Aldi

I don’t know how to explain Aldi Finds to you. It’s a mix of a really great 99c Store that has groceries and a discount type store grocery. Not fancy but what really counts are low prices and nothing they have has any food dyes or preservatives. A step in the right direction. The no GMO stuff is going to take a lot longer to get into main stream food suppliers. So little of non GMO. This is a German based discount shop which they opened some in the U.S. Not only do they have food and wine they have other stuff such as tools, household items, special deals. Very worthwhile. Prices are low. It is not your glamorous store but mind blowing low prices on many items.

I’m definitely a fan. I wasn’t always one, though. Once I got over the bagless checkout and feeling rushed at the register, I realized it was me that needed a paradigm shift. Eggs, milk, cheeses and breads that are at least $ 1.00 cheaper than Walmart is a daily, regular deal and it’s that fact that hooked me.
Throw in inexpensive (and often better-​tasting) house-​brand alternatives and wines, and you definitely have a daily grocer to rely on when you don’t feel like being inundated at the big box stores.
Once I realized I needed to byob (bags) anyway (long before the short-​lived «ban»), I was a regular. Walmart should be worried. Aldi’s has a great system and their products are as good — if not better — than the competition.

Good cheap produce! Bought fat free gallon of milk, 3 pounds of bananas and trail mix for 8 $. Good deals here!

So Aldi is a German born and operated discount store and grocer. First off — their prices are mind blowing low! E.g. A decent size bag of dry roasted almonds – $ 4.99! That is incredible.
It’s a very European store in terms of appearance and layout. Aka, bland and predictable but hey – I miss that from my days living abroad.
Most of their stuff is pretty low quality thus the low prices but if you find a few items there that is worth the drive, then definitely do it.
If you want much better quality for a just a bit more expensive, Aldi also owns Trader Joe’s!
~Carpe Diem~

Had my first shopping experience at Aldi… because someone made me ;). If you weren’t depressed before you went there, you will surely be when you leave. It was sad to see the place where grocery store labor goes to die. I now know what a grocery store looks like during the zombie apocalypse. An abandoned forklift in the isle, a spilled crate of tomatoes that never gets attended to, a lone brave cashier still checking people out in the face of absolute danger. I’m all for saving money but shopping here makes me want to avoid sharp objects for a while.

I’ve been shopping at Aldi here and there for about two years. Though it’s not my staple store, I can always count on Aldi for specialty items. Aldi is a German based store, which means you see a lot of German brands. Like German beers? Win win!
Please note, you will not find your typical labels in Aldi; It’s more of a private label company, which doesn’t bother me because I’m always down for trying some new things. It looks very plain in the store. Again, no biggie. I love the cookies and chocolate bars. OMG, being that it’s German based, you can find some of the best chocolate around in many forms. Chocolate bars with corn flakes, orange chocolate, chili chocolate, and lots of hazelnut chocolates ! It’s especially fab during the holiday season, as you will find all sorts of German pastries and breads that you would normally not have access to.
If that’s not enough, the produce prices are outstanding! I’ve never seen oranges, apples, and veggies this cheap, and the cheeses are one of a kind. Customer service is decent, and normally has the same people working in there at all times and they are always nice. Be sure to bring your own bags or you will have to pay for the plastic bags for your groceries, which is turn you will fill the bags yourself. There is also a quarter to use the shopping carts, but don’t worry, you get the quarter back when you return the shopping cart.
Is this Whole Foods? Nope. Is it a dollar store? No. It’s a very happy medium with some great, unique finds, and an opportunity to save a lot! Be sure to check it out!

First time here and I totally had an Aldi-​gasim! I don’t think I’ve ever paid as little for groceries and got such a huge amount! The prices here are impossible to beat.
Since it was my first time, of course I went a little crazy and got a lot more than I needed but hey, it was still well below the prices at any other stire I’ve been too. I love seeing reviews about people bitching about having to have a quarter for a basket or bagging their own groceries. Seriously? Come on, you get your effing quarter back and bagging your own stuff = the ability for Aldi to provide lower prices. If you want a free cart and to have someone wait on you hand and foot and bag your stufd, take your ass to Market Street and pay 3−4x the price.
Overall, there’s a great selection of items. The only think I wouldn’t necessarily shop here for is the produce. It isn’t the freshest, but other than this, I will continue to get my other needs here!

