Community Chat

[ScrapHappy]

Was talking with my Mom yesterday.  Complaining about food shopping (having to go to more than one store to get everything I need, cost, only one check out unless you use self check out, etc.).  She said she saw on the news how a woman in a family of 7 does her entire food shopping for the month at Aldi's for $250.  I told my Mom I find that hard to believe.  Do you?

[SeasonedCitizen]

Know several young families that will tell you the same story and are totally pleased with the food they get there. You have to go more than once and get over "brands" you've purchased forever and take a chance. You'll not be disappointed. Most of their frozen desserts are definately company worthy.

[kaydee50]

Yes, I find it hard to believe too unless she grows a lot of her own fruits/vegetables, raises chickens and maybe has a cow.

It's just DH and me and we spend about $300/month and eat out once or twice a week.  

Was only in an Aldi's once and was not impressed.

[Mominohio]

No, I don't find it hard to believe, I guess because I follow several Facebook groups that are all about frugal shopping and meal prep. Many people on there have budgets like that and seem to make it happen.

People who do this usually eat only whole foods, and cook from scratch with basic ingredients and some spices. They don't buy snack foods, prepared foods etc. 

And I think it depends on where you live and what the cost of groceries are (because even in Aldi's there are price differences by region), but  here in Ohio, this could be done by someone with the real desire or need to do it. 

I think it depends on how big of eaters some of those 7 might be too. Especially if there are kids and they are little, it would be easier than feeding teen boys! LOL

[Dar321]

I love Aldi.  You can definetly save money there!  Most of their products are good.  You have to try for yourself.  They don't have everything.  The stores are small, and pretty basic, but you can get through the store quickly.

[CelticCrafter]

We shop at Aldi's for produce, pantry staples, milk, bread, snacks and the like.

They are about 60 cents per item cheaper than the regular supermarket on most items.  Not the canned goods but the regular price of canned goods are cheaper than Shoprite's can-can sale prices.

We don't buy meat, fish or chicken there.

[queendiva]

On my way there now.

Aldi's is good and getting better. Never used to buy meats, but love their Never Any chicken and the the lime & cilantro seasoned chicken, which is on my list, along with bacon. Turned DS & DDIL on to Aldi and they love it, too.

Prices are very good and worth the trip, but I think the quality is even better. 

Do not even get me started on their chocolates! Made in Germany.

[Sooner]

I agree with the poster above that yes, it is absolutely possible to eat really really cheaply but it depends on what you buy and how you use it.  You could do absolutely the same thing at Whole Foods or any grocery store if you invest the time and effort and don't just eat what you want.

I also think Aldi is only "cheaper" because people buy a LOT of high margin stuff there (like snacks and all that other "stuff" they sell in the middle) which offsets any markdowns they have on frequently used items--loss leaders.  AND they carry non-national brands which they probably wholesale buy remarkably cheap.

I think they make their profits on junk food, impulse items and "stuff"

I also will say that I NEVER go to WalMart for groceries or much of anything.  However, I had a gift card there and yesterday did a big drive through delivery order of canned goods, staples like soy sauce, sugar, and items I needed to restock.  It came to about $100.  

I was shocked because so many things were actually higher than I pay for elsewhere.  Like Aldi's, I think they mark way down common items and are at or above other stores on most things.  I don't see real savings there, at least for stuff we buy.   I think they make their profits on junk food, impulse items and "stuff" also.

We buy fresh produce, some canned staples, we use our bread machine a lot, milk and dairy, only buy chips once in a blue moon and basically never buy frozen items except veggies and fruits--no cakes, pizzas, boxed frozen meals, etc. etc.  We don't eat a lot of meat, but buy that at either Whole Foods (wonderful meat counter in OKC) or the local butcher shop.  Organic eggs at wonderful prices are from a local natural foods small grocery.

My experience is that it matters way more what we buy than where we buy it.  FOR US. 

[SahmIam]

Absolutely believe it. That's my family, lol!

I plan my meals for two weeks (base it on DH's pay cycle). We eat very well. I occasionally go to Weiss for a few name brand items and it's shocking how a few things can cost MORE than a few BAGS of what I purchase at Aldi's. Completely doable. LOVE Aldi's. 

[bonnielu]

I hated it at first..... 1.  the crazy restricted grocery aisles up and down and no cross overs, 2.  shopping cart with a quarter  3.  products that not standard and many times not repeated.  

But  I LOVE IT NOW.  Great prices, chances to try something new, fast check outs (with  cashiers) and we they are expanding. I can find more than one store within a 20 mile radius and beyond.  

Cannot buy Aldi stock since it is not offered. LOL