I don't know how you make your grocery-shopping list (you DO make a list don't you?), but at our house, we keep a little stack of old cash register receipts on the kitchen counter, right next to the goldfish bowl. As an item is used up, we make note of it right then. After I decide what the weekly menu will be, I add whatever extra items I'll need to the list. Then, after a quick walk around the house to double-check my stock of household supplies, it's off to Aldi I go.
Here are five random items that seem to make it onto that list regularly - in fact, I can't think of the last time I DIDN'T buy these at Aldi:
- Breakfast Cereal
 |
| Millville Crispy Oats |
The Millville breakfast cereals seem to be among the favorites of Aldi fans everywhere - and why not? Every variety that I've tried has been just as good as the national brand, and costs significantly less. My daughter just loves the Crispy Oats (pictured above), and my favorite is the Honey Crunch 'N Oats with Almonds.
- Batteries
 |
| ActivEnergy AA Batteries 8-pack |
Between my daughter's various toys, and remote controls for the TV, cable box, DVD player, and other assorted gadgets and gizmos, it seems like I'm buying batteries every month. I read an article in Consumer Reports some years ago comparing battery life among the many national and store brands. They found that when comparing battery life vs price paid for the battery, the cheaper batteries were indeed more economical. Buying the name-brand battery didn't mean you were getting a battery that was going to last longer - the freshness of the battery had much more to do with useful life than the brand name.
- Resealable Sandwich, Storage, and Freezer Bags
 |
| Boulder Twin Lock Storage Bags |
I use the Boulder resealable sandwich, storage, and freezer bags for a million different things around my house, and I bet you do too. I buy them in all sizes, and use them for everything - sandwiches, school snacks, cold-cuts, left-overs, spare change, nuts bolts and screws, batteries, craft supplies - you name it, I've got it in one of these bags.
- Juice Boxes
 |
| Nature's Nectar Kids 100% Apple Juice |
My first-grader takes her lunch to school quite often, and one of these juice boxes is always in her lunch box. I was quite happy when Aldi started stocking these - they're MUCH cheaper than the Minute Maid boxes I was buying before. My girl is a notoriously picky eater, and she hasn't had a complaint. As long as it passes her test, it's okay with me.
- Dishwasher Detergent
 |
| Reeva Automatic Dishwashing Gel |
This Reeva Automatic Dishwashing Gel has performed just fine in my dishwasher - the dishes come out clean and streak-free. I've seen absolutely no difference between this and the national brands I've used in the past - except for the price! It simply does what it's supposed to do.
There are many other items I could have included on this list, like canned goods, baking supplies, and of course, chocolate, and more chocolate. I'm sure you have your favorites too!
Stay tuned, because next time, I'm going to tell you about the one thing I NEVER buy at Aldi - and why.
-Jeff the Aldi Shopper
My list also includes the ziploc noname bags and the dishwasher detergent, but also includes the fresh salsa, Clancy doritos style chips, Clancy's cheetos style snacks, honey ham sliced meat, Kirkwood boneless skinless chicken breast, lately the hamburger patties and Italian meatballs.
ReplyDeleteGood ones - I've tried all of those except the cheese puff snacks, and have liked all of them!
ReplyDeleteI go out of my way to shop Aldi's for the Fit and Active chicken broth, fudge ice cream bars and ice cream sandwiches. I buy some, but not all, of my produce there. Their red grapes are usually good.
ReplyDeleteSince I always buy their ice cream, they have to be my last stop of any shopping trip. Because Aldi does not carry some things all the time, I go ahead and get the bulk of my things elsewhere then swoop in and get the ice cream.
Since reading your blog, I am going to try the boxed bread mixes. I bought a case of their pumpkin this week and plan to use it in baking.
I've been pretty impressed with most of the Fit & Active products - I always use the chicken broth and the cream of mushroom soup, and I stock up on the instant brown rice and whole grain pasta when they have it.
ReplyDeleteThe boxed quick breads are fabulous - and soooo easy to make. They always turn out well for me!
That's a great note about the batteries. I will try buying them from Aldi's. The cheapies I get at the Everything's A Dollar store last just fine, too. Thanks for posting about the double strip bags - as a van camper, I'm always worried about things spilling and leaking.
ReplyDeleteBrad
vantrekker.blogspot.com
Yeah Brad, I'll never spend the big bucks on batteries again! Just check the "Good Until" date to be sure you're getting fresh ones, and they'll last just fine...
ReplyDeleteAnd oh yeah, thanks for stopping by - glad there's some info here you can use!
ReplyDeleteAldis has the cheapest eggs, cheeses, milk (including soy/almond/organic) awesome prices, apple cider cheap when in season, fruits, vegetables (have all been quality products) salad products, basic baking goods, junk foods and other products not only taste fine, but you can save 50.00 a visit on foods from Aldis without having to shop at another store. You can get good meat prices, especially when they are on clearance, frozen foods, generally cheaper, too. What I can't find at Aldis, I go to Weiss, Walmart, Food Lion, and Giant in that order. The other stores are just crazy over priced. I love the Aldi food storage bags - best quality for the cheapest prices!
ReplyDeleteI'm still shopping at ALDI for at least 80-90% of my grocery list, and I'm saving more than ever!
DeleteMy 5 favorite must buys are:
ReplyDeleteParmesan crusted chicken breast
slim jims
shredded/block cheese
salad dressings
marinated turkey breasts
Though, I could go on and on ;)