If you are new to Aldi grocery shopping, be sure to read these tips for a successful shopping trip. Buying at Aldi can make a big difference in your grocery budget and save money for your family.

What to Know Before Shopping at Aldi Grocery Store

You’ve heard your friends gushing about how much they love shopping at Aldi grocery store. But you honestly have never stepped foot in an Aldi store. Here are some tips for a successful Aldi shopping trip.  Call it an Aldi 101.

2 MUST Have Items for Aldi Shopping

Before I leave my house to head to the Aldi near me, I make sure I have 2 things with me: a quarter and reusable grocery bags. Even before you step in an Aldi store, you will have to pay a quarter… for the cart that is. Wait, what?  In an effort to keep prices low, Aldi has you “rent” your cart for a quarter.  That way you will take it back to the store (you then get your quarter back) and Aldi does not have to pay an employee to wrangle the carts.  Also, I am sure many of you already bring your reusable bags to the grocery each week; but at Aldi, it’s a must.  Another way to make the prices lower for you; Aldi does not give you paper or plastic bags to put your purchases in.  If you forget, you can buy bags at the checkout.  Or sometimes they have leftover packing boxes set out to load your groceries in, but I wouldn’t count on it.  So BYOB- bring your own bags!

What are Aldi Special Offers

In the Aldi weekly ad, not only will you see all the current low prices on meat, dairy and pantry items.  You will also see items marked “special offers”. Aldi special offers are generally seasonal items that are only available for a limited time.  Whether it’s home and garden products, pet supplies, giftable sets, toys or seasonal food items- be sure to scroll the Aldi special offers aisle to see what’s new each week.  A word of caution- in my What to Buy at Aldi post, I do warn that these items can be budget busters.  So just watch out for impulse buys.

What About Aldi Coupons?

Obviously, people love shopping at Aldi is for the low prices. But it often is a favorite of people looking to save money, without having to clip coupons. You see Aldi does not take manufacturer coupons.  This is mostly because the majority of an Aldi store is Aldi branded products (a.k.a generic). So if you see Honeynut Cheerios in the aisle, you won’t be able to use a coupon on it.  However, be on the lookout for Aldi coupons.  They are quite rare, but from time to time (especially during grand opening events) you can find $ off purchase Aldi store coupons. Watch your mail, Aldi weekly ad or in person at Aldi grand opening events for these golden coupons.

AND check this out, Aldi is now in Ibotta! So if you love using Ibotta for grocery savings, be sure to check out Ibotta for Aldi savings too! Mostly the Ibotta Any offers (like Milk, any cheese or any baby food, etc) are going to be what works at Aldi (due to them not carrying many brand name items).  But remember those $0.10-$0.25 “any” rebates add up! And, you can earn upload points from Fetch on Aldi receipts too. Learn more about grocery rebate programs here.

What’s the Aldi Guarantee?

Because Aldi products are mostly store brands, many shoppers can be hesitant to try these new to them products. The concern is whether or not they will compare to national brands. That’s why they created the Aldi Twice As Nice Guarantee. They are so confident in the Aldi brand products, that if you are not 100% satisfied with a product they will replace the item and give you the money back. Read more about the Aldi guarantee here.

More Aldi Store Information

Generally, Aldi hours are 9 am-9 pm on the weekdays and 9 am-8 pm on the weekends.  But some stores open at 8 am.  Be sure to check the store near you for specific Aldi hours.  It used to be that cash was king at this discount grocery (another way to keep prices down and cost low). But now at Aldi, credit card, debit card and even Apple Pay are welcome. (Still no checks or WIC). Aldi Gift Cards are also available in $5 increments.

A new way to shop is with Aldi grocery delivery.  That’s right, Aldi has joined InstaCart. Now you can get all your favorite low priced Aldi products delivered right to your door! And for a limited time, use code SHOPALDI19 at checkout to save $10/$35 on your first 3 purchases. Start your Aldi InstaCart order here. (looking for a way to earn a little extra income, learn more about becoming an InstaCart shopper here. )

Ready to head to the nearest Aldi to get shopping?

Then be sure to check out my post on What Aldi Products to Buy. It’s a great look at what to buy at Aldi and what NOT to as well.