16 Nov 8 Things You Never Knew About Shopping at ALDI + $100 ALDI Giveaway

Who couldn’t use $100 to use toward grocery shopping this week? Enter to win a $100 Aldi gift card and find out 8 things you never knew about shopping at ALDI.

Thank you ALDI for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.

Long ago (30 years ago), in a city far, far away (Peoria, IL), there was a girl who loved to go to the grocery store with her mom. Growing up in a family of 6, grocery runs to the store nearest to our neighborhood were a common occurrence. But once in a while, we headed to the other side of town to a sleepy little store called ALDI. I loved ALDI for one reason and one reason only.

We bagged our own groceries.

Looking back, I realize that Mom loved ALDI because of the insanely low prices. Feeding a family of six was no cheap feat. However, back then, perishable items like produce, dairy and meat were not available. So Mom had to do double duty and go to two stores to complete her shopping.

Fast forward a few (ahem) years to present day.

Now living in Dallas, I have grocery stores on every corner. Literally. There are NINE stores within a 4-mile radius of my home. NINE. Why then do I travel just a few more miles to my local ALDI store? To bag my own groceries, yes. But, let me tell you a few more reasons why.

1. You can save up to 50% on your grocery bill.

ALDI does price comparison shopping regularly of comparable products sold at leading national competitor stores and has found that toe to toe, ALDI brand products are significantly less expensive than other national competitor brands.

2. Quality of ALDI Brand Products

I tasted close to 50 ALDI exclusive brand products and, as an experienced taste tester, let me assure you it’s difficult to tell the difference. You can see by my score card that I was often wrong. The quality of these products are ON POINT.

3. The SimplyNature line

This line is just simple food made with only honest ingredients and without artificial colors, flavors or unnecessary enhancers. In 2015, ALDI announced it removed certified synthetic colors, partially hydrogenated oils (a source of trans fats) and added MSG from all of their exclusive brand food products. The process will be complete before 2018.

4. ALDI has its own line of organic products

You’ll find impressive selections of fresh and organic meat and produce, like bananas, tomatoes, kale and avocados.  Their SimplyNature Organic 100% Grass Fed Ground Beef in 1 pound packages is one of their Dietitian Picks and contains no added antibiotics, hormones or animal by-products. Their organic line stands side by side any other organic line, but for a fraction of the cost. 

5. ALDI created a line of gluten-free products specifically based on consumer feedback

While I don’t follow a GF diet, I can tell you that from a taste perspective, these products are spot on. I often hear that GF products just don’t taste good. I was surprised and impressed with the flavor profiles of each of the liveGfree products I tasted.

6. Imported specialty items from around the world.

Imagine my delight when I found German chocolates and European cheeses at my fingertips! As someone who appreciates handcrafted foods from other countries, this was a find that made me very happy. As a result, I foresee many quick cheese displays and dessert trays in my future.

7. Award Winning Wines

If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my tenure in this business, it’s to take a wine recommendation from someone who knows about wine. Liz Ruggles, the ALDI Director of PR tipped me off to one of the most buttery tasting Chardonnays I’ve ever had. The Tangled Vines Chardonnay will appear at all upcoming holiday parties and perhaps in a few gift and goody bags this year. Plus, all ALDI wines are offered at rock-bottom prices. Thanks, Liz!

8. ALDI caters to babies!

Ok, so this doesn’t pertain to me anymore, but WOW do I wish I had this available when my son was young. From baby formula, food pouches and snacks to diapers, wipes and washes, the Little Journey line of baby products has been extremely well received and has even won awards. And, as any parent can attest, quality products at reasonable prices are key when it comes to budgeting for baby!

Make your next trip to ALDI awesome by entering for a chance to win a $100 ALDI Gift Card here–just in time for your Thanksgiving shopping!

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