Aldi

On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:09:18 -0500, "cybercat" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I see they carry what they call "private" brands. Any items particularly
good in these Aldi brands?

I do a big stock up trip to Aldi's once a month or so to stock my
pantry and freezer. We like:

peanut butter
macaroni and cheese
cereal
salad dressing
diced fruit cups
mandarin oranges
eggs
butter
milk
cheese
tortillas
graham crackers / Ritz style crackers / Saltines
oatmeal
applesauce
yogurt -- my husband and sons really like their yogurt
canned veggies -- French cut green beans, sweet peas, carrots, mixed
veggies -- I don't like these but my boys do
chicken nuggets
fish sticks
ground turkey
frozen waffles and French toast sticks
canned soup
rice
pasta
tuna
laundry detergent
liquid dishwasher detergent

We did not like:
bread
powdered dishwasher detergent
Bisquick type mix

Tara

On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:09:18 -0500, "cybercat" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I see they carry what they call "private" brands. Any items particularly
good in these Aldi brands?

I do a big stock up trip to Aldi's once a month or so to stock my
pantry and freezer. We like:

peanut butter
macaroni and cheese
cereal
salad dressing
diced fruit cups
mandarin oranges
eggs
butter
milk
cheese
tortillas
graham crackers / Ritz style crackers / Saltines
oatmeal
applesauce
yogurt -- my husband and sons really like their yogurt
canned veggies -- French cut green beans, sweet peas, carrots, mixed
veggies -- I don't like these but my boys do
chicken nuggets
fish sticks
ground turkey
frozen waffles and French toast sticks
canned soup
rice
pasta
tuna
laundry detergent
liquid dishwasher detergent

We did not like:
bread
powdered dishwasher detergent
Bisquick type mix

Tara

Tara said:

On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:09:18 -0500, "cybercat" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I see they carry what they call "private" brands. Any items particularly
good in these Aldi brands?

I do a big stock up trip to Aldi's once a month or so to stock my
pantry and freezer. We like:

peanut butter

Their PB is garbage. Look at the ingredients, "partially
hydrogenated..."

Quoted message said:

macaroni and cheese
cereal
salad dressing
diced fruit cups
mandarin oranges

Quoted message said:

eggs
butter
milk

They are usually the best place to buy eggs, butter, milk.

Quoted message said:

cheese
tortillas
graham crackers / Ritz style crackers / Saltines

Most/nearly all are full of trans-fats.

Quoted message said:

oatmeal
applesauce
yogurt -- my husband and sons really like their yogurt

You are lucky. My 5 YO is spoiled on good yogurt.

Quoted message said:

canned veggies -- French cut green beans, sweet peas, carrots, mixed
veggies -- I don't like these but my boys do
chicken nuggets
fish sticks
ground turkey
frozen waffles and French toast sticks

Again, beware the "partially hydrogenated..."

Quoted message said:

canned soup

"partially hydrogenated..."

Quoted message said:

rice

Their white rice is cheap. Only ethnic grocers are cheaper.

Quoted message said:

pasta
tuna
laundry detergent

Their laundry detergent might work, but it sure stinks.

Quoted message said:

liquid dishwasher detergent

We did not like:
bread
powdered dishwasher detergent
Bisquick type mix

Bisquick type mix is bad news no matter what. "partially
hydrogenated..."

Also, don't buy their enhanced beef. ALDI is a store for poor
people. Everything is cheap, you have to bring your own bags and bag
your own stuff. The selection is limited.
One of the best bargains is the frozen 20oz. game hens/$1.69.

Quoted message said:

Tara

--Bryan

Tara said:

On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:09:18 -0500, "cybercat" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I see they carry what they call "private" brands. Any items particularly
good in these Aldi brands?

I do a big stock up trip to Aldi's once a month or so to stock my
pantry and freezer. We like:

peanut butter

Their PB is garbage. Look at the ingredients, "partially
hydrogenated..."

Quoted message said:

macaroni and cheese
cereal
salad dressing
diced fruit cups
mandarin oranges

Quoted message said:

eggs
butter
milk

They are usually the best place to buy eggs, butter, milk.

Quoted message said:

cheese
tortillas
graham crackers / Ritz style crackers / Saltines

Most/nearly all are full of trans-fats.

Quoted message said:

oatmeal
applesauce
yogurt -- my husband and sons really like their yogurt

You are lucky. My 5 YO is spoiled on good yogurt.

Quoted message said:

canned veggies -- French cut green beans, sweet peas, carrots, mixed
veggies -- I don't like these but my boys do
chicken nuggets
fish sticks
ground turkey
frozen waffles and French toast sticks

Again, beware the "partially hydrogenated..."

