There’s no question about it, Aldi definitely has nothing to do with the likes of Whole Foods or Sprouts. Actually, Believe it or not but this grocery chain that is originally Germany-based has not always had the best reputation. For quite some time, their lower costs were connected with lower quality. However, Aldi has been trying to improve its image, turning its low-status label into one of the most popular grocery spots for many American shoppers. Thinking about what’s hiding behind the notable market? Take a look at these 25 best-kept secrets Aldi doesn’t want you to know about.
Screenshot 1
Why They Keep Boxes?
Perhaps you’ve seen that Aldi’s aisles have a slight Costco atmosphere. Do not be misguided, the boxes on the shelves have actually nothing to do with the employees being lazy. It’s more about the strategy to stop spending so much time and money on presentation and maximize efficiency.
Why They Keep Boxes?
Very Limited Staff
One of the main excuses as to why Aldi’s prices are so low and why they insist on keeping the boxes on the shelves is because they keep the staff to a bare minimum. This enables them to save money and then they are able to offer many low prices on the market.
Very Limited Staff
Not The Most Delightful Staff
Consequently, you may have seen that at times employees appear to be a little stressed. This is due to them keeping a low amount of staff, so they each hold more responsibilities and are required to accomplish more in less time. Nonetheless, ex-employees have said that their opportunities, paydays, and benefits are great.
Not The Most Delightful Staff
Quick Check-Out Process
Aldi has made it as easy as possible for people to get in, get out, and get home in a matter of no time. Which is pretty much what customers want, right? Contrary to Whole Foods, the grocery store’s approach isn’t to create a special shopping experience, but rather help their costumers get things done as quickly as possible while purchasing more for less money. Therefore, they use several tactics to keep things moving such as multiple barcodes and conveyor belts with the perfect length.
Quick Check-Out Process
Cheap But Not That Cheap
Aldi is primarily known for its low prices, and there is no hoaxing with it. It’s 100% true that their prices are a lot cheaper, compared to their competitors’. But, if you compare their name brand to other store brands, the difference is not as high as the chain claims it to be even though Aldi’s is an affordable store. Much of the credit goes to their marketing attempts.
Cheap But Not That Cheap
They Charge A Deposit To Use Their Carts
For initial shoppers this may seem a little bizarre, but when you really think about it, it’s not actually a bad idea. The approach forces shoppers to return their cart so that employes don’t need to do it. Indeed, it does have to do with money, but just not your quarter.
They Charge A Deposit To Use Their Carts
Crazy Return Policy
Aldi doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, instead, they do Double Guarantee. In other words, if there is something you don’t like, you can return the remaining amount, Aldi’s will replace it and then refund you. Is this not some serious quality assurance… Quite crazy, right?
Crazy Return Policy
They’re Only Open During Peak Hours
Contrary to other stores in the US, Aldi doesn’t operate 24/7. As you are aware, the chain is all about money-saving effectiveness, so to them a vacant store at 3 am means they are paying staff whilst making no income. Therefore, most Aldi stores only open from 9 am to 8/ 9 pm. In this way, paying some college students inclined to go red-eye to afford university tuition won’t be necessary!
They’re Only Open During Peak Hours
They’ve Won Several Major Awards
Despite what people used to think, Aldi’s low prices corresponded to low quality. The enterprise has the awards to prove it, they were placed second in the International Wine Challenge for rose wines in a blind taste test as well as top honors at the International Spirits Challenge. That’s not all though, they’ve won approximately 25 medals in the Grocer Food and Drink Own Label Awards. This is all seriously impressive!
They’ve Won Several Major Awards
They Deliver!
It all began with Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles. All these fortunate Aldi customers have recently been able to order their groceries via Instacart and have it delivered straight to their doors. This time-saving decision is hopefully going to be spread across many more cities. So keep your eyes peeled and spread the exciting news.
They Deliver!
Controversial Bread-On-Demand Machines
German Aldi stores turned to “technological innovation” in November 2010. This meant that they provided freshly baked made-to-order bread rolls within just a few seconds courtesy of their in-store baking machine. But the German Bakers’ Confederation took it personally, unfortunately, the whole saga concluded in a court case with Aldi’s team of lawyers and attorneys disallowing the court the right to inspect the machines and the raw dough…
Controversial Bread-On-Demand Machines
Two Different Aldis
If you haven’t noticed before, the Aldi banner is actually divided into two different corporations: Nord and Süd. During the 1960s, when the two originators were not able to reach an agreement with regards to selling cigarettes or not, they just settled on dividing the company. Nord’s logo is blue and white while Süd‘s logo is orange and blue. The southern Aldi is known to be a bit more “classier”.
