How to Shop at Citrus County Aldi

Citrus County awaits the opening of ALDI.

I have included in two good articles on how to shop in this special store (bring your quarter and your own bags.)  September 1: added Simplify article on Aldi shopping tips

Read how the store operates an article by Southern Living on the best things to buy in the store.

6 Mistakes You Should Never Make When Shopping At ALDI, According To A Frequent Shopper Don’t forget that quarter!

Photo:
Photo by Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

ALDI is a grocery store that’s known for their affordable prices, but the shopping experience can be intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect. Though the experience is a little different than traditional grocery stores, the savings and ‘ALDI Finds’ are worth it. As a frequent ALDI shopper, I’ve learned the ins and outs of the ALDI shopping

experience.

Whether you’re a newer ALDI shopper who’s looking to make the most of your next trip or are planning your very first visit, read on to learn the mistakes you should avoid making when shopping at ALDI.

1. Forgetting Your Quarter

First things first: When shopping at ALDI, you’ll need to use a quarter to “rent” your shopping cart. When approaching the outside of the store, you’ll see carts lined up outside the doors. To get one to use, you’ll need to insert a quarter into the slot on the handlebar, and a cart will be released to you to use while you’re in the store. Simply return your cart to the designated corral when you’re done shopping, and you’ll get a quarter back. This helps keep parking lots clean and cuts down on costs.

2. Only Looking For Name Brands

When shopping at ALDI, you should keep an open mind and reach for brands you may not be familiar with. In fact, you won’t find much if you’re only looking for name brands as over 90 percent of the products you’ll see in the store are exclusive brands to ALDI. You will find great deals on name brands throughout the store, but make sure to shop the ALDI-exclusive brands too.

3. Skipping The ‘ALDI Finds’ Aisle

You’ll locate the “ALDI Finds” near the middle of most stores. New ALDI Finds are released every Wednesday and are available for one week, or until they sell out.

If you think ALDI is just for groceries, think again. ALDI Finds range from food to household essentials to decor to apparel and more. Some of my favorite purchases include a set of bed sheets and a kitchen comfort mat.

4. Sticking To A List

In addition to the “ALDI Finds,” ALDI is constantly stocking their shelves with new items around the store, especially seasonal items. Sticking to a list is sometimes necessary, but it’s also worth it to take some time to browse and snag new finds that may not be on your list. You just may find your new favorite must-have item.

5. Not Bringing Reusable Bags

ALDI encourages shoppers to bring their own bags. This helps make their checkout process more efficient while also helping to reduce waste. If you do make this mistake and forget your bags, they do have both paper and reusable bags available for purchase at the store at an affordable price. I find it easiest to just leave a few in my car so I’m always ready for an ALDI run.

6. Blocking The Checkout Line After Paying

When checking out at ALDI, you’ll notice the associate just returns your items to a shopping cart, and does not bag them. This helps cut down on checkout time and keeps the line moving swiftly. After paying for your groceries, you should proceed to the provided bagging area to pack and arrange your groceries into bags and not block the checkout aisle trying to bag them. This keeps the line moving and is considerate to both other shoppers and employees.

The 12 Best Things To Buy At

ALDI, According To Our

Editors

Grab a quarter and head to ALDI to try out these editor favorites.

Photo: Getty Images

Published on May 18, 2024

AlLDI has continued to gain popularity in recent years. They have earned a passionate fan base of shoppers with Facebook groups and Instagram accounts dedicated to sharing ALDI products.

Shoppers have come to love ALDI for its affordability as well as its exclusive products that can’t be found anywhere else.

While ALDI does carry some name brands, more than 90 percent of the products are made by brands exclusive to ALDI, Not only does this help keep prices low, but it also means that there are many products that you can only find at ALDI.

Whether you’ve never shopped at ALDI or are a loyal shopper, here are a few of our editors’ favorite finds to look for on your next trip.

Cheese

From sliced cheese for sandwiches, shredded cheese for tacos, and artisanal cheese for charcuterie boards, the cheese section at ALDI has it all. “I always have at least 4 ALDI cheeses in my fridge at any given moment,” said Senior Travel & Culture Editor Tara Massouleh McCay. “The Emporium Selection blocked feta in water for salads, shredded Parmesan to top pastas, Happy Farms string cheese for snacking, and the Not Your Average Cheddar Cheddar & Parmesan block for impromptu girls’ nights or when I just need a little cheesy treat.”

Simply Nature Pasta Sauce

ALDI’s Simply Nature Pasta Sauce, available in Marinara and Tomato & Basil, is certified organic and free from over 125 artificial ingredients and preservatives. I always grab at least two jars when I’m at ALDI. You can’t beat the price for the quality.

Aldi

Bake Shop Sliced Banana Nut Loaf Cake

“My husband has to get up early for work, and he’s always looking for breakfast items that he can eat on the go,” said McCay. “This is one he turns to often.”

Park Street Deli Hummus

Buying hummus at ALDI is a must. They have classic hummus as well as Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper flavors. One editor says it’s way cheaper than everywhere else, and even thinks it’s better than popular name brand options you can find at other grocery stores.

Aldi

Nature’s Nectar Pure Coconut Water

“I always have a couple cartons of their coconut water in the fridge,” said McCay. “You really can’t beat the price at under $3 a carton, and it’s so refreshing on hot days.”

Happy Harvest Canned Vegetables

Anytime I’m at ALDI, I make sure to stock up on canned vegetables. They’re a fraction of the price as any other stores, so I don’t mind buying them without a particular use in mind. Then I’m always ready to cook up soups, slow-cooker meals, and more.

Aldi

Pork and Chicken Sausage

Pork and chicken sausages from ALDI are great to keep on hand for quick weeknight dinners. They can be used for sheet pan dinners, alongside pasta, in soups, and more. They also keep great in the freezer and defrost quickly. “I love to crumble the Italian Hot Sausage up for pasta dishes and it’s also great on the grill! Has really good flavor and spice without being too hot,” said McCay.

Park Street Deli Egg Rolls

I buy at least two packages of these egg rolls each time I go to

ALDI, often making a special trip just to stock up on them. I love cooking them in the air fryer and serving with rice for a simple and quick dinner on weeknights.

ALDI

Baking Ingredients

Similar to canned vegetables, ALDI offers baking ingredients at cheaper prices than most of its competitors. Keep your pantry stocked year-round so you can always whip up a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies, but it’s especially worth making a trip to stock up before holiday baking season.

Fremont Fish Market Value Pack Tilapia Fillets

From shrimp to tilapia to salmon and more, you’ll find a wide variety of seafood in the frozen section at ALDI. “I always buy the family-sized bag of frozen tilapia because it defrosts quickly and is just good to have on hand,” said McCay. Pair it with their Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil Couscous, a great pantry staple

Aldi

Beaumont Cocoa Hot Cocoa Mix

Senior Editor Rebecca Baer claims that the milk chocolate hot cocoa at ALDI is hands-down the very best anywhere. “I will

make a trip to ALDI just for this hot chocolate,” said Baer.

Fresh Herbs

Keeping fresh herbs on hand is easy when they’re affordable. “Parsley and cilantro are under $1 for a bunch of each,” says McCay. “I use the parsley in salads, use both for garnish, and am often mixing the cilantro into homemade guacamole.”

An article from Simplify;  14 items to buy at Aldi

link: Aldi advice