Have you ever been grocery shopping at ALDI? Did you know this discount grocer is coming to California? Here are 7 things you might want to know.
This post is sponsored by ALDI. I have been compensated for my time spent writing this post. All opinions are my own.
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Did you know that discount grocery store ALDI is coming to California? Over the years readers have written to me, urging me to shop at ALDI because they know I am a Grocery Geek and could save even more money on groceries shopping at ALDI.
The problem was: we didn’t have ALDI in California!
I shopped at ALDI a few times during our last few months in Kansas and was impressed with their prices, but not overly so with the product line. Since that time, almost a decade ago, I’ve heard that ALDI has really stepped up its game in terms of organic, all-natural products.
I’ve been really curious to know if the rumors were true, so you can imagine that my interest was piqued when I saw a billboard along the freeway one day: ALDI is coming to California!
Say what?! Curiosity officially increased.
Earlier this month I had a great opportunity to spend two days learning about ALDI, tasting ALDI food, and generally pining away for the day when my local ALDI opens its doors next month. Along with nine other bloggers, I got a behind-the-scenes look at how ALDI operates, how they are able to offer such great prices, and how their food tastes. (Great, by the way.)
Today I thought I would share some of my discoveries and “pull back the curtain,” as they say. Here are a few things you might wanna know about shopping at ALDI.
Shopping at ALDI: 7 Things You Might Not Know About ALDI
1. ALDI uses a number of efficiencies to give better service and low prices.
Shopping at ALDI is guaranteed to save you money on groceries. Up to 50%, depending on where and how you shop already. But, this might make some wonder? How are they able to do that?!
ALDI has made it a practice to study how their stores can be more efficient and to make the shopping process easy and effortless for its customers without increased costs. Efficiency helps them lower the bottom line for everyone concerned.
Here are a few ways that this works:
- The stores are smaller, creating a lower overhead and smaller physical footprint.
- The product arrives at the store packed in shelf-ready cases so the staff doesn’t have to spend time shelving product.
- There are multiple barcode labels on every package. This means that clerks don’t need to spend time turning a package around in order to scan the barcode.
- The clerks sit at the check stand, instead of standing on their feet all day. This is better for the employees and helps prevent injuries.
- A limited product line allows ALDI to stay on trend without having to worry about waste or moving less popular products.
2. ALDI has very high standards for the products they sell.
ALDI carries 90% store brand products that they curate from a variety of national food producers. They require that their store brands be as good or better than the national equivalent.
During our Taste of ALDI event we had a chance to taste test a number of different products, some on their own and some in comparison with national competitors. I was really impressed with many of these items, particularly these:
- Simply Nature Creamy Almond Butter
- Specially Selected Original Naan Bread
- Simply Nature Exotic Vegetable Chips
- France Sparkling French Pink Lemonade
- Little Salad Bar Original Guacamole.
Yum! Thank goodness their prices are low because I think I will have a full cart right off the bat!
We had several delicious meals that were composed of all ALDI ingredients. Amazing! Absolutely amazing.
3. ALDI does carry a few brand names so you won’t have to make a second stop on your way home.
There are some name brand products (about 10% of what’s available at ALDI) that you can pick up, such as a favorite brand soda or type of toilet paper. These are there for shoppers’ convenience so they don’t need to make another stop on the way home from ALDI.
ALDI strives to provide everything you need as a one-stop shop.
4. ALDI accepts a variety of payments.
During its early years, ALDI accepted only cash or debit card. They have now expanded their forms of payment to include cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, most debit cards, the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), and Link cards. At this time, they do not accept WIC or personal checks, but they have opened things up to give folks more flexibility when shopping at ALDI.
5. ALDI’s grocery cart system requires a 25 cent deposit.
You will need to carry at least some cash to shop at ALDI, but not much. You’ll need a quarter in order to use a shopping cart. Now, before you freak out, know that this system has been used in Europe for over 20 years!
I think it’s a great system to keep costs down. You take your cart back; you get your quarter back. The store doesn’t need to pay someone to chase down wayward carts. As a former grocery store courtesy clerk, I can attest to the fact that this job is NOT fun.
By incentivizing the cart return, ALDI can keep costs down – and save some poor kid from schlepping carts through the parking lot. Ahem.