Two Different Aldis
Products Do Not Contain Artificial Colors, Hydrogenated Oils Or MSG
For some time, Aldi’s were in the spotlight due to some of their products. But have in fact removed any debatable ingredients from their name brand products. Good job Aldi!
Products Do Not Contain Artificial Colors, Hydrogenated Oils Or MSG
AKA Trader Joe’s
Within the USA, Aldi Süd is solely known as Aldi, while Aldi Nord runs as… Trader Joe’s. Remarkable, right? But yes, Trader Joe’s is essentially an Americanized version of Aldi. Businessman Theo Albrecht is currently the manager of Aldi Nord. Now the focus on private labeling and a clear absence of advertising all makes sense, don’t you agree?
AKA Trader Joe’s
Get Your Groceries At Kohl’s
Very Shortly, Kohl’s and Aldi’s will be teaming up around the country. This means that Kohl’s will be subleasing space in several Aldi stores. This is an excellent way to save time and as customers can now shop for everything in one place. So you won’t just be saving money, but you’ll be saving time too. Simply incredible!
Get Your Groceries At Kohl’s
Intense Test Product Process
Aldi takes the concept of quality very seriously. As a matter of fact, their test kitchens have extremely stringent policies. Each product is tested 30 times before it arrives in the store. Along with that, they re-test at least once a year as well as every time one of their competitors releases a similar product. Pretty impressive!
Intense Test Product Process
All About ‘Verzicht’
We’ve tried to look for the best translation, but we don’t seem to find a direct English translation. However the word would pretty much mean, a combination of “doing without” and “giving up.” To put it simply, it’s all about coherence and thriftiness. As employees are not allowed to talk to the media, so they won’t confess but when a regional manager published a book that disclosed Aldi’s business plan, many people learned all about their ideology – keeping things simple. It all comes down to setting a target and disposing of everything else.
All About ‘Verzicht’
Wednesday Mornings’ Are The Best
Want to get the bests deals – head on over to Aldi on Wednesdays! Immediately as the store opens, employees set out seasonal products on the shelves at highly beneficial prices. It can range from patio furniture to a fresh rack of lamb. The sky is the limit! As many of the products are in high demand, it is crucial to get to Aldi as early as possible. As soon as the good deals are sold out, they are not restocked later in the day.
Wednesday Mornings’ Are The Best
Discount Announcements On Their Website
Famous for their low prices every day of the year, Aldi customers can frequently visit their website to be able to save even more money! It’s just a simple click on the “Weekly Specials” tab, select your store and there you’ll be able to view all the discounts available- you’re sure to not miss out on anything!
Discount Announcements On Their Website
Private Label Brands On-Demand
A good majority of stores stock their own private label, enabling them to supply even cheaper quality products. Aldi is no exception to this theory, as other chains are content with just one private label, Aldi has over 10 brands, attributing to 90% of the products they sell! A few of them include Oven Frech, Casa Mamita, Mama Cozzi, Never Any! and LiveGFree.
Private Label Brands On-Demand
Money-Back On Purchases
Multiple stores work with the Ibotta cashback application, however,, it is not the case with Aldi. This does not mean that trying to get cashback while shopping there is totally hopeless! No, do not worry…Aldi actually does business with Checkout51, a cashback application that functions very similarly to the way Ibotta does. All you need to do is download the application, save your favorite offers on your shopping list, lastly download a copy of your invoice to get your discount! Voalá- so easy!
Money-Back On Purchases
Purchasing Advice From Employees
Aldi’s employees don’t only just work in the stores, many of them are customers of the chain too which means they know the products better than anyone out there! Therefore, they are really one of the best people to ask for advice on products sold at Aldi. Unsure of what to buy? Just find an employee to see what they think. Youll definitely thank them later.
Purchasing Advice From Employees
Giving Food Back To The Community
As we are aware, food waste is a massive curse within society. Heaps of food are discarded every day, especially in restaurants and grocery stores. But in case you were wondering, Aldi, is actually not taking part in this calamity. The chain is in cooperation with the non-profit organization Feeding America, which means they donate the leftover food that has not been sold. This is an excellent initiative, Aldi!
Giving Food Back To The Community
Surprising Products
So yes, Aldi retails many basic products that we all know and purchase but if we take the time to do a bit more research perhaps well be able to find more products we didn’t even were in existence. A good example is one of Aldi employees’ favorite products, is Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. Did you even know this was available? Were you even aware that Red Lobster made products for supermarkets? Indeed there’s so much to discover and is so beneficial!
Surprising Products
No Reusable Bags? Grab A Box!
