Saving & Spending Budgeting & Expenses

11 Best Shopping Secrets Aldi Employees Want You to Know

Knowing these secrets can make your shopping experience better and save you money.

little child pointing by finger at pastry to father in supermarket
Updated Jan. 24, 2025
Fact checked

Aldi is a great place to save money on groceries. And if you know a few tips, then you might cut costs even more during your next visit.

Before heading to Aldi, check out the useful advice to make your next trip even more efficient and enjoyable.

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Many Aldi items are private label

JHVEPhoto/Adobe Baker's Corner 4 lb. Granulated Sugar bags

You'll find that exclusive, in-house brands are Aldi's bread and butter. 

If you need vegan or vegetarian items, there's Earth Grown. For a post-workout protein shake or bar, Elevation has got you covered. 

If you don't want to splurge on a late-night pizza delivery, then make sure to stock up on their frozen Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen products. 

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The smaller selection of items is a good thing

Birgit Reitz-Hofmann/Adobe aisle in Aldi store

You may get frustrated that Aldi doesn't offer a wide selection of different products. However, a lack of variety isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Aldi sorts through plenty of different options in order to give customers the best selection without overdoing it or taking up too much valuable shelf space with extra choices.

You won't hear music blasting from the speakers

Mara Louvain/Adobe inside view of an Aldi supermarket shop store

It's not coincidental that Aldi stores can seem very quiet in comparison to their competitors. 

Aldi doesn't play songs in their stores to avoid additional costs related to music licensing. By focusing on lower operating costs, Aldi can focus on giving customers more affordable options. 

Although, if you can't shop without music just remember to bring your favorite tunes with headphones.

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There's a reason why you can't find single-use plastic grocery bags

Birgit Reitz-Hofmann/Adobe aisle with fruits in Aldi

Aldi stated via press release that they were the "first major U.S. retailer to eliminate plastic shopping bags" by the end of 2023. 

Instead, they encourage customers to bring their own shopping bags. If you forgot your bags at home, the retailer also sells reusable bags.  


Aldi doesn’t have loyalty cards, but everyone can still save

Pixel-Shot/Adobe female cashier checking out goods in supermarket

Some grocery stores may ask you to sign up for a loyalty card in return for offering you extra discounts.

Thankfully, discounts at Aldi are already applied to their products. 

They even released a spoof press release near April Fools' Day announcing a membership of over 300 million people. "We’re only kidding, unlike other retailers exclusive memberships aren’t an ALDI thing," the company said. 

Feel relieved that this is one store where you won’t have to fumble for your loyalty card when you check out.

Aldi stores are intentionally small

ehrlif/Adobe Aldi's supermarket

Your local Aldi is probably smaller than other grocery stores, and the limited size serves an important purpose.

By reducing distracting elements found in most chain stores, then customers can focus on shopping efficiently. 

Weekly deals are just an email away

monticellllo/Adobe hands holding smartphone displaying logo of Aldi

You don't have to be an insider to know Aldi's weekly deals. The retailer has a straightforward email listserv for interested customers, or you can check their website to know what deals are currently available. 

Be advised that Aldi may have restrictions on its sales, such as a purchasing limit, so make sure to read the fine print before stocking up.

They prioritize efficient restocking over excess

Rido/Adobe man at supermarket

Once a shipment arrives, Aldi employees waste no time in getting items to customers. Instead of laboriously focusing on meticulous displays, sales associates simply place products on store shelves in its original shipping package. 

Plus it gives sales associates more time to assist customers if needed. 


Produce gets the efficient approach too

exclusive-design/Adobe fresh vegetables

Aldi is purposefully no frills when it comes to produce presentation too.  

"We create a different kind of grocery experience by focusing only on what matters: providing high-quality groceries like fresh fruits and vegetables... instead of wasting time (and money) on all the extra noise, like apples stacked in a fancy pyramid," Aldi stated via press release. "And our simple, efficient displays are just the beginning." 

Ask your local Aldi sales associate what day and time product shipments arrive to get ahead of the rush. 

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You can have Aldi delivered

ronstik/Adobe woman accepting groceries box from delivery man at home

If you’re busy or just prefer to have your groceries delivered, then you're in luck. 

Aldi offers same-day delivery for 98% of their store locations based in the U.S. It’s a convenient option that can make your shopping experience better.

Aldi has a generous return policy

mitifoto/Adobe shopping cart

Aldi’s “Twice as Nice Guarantee” return policy offers a substitute product as well as monetary compensation. 

Return eligible, unused items with the original packaging and receipt for a refund. Customers without a receipt will be given store credit. 

A return policy this easy should eliminate some money stress you might feel during your weekly grocery run.

Bottom line

wolterke/Adobe Aldi Grocery Store at Night and Trademark Logo

Shopping at Aldi is a great way to save more in a time of sky-high inflation. Knowing the tips on this list can help you keep even more of your cash.

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