over National Brands

ALDI carries some national brands, but their store brands are usually cheaper and of comparable quality.

Whenever possible, opt for the store brand to save money.

The quality is often just as good, and you’ll be spending less on your overall grocery bill.

19. Plan Your Shopping Around ALDI’s Restocking Schedule

ALDI typically restocks their shelves on Wednesdays, which is also when their weekly ads start.

Shopping on this day can give you first access to the freshest produce and the best deals.

Check with your local ALDI to confirm their restocking schedule.

See Also: Shop on the Right Day…12 Tips on Store Markdown Days

20. Shop Alone

Shopping with family or friends can sometimes lead to unplanned purchases.

To avoid this, consider shopping alone so you can stay focused on your list and budget.

This can help you make more mindful decisions and avoid impulse buys.

21. Learn to Love ALDI’s Weekly Themes

ALDI often rotates themes for their special buys, such as Italian week, German week, or Asian week.

Embrace these themes and plan your meals around the featured products.

This can add variety to your meals and allow you to try new items at discounted prices.

22. Check for Digital Coupons and Rebates

While ALDI doesn’t typically offer coupons, they occasionally have digital coupons or rebates available through their app or website.

Check for these offers before you shop, as they can provide additional savings on already low prices.

See Also: Hate Clipping Coupons? Smart Ways to Save Without Clipping

23. Make Use of Freezer-Friendly Foods

Many of ALDI’s products are freezer-friendly, allowing you to buy in bulk and store for future use.

Items like meats, bread, vegetables, and even certain fruits can be frozen to extend their shelf life.

This strategy helps you take advantage of sales and reduce waste.

24. Avoid Shopping When Hungry

It’s a well-known tip, but it’s worth repeating: never shop on an empty stomach.

Shopping when you’re hungry can lead to impulse buys, especially of higher-priced snack items.

Eat a meal or snack before heading to ALDI to help you stick to your list and budget.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money when shopping at ALDI? Let me know what tip or trick I may have missed.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)