I've worked at Aldi for years. Here are my 7 best tips for buying groceries there on a budget.
As an Aldi employee, I have tips for making my money go further when shopping at the grocery chain.
I rarely buy name-brand products at Aldi, and I only get produce for dishes I'm making soon.
In my opinion, Aldi is a great place to buy packages of meat in bulk to portion out and freeze.
I've worked at Aldi for over four years, so I've learned a few tips and tricks for stretching my dollar when I shop at the chain.
Here are a few things I suggest shoppers try if they're looking to save money on groceries on their next Aldi trip.
Assess your eating and cooking habits before each shopping trip.
Many people shop in an aspirational manner, especially if they're new families building a grocery routine or trying to shift their diet in a big way.
But instead of filling your cart with fresh produce you swear you'll use up, be realistic about your schedule and eating habits. You won't save money by purchasing food you're not going to eat.
Check what you already have in your fridge and pantry, and be honest about what you're actually cooking and consuming before going to Aldi.
That way, you can create a realistic list of what you need and will eat.
Plan around Aldi's weekly deals.
Every week, at least one meat and one fresh produce item are significantly discounted at Aldi. The weekly ad also features dozens of other price reductions.
I recommend looking at it before you shop to see if you can incorporate some of those discounted products into your weekly meals.
Make sure everything on your shopping list has a purpose.
When I make my grocery list, everything has a purpose or fills a role.
Each piece of fresh produce I buy is assigned to a dish I'm scheduled to make that week. That way, I can reasonably assume it won't go bad before I can use it.
When planning my weekday meals, I also try to make sure most of my dishes are solid, reliable recipes I could make in my sleep. If I'm on a budget, I'm not trying to experiment with something new that might not taste great.
Get acquainted with your local Aldi and organize your list accordingly.
I use the organization app Notion to keep track of all the little things in my life, including my grocery list and meal plans.
When writing out my meal plan for the week, I parse my dishes into ingredients I know Aldi sells. From there, I note which aisle each item is in so that once I have my list, I can shop without doubling back for something.
This also helps me avoid walking down aisles that might tempt me to impulse buy snacks or other items not on my list.
If I'm really trying to stick to a budget, I also write down the rough price of each item by referencing my store's curbside-pickup service. That way, I can plan what my total cost will be and adjust my recipes if I'm going over budget.
This may be obvious, but avoid the Aldi Finds section.
If you're on a tight budget, I suggest avoiding the Aldi Finds aisle.
It's usually filled with tempting limited-edition accessories, furniture, kitchen gadgets, and other goods that aren't essential.
I see many customers who walk through here make impulse buys and spend more than they intended.
Buy meat in bulk to freeze later.
When possible, buy fresh meat in bulk (especially when it's on sale), portion it out, and freeze some of it for later.
This can be more expensive upfront, but you can save money in the long run. For example, a $15 family pack of chicken breasts seemed pricey, but it lasted my boyfriend and me three weeks once we portioned them out and froze some.
Don't assume name-brand products are a great deal just because they're being sold at Aldi.
Keep in mind that Coca-Cola or LaCroix might not be a good deal just because it's being sold at a budget grocer like Aldi.
One reason we stock name-brand items is so customers can see the difference in price between soda from a brand like Coca-Cola and similar drinks from an Aldi brand.
Oftentimes, the Aldi "dupes" are a way better value.