Quoted message said:

canned soup

"partially hydrogenated..."

Quoted message said:

rice

Their white rice is cheap. Only ethnic grocers are cheaper.

Quoted message said:

pasta
tuna
laundry detergent

Their laundry detergent might work, but it sure stinks.

Quoted message said:

liquid dishwasher detergent

We did not like:
bread
powdered dishwasher detergent
Bisquick type mix

Bisquick type mix is bad news no matter what. "partially
hydrogenated..."

Also, don't buy their enhanced beef. ALDI is a store for poor
people. Everything is cheap, you have to bring your own bags and bag
your own stuff. The selection is limited.
One of the best bargains is the frozen 20oz. game hens/$1.69.

Quoted message said:

Tara

--Bryan

cybercat said:

Going tomorrow for the first time to take a look at the hams and turkeys.
(I
am doing Thanksgiving dinner this year.) They have butterballs for $1.29
a
pound, and Smithfield hams, too. Shanks (1.19 a lb) and butts (1.29 a lb).

No idea what the difference is.

I see they carry what they call "private" brands. Any items particularly
good in these Aldi brands?

I know I have to take my own bags and a quarter for the cart rental.
Anything else?

Where are you located, USA? I live in St. Louis area and 12-20 lbs.
Butterball turkeys are priced 89 cents/pound, starting tomorrow, so the
$1.29 you mention seems very high. Fully-cooked, smoked Butterbal turkeys
are only $1.49/lb, everyday at the Aldi's here.

An Aldi opened near me about a year ago and I went out of curiosity and
bought a few items; their prices are incredibly low. I now buy about a
third of my groceries there and have never found an item that wasn't as good
or better than what I used to buy in a brand name. I would buy more of my
groceries there, but the Aldi near me doesn't carry a lot of the
lower-sodium, lower-fat items I prefer; also, most of the meat is "enhanced"
and I will not buy it. Some of their meats are great, such as pork sausage
and fresh, not frozen, ground beef.

You know about the bags and carts, that's good so you won't be surprised.
If you are used to paying with a credit card, check before you go; locally
(STL area), Aldi takes only cash and debit cards (maybe checks, but I've
never seen anyone pay by check), I have seen a couple of folks check-out
only to be unable to pay because they assumed they could use a credit card.

The last thing you might need to be aware of, some items are only available
for a week or two, then not seen again for months. These "specials" are
usually marked to so indicate; if you find something you like that is a
"special" or "limited time", go back within a couple of days to stock up or
you could be disappointed at a later visit.
--
Change Cujo to Juno in email address.

cybercat said:

Going tomorrow for the first time to take a look at the hams and turkeys.
(I
am doing Thanksgiving dinner this year.) They have butterballs for $1.29
a
pound, and Smithfield hams, too. Shanks (1.19 a lb) and butts (1.29 a lb).

No idea what the difference is.

I see they carry what they call "private" brands. Any items particularly
good in these Aldi brands?

I know I have to take my own bags and a quarter for the cart rental.
Anything else?

Where are you located, USA? I live in St. Louis area and 12-20 lbs.
Butterball turkeys are priced 89 cents/pound, starting tomorrow, so the
$1.29 you mention seems very high. Fully-cooked, smoked Butterbal turkeys
are only $1.49/lb, everyday at the Aldi's here.

An Aldi opened near me about a year ago and I went out of curiosity and
bought a few items; their prices are incredibly low. I now buy about a
third of my groceries there and have never found an item that wasn't as good
or better than what I used to buy in a brand name. I would buy more of my
groceries there, but the Aldi near me doesn't carry a lot of the
lower-sodium, lower-fat items I prefer; also, most of the meat is "enhanced"
and I will not buy it. Some of their meats are great, such as pork sausage
and fresh, not frozen, ground beef.

You know about the bags and carts, that's good so you won't be surprised.
If you are used to paying with a credit card, check before you go; locally
(STL area), Aldi takes only cash and debit cards (maybe checks, but I've
never seen anyone pay by check), I have seen a couple of folks check-out
only to be unable to pay because they assumed they could use a credit card.

The last thing you might need to be aware of, some items are only available
for a week or two, then not seen again for months. These "specials" are
usually marked to so indicate; if you find something you like that is a
"special" or "limited time", go back within a couple of days to stock up or
you could be disappointed at a later visit.
--
Change Cujo to Juno in email address.

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:

[SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]

Quoted message said:

ALDI is a store for poor
people.

Nonsense, it's a store for smart people who want to save some money...

