Thursday, December 15, 2011

What if...?

Yesterday, I needed to run out to the OTHER grocery store where I shop to pick up a couple of things we use that Aldi doesn't stock. Specifically, I went out for some YoKids yogurt and a box of Gerber baby oatmeal - my daughter's favorite breakfast.

It's been a little while since I've done any item-by-item price comparisons. And since I still had the receipt from my last trip to Aldi in my wallet, I decided to spend a little time walking around the store checking prices in order to answer the question: "What if I had done all my shopping here instead of at Aldi?"



Now, just to be clear, this doesn't represent my typical weekly shopping, it's just a somewhat random list of items that I picked up at Aldi earlier this week. Remember, prices vary from store to store and region to region, so I'm sure the prices you pay will vary.

I apologize for the lack of product photos. When I thought of this, it was just a spur of the moment idea, and not planned as a blog post, so I didn't think to take any pictures of the items...

Anyway, here's the rundown:
  • Soft wheat bread - Aldi: .99, other store: 1.99 
  • Peanut butter - Aldi: 1.89, other store: 2.49 
  • Gallon 2% milk - Aldi: 3.59, other store: 3.59 
  • Ranch dressing - Aldi: 1.29, other store: 3.19 
  • Tortillas - Aldi: .99, other store, 2.19
  • Breakfast cereal - Aldi: 1.99, other store: 3.29 
  • 1 lb. spaghetti - Aldi: .80, other store: 1.25 
  • Spaghetti sauce - Aldi: 1.19, other store: 1.79 
  • Frozen meatballs - Aldi: 2.19, other store: 3.29 
  • 1.25 lb. hamburger - Aldi: 3.36, other store: 2.49
  • 1 lb. shred cheese - Aldi: 3.49, other store: 3.98
  • Cream cheese - Aldi: .89, other store: 1.49 
  • 1 lb bacon - Aldi: 3.29, other store: 5.99 
  • 2qt. apple juice - Aldi: 1.49, other store: 1.99 

Total spent at Aldi: $27.44
Total at the other store: $39.01

So, the answer to the question: "What if I had done all my shopping HERE instead of at Aldi?" is:

"I would have spent $11.57 MORE than I would have at Aldi." 

I don't know about you, but I could use an extra $11.57 in my pocket right now.

And here's another thing to consider - it took me about 20 minutes to complete my shopping at Aldi, from the time I slipped the quarter into the slot on the cart lock, to the time I got the quarter back. TWENTY minutes!

It took me about 45 minutes just to walk around the other store writing down prices, and that didn't include the time I spent waiting in the checkout line!

Just imagine how much I'm saving in both time and money when I do my regular "big" weekly shopping trips...

-Jeff the Aldi Shopper

6 comments:

  1. It is amazing how much you can save over the national brands. I just got some spinach artichoke dip that put the major brand to shame in terms of flavor and price.

    I watch prices like a hawk and am amazed at how if Aldi touches something, the price is magically much less. Even store brands usually don't beat the Aldi value.

    Bradford - vantrekker.blogspot.com

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  2. One of my favorite 'deals' is the 3-pack of romaine lettuce. Aldi price is $1.99 and my local Harris Teeter is $3.99! That saves me $2.00 on just one item!

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  3. I love this post! It is purely, simply, why I shop at Aldi. My cart is full and I am paying SO much less. I, too, cover the store in 20 minutes - perfect with 3 little kiddos!

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    1. I have been experimenting with how to make bagging easier as the kids get restless then. I'm using 3 computer paper boxes, they all fit in the cart and last time I didn't have to bag a thing! Just rearranged the tiniest bit and was out the door!

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    2. That's a brilliant idea - simple solutions are the best! Thanks for sharing that!

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  4. I just started shopping at Aldi last week...I am a single person and used to shop at giant eagle and spend $75 per week on food! Now I am getting the same amount of food for $40. I used to mock Aldi, butnow I am humbled to say that they have some good products.I also enjoyed my quick shopping trips.

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