This story was originally published on April 28, 2023, and most recently updated on April 29, 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geek Vibes Nation
5 hours ago
- Geek Vibes Nation
How ChatGPT Bots Handle Client DMs While I Sleep – And Land Me New Deals
A good fit Ready to start Needing more info' This prompt works with DM automation tools that support branching logic. I collect info while I sleep – and wake up knowing which leads are warm. Claude Prompt #6 – Turn Chat Transcripts Into CRM Notes Prompt: 'Summarize this DM chat into 3 bullet points for my CRM: Who they are What they need How to follow up' This is huge when you're juggling 20 conversations. Claude acts like a personal assistant that cleans up your notes, flags key info, and saves it to Notion, Airtable, or whatever you use. AI DM Bot Comparison Use Case Best Model Why It Works Warm intro DM ChatGPT Fast, friendly, low-friction copy Deep context follow-up Claude Reads nuance and builds trust FAQ automation ChatGPT Clear, reusable, scalable replies Lead qualification Claude Detects readiness, helps filter CRM note generation Claude Great for summarizing long convos The Real Win – Focus on Closing, Not Replying Since I implemented this ChatGPT + Claude + Chatronix setup, I spend less time chasing leads and more time closing deals. I don't lose prospects because I replied too late. I don't drop the ball on follow-ups. And I don't miss qualified leads buried in my DMs. It's not about automating relationships – it's about automating friction so real connection can happen. Want your DMs to work while you rest? ✅ Visit Chatronix and set up your dream AI sales assistant – without hiring anyone. Emily Henry writes for UKWritings Reviews and Write My Research Paper . She writes articles on many subjects including writing great resumes. Emily is also an editor at State Of Writing .
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Aldi Just Cut Prices on 400+ Products to Help Shoppers Save Over $100 Million This Summer
Aldi is cutting prices on over 400 items—nearly 25% of its inventory—nationwide through Labor Day to help shoppers save more than $100 million this summer. Discounts of up to 33% are being applied to popular seasonal items like fresh meat, produce, pantry staples, and snacks. The move underscores Aldi's commitment to offering everyday low prices, especially during peak grocery-spending months filled with holidays and all the recent talk about rising grocery prices, whether thanks to tariffs, supply chain issues, or other reasons, Aldi is taking steps to lessen the financial impact these price hikes are having on consumers. In fact, the Illinois-based grocer just announced that it's slashing prices on nearly 25% of its inventory ahead of the official start of summer. Per a press release from Aldi, shoppers can expect to see savings on hundreds of seasonal essentials such as fresh meat for the grill, organic produce, pantry staples, and more. The savings are slated to impact more than 400 items overall, across all of Aldi's 2,400+ stores nationwide. According to Aldi's chief commercial officer, Scott Patton, prices on the aforementioned products will be reduced by as much as 33%, and this price cut will remain in effect from now until Labor Day. 'Our customers count on Aldi for the lowest prices of any national grocer, every day, and we never take that trust for granted,' Jason Hart, Aldi CEO, said in a statement. 'While customers may see higher prices at other retailers, we're working hard to unlock even more value for our shoppers, just in time for summer's lineup of holidays and gatherings where food takes center stage. It's another way we're doubling down on our commitment to help shoppers fill their carts with great products for less.' Aldi estimates that by drastically reducing prices on hundreds of items, customers will save a whopping $100 million this summer. 'This summer, we're going further to deliver more of what sets us apart, great products at the lowest possible prices,' Patton shared in a statement. 'With price drops on the season's most-loved products in every aisle, we want to do what we can to help shoppers enjoy more of summer.'To find items on sale this summer, look for the red price drops logo while exactly what products will customers save on this summer? Here are a few items that are currently on sale: Clancy's Hot Chili Lime Flavored Potato Chips: reduced from $1.89 to $1.79 Simply Nature Organic Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef: reduced from $5.99 to $4.99 Friendly Farms 2% Reduced Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk: reduced from $4.39 to $3.89 Millville Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix: reduced from $3.79 to $3.49. Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pepperoni Pizza Bagels: reduced from $6.29 to $5.99. Summit Popz Cherry Lime Flavored Prebiotic Soda: reduced from $1.59 to $1.49. Southern Grove Dried Philippine Mango: reduced from $4.09 to $3.49 Simply Nature Sprouted 7 Grain Bread: reduced from $4.09 to $3.49 Pink Lady Apples, 3 lbs.: reduced from $3.95 to $3.49 Read the original article on Real Simple Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
18 hours ago
- Business Insider
I took my usual grocery list to Walmart. I missed Aldi's lower prices but still found surprising wins.