Frex, they have stuff like German chocolate that is far superior to
and cheaper than the mass market Hershey's stuff. They have a whole
range of German imports ("Deutsche Kuche" brand) in fact that is very,
very good...

They have frozen shrimp, etc., that is quite good, and a bargain to
boot...their hams are a good value.

Their produce selection is somewhat limited, as it's pretty much all
packaged stuff...but their packages of bell peppers, etc., sure beat
the stuff available at many major chains.

Their prices aren't always the *very* cheapest, e.g. their line of
Asian stuff is more expensive than buying at an Asian market, and I
can sometimes beat or meet their prices on certain items at my local
stupormarket. But they are generally very low...

Some of their stuff can be hit - or - miss, I've seen many discussions
of them over the years on various forums. But generally people are
pleased with the value they offer...

As for "poor people", Aldi only accepts cash and LINK (food stamps) at
least here in Chicago. So you can find "that element" shopping
there. But you'll also find plenty of savvy middle class white folks
shopping there too. People need to get smart about grocery shopping,
there is no particular stigma about shopping at Aldi. They opened a
new store near me that is sparkling clean and with courteous help.
I'd take 'em over Whole Foods any day...but then I'm the kind of
person that likes the thrill of hunting for a bargain.

--
Best
Greg

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:

[SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]

Quoted message said:

ALDI is a store for poor
people.

Nonsense, it's a store for smart people who want to save some money...

Frex, they have stuff like German chocolate that is far superior to
and cheaper than the mass market Hershey's stuff. They have a whole
range of German imports ("Deutsche Kuche" brand) in fact that is very,
very good...

They have frozen shrimp, etc., that is quite good, and a bargain to
boot...their hams are a good value.

Their produce selection is somewhat limited, as it's pretty much all
packaged stuff...but their packages of bell peppers, etc., sure beat
the stuff available at many major chains.

Their prices aren't always the *very* cheapest, e.g. their line of
Asian stuff is more expensive than buying at an Asian market, and I
can sometimes beat or meet their prices on certain items at my local
stupormarket. But they are generally very low...

Some of their stuff can be hit - or - miss, I've seen many discussions
of them over the years on various forums. But generally people are
pleased with the value they offer...

As for "poor people", Aldi only accepts cash and LINK (food stamps) at
least here in Chicago. So you can find "that element" shopping
there. But you'll also find plenty of savvy middle class white folks
shopping there too. People need to get smart about grocery shopping,
there is no particular stigma about shopping at Aldi. They opened a
new store near me that is sparkling clean and with courteous help.
I'd take 'em over Whole Foods any day...but then I'm the kind of
person that likes the thrill of hunting for a bargain.

--
Best
Greg

The canned green beans and corn are very good. I get the basics for
baking there and have had very good imported beer! Interesting and
always changing extras along with staples. My family likes some of
the breakfast cereals more than brand name and it is much much less
expensive. Have fun.

The canned green beans and corn are very good. I get the basics for
baking there and have had very good imported beer! Interesting and
always changing extras along with staples. My family likes some of
the breakfast cereals more than brand name and it is much much less
expensive. Have fun.

Oh pshaw, on Wed 07 Nov 2007 07:59:11p, Gregory Morrow meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:

[SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]

Quoted message said:

ALDI is a store for poor people.

Nonsense, it's a store for smart people who want to save some money...

Frex, they have stuff like German chocolate that is far superior to
and cheaper than the mass market Hershey's stuff. They have a whole
range of German imports ("Deutsche Kuche" brand) in fact that is very,
very good...

They have frozen shrimp, etc., that is quite good, and a bargain to
boot...their hams are a good value.

Their produce selection is somewhat limited, as it's pretty much all
packaged stuff...but their packages of bell peppers, etc., sure beat
the stuff available at many major chains.

Their prices aren't always the *very* cheapest, e.g. their line of
Asian stuff is more expensive than buying at an Asian market, and I
can sometimes beat or meet their prices on certain items at my local
stupormarket. But they are generally very low...

Some of their stuff can be hit - or - miss, I've seen many discussions
of them over the years on various forums. But generally people are
pleased with the value they offer...

As for "poor people", Aldi only accepts cash and LINK (food stamps) at
least here in Chicago. So you can find "that element" shopping
there. But you'll also find plenty of savvy middle class white folks
shopping there too. People need to get smart about grocery shopping,
there is no particular stigma about shopping at Aldi. They opened a
new store near me that is sparkling clean and with courteous help.
I'd take 'em over Whole Foods any day...but then I'm the kind of
person that likes the thrill of hunting for a bargain.

