 |
Today is our final day of talking about saving money on groceries (although, no doubt, we’ll revisit this topic again!). If you missed any of the posts last week, be sure to read Save Money on Real Food with Your Grocery Budget Toolbox, How to Save Money on Groceries without Clipping Coupons, 6 Alternatives to the Grocery Store, and Save BIG on Natural Care Products at Vitacost.com. And don’t forget that today is the final day to get Your Grocery Budget Toolbox for 25% off! Use code “humbled” to get the discount. (She extended the code through today!)
Have I ever mentioned that Aldi is one of my favorite stores? Yes, that’s right–not Whole Foods, not Earthfare, not even Trader Joe’s–but Aldi!
I started shopping at Aldi my first year married (7 1/2 years ago). Back then, the contents of my grocery cart included the likes of boxed macaroni and cheese, low-fat yogurt and canned cream of chicken soup.
And I simply loved how much money Aldi saved me as opposed to shopping at other mainstream grocery chains.
Now, when our family switched to eating real, whole foods, I realized that I could no longer do ALL our shopping at Aldi because the natural and organic selection there is limited (but growing!). Instead, my current routine is to shop at Aldi first, use my debit card to get cash back there for whatever amount is left in our grocery fund for the month, then go to BJ’s or any other stores I frequent to buy our food for the rest of the month.
Although you cannot use any coupons at Aldi, I’ve found that the items are much, much lower than at other stores anyway. You really just don’t need coupons.
I cannot vouch for Aldis nation or worldwide, but the one in my town is very clean and offers good-quality produce (most of the time–as always, check for bruises and mold before you leave the store!).
Aldi also recently released a limited-time natural and organic selection! The employees at my store said this is for testing purposes to see whether or not people will buy it. SO, go buy it! 
So what do I buy at Aldi?
Check out my list of real, whole foods I get there–along with a few cheats :
My Aldi Grocery List:
- Raw Almonds
- Pistachios
- Dried Fruit/Raisins
- Real Maple Syrup (although it’s Grade A..it’s pure!)
- Pepper
- Rolled Oats
- Steel-Cut Oats
- Raw Walnuts or Pecans
- Nirtrate/Nitrite-Free Chicken Sausage
- Onions
- Garlic
- Domestically-Grown Grapes
- Avocados (sometimes for as little as $.49 each!)
- Bananas
- Sweet Potatoes
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Mangoes
- Oranges
- Pomegranates
- Pineapples
- Canned Salmon with bones (although I am sure the cans have BPA–compromise here)
- Hummus
- Jarred Salsa
- Olive Oil
- Coffee
- Almond Milk
- Dried Pinto Beans
- Frozen Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon
- Frozen Tilapia
- Frozen Shrimp
- Frozen Broccoli
- Frozen Peas
- Frozen Green Beans
- Frozen Asparagus (cooks up like fresh!)
- Frozen Stir-Fry Veggies (I toss the sauce packet that comes in the bag and use my own seasonings…This is our “convenience” meal!)
- White Sugar (we ONLY use this for hubby’s sweet tea!)
- Plain Rice Cakes (compromise because they aren’t organic…a favorite snack for the girls)
- Veggie Chips (another compromise but a good treat for the girls)
- Cracked Pepper Potato Chips (“treat” for hubby)
- Tortilla Chips made with organic blue corn
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Sandwich/Freezer Bags
- Aluminum Foil
Other Reasonable Food to Find at Aldi
While I don’t regularly get these items at Aldi, these are items that, although not organic, are acceptable when making the switch from processed to more whole foods:
- Honey (it’s not raw, so better to bake with it)
- Baking and cooking staples, like spices, sea salt, baking soda, baking powder, etc.
- Hormone-Free Milk (from cows not treated with rbst hormone)
- Conventional Eggs (better than no eggs at all!)
- Hormone-Free Cheese
- White Vinegar (We purchase it in bulk at BJ’s…this is a small bottle.)
- Canned Beans
- Canned Tomatoes
- Whole Wheat Pasta
- Canned Pumpkin
- Natural Applesauce (no high fructose corn syrup…check the labels…they carry two kinds!)
- Natural Peanut Butter
Special Buys
Aldi always has some kind of special buy going on! I was told at my store that the buys are to see if there is a demand for new items. Currently, Aldi is testing out an organic line, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!
Among other things, this line includes:
- Organic raw milk cheese
- Organic yogurt
- Organic canned tomatoes
- Organic pasta sauce (although it does contain soy)
- Organic apple juice
- Organic chicken broth
- Organic extra virgin olive oil
- and more!
