*Photo of Aldi store front by Useful Roots Team*

Updated 2024.07.24

Aldi is a fun store that can give you great ideas while you are simply shopping in the aisles. There are only four aisles in just about every Aldi; however, there are a lot of items packed within those rows.

Much like Trader Joe’s, Aldi tends to focus on offering housebrand items, so a lot of what you will buy at Aldi will be from their own brand.

That said, this does not mean that you will compromise quality, as a lot of the Aldi foods are delicious and interesting as well as being household staples.

Before we dive deeper into what you should expect when buying at Aldi, let’s mention what you can’t buy there.

Name brands. If you are looking for name brand items, you are better off buying elsewhere.

Also, Aldi often carries very low stock of spices and seasonings compared to other stores, so if you are looking for a specific spice, seasoning or topping, you may have to go elsewhere or consider another store for those items.

But, if you have an open mind going into Aldi, and a bit of willingness to let what Aldi has on stock decide your menu for the week, you can find some incredible deals.

So what tips and tricks do you need to know to get the most benefit when shopping at Aldi? Read on below -

*Photo of Aldi store front by Useful Roots Team with text overlay 11 Aldi Shopping Tips & Tricks*

1 - Look At The Flyer

Before you go, look at the Aldi Weekly Grocery Ad and pay attention to the Aldi Finds. These are the limited edition runs on merchandise, some of which are very useful, most of which are seasonal.

2 - Bring A Quarter

Unless you are using a basket, you need to use a cart and Aldi charges $0.25 to use their carts. You do get your quarter back after you return the cart.

Some customers will give you their quarters to pass on to the next person after you (keep the chain going if you can), but this is not an everyday Aldi experience.

3 - Bring Your Own Bags

Aldi does not offer complimentary bags and they charge for the reusable bags they do offer. They do sometimes have cardboard from stocking available, however, it is not guaranteed. If you want to carry your stuff out in bags, you must remember to bring your own.

4 - Go On Wednesdays

This is the day when Aldi does deep dive sales on meats. You can often score big these days, especially when you go in the morning before things sell out.

5 - Look For Red Shelf Labels

Shelf labels that are in red print, compared to black, are the special items that are on sale that week, either they are limited edition or offered at a lower price than usual.

6 - Check Out The Organic Produce

Aldi has the best organic produce prices. While the organic section is small, you are going to be paying less for organic versions of leafy greens, berries and more, compared to elsewhere.

7 - Aldi Snacks Are Worth A Look

If you are shopping for snacks, Aldi deserves your attention. Aldi snacks rival Trader Joe’s. The nuts, dips, chocolates and chips are very unique and they rotate by the season.

8 - The Take & Bake Pizza Is Good

In their refrigerator section, there are take-and-bake pizzas that are really quite hearty and good. If you like prepared pizzas, you will want to try out the Aldi pizza.

9 - The Candles Prices Beat Pretty Much Every Store

The candles at Aldi are offered at incredible prices, often beating out last stop retailers including Thrift Stores, TJMaxx and Marshalls. They do clearance out seasonal scents, which makes the lower candle prices only that much cheaper.

10 - The Housewares Aisle Is Full Of Gems

No, it’s not just knick-knacks and useless tchotchkes! You will find seasonal delicacies, kitchen supplies, clothing, shoes, kids necessities, and more. It’s worth a look, especially if you are looking for something rare and usual, sometimes Aldi has it in their ‘housewares’ aisle.

11 - Bring Your Patience When Checking Out

Aldi often only has one cashier on the clock.

If you go during a peak time (around school pick up, work let out, before a game or holiday weekend, etc), you will be waiting and sometimes for a while. To pass the time in line, bring something to do, meditate, scroll through your emails or play a game.

*Photo of Aldi reed diffuser with candles and example of a red label tag in background by Useful Roots Team*

One of the best parts of shopping at Aldi is that they are one of the lowest price grocery stores around, and you see that reflected in your final receipt.

Part of the fun of shopping at Aldi, besides the prices, snacks and housewares aisle, is the variety. They do offer quite a frequent rotation, so if you see something that you like, snag it. There is absolutely nothing to guarantee they will be carrying that same item next week.

*Photo of Aldi Ladies Memory Foam Trainer sneakers in box with red label tags in rear by Useful Roots Team*

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11 Aldi Shopping Tips And Tricks