When There's No Time to Coupon, Aldi to the Rescue!

Let's be serious, when you're juggling work, housework, and a teething toddler, sometimes you just don't have the time or energy for it. So I wanted to find something that was cheap with or without coupons. Then I remembered reading a blog post about Aldi a while back.

What is Aldi?

Aldi is a cheaper alternative to a typical grocery store. How they keep prices low:

1. Shopping Carts: all of their carts are in one spot. You put a quarter in to retrieve your cart and return it to get your quarter back. No employees to pay to retrieve them.

2. Bags: you bring your own, or purchase 'reusable' ones at checkout.

3. Box System: they do not stock shelves. Everything is stacked in boxes.

4. No Credit Cards: they do not accept credit cards to avoid paying the fees.
(They accept cash, debit, and EBT)

My Aldi Experience

I hadn't been to an Aldi in about 10 years so I decided to go just to check it out and see how it had changed. They recently added an organic line (including snacks for babies/kids!) and I even spotted some gluten free items if that's your thing. I had planned on going just to look around and take mental notes on prices and products... but I left with a cart full of groceries (29 items).

My son is quite particular when it comes to fruit and snacks. So I grabbed an assortment for him to try since it was cheap enough to purchase a variety without messing up our budget. First thing I had him try was the Simply Nature squeezable apple/banana pouches. It went very well:

I only wish my Aldi had a variety of flavors especially because a package of four pouches only cost me $1.99! Yes, fellow mommas, only .50 a pouch! I rarely get name brand pouches for that low even with coupons.

I should mention that they did have some name brand products, including: Pampers (happy momma!), gatorade and Tampax (for only $3, whaaaat?!).

Long story short, I'll be going again! Have you tried any Aldi brand food? How did you like it?