rev:text
| - My parents got an Aldi's store in their community about 4 years ago and my mom has raved about it and how much they've saved since shopping there. So I was excited about one opening about a mile from my house.
As other reviewers have mentioned, Aldi's is heavy on the pre-processed food - lots of salty/sugary snack foods. They have a limited selection of most everything, except, surprisingly pizza. Want frozen vegetables? I think they have four kinds.
It's a great place to stock up on things like rice, pasta, canned goods, and snacks. I also like their bagels and their block cheese and tubs of lunch meat are comparable to what you'd get elsewhere.
Like Trader Joe's (also owned by the same conglomerate), a lot of the items are private label. But it's very likely the Aldi's snack crackers are actually made at a Nabisco factory - just like a lot of TJ's food is made by the same people who make Amy's brand food. So you don't sacrifice quality for an "off" brand.
However, I've not had good luck with their produce. With the exception of apples and potatoes, the shelf life once you get it home is a day, maybe two if you're lucky. So buy your pre-packaged salads and fresh fruit/veggies elsewhere.
But the prices are appreciably lower than what you'd pay at Giant Eagle and even Wal-Mart. Yes, they don't accept credit cards and you have to bag your own groceries, but for the money you save I think it's worth it.
After this store has been open about 6 months, I find I go here about every two-three weeks, with a trip to Giant Eagle to help fill in the gaps. I've saved about 30% on my groceries compared to last year when I didn't shop at Aldi's, so that to me is worth going to 2 stores rather than solely Giant Eagle.
|