Aldi is famous for offering low prices and helping shoppers stick to their budgets. But it turns out that not everything at Aldi is the bargain you might expect. With help from Reader’s Digest, we took a closer look at some products where Aldi’s prices are actually higher than competitors. If you want to get the best deal, it pays to know when to shop elsewhere. Being a smart shopper means knowing that even budget-friendly stores have a few surprises.
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the Writer's personal beliefs.
Cereal
If you go to Aldi to get name-brand cereal, expect to pay the same or more than you would at any other grocery store. The name-brand cereal choices are limited at Aldi, and the grocery store tends to mark up the prices. Experts say that you can pay upwards of $3 more for a box of name-brand cereal at Aldi. You won’t save money that way!
Toiletries
You will only find name-brand shampoos, toothpaste, and deodorants at Aldi’s. The store does not have generic options when it comes to these items. This means a much higher price than you may want to pay. Plus, Aldi rarely puts these brand-name items on sale, so you can expect to pay full price.
Chips
While Aldi does have its own brand of chips called Simply Nature, you should be wary when buying a bag. While the price may look low, the number of chips in each bag is also pretty low. People complain that Aldi only fills its chip bags less than halfway, making them actually more expensive by volume than other brands.
K -Cups
Aldi sells K-Cups, but they usually only have 12 packs and no bulk options. Many people will fly right through 12 cups of coffee! Buying in bulk at a different grocery store will save you money per cup.
Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
Did you find a nice coupon for toilet paper this week? Well, don’t expect to use it at Aldi. The grocery store chain does not accept manufacturer's coupons even on common paper products like toilet paper and paper towels. You will save more money if you use those coupons at a different grocery store rather than paying full price at Aldi.
Soda
While you can get cheaper, store-brand soda at Aldi, it may not taste as good as your favorite Coke or Pepsi products. Aldi does carry those more prominent brands, but they come at much higher prices.
Freezer Bags
If you need zippered freezer bags, do not buy them at Aldi. They may be cheaper in price, but they are also cheaper in quality. Many people have reported that the quality of Aldi freezer bags is really poor. You’re better off paying a little more at a different store.
Berries
Since Aldi doesn’t sell as much fresh fruit as other grocery stores, the berries tend to sit on the shelf a little longer. This is a very bad thing for quality. People report that Aldi berries are often bruised and bad, meaning you may have to throw them away right after purchasing. The price may be lower than at a farmer’s market, but so is the quality.
Mayonnaise
Grab a jar of mayonnaise at Aldi, and you are likely paying more than you would at other, bigger chains. The brand name mayo may look like a good deal, but when you compare the price to what other grocery stores offer, you will find that Aldi charges more.
Chips Ahoy! Cookies
We love Chips Ahoy!, but we know not to buy them at Aldi. The grocery store typically charges a lot more for a box of these classic cookies. Even when they are not on sale, places like Target and Walmart offer discounted boxes of Chips Ahoy!.
Wine
Yes, Aldi has quite a few bottles of wine that all cost less than $15. This can be great! Just remember that a cheap bottle of Aldi wine will also taste like a cheap bottle of wine that you got at a grocery store. Lots of people say it is just not good.
Baby Food
While Aldi is known for its discount prices on diapers and baby wipes, you are better off buying baby food somewhere else. You can find lots of coupons for brand-name baby food that you can use at other stores to get a much-discounted price. Remember, Aldi doesn’t accept those manufacturer coupons, which is such a shame!
Deodorant
Aldi only carries a small selection of deodorant, and it is always a name-brand. This means a steep price tag. You can find the same brands at bigger pharmacies and big box stores at a lower price. Plus, other stores may take coupons for the bathroom staple, something Aldi doesn't do.
Shampoo
Just like other bathroom items found at Aldi, shampoo can be pretty pricey. Once again, Adli does not take manufacturers' coupons, which are something you can use to buy shampoo at many other stores. Don't pay full price for brand-name shampoo at Aldi. Just go down the street to a different grocery store that will take your coupons!
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