Anyone here shop at Aldi's?

[Love Bug]

For those who don't know, Aldi's is a discount chain market that started in Germany and is now found in several cities in the US. It's a small place with a limited selection of foods of their own brand. However, I know for a fact their foods are made by well-known food producers (like ConAgra) so like generics, it's the same stuff as the brand-names.

I probably pay almost half of what I would pay for the same items in a regular grocery store. It's been a huge help with my food budget, especially since I've been unemployed for over a year.

http://aldi.us/us/html/product_range/grocery_selections_ENU_HTML.htm?WT.z_src=main

[AwakeAtLast]

1. I would but

I always end up having to wait in line for 45 minutes to be checked out. They usually have 7 registers but only staff one. I don't have time for that.

If I shop smart at my local grocery store and use their savings club card, I almost always can save more than shopping at Wal-Mart, plus it's closer.

[katkat]

2. ConAgra, Walmart

rends garments.

[tigereye]

3. my neighbor does- she has 4 kids and only one salaried parent

she says for some stuff it is fine, but she also shops at Costco.

Personally, I think that buying produce at community markets, the CSA, or even higher end groceries means that you get better quality at not much more than the typical grocery store. I think it really depends on what staples one needs. I have a small family, so buying from the CSA at about 20 dollars per week really reduced our produce bill this summer AND it was all good local stuff, not stuff that was sitting in a truck or airplane warehouse for a week.

I'm a big fan of supporting local growers and eating what's in season. It really makes a difference in so many ways, is cheaper, and tastes SO much better than the tasteless veggies at mainstream groceries.

[GoCubsGo]

4. I do.

They opened a store in my town last March. It's not my main source of groceries, but I can usually get some of the best deals there. That especially holds true for produce. They don't have the best selection, but usually they have the best prices on what they do have. They often have fresh pineapple for $0.99, which I dehydrate for later use. I'm still kicking myself for forgetting about my dehydrator back when they had pints of blueberries for that price.

Aldi also carries really good chocolate. Their house brands are made in Germany and Austria, and AFAIC, German chocolate rates up there with Swiss and Belgian. Their coffee is okay, too. I just wish they'd carry a bigger selection of dried and canned beans.

[hippywife]

5. I used to stop there for

staple items but I haven't in ages.

[Lugnut]

6. I shop there for some staples.

They have good prices on produce and it's usually good quality stuff. Their egg and butter prices are low and I don't see any difference in quality.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. Thanks for the suggestion...

There's one in my town, but I've never been there. It took me awhile to figure out that it wasn't another auto dealership... :blush:

[Mira]

8. I study their weekly flyers for bargains

(in my newspaper, or on line). I stock up on some staples, I like the basic meat and produce. They also have interesting unusual foods, and some good bargains, weekly changing, on products for home and garden, and some tools and cookware.
Here today, and gone next week.
I like Aldis a lot, I usually have a book on my ipod for the checkout line, but the checkers are fast and well trained.

[grasswire]

9. hey, could you send a link to their flyer?

I'd love to see their ad. No Aldi's here but I like to see what other areas have. Thanks.

[Mira]

10. www.aldi.com

Too bad you don't have one nearby. I like that store and it's concept.

[trotsky]

11. We do A LOT of our grocery shopping there.

You are right, they are the same thing made by the leading manufacturers. I think General Mills makes their cereal.

Plus the best part about Aldi is the German-made chocolate - CHEAP!!

[Lefta Dissenter]

12. their raisin bran

is a staple in our house. TONS of raisins (sugared, which is how I like them). Also, the jars of unsalted roasted peanuts. We buy those by the case. I like them for a quick protein snack, and to have on hand for chopping up for peanut sauce or other goodies.

That's pretty much it from there, I guess. Their produce is usually about ten minutes from spoiling, so if there's something you're going to use that day, you can do ok.