Kitchen

[lolakimono]

P.S.

Make sure that you can properly pronounce Wooster before you get there.

[lizzief]

I went to Aldi's once out of curiosity and will never go back. All I saw was a load of off brand merchandise and questionable meats and produce. The prices were not any better per unit than you'd find at warehouse stores where at least you know the quality of the brands you're buying. I suppose, like anywhere else, if you watch for specials you could find something worth the savings. Personally, I don't have the time to run from store to store to save a few cents - I watch for the BOGO's of things I need at the store where I shop, clip a coupon now and then, and try to stick to my list - that's my grocery shopping strategy, and I routinely save 25-30% on each visit, so that works for me!

[sal2008]

On 5/6/2014 donasmom said:

We are moving to Ohio within the next 3 weeks and I noticed that Aldi's seems to be one of the stores in our area. Looked it up online, but was would like some opinions.

As a lifetime resident, who is from the Cincinnati area and lives part-time in the Columbus area - welcome to Ohio! I hope you like it here.

The first few times that I went to Aldi, I wasn't impressed. Of course, that was back in the days when I used to think I had to buy name brands all of the time - that's how I was raised. Due to finances, I got over that and started shopping at Aldi and really like it. My store has great produce, I love their dairy and their version of KCups, the chocolate is mostly from Europe and is delicious! I don't think I've ever purchased anything that I didn't like. Love that they bring in specialty items on a weekly basis, so every week there is something different to see.

I like the fact that you rent the cart and even bring/buy and bag your own groceries, these things help to keep the prices down and you also don't have carts in the parking lot getting in the way and banging into your car. They don't take checks or credit cards which is another thing that helps keep the prices low. I just make sure I have plenty of cash or use my debit card.

Depending on when you go yes, the lines can be very long but since the clerks don't have to bag your groceries (they just put them back in a cart), they get you through pretty fast. I prefer bagging my groceries because I can do it the way I want and make sure nothing gets broken or crushed.

As you can see, I'm a big Aldi fan!

[cece5231]

Hi Donasmom. I live in SW Ohio, and really like Aldi shopping. When I began shopping there, I asked one of the personnel about products. She explained major suppliers market the same product under "store" brands thereby targeting many shopping groups. As an example, the packaging for many baking products labeled Bakers Corner is commonly labeled as BC mixes in most chain grocery stores.....that is, the packaging in Aldi is very similar to the popular brands that are familiar to us. The ketchup in the upside down bottle is familiar but it has a label that might be unfamiliar to you. Their chicken is supplied by Tyson according to that employee. Their brand of dairy products is also easy to identify. Hams are a very desirable product too. I find it interesting to see many products I know as national brands everyday at Aldi at a much lower price. Same product but a lower price. If name brand products appeal to you, you may be disappointed at Aldi. I find the savings far outweigh a label. Welcome to Ohio. You will love it here and the friendly. Helpful people too. Cece.......... PS, in the past there was/is a mother of an executive at Aldi who posted here. She explained the Aldi process requiring suppliers to re-apply or re-bid every year to have their products accepted at Aldi. If the product did not generate the targeted goal, It was dropped and another supplier was given the opportunity. I wish I could remember who posted, but maybe someone else will remember who she was. She shared good Information that was "directly from the horse's mouth" so to speak.

[CouponQueen]

I love Aldi's! I can be a tad bit of a shopping snob but do go there lol. The only thing I ever tried and didn't like was their jar gravy...other then that everything past muster.

We love their sirloin steaks..four in a pack for $6.99..fantastic..ready to bake Pizza..cheap and just as good as other places.

I do like to browse the non food items weekly and they always reduce things over time ....so you get additional savings on them.

I bought some of their ten cent bags and now just leave them in my car. I put them back when done...savings are very significant..for example my mother likes I Can't Believe It Is Not Butter...in the yellow tub..over $3 in some stores...99 cents at Aldi's and she said it is the same..We like their Orange Juice in the plastic container...for $2.49...much cheaper then Simply Orange...and not as sweet I don't think..so many good prices..

A couple downs if that we do have long lines....especially during benefit times when people load up a couple carts ...and there are only two lines open...they only accept cash or debit..and food stamps to cut down on fees..

I watched the Duggers one time and they cleaned out their local Aldi's LOL..

I do a Aldi's run first before hitting my regular Shopping Store..

[Sooner]

If I had time to spare, I might go there occasionally. Otherwise, it is mostly products and brands I'm not familiar with and I hesitate to spend money on because I'm not sure what I'm getting.

So I would spend too much time reading labels and wondering what I am buying. I can't just go in and get the things I have on my list, so I would have to hit another store or two on that shopping trip to get everything I need.

[denisemb]

OP, do what we did: start out buying staples and branch out into other things. Have had a few disappointments (particularly mayo - I'm a Duke's gal!). We've been happy with all dairy (especially their specialty cheeses) and meats. I get the impression produce varies by store, and ours is really good.

My husband can be a "brand" snob and was skeptical about Aldi's, but has been won over; he even prefers some items (i.e., bought some raisin granola cereal and he was amazed at all the raisins!)

Have fun with it!

[bewise]

The prices are good,but you need to watch the fresh veggies,sometime mold under where you can't see,many times that has happened to me.

[Bandwife23]

On 5/7/2014 denisemb said:

OP, do what we did: start out buying staples and branch out into other things. Have had a few disappointments (particularly mayo - I'm a Duke's gal!). We've been happy with all dairy (especially their specialty cheeses) and meats. I get the impression produce varies by store, and ours is really good.

My husband can be a "brand" snob and was skeptical about Aldi's, but has been won over; he even prefers some items (i.e., bought some raisin granola cereal and he was amazed at all the raisins!)

Have fun with it!

denisemb - I just HAD to reply to your comment about Duke's mayo. OMG! That stuff will make u lick your face off! It's SO GOOD! We want to try the tarter sauce, but can't find it!

[Sooner]

On 5/7/2014 Bandwife said:

On 5/7/2014 denisemb said:

OP, do what we did: start out buying staples and branch out into other things. Have had a few disappointments (particularly mayo - I'm a Duke's gal!). We've been happy with all dairy (especially their specialty cheeses) and meats. I get the impression produce varies by store, and ours is really good.

My husband can be a "brand" snob and was skeptical about Aldi's, but has been won over; he even prefers some items (i.e., bought some raisin granola cereal and he was amazed at all the raisins!)

Have fun with it!

denisemb - I just HAD to reply to your comment about Duke's mayo. OMG! That stuff will make u lick your face off! It's SO GOOD! We want to try the tarter sauce, but can't find it!

When we go to the South we bring back Cheerwine, Duke's and White Lily!