Aldi

Here’s my take on Aldi. It’s not always the cheapest, but it is almost always incredible value for money. Yes, I have spotted a few items that are on par with the HEB on Wooded Acres. Fine – but like the other reviewers said, the produce is in pristine fresh state. I have never had peppers more plump or zucchini heavier except when I go to the farmer’s market.
Then there are items that I cannot find anywhere else (ditto on the other reviewers’ comments). Where else in Waco can you find a palatable bottle of Syrah for $ 2.89?!! Or gourmet salami for a little over $ 3. So no, this is not just about being cheap. It is outstanding value for money. I now come here first to get as many things I can on my list before going elsewhere for the rest.
And yes, there are times when the lines are just hateful. But try to go before 11am and you will sail through.

I love this store. Everyone seems to be displeased about how there’s usually one lane open but there are always two lanes open whenever I go and the cashiers are significantly more efficient (and so much less disgruntled) than at HEB!
I gush about this store to everyone. The produce is always super fresh and always cheaper than any other grocery store in town. The meat selection is also very good quality and cheaper than HEB. There are always interesting options, like jalapeño ketchup or some German chocolate or new wine, and the store is always clean, well stocked, and EFFICIENT.
I love that people are encouraged to bring their own bags or have to buy them. I love that you pay a quarter to use a cart, then when you return it then you get your quarter back, because it encourages people to put their cart back instead of leaving it in the lot to hit your car, block spots, etc.
Your staff is also always super friendly and kind. Thank you for existing in Waco, Aldi. You’re a breath of fresh air.

Love the unique food offered here! They have plenty of organic food and not too many choices, which I like so I can read the labels. Low prices on canned foods. There does only seem to be one checkout open, and there is a slight wait. And unfortunately, if you buy alot it is cumbersome to carry out everything, and they need your cart back pronto! I ended up dropping cans on the floor trying to hold my 1 year old at the same time, was quite embarrassing.

I’ve never been to an Aldi before, I knew what to expect though. I really liked this store! It was small, clean, organized and kinda felt like Ikea.
I really liked the wine selection and product selection! My roommates and I will be back to stock up on basic necessities.
I loved the cart return, I got a dollar in quarters from lazy people!

I was hesitant to shop at Aldi’s given that my UK friends used to roll their eyes about going there, and friends in other parts of the United States weren’t too happy with them.
However, I swallowed my fear and went inside.
I first must address the quarter for a cart thing — I was hesitant to take my disabled father (who can’t walk more than 50 feet without his heart kicking out on him), for the risk of him not being able to walk the cart back to the store without leaning on it. However, Aldi did a very smart thing — they put the carts alongside the handicapped parking area, so this was a non-​issue.
The meat was comparably priced to HEB, and I was impressed with the freshness and quality. I don’t see myself shopping here for my primary needs unless I know EXACTLY what I’m looking for, but it’s good to know they have a wide selection of meat ranging from carne asada to pork steaks to 5lb trays of ⁷³⁄₂₇ ground beef.
I was impressed with the selection of European and Asian foods around the store. I picked up some Italian Anisette Pizzelle cookies, which caused a major happy flashback to my childhood in Brooklyn. I also found cheap 100% cranberry juice which thrilled me to no end. I also got bowls of noodles for my snacks. There were some really delectable bars of German chocolate to be had at reasonable prices, also. I also purchased a tray of cinnamon buns for $ 2.99 which put HEB’s and Walmart’s to shame.
The wait times are a little long on the registers, but nothing horrendous. The cashier was sincerely pleasant and there was no unpleasant vibe. Additionally, if you don’t bring your own bags, you can buy your own heavy, reusable bags for 10 cents, which is no biggie whatsoever.
I will be back… thanks Aldi!

Aldi’s in Waco has been open for only about two weeks, so there may be some quirks to work out. We shopped there today (3÷6÷13) and were not impressed.
In most cases, the prices were only slightly lower than HEB. The produce was pretty good – prices comparable or a bit lower than local stores. Pantry items like a brand-​name barbecue sauce, all-​purpose flour, Dijon style mustard were lower priced.
At 9:30 am there was one check-​out open with a line of six people wanting to check out. No effort was made to open another station.
If I were shopping for a large family, I’d probably like Aldi better. I don’t think I’ll make an effort to shop there, but if in the neighborhood anyway, and if I need staples that I don’t much care about the brand (plastic wrap, trash bags, possibly weekly specials), I may stop in.