Aldi

Listen I like Aldi for a lot of things. I like their cheaper versions of sparkling water. I like their chips. I like the organic milk and orange juice. I like their Greek yogurt. However, NEVER, EVER, EVER buy any fruits or vegetables there. That was a horrible mistake. I knew in the back of my head that I shouldn’t have bought it, but I didn’t want to go to another grocery store. I must have been hungry because I bought a pineapple„ grapefruit, blueberries, and sweet peppers. I tried the sweet peppers that night. Completely bland taste. The grapefruit I tried two days later. One was already rotting so I threw it out and the other was extremely bland as well. The blueberries had rotted within 3 days and the pineapple does not have a fresh pineapple scent but almost a woody rotting odor. I am afraid to cut into it…

Breaking news: Aldi now accepts credit cards!!! Even AMEX!
I’ve always been an Aldi fan for YEARS and now I love it even more. I understood that in order to save money, they only accepted debit cards or cash (to avoid 3−5% processing fee). But now they are expanding their business by going after the Whole Foods market. Aldi offers several «health food» items, flax seeds, chia seeds, coconut milk. that sort of thing. All for a fraction of the cost! Even though Aldi is the same company as Trader Joes, I prefer Aldi 100%, prices are even lower than TJs.
Ever since 2÷20÷16, they began accepting credit cards, which is AWESOME-​sauce because I get points now on my favorite grocery store =)

Aldi is my new go-​to grocer now that Kroeger’s (the evil empire) bought Hillers (freakin’ sellouts).
Pros: Selection, good house brands, low prices. Efficient, German outfit (it shows)
Cons: you need a quarter as a deposit for a shopping cart WTF?, no credit cards (bring your debit card or cash, maggots), generic and house brands you may not recognize, sterile German environment. Produce can be like gas mileage: Your mileage may vary… Bring your own bags, folks.
Bottom line: if you want a gazillion choices for every product category, you will be disappointed but what Aldi does offer is very, very good. The wine and beer offerings are shockingly good both in terms of price and taste… I have yet to be disappointed in anything that I have purchased at Aldi.
They just do not try to be everything to everybody. That is very hard unless you have high prices. If you want to light your money on fire, shop at the Plum Market across Maple.
The CEO of Costco said that he admires Aldi and what they are doing. I do not disagree; they are obviously doing something right and my weekly shopping trips there proves that I am putting my money where my mouth is!

For years I used to be suspicious of ALDI, and I’ve been trying to figure out why. In the last few weeks I’ve become an ALDI convert. I guess I thought that the food would be near expiration, or not taste as good, but in my experience, I’ve found I actually prefer a lot of their in-​house brands to those I find in Kroger or even name brands. I still think Kroger is cheaper for milk, but ALDI has great cheese, cheap coffee, the wasabi soy almonds are great, and so forth and so on. I think it’s true that you have to inspect the produce (but I mean, you have to do that anywhere– eyeball it and see where it’s at– this is no different anywhere else), and some people seem to be complaining about meat (I don’t really care about that because I don’t really prepare meat at home).
Also, you would think wine for under $ 3 would be the worst, but the Winking Owl wines are REALLY good– better than Trader Joe’s brands and better than Beringer. I really love my wines, and I can be kind of picky, but these are just fine for mindlessly sipping while watching a TV show or something.

Easily the cheapest groceries in Ann Arbor.
The items on the weekly sales flyer have prices that are unbeatable: e.g. avocadoes (regular sized) are sometimes 59¢ each, 79¢ for 3lb of onions.
It is clean, brightly lit. The workers here also look happy, probably because they are actually paid reasonable wages.
How do they do it? Even without being an expert on the US supermarket industry, one can make a few obvious observations:
(1) No credit cards taken = no fees taken by evil Visa/​Amex/​MC.
(2) No coupons accepted = no time wasted on everyone’s part processing those little scraps of paper.
(3) You need to insert a quarter to use the trolley = Trolleys don’t go missing and they don’t need to have an employee going around the car park all day long getting the trolleys.
(4) Very few brands/​variety.
(5) Employees multi-​task. Unlike some other supermarkets I’ve seen in A2 where there is literally a guy standing at the end of each checkout aisle just to bag your groceries, here it seems like they have maybe 2 or 3 persons working the whole store at any one time. That includes even the checkout attendant! Presumably the employees get paid more than at other supermarkets too. And they are also much more efficient at their job or at least they check out my groceries faster than anywhere else.
The only bad thing about Aldi is that sometimes the wait can be long, precisely because they have so few workers at the checkout counter. (Addendum: the only other bad thing is that Aldi was founded by individuals who happened to fight for Nazi Germany. But then again even the previous Pope was an ex-​Nazi.)
Hopefully Aldi’s sales model will spread across the US and help force down prices.