6. ALDI is not owned by Trader Joe’s.
I’ve been trying to dispel this myth for years after doing my own research, but I’m glad to hear it straight from the source. While Trader Joe’s and ALDI both have great things going for them, the stores are not owned by the same company. The original grandmother company founded by the Albrecht family divided into ALDI Nord and ALDI Sud in the 1960s. (ALDI stands for Albrecht Discount.)
Today the companies operate independently. ALDI Nord owns Trader Joe’s, while ALDI Sud operates ALDI USA. While Trader Joe’s has its roots in the west, I’ve got a feeling that ALDI is going to give Joe a run for his money!
7. ALDI has a Double Guarantee.
ALDI wants to make sure you’re super duper happy. There’s really no risk to trying out their selection. If you aren’t 100% satisfied with your purchase, they will replace the product AND refund your money. (Just be sure you have the packaging and any unused product when you make your return.)
Clearly, we Californians have nothing to lose when it comes to giving ALDI a try.
Can you tell I’m super excited about my new neighbors? I’d love to hear about your experiences shopping at ALDI.
Keep up with ALDI on the web!
For cooking tips and the 411 on what’s fresh at ALDI, be sure to add ALDI to your feed!
What do YOU love about shopping at ALDI?
This post is sponsored by ALDI. I have been compensated for my time spent writing this post. All opinions are my own.
Donna
I began shopping at Aldi two years ago and I definitely save money. I love their organic fair trade Keurig type pods, great price on milk and eggs. Right now I have boneless chicken thighs and mango peach salsa from Aldi in the crockpot- it’s a favorite. I’ve had good luck with most of their meat, and they’ve recently removed artificial colors and additives from most products-Ask the manager when they get deliveries and re-stock their fruit and veggies. I have great luck when I get there early on a Saturday- by 1 pm the produce is too picked over. I’m lucky Aldi is on my way home, and across the street from a Stop and Shop. I often go to Aldi mid week to buy more of their produce specials and their meat special that starts on Wednesdays. On weekends I go to Aldi first, then go to S&S for whatever I couldn’t find at Aldi. The only things we haven’t liked are their brand of sport drinks, and most salad dressings. The dressings that are organic or their premium store brand (still inexpensive) are better.
Laurie
Rats! I finally was able to find a list of the new stores and there’s only 1 in Northern California and it would be an all day trip just to get there. It’s WAY up in Northern California. I hope there’s plans to build more and some are in the SF bay area.
Julie Price
There is NO ALDI in northern cali. I live here and it will be at least 2 years til the come into our area. At least we have Winco!! It seems like ALDI only thought of California as southern cali only lol
Alison
My Aldi is across the street from Costco – lucky me! I do 95% of my shopping at those two stores. If I go early I am home from both with a full car in less than 2 hours!
Jessica Fisher
Great situation!
Lori
I love the Aldi store near my house. I try to stop at least once a week. Someone mentioned the chocolate-it is fabulous-love German chocolates. I agree on the produce-it can be a hit or miss anytime of the day. I went later on a Sunday and the grapes were perfect-went back the next day and no so good. Sometimes I get into trouble when I go-especially around Christmas time. They have seasonal or specialty items you don’t see all year. Also their frozen pasta(tortellini and ravioli) are delicious-just bought a bag pear and gorgonzola cheese-cannot wait to try them. I also love the cart system-I always keep a quarter in my cup holder and when I am done shopping put the quarter back so I always have one. The special buys and plant bulbs are wonderful too. My spring bulbs I planted last fall are popping up right now and I bought the cutest pair of ladies rain boots for $15.00. You cannot beat the prices but there are some items I did not care for just like the national grocery stores.
Jessica Fisher
We love the chocolate butter cookies from Germany.
Laurie
Is there any list of where they’ll be bringing Aldi’s?
LeslieT
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Discount-Supermarket-Chain-Aldi-Open-10-Store-SoCal-376531171.html
This news story lists them.
Jessica Fisher
They aren’t all on that list Leslie linked to. I believe they are adding more over the course of the year.
Charlotte
I second all the comments about Aldi produce. I no longer buy produce there because of its short shelf life. It’s a problem in all of our local stores, not just one. You also need to be careful of their pricing, especially on meats, I will often find that my local Woodman’s has better prices.
Dorothy K.