Have you ever shopped at Aldi?
Plan to Eat: Meal Planning Made Simple.
Mighty Nest: Better Living Made Easy {Every product FREE of harmful chemicals!}
The Glass Baby Bottle: Eco-friendly, Toxin Free Essentials for Babies & Toddlers & Kids
|
They must not be testing in my area cause I didn’t see anything organic in their ad.
I used to shop there all the time. I will again if they start carrying organics!
That stinks.
Maybe you can call before you go?
I love shopping at Aldi when I can get there! The closest one is over an hour away for us, but when I go I try to stock up on things. Great post!
Amanda recently posted..How to Cook Butternut Squash
That stinks it’s so far away! That’s how far our Trader Joe’s is….otherwise, I am sure TJ’s would be vying for the #1 slot as my favorite store!
We bought the raw milk cheddar cheese the other day and it was delicious! We like shopping at Aldi and would be so happy if they started stocking more organics.
Mary Ann recently posted..Omelet Brunch Casserole
I would be thrilled as well! I am hoping they keep this organic line around!
Aldi was the grocery store closest to my apartment in Germany, so I shopped there all the time (though for more processed foods, at the time; I was especially fond of their extensive collection of Haribo gummies and €1.00 bottles of wine, ha). I had never heard of them, since there weren’t any in the state where I grew up.
Apparently there are a couple in a suburb of my city. I went to one once and it was a major flashback to when I lived in Europe (though alas, without the wine)! They’re not close so I figure most of the savings over the Walmart Neighborhood Market a block away are negated in fuel costs, especially when the Walmart has a reasonable organic selection. But your list is tempting me to make another trip to check out Aldi! A number of the items on your list I buy from a local grocery chain or Whole Foods, and I bet Aldi is cheaper.
If nothing else I can get some German chocolates (bad, I know…), di the trip wouldn’t be wasted.
I stick to the non-dirty dozen at Aldi since they don’t currently have organic produce. I hear the Aldis in Germany are fabulous!
Depending on the laws in your state, your Aldi might carry wine! I used to get it for $4 a bottle or so.
I hope hope hope that enough people bought the organic stuff at my store to make them keep it around. I was over the moon when I saw the raw milk cheese and organic chicken broth! Now if only we could get full-fat yogurt instead of that fat-free stuff…
I think mine does, too! I agree on the organics and yogurt–and plain, unflavored!
No kidding!!! I love the price but at my Aldis its nonfat yogurt. no way!!!
Yeah–that is one bummer–and it was vanilla flavored.
It’s against the law to sell wine in grocery stores in Oklahoma, which is why we also don’t have Trader Joe’s, Costco, or BJ’s. You can only sell special low-alcohol beer in grocery stores, and liquor stores are not allowed to sell anything /other/ than high-proof beer, wine, and liquor–no ice, gift bags, corkscrews, nothing. And they’re not allowed to sell refrigerated beer, either, and the hours are terrible. Basically, Oklahoma is a miserable place if you like to drink.
But Erin, since you first posted this, I’ve started shopping at Aldi, and even though they don’t carry anything organic at all, it’s amazing how much money I can save on the stuff I do buy! And avocados go on sale for a quarter apiece at least once a month. Twenty-five cents! It takes a lot of sorting to find the ones that aren’t rotten and moldy already, but still. ^_^
I’m so glad to hear that you discovered and like Aldi through this post! We eat LOTS of avocados (Well, all but hubby, who thinks they are gross. Haha!), and it’s so nice to have a place to find them cheap!
Awesome, I love Aldis, but we’re Gluten free here. Although I think I do pretty well price wise at our local grocery store. It always seems like I bust the grocery budget whenever I make my Aldi trip, it could be because I’m stocking up.
KM Logan @lessonsfromivy recently posted..Sign Up By E-mail To Get 2 Free eBooks
We are gluten free as well!
I shopped Aldis a couple of times when my kids were little but didn’t care for it. I was convinced after reading your latest posts to give it another shot since they are carrying organics. Well, I will be making it a regular stop! I took my oldest daughter (who is gettting married this month) to try it out and she is putting it on her regular route as well. So who’s to say you can’t teach an “old mom” new tricks
lol!
I am SO glad to hear your recent experience has been positive! And how cool that your daughter is going as well! Congrats to her–and you!
We don’t have an Aldi…but it sounds awesome!
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents recently posted..Berry Cream Muffins
We should go on an Aldi field trip when y’all come.
That looks a lot like my shopping list for Aldi too! Thanks for sharing!
