16 Tips and Tricks Aldi Shoppers Need to Know

For many shoppers who are serious about spending less on groceries, a trip to discount supermarket Aldi is a weekly ritual.

Exterior of an Aldi supermarket at night
(Image credit: Thinkstock)

For many shoppers who are serious about spending less on groceries, a trip to discount supermarket Aldi is a weekly ritual. The chain, founded in Germany, credits its rock-bottom prices to low labor and operating costs, a limited selection of mostly inexpensive private brands, and a no-frills store design. Merchandise is often stacked in the aisles and sold straight from the cardboard box it was shipped in. Essentially, it's a grocery store that's the size of a convenience store.

If there isn't an Aldi near you, don't be surprised if one pops up soon. With 1,800 stores already up-and-running in 35 states, the discount grocery chain has embarked on an aggressive growth strategy. It includes dedicating $5 billion to remodeling existing storefronts and expanding to 2,500 stores nationwide by 2022. Aldi is also increasing its fresh food selection by 40% with vegan options, organic meats and refrigerated beverages. Never shopped at Aldi before? Here's what you need to know before your first trip.

Andrea Browne Taylor
Contributing Editor

Browne Taylor joined Kiplinger in 2011 and was a channel editor for Kiplinger.com covering living and family finance topics. She previously worked at the Washington Post as a Web producer in the Style section and prior to that covered the Jobs, Cars and Real Estate sections. She earned a BA in journalism from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She is Director of Member Services, at the National Association of Home Builders.