Just wanted to add my opinion about the produce at Aldi’s. First, I have been to quite a few Aldi stores in Florida and have never seen the produce section as pictured in this post; normally the selection is very limited to basic fruits and vegetables which are very competitively priced. Second, Aldi does not handle the produce the same way most grocery stores do, meaning it is not refrigerated when the store is closed, which contributes to the short shelf life once you take the produce home. Lastly, you must try out their store products for yourself to determine if they will work for your family. Some things are wonderful, others, not so much.
Jessica Fisher
At our store, there is one aisle (both sides) of non-refrigerated and then one section of refrigerated, but my other grocery stores are the same way.
Becky
On the positive side, I do save money on dairy and some produce at Aldi. However, the employees at my location are, as a whole, very rude and brusque. Some produce (avocados, potatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini) are generally a good deal and fresh enough. But their fruits and more perishable vegetables are seriously lacking. I don’t like shopping there as an experience, so I try to limit it as much as possible, while still saving some grocery money.
While I like the cart and bagless system they have set up, I cannot stand how they literally shove your cart of food away after paying, before you can even return your change to your wallet. I love efficiency but they take it to an extreme which results in poor customer service. I would hope I just have a bad store and most are not like that. I’ve only shopped in one Aldi on the East coast.
Marisa
I live on the East coast and find the employees at our Aldi’s to be very pleasant and helpful, usually more so then in the bigger grocery stores. I do about 80-85% of my shopping there. I love their prices on organic milk. I buy most of my produce there but just like any store sometimes it looks better then others. I have not bought any of their meats. We still tend to splurge at the local butcher in that department.
Jessica Fisher
I am sorry to hear that your service experience hasn’t been positive. So far they are really nice at our store.
Lois
Our local Aldi’s has very friendly employees. One fellow even says to my son, “How are ya, brother?” The cashiers have always been polite and helpful. I don’t do all my shopping there but I do buy some items when I take my adult son there to do his shopping. Their prices on red grapefruit and avocados can’t be beat. I also like their frozen fish.
Elieth Vazquez
They now accept credit cards?!!?!? This is news to me, that was the only thing that has held me back from shopping there frequently (because I like to get points on my cc).
Thank you!
Jessica Fisher
Yep!
ardis
Love their spices. Not everything you might want for off-the-wall recipes, but most of what you need for everyday cooking, and so much cheaper. I have to drive an hour to one, but my daughter lives in the same town, so it works out. Really wish they would put one into my local shopping town.
Jessica Fisher
Good to know!
Elizabeth
No Aldi in CO :(, but I remember going to Aldi with my Great-Grandma in Missouri when I was a kid. At the time, there were no scanners in the stores, so the checkers had to have memorized all of the prices (maybe they were barcodes…I’m not entirely sure). They sat at their stations typing in numbers continuously. It was truly mesmerizing to watch them work, retrieving all of those numbers at will. Do you still have to bag your own groceries at Aldi?
Nini
Yes you do. It’s another way that helps keep costs down.
Jessica Fisher
Isn’t it funny, I end up bagging my groceries at most stores I go to because I don’t want to wait. Maybe I’m weird?
Susan
I’ve shopped at Aldi since 1994. They definitely make it easier to stretch the budget! Just like any place, you have to shop smart. Some of their products can be found cheaper at other stores. However, you have to decide if your time and gas are worth the trip to the other store. My husband works at the other store so it’s worth it to me since he’s already there! I’m going to Aldi tonight. Their produce prices are very good. Sometimes the produce is good, sometimes it’s not, you just have to keep an eye on it but that’s really the case anywhere if you think about it. I love all the new items they’ve brought in over the years. It’s much easier to shop healthier there now. They have some great cheese prices and selections too! One other thing I’d like to add for knowledge sake is you need to take your own bag or box. Sometimes they have boxes there you can find or you can purchase their bags for 10 cents.
Jessica Fisher
Here in CA we’re pretty used to having to provide our own bags. It’s the law in many cities, but thanks for the reminder!
Jeanie
I love our Aldi..I have found it better to go close to opening to get fresh, best looking produce.
Jessica Fisher
THanks for the tip!
