The Best Ways to Save Money at ALDI - Queen of Free (2024)

Tips like thesehelped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story inSlaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.

I am a card carrying ALDI fan club member. I know my manager by name and could almost walk to the newest location where Ishop. Even though they’re known for their low prices and I’ve written about why I love to shop there before, there are still some specific ways you can save money at ALDI. Here are my best strategies.

You can’t use credit cards at ALDI, only cash and debit. So either memorize that debit pin or pull out cash before you go. I always recommend using cash at the grocery store instead of plastic to keep your budget on track. I see a big difference in my own shopping (and I’m a money saving ninja) when I choose to use cash over debit.

One of the ways that ALDI keeps costs down is that you have to purchase your own bags when you check out. You can use the empty boxes that store products are displayed in but I always empty my bags when I get home and place them back into my trunk immediately so I have them for the next trip. You also need to bring a quarter with you. Your quarter allowsyou to “rent” your cart. It’s yet another way overall prices are lower, because ALDI doesn’t have to hire workers to run around the parking lot collecting carts. But, it can catch you off guard if you’ve never been before or don’t have change in your car or wallet. I typically keep an ALDI quarter in the drink holder in the front seat.

ALDI has killer weekly savings on produce, meats, and speciality items. You want to watch the weekly ads that either come to your mailbox or you can check them online. You can also track ALDI’s deals on the Favado app.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the yummy snacks and chip items at ALDI each week. However, you’d do best to watch the deals on fresh and frozen meats, fresh and frozen produce. This is where you’ll really see the price difference from the regular grocery store. You might not always be able to find brand name items when it comes to household goods or pre-packaged foods. But ALDI’s meat, veggie, and fruit selection is hard to beat. Before we began paying off debt, I mistakenly held the opinion that the items at ALDI were a lesser quality but I’ve actually found the exact opposite to be true. I’ve never had a problem with meats or veggies when shopping there over the last 7+ years.

ALDI features a number of holiday seasonal items on a regular basis. While they have lower prices compared to most grocery stores, you can really get a steal on such items after the season passes if your ALDI manager marks down items to clearance. I’ve gotten crazy deals in the past on everything from kitchenwares to clothes and even shoes for my kids. You won’t find these items every time you shop at ALDI but if you have a careful eye and the patience, you can score a killer of a bargain.

Regularly, ALDI features a number of goods that rotate in and out of their stock. Many times, they are food items based on a specific ethnic cuisine. Other times, they have a healthy living focus. We’ve discovered many family favorites in these rotational items and tend to stock up when we see them featured in the ad. Recently, our favorite mango peach salsa (once a rotational item) has become regular stock. It was difficult not for me to buy 7 jars.

If you are avoiding gluten, lactose, or any other allergen ALDI products are the best marked in the business. It is very easy to see whether or not a regular product is free from these items by flipping over and looking at the labeling. ALDI has also introduced a line of products that are gluten free. The Princess Youngest has to avoid it as does the King so I am SO thankful for some affordable options like Gluten free Macaroni and Cheese ($1.49), Bread (the only bread my daughter will eat), cookies, and more. ALDI is also carrying a wide variety of organic products now, too. You can purchase organic produce, meats, and more!

Another money saving offer that sets ALDI apart is the Double Guarantee. If for some reason, you are unsatisfied with an ALDI purchase, the store will both replace the identical item AND give you your money back. I’ve only done this once (a box of taco shells weren’t very fresh) in seven years of shopping at ALDI but love knowing that anything I purchase would be replaced. You do need to keep the packaging and your receipt. Also note that the guarantee does not apply to non-food Special Buy items, alcohol, or national brands.

There are some items I can’t purchase anywhere else because they are so stinking affordable at ALDI. I don’t purchase them every week but I wouldn’t purchase these items for more anywhere else. I’m going from the price book in my head so I may be off a penny or (dime) or two. But the majority of the prices are seared into my brain. Also, these are regular prices. Occasionally the items will go on sale.

1. Coffee: Fair Trade Dark Roast Barissimo 12 oz. $3.99 Regular Price
2. Oats (Quick or Old Fashioned): 42 oz. $2.29
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: $3.99
4. Cinnamon (4.25 oz): $0.99
5. Cereal: Depends on the brand but usually $1.79
6. Eggs: Varies but has been $1.49 recently at my ALDI
7. 16 Inch Deli Pizza: $4.99 for Cheese Pizza (These are AMAZING and huge)
8. Spinach: $1.79 9 oz. bag
9. Gluten Free Bread: $3.99
10. Pork Tenderloin: $2.89 per pound
11. Real Vanilla: $1.99
12. Natural Peanut butter: $1.69 per jar
13. Black Beans: $0.59 per can
14. Tomato Plants & herbs: In the spring watch for these items!
15. Pumpkins: In the fall they’re as low as $0.99 but I’ve never seen them more than $3.99

I have many more favorites but these rank the highest! As a general rule, I purchase staples – herbs, flour, sugar, butter, cheese (because cheese is a staple in my house) only at ALDI. I also love the hams at Easter and the turkey breast, too. I could go on and on and on.

Do you shop at ALDI? What other savings tips would you recommend?

My book is now available:Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.You can also check outInspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Freeon Kindle.

This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!