--
Best
Greg

In some areas, Ald's is definitely focused on the poor, and only found in
very poor neighborhoods. It is also evident in their marketing in these
stores as well. Perhaps Chicago is an exception. The few I found around
the Cleveland area were downright depressing to walk through.

--
Wayne Boatwright

(to e-mail me direct, replace cox dot net with gmail dot com)
______________________________________________________________

Modem: What landscapers do to dem lawns.

Oh pshaw, on Wed 07 Nov 2007 07:59:11p, Gregory Morrow meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:

[SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]

Quoted message said:

ALDI is a store for poor people.

Nonsense, it's a store for smart people who want to save some money...

Frex, they have stuff like German chocolate that is far superior to
and cheaper than the mass market Hershey's stuff. They have a whole
range of German imports ("Deutsche Kuche" brand) in fact that is very,
very good...

They have frozen shrimp, etc., that is quite good, and a bargain to
boot...their hams are a good value.

Their produce selection is somewhat limited, as it's pretty much all
packaged stuff...but their packages of bell peppers, etc., sure beat
the stuff available at many major chains.

Their prices aren't always the *very* cheapest, e.g. their line of
Asian stuff is more expensive than buying at an Asian market, and I
can sometimes beat or meet their prices on certain items at my local
stupormarket. But they are generally very low...

Some of their stuff can be hit - or - miss, I've seen many discussions
of them over the years on various forums. But generally people are
pleased with the value they offer...

As for "poor people", Aldi only accepts cash and LINK (food stamps) at
least here in Chicago. So you can find "that element" shopping
there. But you'll also find plenty of savvy middle class white folks
shopping there too. People need to get smart about grocery shopping,
there is no particular stigma about shopping at Aldi. They opened a
new store near me that is sparkling clean and with courteous help.
I'd take 'em over Whole Foods any day...but then I'm the kind of
person that likes the thrill of hunting for a bargain.

--
Best
Greg

In some areas, Ald's is definitely focused on the poor, and only found in
very poor neighborhoods. It is also evident in their marketing in these
stores as well. Perhaps Chicago is an exception. The few I found around
the Cleveland area were downright depressing to walk through.

--
Wayne Boatwright

(to e-mail me direct, replace cox dot net with gmail dot com)
______________________________________________________________

Modem: What landscapers do to dem lawns.

"cybercat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Smithfield hams, too. Shanks (1.19 a lb) and butts (1.29 a lb). No idea
what the difference is.

Opposite ends of a ham cut in half. The butt tends to be a bit meatier.

I don't now if that is a good price or not. Turkey tends to be on sale this
time of year for as little a 29¢ with a $25 purchase, etc.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

"cybercat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Smithfield hams, too. Shanks (1.19 a lb) and butts (1.29 a lb). No idea
what the difference is.

Opposite ends of a ham cut in half. The butt tends to be a bit meatier.

I don't now if that is a good price or not. Turkey tends to be on sale this
time of year for as little a 29¢ with a $25 purchase, etc.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

cybercat said:

Going tomorrow for the first time to take a look at the hams and turkeys. (I
am doing Thanksgiving dinner this year.) They have butterballs for $1.29 a
pound, and Smithfield hams, too. Shanks (1.19 a lb) and butts (1.29 a lb).
No idea what the difference is.

I see they carry what they call "private" brands. Any items particularly
good in these Aldi brands?

I know I have to take my own bags and a quarter for the cart rental.
Anything else?

Their big plastic shopping bags are commodious and cost a quarter, and
as A VERY STYLISH [censored] I think they are nicely designed (as opposed to
the old ones that seemingly every homeless person carried...). FYI:

Go here for their current sales flyer:

http://www.aldifoods.com

There has been a long discussion of Aldi on LTH Forum, a local Chicago
food board, here is the URL for the thread and some comments I've
copied, HTH:

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=6661

"aldi is no small mom and pop shop -- see:

http://www.familybusinessmagazine.com/topglobal.html (#15)

ALDI Group (15)
Albrecht/Essen, Germany
Industry: Food retailing
Revenues: $30 billion
Employees:
www.aldi.com
ALDI (short for "Albrecht Discounts"😉 is Europe's top private-label,
deep-discount food retailer, with 6,100 stores worldwide, including
3,100 in Germany and some 670 in the U.S. Co-founders Theo and Karl
Albrecht own the company; Theo's sons Theo Jr. and Berthold run
European division..."

