Aldi is not "all that".

[BellePrincessBelle]

This is so true, you can't even compare Aldi to TJ's, they are not even remotely the same company, completely separate.

I agree with the PP about not carrying any cash, I NEVER have any. The few times I do, one of the kids needs it for something, everything goes on our card. I have occasionally stopped by Aldi then realized I only $5 or so, so never really bought much. I was very underwhelmed at what I DID purchase though.

I have been saying that on these boards for the last few years but no one seems to get it. They are not remotely the same. They just happen to be owned by brothers.

 

[sparklynails23]

Our Aldi has whole pineapple for $1.29.

 

[Pigeon]

I don't think Aldi's remotely claims to be "all that."

It's no frills, low prices on basics. Their house brands are made by major food companies, but you don't have your choice of a million brands.

I don't shop there that often because the one nearest me isn't close. But it's worth a trip from time to time. I hate the no check or credit card thing, and I couldn't do it for my only grocery store.

But their prices are great. For most things, the grocery store brands, even on sale, are far more expensive than Aldi's. I have no brand loyalty at all and buy what's cheapest, but still Aldi's usually beats the grocery store. And some of their stuff I like even better.

 

[Planogirl]

We had one open nearby a few months ago and I'm not impressed with the store. Their selection is too limited for me.

 

[punkin]

slightly
ot, but here is the problem with taking only debit cards. http://www.aldifoods.com/us/html/co...?WT.z_src=banner&WT.ac=Banner-without-Alt-Tag

 

[DawnCt1]

slightly
ot, but here is the problem with taking only debit cards. http://www.aldifoods.com/us/html/co...?WT.z_src=banner&WT.ac=Banner-without-Alt-Tag

Which is another reason I never use a debit card. I feel well protected with my credit cards. Debits? Not worth the risk.

 

[136368]

Aldi lemonade is peculiar. Shake the bottle and it refills itself

 

[Octoberbride03]

Which is another reason I never use a debit card. I feel well protected with my credit cards. Debits? Not worth the risk.

People steal credit card numbers too. I don't think the risk is any worse with Debit.

 

[Octoberbride03]

I will say that reading this thread makes me want an Aldi. We don't have any here. Can I get 1?

 

[bethbuchall]

I think a lot of the reasons people don't like aldis are kind of silly. Not being able to use a credit card, having to put a quarter in a cart.

I don't care about the cart, but we don't have a debit card, and I don't like to carry much cash. I have never gone to our Aldi's for that reason, though I may stop in some day to check it out.

 

[136368]

People steal credit card numbers too. I don't think the risk is any worse with Debit.

But with credit cards you are protected by law - at least here in the UK you are.

 

[DVC-Don]

I gave up on our local Aldi's. There is only two checkout lines and I never saw more than one open and always a long line.

 

[Octoberbride03]

But with credit cards you are protected by law - at least here in the UK you are.

They are here too. Debit cards are also protected, but for some reason many people seem to think they aren't. Still doesn't stop people from stealing the numbers though.

 

[136368]

They are here too. Debit cards are also protected, but for some reason many people seem to think they aren't. Still doesn't stop people from stealing the numbers though.

Indeed. You have to be so careful these days. Sad, but true.

 

[MushyMushy]

We've had an Aldi's in our town for about 3 years now and I haven't been in it once. It took the place of a Mor-for-Less, which I'd only been in once. We also had a Sav-a-Lot for a long time, but it recently closed.

I'll be honest here, and you all can flame me, but you'd have to know where I live to understand where I'm coming from. I live in a very low income area and we've learned to avoid stores when the food stamps come out (something like the 3rd of the month or the 5th), and avoid stores like Aldi's.

My friend swears by Aldi's frozen T-bone steaks. She gets two big t-bones for something like $12. I was skeptical of them because I'm pretty particular about the meat I buy -- I won't even buy it from Walmart because of the saline content in their meats. Well, I was right that the steaks had a high saline content, but when she made them at a cook out, they were delicious. Definitely worth buying a time or two, but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy them there.

 

[ReneeA]

I do shop at Aldi for pantry staples and baking supplies - they have a big container of real vanilla for only $2.39 - less than half of what it costs for the same size of Kroger brand...nevermind what a name brand costs. Our food pantry at church (inner city Detroit church that services 150 families a month) has been really low on supplies at time, so we will occasionally buy cases of cereal and peanut butter to donate. Nobody's prices are lower for that kind of stuff.

We also really like the sausage patties - 2 pounds for only $3.79, fully cooked and just microwave them to heat them up. DS8 likes to make his own "Sausage McMuffins" at home, and likes them better than McDonalds. It's nice to have them here as a once a week treat or so for him and DH.

 

[136368]

We also have a Lidl in our town, stocks Top Hat Cola. Basically fizzy acid and brown.

 

[Jeafl]

I do shop at Aldi for pantry staples and baking supplies - they have a big container of real vanilla for only $2.39 - less than half of what it costs for the same size of Kroger brand...nevermind what a name brand costs. Our food pantry at church (inner city Detroit church that services 150 families a month) has been really low on supplies at time, so we will occasionally buy cases of cereal and peanut butter to donate. Nobody's prices are lower for that kind of stuff.

We also really like the sausage patties - 2 pounds for only $3.79, fully cooked and just microwave them to heat them up. DS8 likes to make his own "Sausage McMuffins" at home, and likes them better than McDonalds. It's nice to have them here as a once a week treat or so for him and DH.

We love the sausage patties too, especially the maple ones My kids like them for egg/bagel breakfast sandwiches like McDonald's.


I mostly buy their flavored water, sugar, flour, brown and powdered sugar, vanilla, and believe it or not, their pickles are really good and cheap. They also have great bagels.

What is REALLY good is their ice cream and their frozen pies. Much better than any Sara Lee pies, and my kids prefer their ice cream to Breyer's or Edy's.

 

[C.Ann]

People steal credit card numbers too. I don't think the risk is any worse with Debit.

This happened at a very large supermarket chain not too long ago - maybe 6 or 7 months ago.. Those who don't check their CC's online every single day ended up with headaches galore..

But if that's an issue, just bring cash.. You can walk out of Aldis with a cart literally overflowing with groceries for fifty bucks - depending on what you're buying..

I love, love, love those big cinnamon buns they have over in the bread section.. Yum!

And when I want to bake? No one can beat their prices on real butter - among other things..

 

[punkin]

The one near me only carries salted butter and I really prefer the unsalted variety.

Really, the best thing there is the chocolate. Oh and they also have a marvelous frozen strudel that is to die for.