How to Navigate Aldi's Aisles for the Best Bargains

The first time I walked into Aldi, I was thrown for a bit of a loop. Not only was I unfamiliar with the supermarket's layout -- a byproduct of going to any new grocery store for the first time -- but I was also a bit surprised at the limited selection on some of the shelves.

Even though I don't shop at Aldi a whole lot these days, I still visit every so often -- especially since my local Aldi happens to be adjacent to Costco, which is a store I tend to frequent. And as such, I've learned a few tricks that allow me to enjoy a nice amount of savings. If you're new to Aldi, here are some tips for navigating the store and eking out savings yourself.

1. Don't get hung up on specific brands

Don't expect to see too many of the brands you know and love on Aldi's shelves. The company says itself that more than 90% of the products it stocks are Aldi exclusives -- meaning, lesser-known brands the typical consumer hasn't heard of.

If you do see a brand you recognize at Aldi, compare the price to its lesser-known counterpart. Chances are, you'll spend less on a brand you don't know anything about.

Now, if you're particular about certain items, this strategy may not work out well. But for things like pasta, chances are, you'll be fine to bring home whatever brand Aldi is carrying that week.

2. Don't be lured by the snack aisle

Like your typical supermarket, Aldi has a snack aisle. The main difference, though, is that a lot of the brands you'll see will be those of the lesser-known variety.

Because Aldi doesn't tend to have the largest selection, though, you may be better off buying snacks at a more traditional supermarket. You may find that a sale at your local grocery store leaves you paying less for a given snack item than Aldi's already-low price. And at your local grocery store, you can pick up a brand you're familiar with.

In my household, this is important, because if I don't bring home snacks my kids have already approved, they won't eat them. And while one could argue that less snacking is a good thing, it's not when your kids have three hours of after-school activities before dinnertime and they get hangry midway through.

3. Always check out the middle section for limited-time deals

Aldi has a special section in the middle of the store with limited-time buys. Often, these are seasonal items. For example, in December, my local Aldi had things like Christmas candy in that aisle.

That middle section isn't necessarily a clearance section -- rather, it's an area to find special goods that may not be available in the store a few weeks later. But given Aldi's competitive prices, it's worth checking it out. Plus, seasonal items that don't sell out are often discounted after the fact. And that's really a good time to save more.

Spending less money during food shopping could work wonders for your financial situation. Hopefully, these tips will help you make the most of your Aldi shopping experience, especially if you're a newbie like I was not so long ago.