-----------------------

"I now do my regular shopping at Ultra Foods in Forest Park, but
before that I did as much as possible at the Aldi on Harlem at about
18th St. As noted, the selection is very limited (and you can't get
Diet Coke--or any name brand pop/soda --which always meant I had to at
least stop in somewhere else) but the prices are very good. It's not
just 20 or 30 cents better either. Many many things there are a dollar
or more cheaper than they are at Jewel. The things I nearly always buy
when I'm there include saltines, all-purpose flour, sugar, vegetable
oil, butter, rice mixes, chicken and beef broth, napkins, bath soap,
bleach, bananas, oranges, peppers (usually a four pack of two green, a
yellow, and a red for $1.99) , cran-apple juice, generic cool-whip,
whole chicken, ground turkey, and batteries. They may not carry brand-
name pop, but they nearly always have 4 packs of fresh AA or AAA
Duracell batteries near the check-out for $1.99. Back when Ed lived on
frozen pizza, they had good brands at great prices..."

----------------------------------

"I was never much of an Aldi's fan. However, I find myself dropping in
a lot more often. They have really upgraded a LOT of their private
labels and have added fresh meats in a number of their stores. There
is a lot of stuff that I will not generally buy there - like most
fresh vegetables - but I give them a lot of credit because they are
trying a lot of new items as opposed to doing the same old things the
way they always have..."

----------------------------

"I have shopped at Aldi in Arlington Heights & Mt. Prospect for a few
years now and am a fan. Once you get their system down (carts,
bringing bags, grabbing boxes etc.) you will save time & $$$. Because
the offerings are primarily private label, you don't get caught up in
needing to make many decisions. Dairy is really nicely priced, as
mentioned in previous posts canned goods are a great deal. I do shop
at Trader Joe's too and love their frozen bagged harts vericots
(priced 1.99) now Aldi has them for I think 1.49 and the taste is the
same. I have recently tried the jarred premium salsas (1.49 or so )
and found them to be just as tasty as the $5 Harry & David ones in my
pantry..."

--------------------------

"Hubby and I used to think that we were "too good for Aldi", but now
we're hooked. They've got wonderful European-style chocolates that are
some unrecognizable brand that put any store-bought Hershey/Mars/
whatever to shame. Good quality and very inexpensive.

We recently had some of our foodie friends over for a bbq. They were
raving about the food, and I let the secret behind our bbq ribs and
shrimp slip. Oh my, Aldi! They were surprised. We've enjoyed lamb,
other pork products, and fancy sausage products. The cheese is also a
good find. I have some of their very reasonably priced cornish hens in
my freezer, very anxious to try those, too.

Like many stores, Aldi is better for certain things and not best for
everything, but you quickly learn. Don't go in looking for any
particular produce items, except maybe bananas.

Cash/debit only, but Aldi stretches your dollars. Plus, the experience
is pretty interesting...."

---------------------------------

"I have to tell ya, I'm at ALDI like once a week, at least. Here are
some of my regular/favorite things to purchase:

gourmet cheeses - they have a really good selection of monterey jack
cheeses. There's a pesto, jalepeno, mushroom and leek, and they have a
havarati dill that's pretty good too.

egg substitute

eggs

the chocolate, as others have mentioned

frozen veggies

real veggies (hit or miss on this one)

gourmet bacon - peppercorn and maple flavors

sliced deli and shredded cheeses

whole wheat bread

nuts

evoo

triscuit-like crackers

AND OTHER STUFF YOU HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR...

What I mean by that last bullet is other non-food items that will end
up there somehow. For example, we bought a hallway storage bench,
which was made of real-wood; actually good quality stuff for like $70.
I looked up comparable benches and they were usually in the $200
range. We always get compliments on it. They have a weekly flyer that
shows you what will be there the following week. BE CAREFUL though.
Sometimes the stuff really isn't cheaper than other stores. You'll
know when you see it..."

-----------------------------------

"I also go to Aldi every week for at least part of my grocery list.
Besides the items The Sleeve mentioned, I buy the fruit & grain bars
for Science Boy's lunches, the instant oatmeal, German beer (their 12-
pack contains 4 each of three different beers that SB quite likes),
orange juice (the "not from concentrate" stuff), grape tomatoes,
mangoes, sweet corn (not as fab as fresh, locally grown, but pretty
darned good!), ground beef, and -- SB's personal favorite -- pot pies.
Mind you, I am opposed to packaged pot pies in general because of the
high sodium/calories/price, but these are identical to the Marie
Callender pies he loves but *way* cheaper! (Though now that I'm done
working nights for a while, I probably won't be buying any for a
spell.) They do have name brand items on sale from time to time (just
got Skinny Cow ice cream cones for $1.50/box vs. $4-5/box) and
sometimes non-food items (as previously mentioned). The only item I
ever bought there that I was *not* happy with was a rice cooker. It
broke about 3 minutes into cooking our rice. I didn't have the receipt
anymore, but the manager let me exchange it for a new one anyway. That
one broke, too, so I just tossed it. Other than that, though, no
problems for me there..."

