If you’re trying to save money on groceries (and honestly, who isn’t right now?), ALDI’s one of the best spots to stretch your budget without feeling like you’re giving up good stuff. And if you shop it smart, you can save even more. Here’s some super practical tips to help you squeeze every last dollar out of your next ALDI run — because nobody’s got time to waste cash on overpriced cereal.

1. Plan Your Meals and Make a Shopping List

If you wanna seriously save money at ALDI (or anywhere, really), start by planning your meals for the week.

Figure out what you’re actually gonna cook, then make a real list — not just some mental notes you’re gonna forget halfway through the store.

Before you even leave the house, check what you’ve already got hiding in your pantry or fridge.

Plan meals around what’s already sitting there so you’re not buying doubles of stuff you didn’t need.

Then when you get to ALDI, stick to that list like your wallet depends on it — because honestly, it kinda does.

2. Use ALDI’s Weekly Ads and Specials

ALDI offers weekly ads that highlight their current specials and deals.

These ads can be found online or in-store. Reviewing these ads before you shop can help you take advantage of the best deals.

ALDI also has special “Aldi Finds,” which are limited-time offers on a variety of items, from food to household goods.

Planning your shopping trip around these specials can lead to significant savings.

See Also: The Best Stuff to Buy at ALDI to Maximize Your Savings

PRO TIP: POTENTIAL SAVINGS AT ALDI?

When buying essentials like vegetables, canned goods, pasta, dairy, and eggs you can expect to save 10-15% compared to a store like Walmart.

Just go check out the store if you haven’t, you’ll be AMAZED with their low prices. The one item where you won’t save very much is on meats.

3. Buy ALDI’s Private Label Brands

One of ALDI’s biggest cost-saving strategies is their extensive range of private label brands.

These brands are often just as good, if not better, than their name-brand counterparts but come at a fraction of the cost.

Some popular ALDI brands include:

– Simply Nature: Organic and non-GMO products.

– liveGfree: Gluten-free products.

– Never Any!: Meat products free from antibiotics, added hormones, and animal by-products.

– Little Journey: Baby essentials like diapers, formula, and baby food.

– Specially Selected: Gourmet and specialty items.

4. Bring Your Own Bags

ALDI’s all about that bring-your-own-bag life — no freebies here.

If you forget, yeah, you can buy bags at checkout, but it’ll cost you a little extra.

Way easier (and cheaper) to just throw some reusable bags in your trunk and call it a day.

Plus, you’ll feel a tiny bit better about not adding more plastic to the planet while you’re saving money.

5. Use a Quarter for the Cart

Heads up — you’re gonna need a quarter to grab a cart at ALDI.

It’s their way of making sure people actually put the carts back instead of leaving them all over the parking lot.

You’ll get your quarter back when you return it, but if you forget one, you’re either stuck carrying groceries like a maniac or begging a stranger for change.

Just toss a few quarters in your car and leave them there — future you will be grateful.

6. Take Advantage of ALDI’s Return Policy

ALDI’s got a return policy known as the “Twice as Nice Guarantee” that’s actually pretty awesome — if you don’t like something, they’ll not only give you your money back, they’ll replace the item too.

It covers pretty much everything, unless you’re talking about booze, ALDI Finds, or big-name brands.

Basically, you can shop without stressing, because if something’s gross or weird, they’ll make it right without giving you a hard time.

PRO TIP: TREAT TRAPS ARE REAL

Beware of the “treats” trap. From this Reddit thread, “I spend more money on “treats” at Aldi then I do elsewhere because they are cheaper, but I end up getting more.” This is an easy trap to fall into thinking you’re saving money but end up spending more in the long run.

7. Shop ALDI Finds Early

ALDI Finds are like little treasure hunts — random seasonal stuff, kitchen gadgets, patio chairs, you name it — but once they’re gone, they’re gone.

If you wanna snag the good stuff, you gotta shop early in the week and early in the day, before everyone else scoops it up.

Wait too long and all that’s left is a weird candle and maybe a dented baking sheet.

See Also: Clever Tricks to Save Big at the Grocery Store

8. Compare Prices Per Unit

When you’re shopping at ALDI, don’t just look at the big price tag — check the unit price on the shelf too.

That tiny number tells you what you’re actually paying per ounce, pound, whatever — and sometimes it’ll straight-up call out a fake deal.

Bigger packages look cheaper, but half the time the unit price says otherwise. A quick glance can save you from getting played.

9. Stock Up on Non-Perishables During Sales

If you spot a killer deal on stuff that won’t go bad — like pasta, rice, canned goods, paper towels — stock up while you can.

Non-perishables are the easiest way to save long-term without having to cram your freezer full.

Plus, it means fewer annoying “oops, we’re out of toilet paper again” trips to the store later.

Buy it cheap now, stash it, and thank yourself later when prices jump.

10. Utilize ALDI’s App

If you’re not using the ALDI app yet, you’re missing out on some easy wins.

It’s got all the weekly ads, the latest ALDI Finds, and you can even throw together a digital shopping list so you’re not wandering the aisles trying to remember if you needed milk or paper towels.

Sometimes they even sneak in exclusive coupons and extra deals through the app, so it’s totally worth having on your phone.

More savings, less guessing — can’t beat that.

See Also: Staples and Food Items That Don’t Really Expire

11. Shop Seasonal Produce

ALDI’s got a solid produce section, but if you really wanna save, stick to what’s in season.

Stuff that’s actually in season is way cheaper, tastes better, and isn’t all sad and weird-looking like out-of-season stuff.

