There's no getting around the fact that grocery prices have escalated to the point that I nearly have a panic attack when I go shopping.
Aldi, however, is an island in the storm of inflation. While their selection is more limited than your traditional full-service-we-sell-everything grocery store, the availability of many national brands as well as their own house label at significant savings makes this one of my go-to stores.
Fruits and veggie prices are excellent, especially when they have sales. Grapes for over $2 per pound cheaper than other stores is significant. So is the fact that most of their meats are between $2 and $4 per pound cheaper than other locations, too. I've never had a bad experience purchasing their beef (ground as well as steaks or pot roasts), chicken (tenders, boneless breasts, wings) or pork (tenderloins, boneless roasts). Grocery items are equally less expensive as well, especially for cereal (name brands at $1 or more cheaper per box). Strolling down their "limited time" aisle can yield some great finds, such as Gain laundry detergent for $4 less than HEB.
Yes, you still have to pop that quarter in the cart in order the "rent" it, then retrieve the quarter when you return your cart. And you do still have to sack your own purchases, but frankly I'd rather do that myself to avoid the 25-lb. sacking job that some of the other store sackers think I can actually lift into my car (as well as their propensity to mix frozen stuff with cleaning products, no less). A small inconvenience to save quite a chunk of money.
Clean store, friendly employees, ample parking. I shop here more than I used to, although I've always been a fan. It's SO worth it. read more