In the interest of the environment and everyone as well, the use of plastic bags is now prohibited or restricted in many places. Therefore when going shopping, it’s essential that we remember to grab our reusable bag otherwise we’ll be paying extra for them. However, if you forget your bags when shopping at Aldi, the empty boxes you may have noticed lying around the store are there for you to use. So enjoy them!
No Reusable Bags? Grab A Box!
New Plastic Bags Approach
Aldi has banned plastic bags from its stores as of February 24, 2020. If you haven’t noticed by now by the franchise takes environmental and climate matters very seriously. They try really hard to encourage recycling along with the use of reusable bags. Aldi will further provide its low-cost compostable bags but will also continue to promote the purchase of reusable drawstring produce bags, reusable fruit, and vegetable bags, and flexi-loop bags for life. Great job, Aldi…keep it up!
Screenshot 27
Pack Your Own Groceries
Not like the other grocery stores where employees pack your products for you. So unfortunately for many people, Aldi does not provide this kind of service…you have to pack your purchases on your own. To speed up the checkout process, many stores now have areas where you can take it easy when packing your purchasing.
Screenshot 28
Not Manufacturers Coupons
Are you one of those people who thrive on discounted coupons? Making sure you get a deal on all your purchases? Sadly, Aldi. only accept their own coupons. Aldi wants to improve its service at the checkout by decreasing the amount of customers’ waiting time as well as supporting good revenue. turnover. This is the reason as to why they don’t accept any coupons.
Not Manufacturers Coupons
ALDI stores carry only the most frequently sold food items, and 90% of all items are exclusive brands of ALDI. As a result, ALDI insists that consumers can save up to 50 percent over national brands. Does that mean everything is a deal at ALDI? Not necessarily.
The Best Things to Buy in Aldi
You will save a lot by purchasing private-label brands from ALDI rather than brand-name products from other supermarkets. In fact, ALDI’s exclusive brands are often cheaper than other grocery store brands. Plus, ALDI has the lowest prices on many organic products.
Best Things To Buy At Aldi
Supplies for Baking
Baking supplies are among the best deals on ALDI. A five-pound bag of all-purpose flour is $1.19 for Aldi vs. $1.29 for Kroger. An even better deal is ALDI’s Baker’s Corner all-purpose baking mixture, which is just $1.89 for 40 ounces. The 40-ounce box for Walmart’s Great Value Baking Mix is $3.30.
Baking Supplies
Bread
ALDI is providing some of the best prices on bread. In reality, it’s hard to beat the store’s low price of just 83 cents for a 20-ounce box of white sandwich bread. Kroger-brand sliced bread, that’s $1.19. And Walmart’s Decent Value Sandwich Bread is $1.48 for a slice. Also, freshly baked bread is cheaper in the ALDI. The baguette costs $1.69, compared to $1.99 for Kroger.
Bread
Canned Goods
If you need canned green beans for a casserole, canned tomatoes for spaghetti sauce, or canned fruit, you’ll save money by purchasing canned goods from ALDI. For eg, the 15.5-ounce black beans will cost ALDI 59 cents. A four-pack of black beans at Walmart costs $3.30, which is 82.5 cents per can. Organic canned goods are also a good deal for ALDI. A can of organic black beans in ALDI supermarkets is 89 cents, although the same amount can be found at Kroger for $1.
Canned Goods
Dairy
If you have milk lovers in your home, you can save money by buying them and other dairy products from ALDI. If you want organic milk, you’re going to save money by purchasing it from ALDI. A half-gallon carton of ALDI’s Friendly Farmers organic milk is $2.94. The organic milk of Kroger’s Plain Truth is around 50 cents cheaper per carton.
Dairy
Gluten-Free Food
Seeking affordable gluten-free ingredients can be a problem. But Aldi makes your budget easier with its liveGfree brand. For example, a 12-ounce box of liveGfree white bread is $3.99. A 14-ounce bag of Schar gluten-free white bread costs $6.58 for Walmart.
Gluten Free Food
Cheese gourmet
One of the best ALDI buys is gourmet cheese. You can find a few types for half the price of what you would pay in another grocery store. For eg, an 8-ounce Brie box costs ALDI $2.99. The same size box at Kroger costs $5.99.
Gourmet Cheese
Meat & Poultry
Meat is one of the best offers on ALDI. For example, strip steak and ground beef cost ALDI $1 less per pound than Kroger. Whole chickens cost ALDI 12 cents less per pound than Walmart. And the ALDI is never any! Chicken breasts without hormones or antibiotics cost 66 cents less per pound than Walmart’s free-range chicken breast without antibiotics or hormones.