Aliesha recently posted..More Non-candy Valentines for Kids!
Haha–great minds think alike?
Elsie- Do you have a FB page? I’d love to follow you!
Here is Elsie’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/backtothesource
Thank you!
Any tips on how to debone that canned salmon?
Hannah, this is the BEST part–you don’t have to! You can actually EAT salmon bones! I am not sure you can with any other creature, but salmon bones are very, very soft and full of calcium! I love that the canned salmon has bones because I haven’t been able to find canned salmon anywhere else locally that contains the bones. My 4 year old absolutely LOVES the bones and always requests them! They have a slight “crunch” to them!
Out of habit I have been shopping at a regular Grocery store around the corner and didn’t realize how much more I had been spending there, it’s crazy. After reading your blog, I started to shop again at Aldi’s and truly, the money saved is worth the extra mile or two. I think the quality has gotten better over the past few years, especially with the produce section.
I’m so glad to hear your Aldi has gotten better! I LOVE to help people learn how to save money on groceries! I had a dream one time that our Aldi shut down and I was so sad! LOL!
Wow, really? I used to shop at Aldi all the time, but something changed and my Aldi stopped being clean, the prices went up, and everytime I bought meat and produce there, it went bad within a few days. And our Aldi only takes cash, which really prevents my debit-loving self from shopping there.
Maybe I’ll check out my Aldi again this weekend, though. I really hope they’ve changed for the better because I wouldn’t mind shopping there again. It beats my icky Walmart!
Taylor recently posted..New
I hope yours has gotten better, Taylor! Funny story: When I first started shopping at Aldi, it was when we were living in MS and before they took debit cards. I had to leave a cart FULL of groceries one time before I forgot they only took cash!
I was SO glad when the one where I shop started taking debit cards! It make it really nice to shop there first and fill in the gaps elsewhere with the money I get with cash back! Oh–and I hate Walmart, too. 
I usually get my hubby to go! LOL!
Aldi’s where I used to live was sort of disgusting. I have found moths INSIDE bags of rolls and hamburger buns, and when I point it out to the store manager, they just hid the bag in the back room instead of going through everything to make sure it was moth-free…
They have decent prices, sure, but I wouldn’t think of them as a place to go to get healthy foods. Maybe if they carried organic foods then my feelings would change. But I have a hard time buying their “fresh” produce and rolls.
Rebecca, I think every Aldi is different. I wouldn’t discount it altogether. I personally don’t buy the bread there, but our produce and the other items on must list are really good. Check what some of the other ladies above said–some had had a bad experience with Aldi in the past but love it now!
Erin recently posted..Using a WonderMill to Make Gluten-Free Flours
This store sounds wonderful! I did a search on their website, but sadly no Aldi in my area! I pretty much stick to Azure Standard and TJs and a local health market in Southern CA called Mother’s Market because as you said Whole Foods is quite expensive. Love all these money-saving tips you’re sharing, sweet friend! Thank you!
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home recently posted..Real Food Kids in the Kitchen with Wardeh of GNOWFGLINS!
We have an aldi’s in the little burb over–not close enough to do every day but not bad for a weekly/monthly thing and i do go at least once a month. I discovered a few years back that their produce comes from the same sources as the produce co-op I belonged to (our driver accidentally spilled the beans). I don’t buy their sugar often because I’m not sure if it’s pure cane sugar and think it’s from modified sugar beets (Walgreens’ Nice brand is though and it goes on sale sometimes). I need to go again next week, so will look for the organic stuff and hope they are testing it at my store!
I don’t believe my local ALDI store is stocking many (if any) of the whole foods you talked about, but I love ALDI anyways! It really is the best place to find great deals on fruits & veggies, canned items, and miscellaneous kitchen supplies, etc. But now that I know ALDI is considering carrying some whole foods, I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hope that my store joins in on the fun very soon!
I shop the same way …. Mostly at Aldi or Price Rite and go to the co-op for organic and specialty foods. We save a ton on groceries and eat healthier than ever. Great of you to publicize it!
What a perfect day for you to post this, because our Aldi here in Martinsburg, WV is having its grand opening today!
I have been so excited that we are getting one (just about counting down the days), and now I am just as excited about this list you put together. What a great resource! I shared it with my friends on fb.
We don’t have Aldis on this side of the land, but we have Fresh and Easy, and they have a pretty good organic line as well – for good prices
Hope it sticks around for you!
What do you use steel cuts oats for? I usually get cracked oats, but had steel cut or the first time today. Not quite sure of my opinion yet.
