Is there anybody out there that doesn't want to cut their grocery bill in half? I didn't think so.
It really is possible, and it can be done without clipping coupons, but you'll have to make some sacrifices.
When we moved to South Florida last year, we were prepared for the high cost of living, or so we thought. I'm not sure anything can prepare you for the sticker shock we experienced at the grocery – a loaf of bread was nearly twice the price. Orange Juice prices were crazy, and this is citrus country! In Texas, I could buy a package of 10 burrito size tortillas for $1, and the same identical item is $3.29 here! Week after week, I clipped my coupons, searched store ads and still my grocery bill was nearly double…yikes! Then one day, like a gift from the frugal gods, an Aldi sign went up in the shopping center by our high school. My wallet was ready to welcome Aldi to South Florida!
If you're not familiar with Aldi, it's a no-frills grocery store that promises to save you up to 50%! These guys make Walmart look expensive, but it takes some getting used to! Ready for Aldi Shopping 101?
Tips for Shopping Aldi
- Bring a Quarter for Your Shopping Cart – Don't worry, you'll get it back when you return your cart. It's another way Aldi keeps prices down…no employees constantly corralling carts from the parking lot.
- Bring Your Own Bags – They keep prices down by not providing bags, and you help the environment.
- Be the Bag Boy – Fewer employees means lower prices…at least you can't complain that the bag boy smashed your bananas!
- Don't Expect to Find Everything on Your List – Aldi is a very small grocery that started in Germany. After a few trips, you'll know which items you can find there, and which items you'll have to shop elsewhere for. This week, I was able to find everything on my list except prunes, eggplant, grape tomatoes, Italian sausage and green chiles. P.S. – There's an added bonus to shopping a small store, you get in and out fast!
- Pay Cash or Use Your Debit Card – Credit card fees are expensive for stores, so Aldi only takes cash or debit. Yes, it's just another way Aldi can keep their prices low.
- Learn to Love Store Brands – Aldi is so confident you'll love their store brands that they'll replace the product AND refund your money if you're not 100% satisfied! If you just have to have name brands, you'll find Pop Tarts, Coke, Oscar Meyer, Kraft, DiGiorno, Gatorade, M&M's and more.
- Leave Your Coupons at Home – Aldi does not take any coupons, but they still promise to cut your grocery bill by up to 50%! If you can't stand clipping coupons but want to cut your grocery bill, Aldi is the store for you!
- Give Aldi a Chance – Whenever you shop a new store, there is a learning curve…you have to navigate a new store layout and get used to their policies. Don't make up your mind about Aldi after just one visit, try Aldi for at least a month before deciding if it's the grocery store for you.
Is all this hassle worth it? Let's rephrase that…is cutting your grocery bill worth inconveniences like bagging your own groceries or returning your cart? You be the judge.
I took a “field trip” to Aldi and Publix to compare prices on 10 commonly purchased items. Prepare to be shocked!
Aldi vs. Publix
100% Whole Wheat Bread (store brand)
Aldi: $1.29
Publix: $2.19
Gala Apples, 3 lb. bag
Aldi: $1.89
Publix: $4.99
Honey Nut Cheerios (store brand)
Aldi: $1.69
Publix: $2.79
Ground Beef (2 lbs)
Aldi: $2.29/lb.
Publix: $3.49/lb.
Milk, 1 gallon
Aldi: $3.39
Publix: $3.95
Cheddar Cheese Slices
Aldi: $1.99
Publix: $2.69
Spaghetti Sauce (store brand)
Aldi: $1.49
Publix: $2.49
Lunchmeat (store brand)
Aldi: $3.29/lb.
Publix: $4.99/lb.
Frozen Boneless Chicken Breasts, 3 lb. bag (store brand)
Aldi: $2.16/lb.
Publix: $3.00/lb.
Gourmet Pasta from Italy (I included this one, so you'll know that Aldi does carry gourmet products! You'll find fancy cheeses too!)
Aldi: $1.29
Publix: $2.99
Total for all 10 items
Aldi: $24.46
Publix: $43.06
Ready to shop Aldi?
Ready to save nearly 50%?
I thought so.
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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Aldi for One2OneNetwork. Don't worry…all opinions are 100% mine!
I LOVE Aldi! I live in Texas and I’m in my neighborhood Aldi 2-3 times a week. It’s fun to see what new items they have and build your weekly menu around the bargains. Give it a try!
Woo hoo…another Aldi lover! Some people hate Aldi because they can’t buy everything there, but I’m convinced they haven’t taken a serious look at the savings.
On the west coast, at least here in Washington, we have Bargain Grocery Outlet, sounds a lot like Aldi. I love shopping there! Most of their stuff is sometimes weird off brands or store brands from the mid west (I bought a Winn Dixie frozen pizza the other day). Never had any of their packaged food give me any trouble, and I buy a lot of household stuff and sundries there. Their stuff is always changing so when you find something you like, go back soon and buy it out because it may not be back for a while!
Bargain Grocery Outlet does sound similar to Aldi. You’re right…the selection is ever-changing which I think is part of the fun! Thanks for suggesting to stock up on items you really like.