This is a great ALDI location. They have the store organized in a great way. Don’t forget your quarter for the shopping cart!
I find that I can buy so much more at ALDI by buying their store brands. In some of their items (macaroni and cheese) you can taste the difference and in others (marinara sauce) I think their brands are even better.
They have great prices on eggs, milk, sugar and flour. Basically, all baking supplies :)

When it is getting late and I don’t want to walk a mile to get into a store I go here. When I don’t want to deal with Wal-​Mart or even Target I go here. When I want travel food (nuts, chips, water, bread) weekly food I go here. Produce is priced well, frozen food good selection and under $ 6.00 for a frozen pizza.

Great prices on produce, spices, and meat. Also like that they carry soy milk, and other healthy alternative options. I bring ny own bags and a quarter for a cart. My only negative is that the cashiers rush you out even when there is no one else in line. Slow down just a little, I don’t like feeling like you are pushing me out of the store.

I grew up going to Aldi so the concept of off private label foods, paying for a bag and packing your own purchases, and putting a deposit on a shopping cart is not a surprise to me.
I stopped here because I saw it on the way and I thought I could rekindle old memories… and I wanted some powdered donuts. Aldi carries mostly private label foods and a few name brands. They have milk, cheese, yogurt, limited produce, some fresh meats, paper products, and canned goods. By the way, Aldi and Trader Joe’s are part of the same company (ever notice that almost everything is private label at TJ’s?) so I don’t know why people seem so turned off by Aldi off-​brands.
Everything is pretty cheap and the store is simple. Get your stuff and go right? Well, not really. On a Saturday afternoon, there was only one cashier and the line was very long. How can you only have one cashier? I walked off without buying my donuts and the other random items I had picked up and carefully balanced in my arms (I didn’t have a quarter for a cart). It wasn’t worth it. If I wanted this kind of treatment I could just go to Walmart which at least has a larger selection of items and a side of entertainment. Get it together Aldi!

I’ve shopped ALDI since it came to Dallas. I’ve been happier with the quality of the items over any other store, and I save, on average, 56% over the best price for the same item, regardless of what other store has the best price.
I write reviews on many items and topics routinely, and I evaluate shopping trends.
Part of that is personally comparing prices and quality on a daily basis… something I’ve done for decades.
I’ve read all of the reviews and concluded that many people are simply lazy, shallow, and uneducated. They are the same people who routinely believe that paying more for the same item, whether it be a bike, car or boat, makes the item better.
If only they knew that the same machines, methods and caliber of craftsmen were used to make all of them. For cyclists, many will purchase a «name brand» bike over the «store» version at 3 – 4 times the cost… not knowing that both frames are identical… manufactured in the same facility, but the same people, on the same machines… and the only difference is the $ 2,400 decal on the frame that proclaims its world class heritage.
Groceries are the same. The same packaging plants sort, package and label for big brands, such as Green Giant, etc., as they do for store brands. The quality of the items, whether it be firsts or seconds, is determined by the contract negotiated. The quality and quantity affect the price for the stores, but the store overhead is what ultimately determines the cost to the consumer.
Shopping carts at ALDI are not «rented», but rather, like any airport, there is a deposit required for the use of this high-​dollar item. Each cart will average around $ 300-​$ 400 per cart, depending on size, quality, etc. Cart theft and damage is a major issue and expense for all grocers, except ALDI.
That simple quarter means that nearly every cart gets returned. Since the day ALDI opened in Dallas, I have only found one (1) cart not returned… ever.
What that also means is no employees are required to retrieve the carts, nor do they have to be repaired and serviced on a daily basis.
In fact, I hate shopping carts at most stores because they pull to one side, or squeal, or have a bump-​bump-​bump to their roll that is irritating. The reason? They been left in the elements and hit by cars.
Ever had an ALDI shopping cart blow across the parking lot and dent your car? I haven’t, but I have at Walmart, Tom Thumb, Krogers, and other places over the years.
So peace of mind about my vehicle versus cart alone is worth that quarter that I get back.
I use the Walmart self-​service area to check out. I bag my own items there.
The beauty of ALDI is that I get to bag my groceries the way I want them bagged. They use to teach bag boys how to properly pack a bag. If you want other people to bag your items today, then do not ever whine about your bruised tomatoes or crushed bread. In fact, those people are probably just fine with their toilet cleaners in the bag with their meat, eggs and candy.
ALDI is the world’s largest and oldest grocer. No need for a history lesson since we all have Google, but they are family-​owned, consist of two divisions (Norte & Sur), are worldwide, and they own Trader Joe’s and a host of vineyards. They dwarf companies like Walmart, but in size and profit margin.
Their items are store branded, but they are by no means seconds. Their bread comes from the same place as the Sara Lee bread. Their chicken comes from Tyson, which is why you most often see Tyson label products in the store.
Their German and Austrian chocolates are imported and are a delight. You routinely see M&Ms labeled items in the store because many of the ALDI candies that are not imported, come from the same place.
Their meats are by far better than I’ve seen in Walmart, Tom Thumb, Kroger, etc. and at a far better price. Their produce has always been a cut above the rest, but if there is an issue, as there can be with any produce anywhere, ALDI has always made good on their money back guarantee.
In fact, in terms of money back issues, ALDI is the easiest place I have ever deal with and they take care of it on the spot, COMPLETE WITH APOLOGIES.
You know, if a quarter for a cart meant I’d get an apology from Walmart or anywhere else, then that alone would justify using that quarter for the cart… especially since I get my quarter back too!
The funny thing was watching so many people in high-​end vehicles turn their nose up and leave… only to see them again in a week or two, on their cell phones, loudly talking to someone about how wonderful the items and prices were at ALDI.
Wealthy people shop ALDI. They are wealthy because they learned to spend their money wisely. Since most people shop at more than one store, they’re not bothered by the fact that ALDI has what ALDI has, and not what Walmart or any other store carries. As trial items show success, they show up in the regular grocery orders and not just the rotating/​seasonal orders.
5+ Stars!

