Tips And Tricks Even Seasoned ALDI Shoppers Might Not Know
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Do your shopping on Wednesday mornings.
That's when their shelves are restocked. Is there anything better than browsing freshly stocked shelves? That's a hard no.
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Check out the Fan Favorites items online.
On ALDI's website, there is a Fan Favorites section you NEED to check out before you shop. Each year, the products featured here are voted on by loyal customers. You can spot these items in the store too—just look for the heart-shaped logo.
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New Hot Deals hit the shelves on Sundays.
The Hot Deals section consists of heavily discounted items. Inventory doesn't last long, so your best bet is to shop them on Sunday or Monday morning.
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ALDI Finds are seasonal items—so act fast!
These limited-edition products are only released for short periods or at key points during the year. Pro tip: The most popular items end up back on shelves permanently.
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Don't underestimate ALDI's name brand products.
ALDI brands are the secret sauce here and cover most of the shelves. Just because these products are on the cheaper side, doesn't mean they're lower quality—most ingredients are nearly identical to big brands. According to ALDI's website, as of 2020, 1 in 3 ALDI-exclusive product is award-winning. A true win-win!
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Benton's is a must-buy if you have a sweet tooth.
We'll never turn down a Girl Scout cookie, but in-house brand Benton's is giving them a run for their money. Do not skip the Caramel Coconut Fudge Cookies! (Seriously, just try purchasing only one box.)
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Simply Nature offers healthy snack options.
Simply Nature by ALDI stays ahead of the health trends. The Cauliflower Tortilla Chips, which are available in sea salt and nacho flavors, are insanely good. Warning: One has been known to eat an entire bag in a single sitting (one = me).
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The desserts taste homemade.
From cookies to cakes to cinnamon buns, there are countless options for after-dinner treats. Make sure to check out the Chocolate Caramel Lava Cakes in the freezer aisle, which are imported from Belgium!
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Belle Vie is nearly half the price of La Croix.
ALDI's Belle Vie sits directly next to beloved sparkling water brand La Croix. While they look nearly identical (down to the colorful packaging), one is almost half the price per box. Both are sodium-, calorie-, and sugar-free.
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The Specially Selected line has some of the most unique offerings.
Get ready for some serious gems. I'm obsessed with Specially Selected's Avocado Tomatillo Salsa.
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Did I mention products are nearly identical to name-brand items?
Not only do the ingredients mimic name-brand varieties, but so do the designs. Just look at these Savoritz Saltines that go for under a dollar. Remind you of another brand??
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Berryhill has the tastiest spreads and condiments.
ALDI's hazelnut spread comes pretty darn close to Nutella. It's a cheaper alternative that's just as delicious on a banana or—who am I kidding—by the spoonful. Berryhill's products include jelly, jam, chocolate syrup, and preserves.
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Bread usually goes on sale a few days before its expiration date.
That's right—bread is usually marked down as its expiration date is fast approaching.
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ALDI isn't short on healthy options.
Cheap food that tastes good and is healthy—what's the catch? There isn't one. ALDI-exclusive brands are free from certified synthetic colors, added trans fat, and added MSG. You'll also find a larger range of organic products than you might expect.
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And if you're gluten-free, there's good news.
Be sure to check out ALDI's in-house gluten-free brand, liveGfree. From bread and baking mixes to General Tso's chicken, you can treat yourself to all your favorite goodies...without the stomachache afterward.
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ALDI is also the place to go if you're on a budget.
With ALDI, you can always count on a solid product mix at a low cost. More than 90% of products on the shelves are ALDI brands, which have a draw for the financially-conscious shopper (a.k.a. everyone).
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On a time crunch? ALDI helps with this too.
Products often have multiple barcodes, which makes it much easier for cashiers to quickly scan the item instead of constantly checking each side of the package.
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Returning something couldn't be easier.
Not happy with a product? No problem! ALDI believes in its products so much so that customers can return pretty much anything without any issues. Just make sure to return the product packaging and any unused product.
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And you'll get more than just your money back.
Not only will you score a refund, but you'll also get a replacement item. It's all part of their "Twice as Nice" policy.
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Specials are revealed prior to hitting shelves.
ALDI gives its customers a heads up before a deal drops. Shoppers can find out this info online or from the in-store circular.
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The produce prices can't be beat.
Your favorite fruits and vegetables (including a wide array of organic items) won't break the bank at ALDI. Avocados are a must-try here. Did someone say chips and guac for dinner?
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Bring a quarter for your shopping cart.
Even though your wallet might be cashless nowadays, make sure to keep a spare quarter with you to unlock your cart. Don't worry: You'll get it back when you return it.
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And don't forget your shopping bags either.
While many stores have now taken a stand against free plastic bags, ALDI's policy was in place way before it was trendy. Customers are encouraged to bring reusable bags, because a) We should ALL care about the environment, and b) It's easy.