</>

cybercat said:

Going tomorrow for the first time to take a look at the hams and turkeys. (I
am doing Thanksgiving dinner this year.) They have butterballs for $1.29 a
pound, and Smithfield hams, too. Shanks (1.19 a lb) and butts (1.29 a lb).
No idea what the difference is.

I see they carry what they call "private" brands. Any items particularly
good in these Aldi brands?

I know I have to take my own bags and a quarter for the cart rental.
Anything else?

Their big plastic shopping bags are commodious and cost a quarter, and
as A VERY STYLISH [censored] I think they are nicely designed (as opposed to
the old ones that seemingly every homeless person carried...). FYI:

Go here for their current sales flyer:

http://www.aldifoods.com

There has been a long discussion of Aldi on LTH Forum, a local Chicago
food board, here is the URL for the thread and some comments I've
copied, HTH:

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=6661

"aldi is no small mom and pop shop -- see:

http://www.familybusinessmagazine.com/topglobal.html (#15)

ALDI Group (15)
Albrecht/Essen, Germany
Industry: Food retailing
Revenues: $30 billion
Employees:
www.aldi.com
ALDI (short for "Albrecht Discounts"😉 is Europe's top private-label,
deep-discount food retailer, with 6,100 stores worldwide, including
3,100 in Germany and some 670 in the U.S. Co-founders Theo and Karl
Albrecht own the company; Theo's sons Theo Jr. and Berthold run
European division..."

-----------------------

"I now do my regular shopping at Ultra Foods in Forest Park, but
before that I did as much as possible at the Aldi on Harlem at about
18th St. As noted, the selection is very limited (and you can't get
Diet Coke--or any name brand pop/soda --which always meant I had to at
least stop in somewhere else) but the prices are very good. It's not
just 20 or 30 cents better either. Many many things there are a dollar
or more cheaper than they are at Jewel. The things I nearly always buy
when I'm there include saltines, all-purpose flour, sugar, vegetable
oil, butter, rice mixes, chicken and beef broth, napkins, bath soap,
bleach, bananas, oranges, peppers (usually a four pack of two green, a
yellow, and a red for $1.99) , cran-apple juice, generic cool-whip,
whole chicken, ground turkey, and batteries. They may not carry brand-
name pop, but they nearly always have 4 packs of fresh AA or AAA
Duracell batteries near the check-out for $1.99. Back when Ed lived on
frozen pizza, they had good brands at great prices..."

----------------------------------

"I was never much of an Aldi's fan. However, I find myself dropping in
a lot more often. They have really upgraded a LOT of their private
labels and have added fresh meats in a number of their stores. There
is a lot of stuff that I will not generally buy there - like most
fresh vegetables - but I give them a lot of credit because they are
trying a lot of new items as opposed to doing the same old things the
way they always have..."

----------------------------

"I have shopped at Aldi in Arlington Heights & Mt. Prospect for a few
years now and am a fan. Once you get their system down (carts,
bringing bags, grabbing boxes etc.) you will save time & $$$. Because
the offerings are primarily private label, you don't get caught up in
needing to make many decisions. Dairy is really nicely priced, as
mentioned in previous posts canned goods are a great deal. I do shop
at Trader Joe's too and love their frozen bagged harts vericots
(priced 1.99) now Aldi has them for I think 1.49 and the taste is the
same. I have recently tried the jarred premium salsas (1.49 or so )
and found them to be just as tasty as the $5 Harry & David ones in my
pantry..."

--------------------------

"Hubby and I used to think that we were "too good for Aldi", but now
we're hooked. They've got wonderful European-style chocolates that are
some unrecognizable brand that put any store-bought Hershey/Mars/
whatever to shame. Good quality and very inexpensive.

We recently had some of our foodie friends over for a bbq. They were
raving about the food, and I let the secret behind our bbq ribs and
shrimp slip. Oh my, Aldi! They were surprised. We've enjoyed lamb,
other pork products, and fancy sausage products. The cheese is also a
good find. I have some of their very reasonably priced cornish hens in
my freezer, very anxious to try those, too.

Like many stores, Aldi is better for certain things and not best for
everything, but you quickly learn. Don't go in looking for any
particular produce items, except maybe bananas.

Cash/debit only, but Aldi stretches your dollars. Plus, the experience
is pretty interesting...."