I did not shop at Aldi very much in Germany; although I am pleasantly surprised at the Ann Arbor store– first of all, THUMBS up for a Leed-​certified building!!! I love the concepts of organization– pay a coin for the shopping cart so they don’t end up all over the place in the parking lot (or in an apartment building a mile away); bring your own shopping bag– these are all STANDARD conservation practices in Europe, so Americans, please take note and learn. streamline check out services; clean, organized isles; quite shopping place without obnoxious music or AC.
I typically shop at arbor farms, CO-​OP and whole foods for organic foods; while I would not jump at Aldi’s produce section, I stocked up on dry organic goods– they are discounted at 30−50% from what I usually pay; a great deal on staples. Also, THUMBS UP for selling eggs in paper cartons.
Overall, highly recommended for choosy grocery shoppers who loves to go green and are savvy with their money.

You get what you pay for. This place is cheap and it is ran as such. They don’t have baggers so you bag your own groceries and have to put a quarter in to get a cart with the idea that you’ll return it to get your quarter back. It’s almost all generic brands that are cheap but honestly most of them taste terrible although I will admit there was one inexpensive bottle of merlot that really wasn’t bad for the price it was. Extremely limited selection on produce and meat, and I wouldn’t recommend buying what they have. Lots of frozen items. They don’t have many employees so the wait in line can be long as there usually aren’t many registers open. Remember to bring your own bags or you will be charged for their’s. Not my cup of tea but for people on a budget who are more concerned about cheap products rather than quality and service then this is the place. They tend to attract a lot of the EBT bridge card crowd.

I like Aldi for its prices and nearby location. I always forget to bring bags which is really my own fault. The produce is a bit on the sketchy side but I’ve always found good bananas here. Everything I’ve tried has been pretty solid taste wise.

I’ve been to a number of Aldi stores in SE Michigan and have been a very satisfied customer on many occasions. This time (in Ann Arbor) was significantly different.
The cashier (Deborah) insisted on placing all of my goods into the front of the shopping cart that you have to stand behind in order to make a payment — as rapidly as she could (with only one other person in the line, so no real rush, other than maybe to take a break) making it impossible for me to put the items into the box I was using to take them from the store (which is how you do it at Aldis since they don’t provide bags).
As I try and collect the items she just scattered all over the front of the cart, she demands that I enter in my debit card data BEFORE I collect the rest of my goods, which indicates that she want to start throwing the next persons items into the same cart whether I’m finished collecting my things or not.
When I run my debit card through the machine, everything proceeded as normal, but Deborah insists that since her receipt printer didn’t print a receipt, that I must have done something wrong (even though each step of the screen clearly indicated that it did precisely what I was supposed and authorized the transaction. I explained what I’d seen on the screen and was perfectly normal, but she insisted that it didn’t work and that I would have to run my card through the machine again — so reluctantly I did and everything that happened last time happened again — only this time the receipt printer printed a receipt.
And guess what, when I got home and checked my statement on-​line, sure enough I was charged twice for the same transaction, just as I told her it would.
Aldis used to be great, and maybe the other locations have better help, but I’d avoid the one in Ann Arbor like the plague, and particularly on days that Deborah might be working.

There are certain things that I buy regularly at Aldi’s. One thing is their dark chocolate bars. They even have 85% dark, as well as 72% etc. It is the Moser Roth brand made in Germany. $ 1.99 for 4.4 oz. as I type. I also buy some fresh vegetables there because the prices are so good. Their Friendly Farms Greek yogurt is delicious at 89 cents and they also have the almond milk that we drink. They also have great deals on some household goods in the center of the store. Also trash bags and such… just like the other stores brands — but cheaper. Like another reviewer, I shop Plum for some organics and Arbor Farms for meat. But I find a lot of organic at Costco as well.

It’s been a year since I first posted my review of Aldi’s. In that time my finances have been slowly trickling due to various economic reasons. Aldi’s pretty much is my saving grace. I buy nearly all my staples there. Someone gave a bad review on chicken, etc. and I’ve had no problems with any of the meat or dairy. I can affordably eat lower fat cuts of meat thanks to Aldi. I only wish they kept items I love in stock on a consistent basis. By the way, their premium laundry detergent is great and ½ or even ¹⁄₃ the cost of Tide. It does as good a job. At least 80% of my grocery bill is spent here now. I am just so thankful this store is nearby.

Not the broadest selection but extraordinary prices. Doesn’t take credit cards but a great place to save on staples. Good quality produce.

After a few more months of shopping here, I have some specific yes-​es and no-​s:
Don’t buy chicken here. The texture is inconsistent and sometimes, frankly, gross. In fact, I’m not sure I would buy meat or dairy here in general, though I appreciate that some of the dairy is labeled as hormone-​free.
Do buy dried fruit and basics like canned goods, flour, etc.
I’ve sure it’s just as bad for me as Pop Secret, but Corntown microwave popcorn rocks! The Millville granola bars may not be most healthy ones ever, but they are a decent extremely portable on-​the-​go snack. And they’re ridiculously cheap.
Also, pay attention to the odd middle section where there are random discounts on home goods. I saw an outdoor Sterlite cabinet identical to one I bought at Target for much cheaper. Think of this section as much like a mini-​Big Lots and examine items carefully.

