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Aldi is one of, if not he—leader of supermarket chains with low prices. This is one of the many reasons why Aldi is one of the most popular supermarkets in the United States. It’s convenient, reasonably priced, and packed with unique finds. You can get the basics (milk, eggs, bread, etc.) as well as personal care items, pet food, and diapers, making Aldi a one-stop shop for many families. But Aldi isn’t a traditional grocery store, it’s a German grocery store with a few quirks. And as such, there are a few caveats you should be aware of to make the most of your trip and keep your bill as low as possible. Here’s our list of Aldi shopping mistakes you should avoid:
You forget to bring a coin
One of the great ways Aldi can keep costs down is by saving on employment. You probably won’t find a large team of employees at any Aldi location and you certainly won’t find anyone picking up shopping carts in the parking lot. This is because Aldi uniquely puts the customer to work, at least briefly, with its trolley rental system. You release a shopping cart from the corral by placing a quarter in the slot. When you return your cart at the end of your shopping trip, you get your currency back. Technically it doesn’t cost you anything. Yeah Remember to bring a quarter.
You don’t shop on Wednesdays or Sundays.
When your refrigerator starts to look sparse, it’s time to go shopping. However, if you can schedule your trip on certain days, you might be in luck. The middle of the week (Wednesday, to be specific) is the best day to shop at Aldi because that’s when new products are released. You may be familiar with Aldi Finds, a fun variety of specialty items at competitive prices. Wednesdays are also when sales and promotions are announced. If you shop once a week at Aldi, try going on Wednesdays. You can discover new items in the Aldi Finds section or base your list on what’s on sale.
Sundays are also one of the best days to shop at Aldi. This is when Aldi discounts certain items, so savings can be made if you need to shop on the weekend.
You are not using the Aldi online store
Curbside grocery pickup and drive-thru ordering are becoming the norm, and Aldi won’t be far behind. The chain renewed its website to encourage online shopping, which by the way is free. You can fill your virtual cart with essentials, including everything from baby supplies to pantry staples, and an Aldi team member will do the shopping for you and deliver it to your car. If this sounds too good to be true, rest assured it’s legit. There’s no additional charge, making it a convenient way to cross purchases off your to-do list. Grocery delivery is available for an additional cost.
Or the Aldi app
There’s an app for everything, including shopping. Aldi also has an app that has some notable benefits. For starters, you can view the weekly ad as soon as it’s available, rather than waiting for the physical mail to arrive. You can also view new product launches and recent price reductions, allowing you to take advantage of new arrivals and deals. Plus, the Aldi app has a QR code reader, so you can scan items to access special content. And no grocery app is complete without a built-in shopping list, so you don’t forget any of the essentials.
You spend more on branded things.
Most supermarkets have a generic brand or two, but Aldi takes the cake for the supermarket chain with the most private brands: there are dozens. A significant majority (more than 90 percent) of the products sold at Aldi are from the store’s own line of white label products, although there are rumors that some brand name companies are secretly behind them. You’ll still find branded products at Aldi, but they’re usually conveniently located next to an equivalent product from one of the many private brands. This is an easy way to save while still getting quality products in almost every department.
You are not stocking up on sausages and cheeses
There are certain areas where a supermarket chain simply shines, and for Aldi, that is the refrigerated deli section. There you will find a variety of cold cuts, unique cheeses and pre-packaged proteins. They are perfect for sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie boards, cheese and crackers. Meat and cheese can be expensive, but not at Aldi.
Or pantry staples
Fresh meat, dairy products, and vegetables are among the most expensive grocery products because they are not shelf stable. Foods that expire quickly tend to be more expensive. Pantry staples (like rice, canned beans, peanut butter, crackers, etc.) are very affordable at Aldi. The chain also has the best deals on pantry staples like maple syrup, ketchup, and spices, as well as baking supplies like flour and sugar.
They don’t give German products any chance.
Aldi is a German company and the chain doesn’t shy away from the opportunity to highlight some of the best food products the culture has to offer. The store offers a variety of German products, such as chocolate, beer, bread, pickles and a few others. This is a fun way to mix up your regular grocery rotation and appreciate Aldi’s German roots.
You are not taking advantage of Aldi’s generous policies
Aldi is known for being one of the most affordable places to buy food and has policies to ensure this. Save your receipt in case any of your Aldi Finds go on sale within two weeks of your visit. If so, you can get a price adjustment, which is a refund of the money in your pocket. Aldi also has what is called their Double Guarantee, which means that if you are not satisfied with your purchase, the store will replace the product. and refund your money. Everyone wins!
You don’t bring your own suitcases.
Just like returning your shopping cart, Aldi expects you to bag your own groceries as part of the deal. This helps them save on labor costs, but you’ll need to bring your own reusable bags to save on single-use bags kept at the register. If you forget, you can buy bags at Aldi, but they cost between seven and 10 cents each. This doesn’t seem like much, but it can add up. Reusable bags are more sustainable and save you money in the long run, so keep some in your car so you never forget them.
you bring coupons
Aldi is not a normal grocery store. Those manufacturer coupons you get in the mail? They don’t accept them at Aldi. The premise is that Aldi already has the best prices on those name-brand products, making coupons unnecessary. So, save time and skip coupon clipping if Aldi is your favorite supermarket. If you stick to private label products, you won’t need them anyway.