Sara Shay recently posted..Raising our Gifts
Love your post — had to read it vecause I love Aldi’s. Yes we have a nice selection here in MO and I’m really trying to go organic but it’s pricey for a family of four. I just did a blog post on Whole Foods Food Market (check it out). Will be checking out more of your post.
I do a ton of shopping at Aldi. I try to buy mainly local foods, but it’s hard to always run from farm to farm, so I end up at Aldi a lot. Better to have store-bought food than no food at all! It’s just the season of life I’m in right now, and I need to feed my family the best that I can without starving them. I did a little happy dance last time I was at Aldi and saw the organic stuff. In spite of spending days canning tomatoes over the summer, they’re running out very quickly, and I’m so excited to see an inexpensive organic product available to me!
MaryEllen@ImperfectHomemaker recently posted..Organizing a Dual-Purpose Room
I LOVE Aldi’s…. best store ever! (I live in Oklahoma)
I grocery shop there every week and they save me tons of money!
jeanette recently posted..My First 3 Years in Weight Loss and Maintenance
Thanks for this post! I live shopping at Aldi’s. I can’t wait to see if our local one is carrying these items.
No Aldi in my part of the country. It’s kind of funny that all the stores that are praised by either health food and/or budget-conscious blogs aren’t in Texas. But I won’t complain…I live in a big city with lots of stores to choose from! (Just not the ones I read about.)
Side note…not sure what other sweeteners you normally use. My hubby loves his sweet tea, too, but recently I’ve been sweetening it with part stevia/part raw sugar. I steep the tea with stevia leaves, then add some sugar also. Some say raw sugar isn’t any better than white, but at least it’s not bleached… But I will admit I have white sugar, too, in my pantry right now. Ha! Seems like every time I get rid of my not-so-good ingredients, I get asked to make some specific dessert for a church function. Ah well. : )
I shop at Aldi all the time, and find their quality to be perfectly fine most of the time. Occasionally, I have found moldy produce, but this is true of regular grocery stores as well. I saw the new organic line, but they only had that out for a very short time. I hope it did well and they bring it back.
Laura Jane @ Super Sweet Life recently posted..Healthy Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe
I really hope they will decide to keep the organic line as well!!
I loved it when Aldi came to the Dallas area last year, followed by Trader Joe’s this year. I do advise checking labels carefully, though, because I have found unexpected items in the deli and dairy have preservatives added, like Salsa Fresco, deli pickles and sour cream.
I really wish Trader Joe’s would come here!!
I love our local Aldi! So thrilled about the new organic line, but I’ve always liked buying dairy there because of their non growth hormone policies. Milk costs so much less there. Also, since my nursing became allergic to dairy, I’ve been thrilled to buy soy and Almond milk there, even coconut milk in the last couple weeks (yum!).so much more inexpensive there, even without coupons.
Did you know that Aldi is owned by the same family as Trader Joes? I am convinced that some of the products are the same, only with different labels, just as their “Millville” is General Mills.
I had heard that about Aldi and Trader Joe’s! I wish we had a TJ’s! We LOVE their almond milk! I bought 3 gallons today!
This has been testing at my Aldi as well, and it’s WONDERFUL!! I’ve enjoyed buying the organic produce, though sadly they did not have organic spinach there this past week. The Gala apples WERE organic though.
Sarah Jane recently posted..Hello Kitty: My Cloth Diaper Wish List
Mine didn’t have ANY organic produce this past week! I was so bummed!
I was really excited to see that our new Aldi has organic butter (for a great price!), and I have been buying it; however, I did notice that besides organic cream it has “natural flavoring.” I know that this usually means MSG…can MSG be in an organic item??? Would you recommend or not recommend getting this? Just curious…where do you buy your butter? Thanks!!
Our Aldi hasn’t gotten any organic butter yet, and our family is 99% dairy free, so I really don’t use butter (I use coconut oil). I don’t think natural flavorings always means MSG, although it’s really up in the air. I would call Aldi headquarters and ask.
I have rrecently just started shopping at aldi’s and I am in LOVE! I can go in there spend 60 bucks and come out like a queen! what I buy for 60 at aldi’s i would probably spend 100-130 at walmart or kroger! I haven’t seen a big selection in the organic foods at my aldi’s yet but maybe in the near future.
I’m hoping they bring the organic line back as well!
Wow, aldi is one of the last places I would think to shop for real food. Good post.
Becky webb recently posted..When to Book Your Childbirth Doula
Thanks, Becky!
I <3 Aldi! Been shopping there for 8 years and anytime I shop elsewhere I'm always amazed at how much more I spend!
Same here!! I go there first!