My New Aldi Obsession

When Adam and I decided I wouldn't be returning to work full time I new I needed to find a few ways to cut down on some of our costs.  I began reading a book called "Miserly Moms, Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy" by Jonni McCoy.  She had some great tips, one of which I knew would be huge for our family and that was cutting down on our food cost.

I started clipping coupons but I quickly realized I was horrible at actually remembering to use them and often times the store brand was still cheaper even after you use a coupon on a name brand.  I reduced our cost a little but still felt like I could do better.  During a specific week I had the store Aldi come up in two different conversations, I had never shopped there and honestly thought it was probably low quality food.  I am not willing to compromise taste for my family.  After a little research online I decided to give Aldi a try and...I'm hooked!!

First let me tell you a little about Aldi and what makes it different from other grocery stores. It's small and compact, this I like because I don't have to walk 2 miles from one side of the store to the other. Not that I don't need the exercise but it's more of a time thing.  Aldi originated in Germany and the founder also started the Trader Joe's grocery chain.  They offer a Double Guarantee on their products, this means they will not only replace something they also refund your money.  Aldi is able to keep costs low a few ways but here are a few you will notice while shopping.  You need a quarter to get your shopping cart, this cuts down on staff costs because they don't have to worry about collecting carts throughout the day. Every one takes their cart back to get your quarter back!  They don't have shelves, the products are stacked on pallets. You bag your own groceries, they have bags but you have to buy them.  I love this because I use my own reusable bags and feel like it's another way my family can help the environment and lessen our footprint.  The store hours are fewer then most premium grocery stores, they only stay open during the "busy" shopping hours.  The staff that check you out are also the staff stocking your shelves.  I noticed after a few trips that Aldi cashiers are way faster then cashiers in other stores, I found out that they place bar codes in numerous spots on their products, this makes for a faster check out process.

Once I decided to give Aldi a try I was a bit hesitant, I only bought a few things.  I did notice that their produce was so much cheaper, and it looked good too.  I bought some avocados and pineapple, both of which I returned a few days later and bought more of.  They were great!!  I have been shopping at Aldi for a few months now and I am totally hooked, I am actually mad at myself for not shopping here earlier.  I have bought everything from chips to goat cheese to pumpkin spice creamer. Some items have been even better then the premium, name brand product.  The only item we have purchased and not cared for thus far has been their shells and cheese, and honestly, I don't need to be buying that any way.  I haven't bought much meat, not because it doesn't look good but because I don't find the prices to be cheaper.  We tend to buy our meat more in bulk and freeze it.

So here are a few of our favorites to buy at Aldi:
Ritz Crackers
Shredded Cheese
Coffee Creamers
Spices and all baking products
Hummus
Tortillas
Produce, Produce, Produce (it's always limited to what's in season)
Bacon
String Cheese
Mini Muffins
Eggs
Sangria
Tortilla Chips
Yogurt tubes
Toilet Paper (it's seriously good)
Crescent Rolls
Goat Cheese
Rice
Pasta
Pastries/ Bagels



They have great seasonal products like Sangria, Pumpkin Cream Cheese (it's to die for good), these awesome Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels you bake yourself and much more.

So far I am impressed and continue to be amazed at how much I get for what I spend.  So I urge you to give Aldi a try.  If you need a shopping buddy for your first trip email me, I am always looking for a reason to go!!!