Aldi

Sub-​par to all the other Aldi’s. I was here on a Sunday (and to be fair, I usually only venture to Aldi’s on weekdays). But there is no excuse for being out of so many things I needed. And it was so busy, I didn’t really find anyone to restock what I needed. I’ve never had that problem at the one on Wake Forest Rd. or the one on New Bern.
Also, since this Aldi’s is new, the people in Garner don’t get the system. They couldn’t figure out how to put the quarter in to get the cart, tried to pay with a credit card, didn’t understand the system of having to bag their own groceries, etc. It was annoying at best, infuriating at worst. And I wasn’t feeling great, so maybe my patience was just thinner than normal. Normally, I just kinda laugh it off or try to help them.
I’ll probably just stick to the one on Wake Forest Rd. I hope things improve here, because I love the Aldi’s brand.

I have a couple of analogies for you: Aldi is kind of like if your really cheap uncle opened a grocery store in his oversized garage with all of the food he’s kept around in his pantry and fridge/​freezer for a while. That notwithstanding, the idea of Aldi is a good one. They’ve eliminated the environmentally hazardous plastic bags that we use as though none of us is ever going to die, and they keep the prices on most everything super low by eliminating overhead – including customer service – and big-​name brands, for the most part.
Which leads me to the second analogy I have for Aldi. Going there is kind of like you’re a pig to the trough – you really want those low prices and you’ll tolerate being pushed around with a stick by the farmworkers a bit in order to get them.
Oh, and you need a quarter in order to use a cart, and if you want your quarter back, you have to return the cart. They’re not paying anyone to do it for you anymore, you lazy animals.
Anyway, all of this would be dandy if the customer service were just a tad softer, but they’re paid to move you through the checkout at lightning speed, regardless of everything, and you’re not paying their bills, so… oh wait, yes you are. Nonetheless, I’m saying to try it out, if only to get used to not using plastic bags and to buy yourself some two-​dollar no-​name wine. In the meantime, buy yourself some reusable bags, for god’s sake.

A few things you should know before going to Aldi: 1) Bring a quarter for the Cart (you’ll get it back when you return it to its place 2) Bring your own bags (or else you can purchase some there) 3) Bring whoever you are shopping for, this is a job for more than one person! Its worth it, you can consider it an adventure.
Aldi’s is a low cost Grocery Store that carries most items you’d find in a regular grocery store, and then some. They’ll also carry a limited number of «Specials» like Tools, Tupperware-​type products, Camping equipment, ingenious Grill accessories, Planters, once they had a Steam Cleaner, all with Unbelievably good prices. They also carry some Personal Products like Moisturizers, deodorants and toothpaste, again, excellent prices. But I digress… I came for the FOOD!
Many of their products are their own Taste Tested Aldi-​Approved Brands that are comparable to Name Brands. The «Simply Nature» pastas and grains are USDA Organic with no artificial Preservatives or colors. The «Fit & Active» Whole Grain Pastas, Waffles, and Yogurts are all great and such a good price. The «Happy Farms» Cheddar Cheese is delightful. The «Little Salad Bar» Salsas and Hummus will leave you hummin’. I bought a bottle of «Specially Selected» brand 100% Pure Maple Syrup from Canada for $ 1.79! I also bought the same brand of Goat Cheese which came in different seasoned varieties, and I can vouch for the Garlic & Herb being fresh and delish.
Meats… We’ve been happy with everything we’ve purchased. On our last trip we bought Chicken (labeled raised and famed in the USA), a Pork Loin, Beef Patties, 80% Lean Beef, 3 types of Bacon (the downside of bringing your hubby!) and lunch meats.
Produce… Excellent. I bought a 3-​pack of large Portabella Caps for $ 1.99, a huge cucumber, Avocados, a Pineapple, Cauliflower, and a big juicy Cantelope. A lady there said she came BACK for another watermelon, $ 3.99 for a huge seedless sweet one. At that point our cart was too full so we had to pass. They also have Lettuces, lots of canned foods, Eggs, Coffee, Wines, Breads, Cookies, and just about everything you’d expect to see in the Freezer section, including pizzas, ice cream, and breakfast sandwiches.
Now its checkout time… be prepared to hustle while one of you puts things on the conveyer belt and the other one catches items from the other side of the cashier and stacks them in the cart (it helps if you picked up some empty boxes along the way). You pay… Cash or Debit Card only… then take your cart and bags over to a large table and start bagging. It is some work, but this keeps the costs down!
One day I’ll try to go in there by myself and buy just a few things, but for now I enjoy bringing along my Honey and making and monthly Adventure of it. :-)

Lately, I’ve been having Trader Joe’s withdrawals.
As food prices go through the roof, it’s getting harder for foodies to stock the pantry at reasonable prices.
Enter Trader Joe’s frugal little brother, Aldi. And they really are siblings, owned by two German Brothers. Worth the trip and the unusual grocery experience to save some paper.
If you haven’t been to Aldi before, you’ll feel a bit of disorientation upon arriving.
First off, there’s the cart situation. You’ll need a quarter to unlock the chained carts. And if you want it back, you have to return your cart. If you’ve ever been to a grocery store on a weekend, you know that it takes at least two people just to keep carts stocked inside.
Not at Aldi. You are your own cart returner. Big $avings right there.
Second, they stock basics, and only carry about 3K items in the entire store. You can get 95% of the things you need at Aldi, and save a bundle doing it.
Upon entering, you’ll walk down an aisle of snack foods, chocolate, and a random assortment of condiments and cereal. It’s all stacked on wooden palettes, Costco-​style.
No big deal. At the back is some very good imported beer at low, low prices. Wernesgrunder is their chief beer, and at $ 6 for a six pack, you can’t find a competitor offering an import for less than $ 3 more. Excellent.
Meats are reasonably priced, and vacuum packed. For an everyday low price, Aldi will beat everyone. But if you shop specials properly at other stores, you’ll save more.
As you make the turn, you’ll hit the baking aisle. Huge savings here: All purpose flour is currently $ 1.50 for 5lbs. Compare to Pilsbury at $ 3 for a comparable product. Same discounts on spices and extracts.
Brand name products like Coke or Pringles are available at everyday low prices. Less selection in flavor (no Diet Coke or Sour Cream and Onion Pringles), but if you are looking for a brand name, you’ll save if it isn’t on a loss-​leader special elsewhere.
Dairy is where you can find real savings. Yogurt and ice cream are dirt cheap. Milk is lower in cost, as well.
I have to admit, I was scared as my wife loaded up our cart the other night. It was full, and since I am the one that does most of the shopping, I estimated our bill would be ~$ 100 or a little more.
All told, the bill came to just under $ 70 with tax. Incredible.
BIG NOTE: Aldi is cash or debit card only. Your credit card is no good here.
That savings does cost a bit in effort, as you’ll be required to box or bag up your own groceries. You may choose to grab a box as you walk through the store, or pay six cents for a bag if you’ve forgotten yours. You can also bring your own bags, if you wish.
Since I normally do self-​checkout at the store, it doesn’t bother me, at all.
Aldi is a fantastic, bare-​bones store. Not five stars for a grocery store, but definitely five stars where price is concerned. It’s the easiest way to save money that I know.
If you’re on a budget, or like to tell other people you are, get some street cred by going to Aldi.