Absolutely hated it! First of all, you have to pay quarter to get a shopping cart (really?) I made a grocery list, fully expecting to do get everything I needed. Wrong. It seems like the items on sale in the weekly circular are about the only items on sale. I went through every isle and was only able to cross off ¹⁄₃ of the items on my list. I had to finish shopping at Wal-​Mart. I knew many of the items were off brand, but the selections were few (I needed stewed tomatoes and could only find diced).
When I checked out, I realized I had to purchase the bags for my groceries (.10 a bag)…and then had to bag the groceries myself.
The only bright spot in my experience were the eggs ($ 1.39/dozen) and green tomatoes (I have never found them anywhere else).
I think the only reason I will come back to this store is if I have lost my job and REALLY need to save pennies. By the way, you do get your quarter back if you return the cart to the cart area. Big wooo…

If you can get past the «brands», you will save a shi* ton of money.
Bring a quarter if you need to use a cart. Yes, that shiny thing you use for gumball machines. It’s to make sure you bring the cart back. Also bring some bags. You bag your own stuff. How else are they supposed to pass savings on to you? They have bags for sale too but I’m sure you have some. Oh and its cash/​debit only. No coupons either unless it’s their own.
Milk is around $ 2 and eggs 99 cents. That speaks volumes.
Give them a try. You will be a changed person.

I drink protien shakes everyday and they got milk for 2 dollars. Enough reasoning to give this place 5 stars. Aldi’s is fairly unknown to the mass public, typically assumed to be for the latino/​african american background. but it’s for everyone. They have unbeatable prices on their items. Milk for 2 dollars compared to 2.50 or 3.00 at other places. Dozen eggs going for 89 cents. A lot of the items in there are under 2 dollars which makes it a great bargain.
The only flaw is that the inventory is constantly rotating. Some times they will have gummy bears, some times they wont. But If you are in need of your staple food items, Aldi’s should be your go to place.

Bring a quarter and some cash. or your debit card. They don’t take credit cards here. I wish they would give you the option of paying 3% more and take the credit cards, because it would make a lot more people happy. But alas, they don’t listen to me.
Also, bring some bags or grab some boxes as you shop the store. Or you will be paying for bags.
Their prices on milk and eggs has been consistently good. Their plain hummus and pita crackers are outstanding. We also like their pork loin. Vegetables can be hit or misses, but there can be hits especially on the more durable vegetables. We also love their german items — like their amazing chocolate and spaetzle.
If you are eating on a very low budget, this place is great. We shop there because we spend less on our grocieries when we do. Sure, we have to go somewhere else for CPK pizzas or organic veggies (they have fake CPK pizzas, but they are not good).
Also, since the store is smaller we save time. And around here, time is money.