Meat And Poultry
Non-Daily Milk
You can get a lot of non-dairy milk from ALDI stores. For eg, you’ll pay at least $1 less to ALDI than to Kroger for a half-gallon carton of almond milk. And a half-gallon carton of ALDI organic soy milk costs 60 cents less than Kroger’s Simple Truth soy milk.
Non Dairy Milk
Organic Peanut Butter
One of the special purchases of ALDI is the award-winning organic peanut butter. So if you have a peanut butter lover in your household, you can store less of this item. A 16-ounce container of ALDI’s organic peanut butter from SimplyNature is $3.39. Compare it to $3.99 for Kroger’s Plain Truth organic peanut butter and $3.92 for Walmart’s Better Value brand.
Organic Peanut Butter
Organic Produce
You’ll pay less for organic products in ALDI than in Whole Foods and other organic supermarkets. In fact, organic produce is one of Greutman’s top picks for Aldi’s best purchases. The organic spring blend of ADDI is 60 percent cheaper than the name of my grocery store. They also bring organic bananas, tomatoes, strawberries, apples, avocados, and many other organic products.
Organic Produce
Organic olive oil
You’re going to get a lot better price on premium olive oil at ALDI than at most grocery stores. ALDI’s premium for a 16.9-ounce bottle is $2 cheaper than the price for similar-sized bottles for both Kroger and Walmart. In reality, the price of ALDI’s organic oil at $3.99 is the same price as Kroger’s traditional olive oil and $1 cheaper than Walmart’s traditional olive oil.
Organic Coffee
Organic Olive Oil
Organic Coffee
Like any of the other organic products, the organic coffee brand of ALDI Barissimo provides substantial discounts over organic coffee in other grocery stores. For example, the Barissimo Fair Trade Organic Coffee Package of 12-ounce is $4.79. The 11-ounce Kroger Plain Truth Fair Trade organic coffee bag is consistently priced at $6.99. Save still more by making good use of your remaining coffee grounds.
Grains and Pasta
You can get a 24-ounce jar of traditional sauce for just 99 cents ALDI vs. $2.20 for a 24-ounce jar of traditional Walmart’s Great Value sauce. The savings are even greater for organic ALDI pasta and grains. For example, the 16-ounce package of ALDI SimplyNature organic quinoa is $1.50 less than the same size package of Kroger Simple Truth organic quinoa.
Pasta And Grains
Snacks
There’s a lot of snack foods at ALDI. For example, a 10-ounce Kroger brand tortilla chips bag is regularly priced at $1.49. You can get a 13-ounce bag of tortilla chips at ALDI for just $1.19. A 10-ounce ALDI hummus jar is $1 cheaper than Kroger’s Private Collection hummus on sale—$1.50 less when not on sale.
Snacks
Wine
Wine is one of the best deals with ALDI. You can save at least $10 by buying a couple of bottles at the ALDI dinner party. Plus, a number of its wines have received positive reviews. In reality, ALDI’s $8 Exquisite Selection Cotes de Provence Rose won the International Wine Challenge.
Wine
Worst Things to Buy at ALDI
To be honest, it’s hard to top any of Aldi’s rates. There are, though, a handful of things you can buy for less in other supermarkets and stores. In comparison, some of the low-priced goods of ALDI can be stopped because the standard is inferior.
Worst Things To Buy At ALDI
Brand-Name Food
If you shop at ALDI, you’re better off buying its private label brands. “Often, ALDI has brand-name foods such as Pringles, Cheerios, and Kraft Mac & Cheese mixed with their brand-name items,” Greutman said. “These foods are usually much more expensive than they would be on sale in your local grocery store.”
Brand Name Food
Aluminum foil
Don’t be fooled by the low price of Aldi aluminum foil, Fearon advises. Aldi stores have just one aluminum foil weight, and it’s not heavy-duty, she said. “Although the price is fair, the quality of the foil is low—which means that you will end up using more foil and thus spend more money replacing the foil more often than paying extra for a slightly heavier foil style,” she said.
Aluminum Foil
Containers for food preservation
Food storage containers are not a good purchase from ALDI, Fearon said. The price is usually low, but so is the quality. If quality is not a concern, you can get packs of containers at the dollar store for $1 versus $3.99 for an eight-piece container set at ALDI.
Food Storage Containers
Garbage Bag
If you buy trash bags from ALDI, you get what you pay for, Greutman said. “Their trash bags are less than desirable,” she said. “If you really like a good-quality bag, ALDI isn’t your place.” But if the price is your only worry, you can find a great deal on cheap garbage bags at the dollar store. Dollar Tree sells 35 bag boxes for $1. You’ll pay $4.99 for a shipment of 40 bags at ALDI.
Garbage Bags