I liked the atmosphere very much– absent the hectoring advertisements over the PA system, the visual pollution and relentless marketing characteristic of other grocery store chains. This place is quiet, unfrilled, and relaxed. I wish them well. On the other hand, I found very few of the items, under any brand name, I normally buy. And, while there are some bargains, you can’t be sure that every item you buy here will be at a substantial savings over what you pay elsewhere. Whether it’s worth the effort to find out, and you then determine that the savings are worth the trips to this store, will vary with the individual.

Welcome, Aldi!
After living overseas for some years, I’m very familiar with Aldi and was delighted when I first saw the T.V. ads as I knew then they’d be coming to this area very soon. I was so pleased to know that we now have another really inexpensive option for food. Since Walmart, Target etc. have spread their tentacles, we seemed to have had less options what with so many super centers.
Aldi was way ahead of its time when it came to recycling. You have to take your own bags. You pay to unlock your shopping cart but you get your coin back when it’s returned. It’s a great system as there are no rogue carts left out by the lazy to dent your car in the parking lot.
What I appreciated and like about Aldi is that they source from different countries around the world, not just the one we’re ALL familiar with.
I’m a huge fan of Aldi. (And no. I do not have shares or a vested interest in the company — Only wish I did!)
What you’ll find: INEXPENSIVE FOOD ITEMS ranging from bread to cereal to fruits and vegetables to everything else you’ll see in a grocery store. On occasion, they also have small electricals, assorted clothing and seasonal items that are tremendous value.
There ARE no name brands at Aldi. What you’ll find are generic and «No Name» products offered in the best way ever. But if you’re the type for whom branding is important and it means a lot to your sense of self to have people SEE that you consume certain brands (if you’re a label junkie!), then Aldi is perhaps not for you.
And here’s the best part: THE QUALITY IS SUPERB.
When I’m based in Ann Arbor, I drive 25 minutes to get here to save money. The stores are always kept very clean.
I fall into the Plum Market and Whole Foods consumer category but these days, who isin’t looking to save some money and still eat fabulously well?: so Aldi is one of my regular stops now. I’m thrilled to see Aldi’s presence in the U.S. market — nothing like competition.
So if you like smart frugality, this should be one of your destinations.

This place is great, but they won’t have everything you need. I tend to shop there once or twice a month, before going to my other grocery store.
Bring your own bags, you will need them when you bag your own groceries.
The store was clean, I’ll be interested to see if they are able to keep it in good repair over time.

I swing by Aldi to pick up some meat and this was my first time visiting the place.
Be warned, bring your own bags, as they do not give plastic bags. They have shopping carts, which are chained up by each carts being linked… to release them, you’ll need a quarter, but you get it back when you return the cart (this removes individuals from retrieving the carts from the parking lot).
As you enter the store, you are lead into one direction, which when you are done, you’ll end up at the cashier. They do not carry your typical name brands that you’ll find at Kroger, etc., rather they are off brands you won’t find at Kroger, etc. I think many are private labels that they put out on their own.
I’ll have to go back and spend more time there to study what else they have there. Check the place out.

I’ve become an Aldi regular. I usually visit either the Canton or Dearborn Hgts. store so this was my first visit to the New Ann Arbor location.
This is definitely the largest of the Aldi stores that I’ve seen. They have a great albeit non-​name brand selection of foods. We especially like the inexpensive prices on milk and cereals. Both of these live up to high standards and will make you totally forget about the big names such as Kellogs, General Mill, Post.
As a matter of fact, over the last 6 months or so we’ve tried many, many things at Aldi and have only been disappointed by 2, frozen Veal Cutlets and Ice Cream. Their canned veggies are tops, hams and turkeys are always good, and their frozen selections are top notch.
With a large family like I have, we’ve learned to save lots on all of our basics by shopping Aldi’s. I think everyone needs to give it a try and see for themselves that there is a very good alternative to your neighborhood Kroger and I can guarantee that you will probably save around 30% on your grocery bill by shopping here.

Think of a CostCo the size of Traders Joes. No shelves… just stacks of groceries sold out of the boxes. Great prices but don’t expect to find everything you need during a typical grocery store visit. It is however, a good way to supplement your daily needs.

My first visit to an Aldi and I really liked it. It’s a no-​frill supermarket, great for super cheap groceries. Shockingly inexpensive. When I say no frills, I mean that to borrow a shopping cart costs a quarter, which you get back when the cart is returned to its home. You must bring your own bags and bag your own groceries after you’ve been checked out. They accept debit cards, but not credit cards. I imagine it gets super hectic and unpleasant at peak times.
Ninety percent of the products are off-​brand, with names like «Baker’s Corner» and «Reggano’s» and «Corntown» (my favorite, for microwave popcorn). The prices were great: A gallon of milk was $ 1.00, a dozen eggs was 75¢ and a bag of mini marshmallows was 69¢ (on sale). There were also a bunch of other random deals, like a little guitar and a LCD TV/​DVD combo. The produce was a little weird, some was shrink wrapped and there was a very limited selection. The frozen selection was pretty impressive though, and there was quite a bit of cheap wine, again off-​brand.
Overall, Aldi is an ideal place to stock up on basics if you’re not too concerned with brand names and don’t mind the bare bones service. It’s around the corner from Plum Market, so maybe Aldi could be good option for supplementing the fancy specialty items and fresh produce that Plum does so well.