10 Good Reasons to Shop at Aldi

If you're looking to cut your grocery bill, it's well worth a visit to your local Aldi. You'll find a wide selection of goods, including organic, vegan, and gluten-free options. And the prices are often significantly cheaper than premium stores, which could add up to hundreds of dollars of savings.

Aldi's money-back guarantee puts it head and shoulders above the competition. You can try its own-label products, safe in the knowledge the store will give you a refund and replacement if you're unhappy with your purchase.

With over 2,360 U.S. stores, many of us already have a nearby Aldi. If not, the chain has ambitious expansion plans, so watch out for a store opening near you. Plus, its recently revamped website makes it easier than ever to shop with Aldi online. As long as you're willing to park your shopping cart and bring your own bags, you could be in for a pleasant surprise.

Here are 10 reasons to give Aldi a try.

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Aldi's low prices have eased the pressure of inflation for many shoppers in recent years. The store keeps costs low by focusing on what's essential. And it works. Aldi ranked third in Dunnhumby's list of low-cost supermarkets last year. That's after topping the list for six years running before that.

Dunnhumby's annual grocery store awards also recognized Aldi's speed. Fast checkouts, wide aisles, and smaller stores mean shoppers can save time as well as money.

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Aldi is committed to value and quality. Indeed, the chain is so confident in the quality of its products that it has an impressive return policy. If you're not satisfied with something you buy at Aldi, it's "Twice as Nice Guarantee" says you can get both your money back and a replacement.

To claim, you need to take the remainder of the product, its packaging, and a receipt to your local Aldi store within 90 days. If you don't have the receipt, you'll get an Aldi gift card for the product's price rather than the money back. The guarantee does not apply to non-food items, name-brand products, or alcohol.

The average American household spends $779 per month on food, according to The Motley Fool Ascent research. The more you can cut this bill and still eat well, the more you'll have in your bank account for other things.

To find out how much of a difference switching stores can make, we compared online prices at Walmart and Aldi on a small basket of goods. Aldi came in cheaper on everything except for a bag of onions. Overall, our shopping cost almost 7% less at Aldi. If you multiply this by the average American's grocery spend, it comes out at over $50 a month, or $650 a year in savings.

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Aldi does not have a loyalty program, but its weekly deals can be a great way to save even more money. Check the website or sign up for the weekly ad email which will arrive in your inbox every Wednesday. You could also install Aldi's mobile app to track deals directly from your cellphone. If you spot a particularly good deal, click to add it to your in-app or on-site shopping list.

Aldi has weekly deals on essentials such as fruit, vegetables, and meat. For example, at the time of writing, the deal included chicken drumsticks at $0.99 per lb -- about 40% less than the price elsewhere. Keep an eye out for extra discounts when you're in the store too.

Aldi recently revamped its online store to make it much easier to use. Visit the website to order groceries for pickup or delivery direct to your door. To create an account, you'll need to enter your name, address, and other personal details.

It's much better value than using Instacart or other third-party services. In addition to food and groceries, you can buy clothes, kitchen supplies, home decor products, and more online. You can't yet shop via Aldi's mobile app, though you can use it to create a shopping list.

It's hard to imagine now, but there was a time when Aldi did not accept credit cards. These days, Aldi customers can use any major credit card at the checkout and earn points on that spending. SNAP participants can also pay in store with their EBT cards.

Using cash back apps is slightly more complicated because Aldi stocks so many in-house products. Look for apps like Checkout 51 and Fetch which accept a wider range of receipts. Combining cash back apps with credit card points can mean extra rewards on your everyday shopping.

When you enter an Aldi for the first time, you may not recognize a lot of the packaging. That's because about 90% of Aldi products are its own goods. Unlike Costco's Kirkland line, you'll find a mix of Aldi brands including Simply Nature, Specially Selected, Pueblo Lindo, and others.

Aldi says that a third of its own-brand products are award-winning. Indeed, many TikTokers can't tell the difference between Aldi goods and their brand-name relatives. Do your own taste tests to see which of Aldi's house label products you and your family enjoy.

When I first started shopping at Aldi, there were hardly any organic carrots in sight. You'd have to go elsewhere for organic produce. These days, Aldi has a decent organic lineup, including a wide mix of fresh fruit, vegetable, and salad options. Its organic range also includes canned goods, dairy, snacks, sauces, and more. Look for the USDA certified organic stamp on Aldi's Simply Nature branded items.

If you have food intolerances or allergies, Aldi has a good range of lactose-free and gluten-free products. Vegans and vegetarians will also find a solid range of options, as will those who are trying to avoid genetically modified foods.

Aldi was born in Europe and opened its first American store almost 50 years ago. It now has over 2,360 stores in 39 states. With 215 stores, Illinois has the most Aldis of any other state. Check out the store locator to find out whether there's an Aldi near you.

Progressive Grocer recently ranked it the 26th-biggest player in grocery retailing, and the chain has ambitious expansion plans. For example, last summer, Aldi acquired 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores. If regulators approve the deal, it will strengthen the chain's presence in the Southeastern states. ​​

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Aldi has kept prices down by keeping things simple. But it would be a mistake to assume the stores are run down. Most Aldis are deliberately small, clean, well-organized, well-lit, and pleasant places to be.

The Aldi shopping experience does have its limitations, though. For example, you will need to bring your own bags and park your own shopping cart (you'll also need a quarter to unlock it). Also, don't expect to shop at all hours. Most locations close between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Aldi is more than just another budget supermarket. It cuts costs by keeping things simple, but without sacrificing quality. Plus, if you're nervous about trying non-branded products, Aldi's generous refund policy has you covered. You can try Aldi's own label goods, safe in the knowledge that you can get your money back if it wasn't what you expected. So dig out a quarter for your shopping cart, check the weekly deals, and see whether you could save money at Aldi.

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Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.