Knowing how to shop at Aldi is the key to scoring rock-bottom prices on groceries. There are a bunch of reasons we’re fans of Aldi shopping, and most of them boil down to the fact that Aldi is so cheap — even without coupons. However, not everything at Aldi is the deal of a lifetime, so knowing what to buy (and what to skip) can really pay off.
From scoring the best Aldi Finds to taking advantage of Aldi’s return policy, these Aldi hacks will stretch your dollar even further.
Be sure to download The Krazy Coupon Lady app so you can stay on top of all the latest Aldi deals.
Unfortunately, Aldi doesn’t accept coupons of any kind. So unlike Walmart, you can’t use manufacturer coupons at Aldi to save more on essential items. However, there are a few things to know when it comes to making the most of Aldi’s low prices.
Shop on Wednesday mornings for the best Aldi Finds and markdowns.
Aldi releases a new weekly ad every Wednesday, making it the best day to shop for Aldi Finds before they sell out. These limited-time specialty items often include home goods, seasonal foods, and kitchen gadgets at deep discounts.
As for what time of day you should shop at Aldi, the morning is when you'll find the most inventory and possibly even 50% off meat.
Look for Aldi Savers and clearance markdowns on shelves.
Aldi price tags that say "Aldi Savers" indicate limited-time discounts on popular grocery items, and clearance markdowns can yield even deeper price cuts.
As for when Aldi does clearance, markdown timing varies by location, but many stores reduce prices on perishables like meat and dairy as they approach their sell-by dates. I recommend checking the discount sections first to spot the biggest savings before you grab regular-priced items.
Bring your own grocery bags (or a laundry basket) to Aldi — they don't have free bags.
Aldi’s cost-saving model means they don’t provide free bags. You can bring your own reusable bags, purchase a bag there (for $0.05 – $0.10 per bag), or pick up one of the empty boxes you’ll find throughout the store.
KCL TIP: Another favorite Aldi hack is to keep a spare laundry basket or tote bin in your car. On your next Aldi trip, just put the basket or bin inside the shopping cart and fill it up as you go. That way, you’ll save a step and make the unloading process even easier at home.
Don't forget a quarter for your Aldi shopping cart.
Aldi carts require a $0.25 deposit, which you’ll get back when you return the cart. This policy keeps costs down by reducing the need for employees to collect stray carts.
You'll just insert your quarter into the red device on the cart to unlock it from the cart behind it.
KCL TIP: Want an easy way to never forget your Aldi quarter again? Get an Aldi quarter holder! Prices start at $0.99 when Aldi restocks their Quarter Keepers in-store.
Skip Aldi delivery and pickup — you'll save at least 10% by shopping in-store.
Aldi grocery pickup and Aldi grocery delivery are available through Instacart, but know that you’ll pay more for the convenience. Instacart's prices on individual products are higher than they are in store — and that’s without the added tip and delivery fee factored in.
Basically, shopping in-store is the best way to get Aldi’s lowest prices. If you need convenience, consider planning your Aldi trip around other errands to save time and money.
Take a look at these price differences:
Gala Apples, 3 lb: $1.99 in stores / $2.19 grocery pickup
Chocolate Chip Dipped Bars, 6 ct: $1.89 in stores / $2.09 grocery pickup
Frozen Chicken Nuggets, 29 oz: $5.15 in stores / $5.69 grocery pickup
Canned Beans, 15.5 oz: $0.79 in stores / $0.95 grocery pickup
Final Price: $9.82 in stores / $10.92 grocery pickup
For just four items, you’ll pay an extra $1.10 with Aldi grocery pickup. And if you order a trunk full of groceries for pickup, you’ll see prices 10% – 20% higher than you would in stores.
Use rebate apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards to save more at Aldi — but you can't use coupons.
Aldi doesn’t accept manufacturer coupons, but that doesn’t mean you can’t score extra savings. Rebate apps like Ibotta (sign up here) and Fetch Rewards let you scan your receipt to earn cash back on eligible purchases. Some deals are even exclusive to Aldi, making these apps an easy way to get rewarded for items you’re already buying.
KCL TIP: If you're new to using cash-back rebate apps, check our guides for how to use Ibotta and how to use Fetch Rewards. When you download the Fetch app, be sure to use the code KCL to receive 1,000 points for free.
Know the rules of the Aldi return policy (it's pretty generous).
Aldi backs their private-label products with their "Twice As Nice" guarantee. It says that if you’re unsatisfied with an Aldi-exclusive item, they’ll replace it and refund your money. However, this policy doesn’t apply to national brands, alcohol, Aldi Finds, or returns unrelated to product quality.
You'll want to check your receipt for return eligibility before heading back to the store.
What to Buy at Aldi
Knowing how to shop at Aldi is one thing, but which items give you the most savings? Some items may seem like a good deal but actually aren’t. Other Aldi items are so cheap, you literally shouldn’t buy them anywhere else.
Spoiler alert: Some Aldi grocery items are even cheaper than Walmart. Here’s more on what to buy (and not to buy) at Aldi:
Meat, produce, and butter are the best deals at Aldi.
Aldi consistently beats competitor prices on fresh meat, produce, and butter. Their weekly meat specials and unadvertised markdowns can yield major savings, especially on family-sized packs of chicken, beef, and pork.
Keep an eye out for Manager’s Specials on meat, which are often discounted when approaching their sell-by dates. Aldi’s produce is also competitively priced, though availability may vary by store.
Aldi is a great place for affordable gluten-free and dye-free foods.
Aldi offers a solid variety of gluten-free options, including their exclusive LiveGfree brand, which features baking mixes, pastas, and chips. The Simply Nature line includes organic, non-GMO, and dye-free products at prices significantly lower than other grocery stores.
One category where Aldi brands truly shines? Dye-free items. We did the math and found that Aldi dye-free foods are up to 85% cheaper than competitor brands.
Get 3-wick candles for just $4.95 at Aldi.
There’s no denying how much we LOVE our Bath & Body Works candles. But we can’t always wait for Bath & Body Works Candle Day to come around in December, so Aldi candles to the rescue. Their 3-wick candles are similar to Bath & Body Works candles and cost just $4.95 each. Even with a sweet Bath & Body Works coupon or a major sale, you won’t find candles for that low of a price.
Scents rotate through the Aldi Finds section, so if you stumble across a scent you love, make sure you stock up because there's no guarantee it'll return.
Buy Aldi diapers if you're not picky about the brand.
Aldi’s Little Journey diapers offer serious savings compared to name-brand options. A 100-pack of size 3 diapers costs just $13.35, making the price per diaper only $0.13. That's cheaper than many national brands, even with sales and coupons.
Check out some of these competitor prices:
Target offers diapers as low as $0.12 per diaper, but your savings often come in the form of a future gift card.
Costco offers instant savings twice a year, making their Kirkland diapers as low as $0.14 each.
Kroger sells Luvs for $0.14 per diaper with a coupon and rebate.
Walgreens sells Pampers for $0.16 per diaper when you buy four packs.
Related: We can teach you how to get cheap diapers year-round, even without a sale.
Bonus: Check the list of new Aldi stores to see if there's a grand opening near you.
Aldi is expanding pretty rapidly across the U.S., opening hundreds of new locations in recent years. If there’s not an Aldi near you yet, keep an eye out — you may have one coming soon, along with a grand opening celebration that typically includes giveaways, freebies, and sweepstakes to earn Aldi gift cards.
You can track upcoming store openings on Aldi’s grand opening page and find the nearest location with Aldi’s store finder.
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