---------------------------------

"I have to tell ya, I'm at ALDI like once a week, at least. Here are
some of my regular/favorite things to purchase:

gourmet cheeses - they have a really good selection of monterey jack
cheeses. There's a pesto, jalepeno, mushroom and leek, and they have a
havarati dill that's pretty good too.

egg substitute

eggs

the chocolate, as others have mentioned

frozen veggies

real veggies (hit or miss on this one)

gourmet bacon - peppercorn and maple flavors

sliced deli and shredded cheeses

whole wheat bread

nuts

evoo

triscuit-like crackers

AND OTHER STUFF YOU HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR...

What I mean by that last bullet is other non-food items that will end
up there somehow. For example, we bought a hallway storage bench,
which was made of real-wood; actually good quality stuff for like $70.
I looked up comparable benches and they were usually in the $200
range. We always get compliments on it. They have a weekly flyer that
shows you what will be there the following week. BE CAREFUL though.
Sometimes the stuff really isn't cheaper than other stores. You'll
know when you see it..."

-----------------------------------

"I also go to Aldi every week for at least part of my grocery list.
Besides the items The Sleeve mentioned, I buy the fruit & grain bars
for Science Boy's lunches, the instant oatmeal, German beer (their 12-
pack contains 4 each of three different beers that SB quite likes),
orange juice (the "not from concentrate" stuff), grape tomatoes,
mangoes, sweet corn (not as fab as fresh, locally grown, but pretty
darned good!), ground beef, and -- SB's personal favorite -- pot pies.
Mind you, I am opposed to packaged pot pies in general because of the
high sodium/calories/price, but these are identical to the Marie
Callender pies he loves but *way* cheaper! (Though now that I'm done
working nights for a while, I probably won't be buying any for a
spell.) They do have name brand items on sale from time to time (just
got Skinny Cow ice cream cones for $1.50/box vs. $4-5/box) and
sometimes non-food items (as previously mentioned). The only item I
ever bought there that I was *not* happy with was a rice cooker. It
broke about 3 minutes into cooking our rice. I didn't have the receipt
anymore, but the manager let me exchange it for a new one anyway. That
one broke, too, so I just tossed it. Other than that, though, no
problems for me there..."

</>

Wayne Boatwright said:

Oh pshaw, on Wed 07 Nov 2007 07:59:11p, Gregory Morrow meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:

Quoted message said:

[SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

ALDI is a store for poor people.

Quoted message said:

Nonsense, it's a store for smart people who want to save some money...

Quoted message said:

Frex, they have stuff like German chocolate that is far superior to
and cheaper than the mass market Hershey's stuff. They have a whole
range of German imports ("Deutsche Kuche" brand) in fact that is very,
very good...

Quoted message said:

They have frozen shrimp, etc., that is quite good, and a bargain to
boot...their hams are a good value.

Quoted message said:

Their produce selection is somewhat limited, as it's pretty much all
packaged stuff...but their packages of bell peppers, etc., sure beat
the stuff available at many major chains.

Quoted message said:

Their prices aren't always the *very* cheapest, e.g. their line of
Asian stuff is more expensive than buying at an Asian market, and I
can sometimes beat or meet their prices on certain items at my local
stupormarket. But they are generally very low...

Quoted message said:

Some of their stuff can be hit - or - miss, I've seen many discussions
of them over the years on various forums. But generally people are
pleased with the value they offer...

Quoted message said:

As for "poor people", Aldi only accepts cash and LINK (food stamps) at
least here in Chicago. So you can find "that element" shopping
there. But you'll also find plenty of savvy middle class white folks
shopping there too. People need to get smart about grocery shopping,
there is no particular stigma about shopping at Aldi. They opened a
new store near me that is sparkling clean and with courteous help.
I'd take 'em over Whole Foods any day...but then I'm the kind of
person that likes the thrill of hunting for a bargain.

Quoted message said:

--
Best
Greg

In some areas, Ald's is definitely focused on the poor, and only found in
very poor neighborhoods. It is also evident in their marketing in these
stores as well. Perhaps Chicago is an exception. The few I found around
the Cleveland area were downright depressing to walk through.

The one near me (on the 4500 block of N. Broadway in Chicawgo) is
sparkling new, it replaced a DREARY old facility that everyone
complained was dismal - and smack dab across from a Red Cross homeless
shelter. Yeah, it was bad, lol...

Friends used to say, "Go, but NOT on "welfare days"...", e.g. the
first of the month when poor people get their food stamps and other
monies...

This particular area is gentrifying (a Starbucks replaced a sleezy
tattoo parlour, etc.), so...there are Whole Foods and Trader Joe's
nearby. There are also a lot of cheap Asian and Mexican groceries in
the area...