I spend $40 shopping at Aldi for two on a biweekly basis, and I took that grocery list to Walmart. I bought similar items at Walmart and compared prices between the chains based on cost per ounce. Both chains had some great deals, but Aldi felt like the cheaper option for me overall. For years, I've been a fiercely loyal Aldi shopper. Our household of two usually spends about $40 there every two weeks and generally walk away feeling like we've scored a great deal. From produce to pantry staples, the chain's budget-friendly selection keeps our grocery bills in check without making us sacrifice quality. Still, I've always been curious if we're missing out on deals by not buying groceries at other retailers. So, I took my usual Aldi shopping list to Walmart, another chain that's famous for its low prices. I did my best to purchase the lowest cost, most comparable items at Walmart. Since product sizes varied, I compared the price per ounce of what I purchased at each store. Here's how my go-to Aldi grocery list fared at Walmart. It was nice to see a true tie right out of the gate. For the spring mix, Walmart edged out Aldi with both quantity and cost efficiency. Marketside spring mix from Walmart: $0.36 an ounce Simply Nature mixed greens from Aldi: $0.58 an ounce I use mixed greens constantly, whether in salads, sandwiches, or smoothies. I ended up with a bigger container at Walmart for a better price per ounce. Since I knew we'd use up these greens before they went bad, I also preferred buying the larger package. Ground turkey was cheaper at Aldi. Jennie-O ground turkey from Walmart: $0.25 an ounce Kirkwood ground turkey from Aldi: $0.17 an ounce Ground turkey is one of my favorite proteins to cook with, especially for tacos or rice bowls. I usually go for 85% lean. Both stores provided me with a great quality product, but Aldi won me over with its lower price. I prefer the taste of Aldi's frozen veggie mix, but Walmart's won me over with its price. Great Value deluxe stir-fry mix from Walmart: $0.12 an ounce Season's Choice broccoli stir-fry mix from Aldi: $0.19 an ounce I love having frozen vegetables on hand for last-minute stir-fries or side dishes. Both bags were solid, though Walmart's option was a bit cheaper by the ounce. Although I like the taste of Aldi's veggie mix better, Walmart gets the win on price. I'll keep getting black beans at Aldi. Goya black beans from Walmart: $0.09 an ounce Dakota's Pride black beans from Aldi: $0.05 an ounce Black beans are my go-to when I need to stretch a meal or add protein to a dish. I like mixing them with ground turkey or adding them to rice dishes. Aldi wins this round, no question. Savings add up fast when it comes to pantry staples. The shredded cheese at Walmart was only slightly more cost-effective. Great Value shredded cheese from Walmart: $0.25 an ounce Happy Farms shredded cheese from Aldi: $0.27 an ounce We go through a lot of shredded cheddar each week, whether we're using it on taco night or in scrambled eggs. Prices were close, but Walmart just barely took this round. I couldn't tell a huge difference in taste or quality, so I'd buy this from whichever store I'm already at. Both chains sell Café Bustelo — but the price per ounce was far better at Aldi. Café Bustelo espresso from Walmart: $0.53 an ounce Café Bustelo espresso from Aldi: $0.39 an ounce I was excited to find a big tub of Café Bustelo at Walmart, especially since buying larger quantities of something can often save you money in the long run. However, I was surprised when I compared the cost per ounce. Aldi is my clear winner here: Same brand, same taste, way better value. Walmart had cheaper whole milk. The savings were minimal on old-fashioned oats. Aldi's prices on mandarins was hard to beat. Aldi's Moser Roth chocolate will continue to be a staple for me. Bettergoods 90% dark-chocolate bar from Walmart: $0.71 an ounce Moser Roth 90% cacao bar from Aldi: $0.45 an ounce I can't leave the store without a treat. For me, it's usually dark chocolate. The prices weren't too far off — but Aldi's Moser Roth bars felt like an even better value after I tasted the bar from Bettergoods. It wasn't bad, but it didn't beat my go-to chocolate. I was impressed by the variety I found at Walmart, but I missed the simplicity and savings of Aldi. Looking at these numbers, my money still seems to go further at my usual grocer: Aldi. I found some pleasant surprises at Walmart, especially when it came to the prices of the mixed greens and milk. However, Aldi's lower prices across the board on staples like beans and coffee impressed me more. Walmart also deserves kudos for its wide variety of brands and options. Aldi mostly only sells products from its own label, which some shoppers may not like. Personally, though, I think Aldi's simplicity and limited options can make grocery shopping a quicker task.