I tried grocery shopping at Aldi for the first time this evening. At first I was annoyed because I didn’t have a quarter on me to rent a grocery cart. Instead, I picked up an empty box near the entrance of the store and just carried it, filling it with my groceries as I shopped. Definitely not my normal grocery store experience.
I was very impressed, though, when my total bill was under $ 40 and I got everything I needed. If I had purchased the same items at my usual grocery stores, like Tom Thumb or Target, I would have easily spent double. I guess I’m willing to sacrifice the luxuries of an actually-​staffed grocery store to take advantage of these low prices. I’m not sure it will become my regular grocery store, but I will definitely be back.

When it’s time to go grocery shopping, Aldi is always our first stop before we head to other places.
It’s really hard to beat $.99 milk, $.49 for 7 or 8 big, fresh jalapenos, $.69 for two big, fresh poblano peppers and $ 1.29 — $ 3.89-ish for fresh cheeses in all sorts of varieties.
I never buy enough to warrant a grocery cart, I just fill up my reusable grocery bags as I walk through the store.
Sure, everything isn’t the healthiest or the absolute best, but it really helps when you’re living on a budget and still want to eat some variety.
I think it’s great for a low-​price grocery store and I will continue to patronize it faithfully.

Euro experience brought back to Texas!
If you are expecting to be waited on hand and foot by people employed with arbitrary jobs, you will be disappointed. However, if you want ridiculously low prices on staple goods (and even the occasional seasonal splurge), then by all means Aldi is your store!
Yes, you have to get your own cart and dig for a quarter. But you better believe that America is cheap enough to fight hard to return said cart to retrieve a quarter (amazing considering the European version requires an actual euro to secure a cart). The plus is your never about to hit a stray basket in the parking lot. And the parking lot is pretty small, so this is not the longest walk…
Yes, its private label brands. Not everything is dead on, but for the prices it’s close enough and certain items (specifically the frozen veggie eggrolls) are amazingly better than name brand equivalents.
The produce is a small selection– probably not the most favorable lighting– but it’s acceptable (this is why I can’t give this store 5 stars).
Even with that small hang up, there’s something very positive to be said when you can get away with a basketful of a week’s worth of groceries for 3 people for around $ 20 (including meats)!
One last thing, don’t forget to bring your bag!

I won’t be returning and so a «Methinks not» 1-​star review is appropriate.
— You have to rent a shopping cart for 25 cents. Right away, I feel like they don’t trust me. Gee, thanks.
— Brands which, for the most part, you have never heard of. So, the whole shopping experience feels like something out of Atlantic City. Take a gamble on this cup of yogurt. Will it be good? Who knows? Give it a spin!
— Produce may be cheap but I wouldn’t touch half of the stuff they had on display. The cantaloupes looked as if they might have been salvaged from a school cafeteria food fight.
— «Bag it yourself, sir.» Ok, the cashier didn’t really say that, but he might as well have. There was no one in line behind me and it wouldn’t have taken any extra effort to bag my stuff. I should have bagged my stuff BEFORE I paid. That’d show them.
— «Gimme that cart, now, sir.» Ok, he didn’t say that either. But, after I paid, I had my empty cart and the cart full of loose items he’d been filling. And he wanted my empty cart right away. I was like «How am I going to bag these if I give you the empty cart?» Apparently, there’s a shelf along the wall where I’m supposed to huddle off to and busy myself with the bagging experience part of the Aldi adventure on grocery shopping.
— They don’t accept credit cards and I typically hate to use my Debit card for POS purchases because you’re passing your PIN along to their computer server. And if they don’t trust me with a shopping cart, why should I trust them with my bank account PIN?
— After you take your cart full to your car and unload the groceries, if you want your quarter returned, you have to roll the cart not to a conveniently located collection station in the middle of the parking lot. Oh no. No. No. You have to go back to the front entrance of the store and guide the cart so that the locking mechanism connects. I had a poor shopper approach me and ask for the cart I was gently returning. I had to explain to her she couldn’t have mine because I need my quarter back. I felt like a cheapskate. Thanks, Aldi, for making me look bad.
I won’t be returning to Aldi unless I’m driving along and I see a Tornado up ahead on Preston headed in my direction. Even then, the thought might cross my mind how much Aldi will charge me for temporary emergency shelter.