Aldi

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

Wayne Boatwright said:

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.

I have shopped 4 different Aldi stores here in the St. Louis area and they
have been in vastly different neighborhoods, from poor to affluent and the
stores have adapted to the needs of those neighborhoods. Crestwood, fairly
affluent, has all the staples you'd expect, plus things "poor" people are
not likely to be buying; specialty pastas and bread crumbs (tins like the
Progresso brand) are two that come to mind. North St. Louis County store is
in a predominantly poor, black neighborhood and, while the staples are the
same as Crestwood, there is much more "junk food" on display, and in the
carts going out the door - more chips, more high-fat, snack food, pre-cooked
bacon etc. Maplewood store has more items in the Mexican and Asian lines
and, when I asked where the bread crumbs were, I got a look like a had grown
another head and "don't have". Fenton store is an oddity in that it is like
cramming the North St. Louis and Crestwood stores together; its clientele is
a mix of affluent "McMansion owners" and blue-collar "country folk".

I shop the Crestwood store most often and, in the year or so it has been
open, I have watched the store evolve. When it first opened, it carried the
staples and not much else; slowly they have added and subtracted items; for
example no longer offer pre-cooked bacon, but have added turkey bacon and
egg substitute. Originally, no low-fat items could be found, now lower-fat
cottage cheese, sour cream, neufchatel have been added. They are very good
about tailoring the store to what the customers want - they have to be, they
survive on volume.

If Bozo Bonomo's experience is that is a store for poor people, then he is
probably visiting a location(s) where the customers are poor. The one I go
to most, would not be mistaken as a store for the poor - older, thrifty
folks maybe, but not poor.
--
Change Cujo to Juno in email address.

Wayne Boatwright said:

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.

I have shopped 4 different Aldi stores here in the St. Louis area and they
have been in vastly different neighborhoods, from poor to affluent and the
stores have adapted to the needs of those neighborhoods. Crestwood, fairly
affluent, has all the staples you'd expect, plus things "poor" people are
not likely to be buying; specialty pastas and bread crumbs (tins like the
Progresso brand) are two that come to mind. North St. Louis County store is
in a predominantly poor, black neighborhood and, while the staples are the
same as Crestwood, there is much more "junk food" on display, and in the
carts going out the door - more chips, more high-fat, snack food, pre-cooked
bacon etc. Maplewood store has more items in the Mexican and Asian lines
and, when I asked where the bread crumbs were, I got a look like a had grown
another head and "don't have". Fenton store is an oddity in that it is like
cramming the North St. Louis and Crestwood stores together; its clientele is
a mix of affluent "McMansion owners" and blue-collar "country folk".

I shop the Crestwood store most often and, in the year or so it has been
open, I have watched the store evolve. When it first opened, it carried the
staples and not much else; slowly they have added and subtracted items; for
example no longer offer pre-cooked bacon, but have added turkey bacon and
egg substitute. Originally, no low-fat items could be found, now lower-fat
cottage cheese, sour cream, neufchatel have been added. They are very good
about tailoring the store to what the customers want - they have to be, they
survive on volume.

If Bozo Bonomo's experience is that is a store for poor people, then he is
probably visiting a location(s) where the customers are poor. The one I go
to most, would not be mistaken as a store for the poor - older, thrifty
folks maybe, but not poor.
--
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?

Everything I have bought from Aldi has been of good quality, at least
comparative to typical grocery store fare. The fresh meat is all
injected, though, and so are the frozen chickens (it's hard to find ones
that aren't these days though). The Aldi by my house does not
refrigerate its produce, so I don't buy more than what I'll use in a few
days or can freeze, other than onions and potatoes.

--

Sarah Gray

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?

Everything I have bought from Aldi has been of good quality, at least
comparative to typical grocery store fare. The fresh meat is all
injected, though, and so are the frozen chickens (it's hard to find ones
that aren't these days though). The Aldi by my house does not
refrigerate its produce, so I don't buy more than what I'll use in a few
days or can freeze, other than onions and potatoes.

--

Sarah Gray

Bobo Bonobo® said:

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..."

most PB I've seen that is not specifically "natural" has that in it.

Quoted message said:

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.