Grab berries and corn in the summer, apples and pumpkins in the fall, and stock up on root veggies like carrots and potatoes once winter hits.

Buy what’s in season, save a bunch, and eat stuff that actually tastes like food — pretty simple.

PRO TIP: “TIME SAVER” FACTOR

For many ALDI shoppers the time savings is a HUGE positive. It’s very easy to be in and & out of ALDI with a full cart is less than 30 minutes.

f you’re a fan of less choice, and don’t need to pick between 6 brands of things like flour, eggs, pasta, and cheese you’ll love ALDI.

12. Check the Clearance Section

Pretty much every ALDI has a little clearance section, and it’s totally worth digging through.

You’ll find stuff marked way down — usually because it’s close to the expiration date or it’s random seasonal leftovers they’re trying to get rid of.

Yeah, sometimes it’s weird mystery snacks, but sometimes it’s stuff you actually need for dirt cheap.

Always give it a quick scan — you never know what kind of steals are hiding in there.

13. Avoid Pre-Packaged Convenience Foods

Yeah, those pre-packaged meals and snacks at ALDI are super easy, but you’re definitely paying for the convenience.

If you’ve got a little time, buying the basic ingredients and making stuff yourself is way cheaper — and honestly, probably better for you too.

Grab the basics and whip up your own meals, snacks, even baked goods without dropping extra cash on stuff you could’ve easily thrown together at home.

It’s not as quick, but your wallet (and your body) will thank you later.

14. Buy in Bulk Wisely

Buying in bulk at ALDI can save you some serious cash — if you’re smart about it.

Stick to non-perishable stuff like toilet paper, paper towels, pasta, rice — things you know you’ll actually use before it goes bad.

No point loading up on 10 pounds of trail mix if it’s just gonna sit there turning into dust in your pantry.

Bulk is awesome… but only if you’re not basically stockpiling future regret.

15. Compare Prices with Other Stores

ALDI’s usually crazy cheap, but it never hurts to double-check prices with other stores.

Every once in a while, someone else will run a sale that beats ALDI’s price — it happens.

A quick peek at a weekly ad or a price-check app can save you a few bucks without much effort.

Don’t just assume ALDI’s always the cheapest — it’s good, but it’s not magic.

16. Use Cash to Limit Spending

If you’re serious about not blowing your grocery budget, try shopping with cash.

Figure out how much you actually wanna spend, pull that amount out, and leave the cards at home.

When the cash runs out, you’re done — no “oops” moment at checkout because you grabbed an extra $20 worth of snacks.

It hurts a little at first, but it’s the fastest way to get real about what you’re tossing in your cart.

17. Take Advantage of Special Buy Weeks

ALDI periodically has “Special Buy” weeks where they offer themed products at discounted prices.

These weeks might focus on international foods, kitchen gadgets, or other unique items.

Keep an eye out for these special events to score great deals on items you wouldn’t normally find at ALDI.

See Also: The Cheapest Grocery Stores in Your Neck-of-the-Woods

18. Buy Store Brands Over National Brands

ALDI carries some national brands, but their store brands are usually cheaper and of comparable quality.

Whenever possible, opt for the store brand to save money.

The quality is often just as good, and you’ll be spending less on your overall grocery bill.

19. Plan Your Shopping Around ALDI’s Restocking Schedule

ALDI typically restocks their shelves on Wednesdays, which is also when their weekly ads start.

Shopping on this day can give you first access to the freshest produce and the best deals.

Check with your local ALDI to confirm their restocking schedule.

See Also: Shop on the Right Day…12 Tips on Store Markdown Days

20. Shop Alone

If you’re trying to stick to your list (and your budget), honestly, shopping alone is the move.

Bringing family or friends along usually just means random extra stuff somehow ends up in your cart — and good luck saying no when they’re standing right there hyping it up.

Go solo, stay focused, get what you came for, and get out without blowing an extra $30 on snacks you didn’t even want.

21. Learn to Love ALDI’s Weekly Themes

ALDI loves doing those themed weeks — like Italian week, German week, Asian week — and honestly, they’re kinda awesome if you lean into it.

Instead of fighting it, plan your meals around whatever theme they’re pushing that week.

You’ll score good deals, try new stuff you probably wouldn’t have grabbed otherwise, and break out of your usual “ugh, what’s for dinner” rut without blowing your budget.

22. Check for Digital Coupons and Rebates

ALDI’s not big on coupons, but every once in a while they’ll sneak a few digital ones into their app or on the website.

It’s rare, but it happens — and if you’re already shopping there, it’s basically free extra savings.

Takes like two minutes to check before you head out, and hey, a few bucks off is a few bucks off.

See Also: Hate Clipping Coupons? Smart Ways to Save Without Clipping

23. Make Use of Freezer-Friendly Foods

A ton of ALDI stuff freezes really well, so don’t be shy about buying extra when you catch a good deal.

Meat, bread, veggies, even some fruits — just toss ’em in the freezer and you’re set for later.

It’s a solid way to stock up without worrying about stuff going bad in two days. Buy it cheap, freeze it, and future you will be very happy (and way less broke).

24. Avoid Shopping When Hungry

Yeah, you’ve heard it a million times, but seriously — don’t shop hungry.

Rolling into ALDI on an empty stomach is basically asking to leave with $40 worth of random snacks you didn’t even mean to buy.

Eat something before you go so you can actually stick to your list and not end up impulse-grabbing every bag of chips and tub of cookies you walk past.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money when shopping at ALDI? Let me know what tip or trick I may have missed.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)