I've noticed that Aldi now advertises (and has their sales flyer in
the Sunday edition) in the _Chicago Tribune_, they seem to be
"brightening" up not only their ads but also their offerings, aiming
them to a higher demographic.

Stores in some of the suburban locations offer electronics, home
stuff, clothing, etc. Some friends even bought a PC there, they are
pleased. OTOH some have warned about their cheap house - brand kitchen
appliances...

Quoted message said:

From their website it seems they offer something new: flower

delivery! And some folks have mentioned that their cheap cut bouquets
are a good value...

Some locations carry liquor, including cheap German beers...

--
Best
Greg

Wayne Boatwright said:

Oh pshaw, on Wed 07 Nov 2007 07:59:11p, Gregory Morrow meant to say...

Quoted message said:

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:

Quoted message said:

[SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

ALDI is a store for poor people.

Quoted message said:

Nonsense, it's a store for smart people who want to save some money...

Quoted message said:

Frex, they have stuff like German chocolate that is far superior to
and cheaper than the mass market Hershey's stuff. They have a whole
range of German imports ("Deutsche Kuche" brand) in fact that is very,
very good...

Quoted message said:

They have frozen shrimp, etc., that is quite good, and a bargain to
boot...their hams are a good value.

Quoted message said:

Their produce selection is somewhat limited, as it's pretty much all
packaged stuff...but their packages of bell peppers, etc., sure beat
the stuff available at many major chains.

Quoted message said:

Their prices aren't always the *very* cheapest, e.g. their line of
Asian stuff is more expensive than buying at an Asian market, and I
can sometimes beat or meet their prices on certain items at my local
stupormarket. But they are generally very low...

Quoted message said:

Some of their stuff can be hit - or - miss, I've seen many discussions
of them over the years on various forums. But generally people are
pleased with the value they offer...

Quoted message said:

As for "poor people", Aldi only accepts cash and LINK (food stamps) at
least here in Chicago. So you can find "that element" shopping
there. But you'll also find plenty of savvy middle class white folks
shopping there too. People need to get smart about grocery shopping,
there is no particular stigma about shopping at Aldi. They opened a
new store near me that is sparkling clean and with courteous help.
I'd take 'em over Whole Foods any day...but then I'm the kind of
person that likes the thrill of hunting for a bargain.

Quoted message said:

--
Best
Greg

In some areas, Ald's is definitely focused on the poor, and only found in
very poor neighborhoods. It is also evident in their marketing in these
stores as well. Perhaps Chicago is an exception. The few I found around
the Cleveland area were downright depressing to walk through.

The one near me (on the 4500 block of N. Broadway in Chicawgo) is
sparkling new, it replaced a DREARY old facility that everyone
complained was dismal - and smack dab across from a Red Cross homeless
shelter. Yeah, it was bad, lol...

Friends used to say, "Go, but NOT on "welfare days"...", e.g. the
first of the month when poor people get their food stamps and other
monies...

This particular area is gentrifying (a Starbucks replaced a sleezy
tattoo parlour, etc.), so...there are Whole Foods and Trader Joe's
nearby. There are also a lot of cheap Asian and Mexican groceries in
the area...

I've noticed that Aldi now advertises (and has their sales flyer in
the Sunday edition) in the _Chicago Tribune_, they seem to be
"brightening" up not only their ads but also their offerings, aiming
them to a higher demographic.

Stores in some of the suburban locations offer electronics, home
stuff, clothing, etc. Some friends even bought a PC there, they are
pleased. OTOH some have warned about their cheap house - brand kitchen
appliances...

Quoted message said:

From their website it seems they offer something new: flower

delivery! And some folks have mentioned that their cheap cut bouquets
are a good value...

Some locations carry liquor, including cheap German beers...

--
Best
Greg

pamjd said:

The canned green beans and corn are very good. I get the basics for
baking there and have had very good imported beer! Interesting and
always changing extras along with staples. My family likes some of
the breakfast cereals more than brand name and it is much much less
expensive. Have fun.

Someone on the LTH Forum thread I mentioned said that their jams and
jellies contain real sugar, not HFCS as most do, and they come in some
interesting "European" flavors...

I very occasionally will see in their ads name - brand stuff, but not
often...

Apparently some of their stuff is the exact same as Trader Joe's, but
simply packaged under their own Aldi house label - and up to a 50%
saving in price...

The Aldi - Trader Joe's connection has been discussed here before
IIRC, they are not the same company per se, but owned by members of
the same family...

Also IIRC Walmart entered the German market several years ago and went
spectacularly bust, they could not beat Aldi on their own home
ground...German shoppers are a *very* savvy lot.

--
Best
Greg