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If you forget your bags, ALDI's got you covered.
While you should be bringing reusable bags, things happen. If you're in a rush and accidentally left yours at home, it's fine. You can pay a small fee for plastic or brown bags.
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You can also use empty cardboard boxes.
If you see an empty box laying around from a shipment, you can scoop it up. You can use it to carry out your groceries if you don't feel like paying for bags.
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Skip the long lines with self-checkout.
I know, I know...this already exists in most supermarkets. But it's still a good tip to know! If you only have a few items and are looking to skip the huge checkout line, keep an eye out for self-checkout stations at your local store.
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You might want to practice bagging groceries beforehand.
Admit it: Bagging your own items is kinda fun. The company created a unique checkout process—workers scan your items, then put them back into your cart—to maximize efficiency. Most locations have separate areas for finishing up your bagging if you need extra time.
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Don't worry, memberships aren't required.
Unlike Costco and Sam's Club, customers don't need a membership to shop and take advantage of serious savings.
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Make room in your freezer for this ice cream pail.
The rumors are true: You can purchase a Family Size Ice Cream Pail for a great price! The flavor is Neapolitan, so there's something for everyone in that big tub of deliciousness.
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Like Lay's? Try Clancy's snacks.
Clancy's is one of ALDI's in-house snack brands, and these chips are EVERYTHING. The product mix ranges from classic tailgate snacks to underrated finds, like jalapeño kettle chips.
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Mama Cozzi's pizzas are a true steal.
Having a pizza party? ALDI is here for you. One of its many brands, Mama Cozzi, boasts delicious Italian frozen foods—including 16" pizzas. Selections include thin crust, rising crust, bagel pizzas, cauliflower, gluten-free, and more.
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Choceur might remind you of Hershey's.
Sweets have never had a cuter mascot. Choceur's milk bear can be found on wafers and bars. While the items are usually seasonal, this in-house brand is a must-buy for any chocolate connoisseur.
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ALDI's alcohol brands are another must-try.
Yep, ALDI even has you covered for booze. While its alcohol isn't available in every location, when you can snag it, the in-house brands are quite impressive and cheap. Products include wine, beer, hard beverages, and even spiked root beer.
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Barissimo Iced Coffee is just as good as Starbucks.
Available in French Vanilla, Mocha, and Coffee Latte, Barissimo Iced Coffee is an in-house coffee brand you'll be grateful for every morning. Its product mix includes iced coffee, whole beans, cups, and more.
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Don't sleep on the home essentials.
Another in-house must-try: Huntington Home, which offers a range of ALDI's signature soy blend candles with seasonal scents, including Tropical Escape and Tobacco Petals.
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You can save money by skipping your favorite brands.
The best strategy here is to avoid brands you know and love in the store. Why? Odds are, there's a cheaper alternative in the same aisle that just goes by a different name. Have I sold you on the in-house brands yet?!
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Follow ALDI's Instagram for a sneak peek on deals.
Not only does ALDI's Instagram account share hauls from happy customers, but it's also where you can find upcoming sales. It's a great tool for regular or newbie customers.
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Try to be patient with the employees.
Staffing is limited at ALDI. Unlike competitors, each location only has approximately six to eight employees. They hire essential workers only—meaning cashiers and those who help restock shelves—to keep costs low.
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Don't rely on signage to navigate the store.
Aside from labels for different sections, like "Fresh Produce," "Frozen Foods," etc., you won't find much more signage. This is intentional and supposed to help with efficiency, so that customers aren't bombarded with various advertisements while shopping. Plus, isn't it fun to browse and stumble upon gems when you're not in a rush?
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The best way to find out about new items is from friends.
ALDI's marketing strategy is pretty low-key. The company puts in minimal marketing efforts and depends on word-of-mouth exposure to bring in customers. So if you want to find out about new products or deals, get yourself some friends who love ALDI.
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Don't hesitate to ask staff to restock an item for you.
Most product displays use original packaging, instead of sitting items individually on a shelf. Boxes are specifically designed for these displays, which makes restocking shelves faster and easier.
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Store hours vary by region.
Depending on where you live, some stores close by 8 p.m., while others remain open until later. Sorry, super late shoppers, but none of ALDI's storefronts are open 24 hours.
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You won't need to clip coupons.
The prices are low enough already! Because ALDI strives to offer the quickest and cheapest shopping experience possible, coupons are reserved for special events, like a grand opening.
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Individual stores don't have phone numbers to call.
If you need customer service help and you're not in the store, unfortunately you won't be able to call your local grocer. There's a national corporate helpline to call with general questions and inquiries though.
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ALDI helps local communities.
If items are slightly damaged or leftover, but still good to eat, they won't go to waste. ALDI works with food banks and Feeding America to donate products that can't be sold.
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For seasoned ALDI shoppers and first-timers, we're sharing everything we know so you can take full advantage of deals and hidden gems.