True, but again, typical of what you would find in any supermarket.

Quoted message said:

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.

pretentious much? not everyone can afford 4 bucks a quart for the good
stuff.

Quoted message said:

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.

It's a store for people who don;t feel like paying twice as much for the
same stuff they would find on an average supermarket shelf. Poor people
shop at the corner store because they have no car.

Quoted message said:

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

--

Sarah Gray

Bobo Bonobo® said:

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..."

most PB I've seen that is not specifically "natural" has that in it.

Quoted message said:

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.

True, but again, typical of what you would find in any supermarket.

Quoted message said:

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.

pretentious much? not everyone can afford 4 bucks a quart for the good
stuff.

Quoted message said:

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.

It's a store for people who don;t feel like paying twice as much for the
same stuff they would find on an average supermarket shelf. Poor people
shop at the corner store because they have no car.

Quoted message said:

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

--

Sarah Gray

Wayne Boatwright said:

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.

The ones here are well organized and well stocked; the employees are
always friendly and helpful, and the stores themselves are cleaner than
any non-upscale grocery I've been in.
The Sav-a-lots here, though, are real grody.

--

Sarah Gray

Wayne Boatwright said:

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.

The ones here are well organized and well stocked; the employees are
always friendly and helpful, and the stores themselves are cleaner than
any non-upscale grocery I've been in.
The Sav-a-lots here, though, are real grody.

--

Sarah Gray

cybercat said:

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

Cheaper than our carts at one euro a pop.

--
-Gina in Italy

http://www.myspace.com/ravenlynne1975
I'm a blogger: http://ravenwolflodge.blogspot.com

cybercat said:

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

Cheaper than our carts at one euro a pop.

--
-Gina in Italy

http://www.myspace.com/ravenlynne1975
I'm a blogger: http://ravenwolflodge.blogspot.com

"l, not -l" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I have shopped 4 different Aldi stores here in the St. Louis area and they
have been in vastly different neighborhoods, from poor to affluent and the
stores have adapted to the needs of those neighborhoods.

Makes sense. Here in Raleigh it is in an average suburban neighborhood,
so I imagine it will be quite, quite safely dull.

"l, not -l" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I have shopped 4 different Aldi stores here in the St. Louis area and they
have been in vastly different neighborhoods, from poor to affluent and the
stores have adapted to the needs of those neighborhoods.

Makes sense. Here in Raleigh it is in an average suburban neighborhood,
so I imagine it will be quite, quite safely dull.

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

Quoted message said:

"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.
--

Yeah, really. I was bummed that Kroger only offered $1.99 for turkey breasts
and $2.50 a lb for those spiral sliced hams when I went today.

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

Quoted message said:

"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.
--

Yeah, really. I was bummed that Kroger only offered $1.99 for turkey breasts
and $2.50 a lb for those spiral sliced hams when I went today.

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

Quoted message 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.

Thank you. It will be a nice break from the usuals stores. Of course I will
report back. 🙂

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

Quoted message 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.

Thank you. It will be a nice break from the usuals stores. Of course I will
report back. 🙂

"l, not -l" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

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.

I am in Raleigh, North Carolina. From the prices here, you'd think it was a
real city. Pffft. When I first got here some years ago, it was worse--there
were fewer grocery chains and so less competition. Twenty miles away, in
Durham, prices are substantially lower.

Quoted message said:

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.

Excellent, thanks for the input!

Quoted message said:

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.

Here it is just cash and debit cards, I use the latter so I am okay.

Quoted message said:

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.
--

Thanks so much.

"l, not -l" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

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.

I am in Raleigh, North Carolina. From the prices here, you'd think it was a
real city. Pffft. When I first got here some years ago, it was worse--there
were fewer grocery chains and so less competition. Twenty miles away, in
Durham, prices are substantially lower.

Quoted message said:

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.

Excellent, thanks for the input!

Quoted message said:

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.

Here it is just cash and debit cards, I use the latter so I am okay.

Quoted message said:

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.
--

Thanks so much.

"Sarah Gray" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

The fresh meat is all injected, though, and so are the frozen chickens
(it's hard to find ones that aren't these days though).

ooo, that's not good. Thanks for letting me know.