Joyce Perdue
Love our Aldi’s and we have a nice one close to us. The produce isle is fantastic. Three times cheaper than our Wegmans. I do like Wegmans meat better but the chicken at Aldi’s has a much better flavor….do not know why. Huge shrimp so good and cheaper. It is not as fancy but the money I save I will gladly sacrifice a little “fancy” for huge savings. It is also crowded and the isles so small and kids screaming and older folks standing in the isles doing nothing but keeping you from not getting through. Sometimes tries my patience. Canned foods……..three times cheaper and very good. I really stock up. Many times I just hand over my cart to someone who looks like they could use it. Milk products, butter and eggs……good and so, so much cheaper. All in all we do love Aldi’s!
Jessica Fisher
Good to know. Thanks!
Dennise
I’ve been an Aldi shopper for years! I love my local store!! It’s always clean and I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed in their items.
I do have to shop at other stores since they don’t carry everything and I’m ok with that. I usually make 3 stops when I do a grocery run ? I start at aldi and then get what they don’t have at the next store ( mt dew for my guys mostly )
I do but Aldi meat and have been very pleased with it. They always have 2 special meat buys each week and their app will show what next week’s special is too ?
Jessica Fisher
Good to know about the app. I’ve heard that the deals do run out quickly. Good reminder.
Christina Scarce
I love shopping at Aldi. My kids are thrilled to get more variety in cereals. I rarely bought it from regular grocery stores because of the prices. Also, their granola bars are peanut free! Well, except the peanut butter ones. 🙂 My youngest loves that he can have an occasional granola bar. And the produce! I love saving so much on fresh produce. I have only found a few things at Aldi I haven’t enjoyed – sauerkraut, coffee & their refrigerated salsa (its very sweet).
Jessica Fisher
Good to know! Thanks!
karen b
We just got an Aldi close enough to us that I could justify going & have been a few times. The produce is still not always the greatest & depending on the day you go sale produce is no longer aviaible, I have complained every time so hopefully it will get better. The store is about 45 minutes from us but in the larger town we shop at so dont go every week. We live in a rural area & theres a Kroger 15 minutes away so thats where I do my main regular shopping :). Grocery prices here tend to be higher than in other parts of the country 🙁 Excited to here how much you save when your store opens up.
Jessica Fisher
I am really hopeful that we could bring down our monthly bill a little bit or at least get more for our money.
Rebecca
I am really lucky as I have Lidl and Aldi! But I am in the UK. We just got a closer Aldi on a nearby retail park.
About the quarter for the cart (trolley) what happens in Europe, and now UK is stores give away a reusable token. Aldi recently had these for sale and they were super cute so I got 1 for each of my kids. In the UK we need a £1 coin and this is used in many things like swimming lockers – so now I have mine with me always.
Food wise the baking section is great at Aldi – ok it’s not 100% wholefoods, but for school fayres etc it’s great.
Chocolate is also great, UK chocolate has a lot of sugar. German chocolate tastes better!
Here in the UK Aldi does a super 6 every week in their produce section – 6 fruit/veg at 59p each. Like does something similar.
I’d love the chocolate cake recipe tho 🙂
Jessica Fisher
I am hoping we can get the chocolate cake recipe. It was part of a partnership with Bon Appetit magazine, so I’m hoping the recipe will come out in the magazine soon.
Rebecca
I am not impressed with the Aldi near me. The produce didn’t look fresh or seem any better priced. Hopefully they will continue to improve.
Jessica Fisher
I would encourage you to email corporate. The ALDI folks I met really want to know if something isn’t up to par. It may be an issue on the local management issue that they would want to address.
Sandi
I’ve heard good things about them, but the closest one to me is still a 3-hr drive and that would eliminate any cost savings. I knew it started as a European company, and I was actually thinking Lidl was the French strain (and mom shops there frequently). I just looked it up, though, to find out they are a major competitor. Whoops!
Jessica Fisher
I thought that too when I went into a LIDL on our trip. I thought they were the same, but not. Good thing. Because I wasn’t happy with LIDL. haha!
Courtney
About the quarter for the cart thing – this is just a heads up that after ALDI has been there a while, you will start seeing people offer to take your cart from you in the parking lot. After you have unloaded and are heading back, you might have someone on the way in offer you a quarter for your cart.
Oh, another bonus of their cart system is that the carts are less likely to get damaged, which helps keep overhead costs down.
Jessica Fisher
I have heard that people share the carts. So nice!