Way back in 2013, I shared more about why I did NOT shop at our local Aldi grocery store — despite the fact that their prices were significantly cheaper.
At the time, the only Aldi store close to us was very small, very dirty, very cramped, and their produce was consistently bad (not cool for someone who buys as much produce as I do!)
However, 4 years later (December of 2017) a brand new, extremely nice, super spacious Aldi store opened up less than 10 miles from us!
I immediately started shopping at that store and began enjoying the savings in both time AND money (read more about my Aldi shopping experiment here!)
Since then, ANOTHER Aldi store popped up even closer to our house… and there’s a rumor a 3rd new Aldi store is in the plans for 2020 (less than 2 miles from our house!)
Craziness!!
For the last 2 years, I’ve done the vast majority of my grocery shopping at Aldi; purchasing only a few “extras” at Meijer and Costco each month.
Honestly, I’m a HUGE Aldi fan!
And that’s big for me to say — considering I refused to shop there for a solid 10 years!
I love their brands, I love that they have limited options, I love how small their store is compared to Meijer, I love how fast I can get in and out, and I love that I save money!
My grocery spending actually went DOWN in 2018 and 2019 — even though we added another child to our family, our other children ate more, we entertained more, and we’re eating SO MUCH PRODUCE!
HOWEVER… I feel like I’ve recently noticed a price jump on several Aldi items over the past couple of months.
Anyone else?
Over the past month, I’ve purchased the majority of my groceries at Meijer because their prices were actually cheaper than Aldi’s prices for so many of the things I regularly buy.
- strawberries
- raspberries
- blackberries
- peppers
- beans
- lettuce/spinach
- yogurt
- cheese
- cauliflower rice
- and more
I mentioned this to a friend (who does not live near me) and she said she noticed the exact same thing by her.
I took a quick glance at my grocery spending over the past month — and it is, in fact, more than what I spent in previous months (even taking holiday baking/cooking into consideration).
So… I’m wondering if any of you have noticed a price jump at your local Aldi stores?
I did some digging around on the internet but haven’t found any conclusive evidence that Aldi is in fact raising prices across the board (at least nothing published online yet — but Aldi tends to be very private with this type of information).
Honestly, I sill love Aldi and I’ll definitely still shop there, simply because I like their brands and the fact that it’s such an efficient system (I can get in and out in less than 30 minutes with children!)
However, I’m curious to know if others have noticed an Aldi price jump, or if it’s just me!?
Also, what are your favorite things about shopping at Aldi?
NOTE: here’s a great price comparison between Aldi and Walmart, and here’s a comparison between Aldi, Kroger, and Meijer.
Ted Unlis says
Even before taking advantage of inflation to Jack up many of their previously bargain prices on items I used to regularly buy, Aldi was opportunistically gouging customers with significantly higher prices at newly opened stores more than 5 years ago. I was a semi-regular shopper at Aldi stores in Rockwall, Longview, & Paris TX, but when the Aldi in Mt Pleasant TX opened most of the items I regularly purchased were marked up ridiculously ONLY at the new Mt Pleasant store. Eventually after numerous customer complaints, Aldi relented, and the Mt Pleasant location prices fell to those of other locations. Starting in 2022 it became glaringly obvious that Aldi pounced on nationwide inflation as a their chance to gouge customers and erase bargains just as they did attempted at their Mount Pleasant store in March 2018. Many Aldi food items jumped as much as 90-100%, and all but a few increased 40-50%. I specifically noticed price gouging on spaghetti sauce, biscuits, yogurt, cookies, chips, peanut butter, peanuts, oatmeal, pepperoni, and fresh spinach just to name a few. Before jacking up their prices Aldi had prices lower than many Walmart and Sam’s Club food items; NOT ANYMORE! I no longer regularly shop at Aldi and only occasionally buy milk & eggs there when I don’t feel like going to Walmart.
HankySpanky says
I began noticing Aldi price hikes in May – June 2022. Since then I have seen the very same items increase again. What was 0.99 became 1.25 two months ago, and is now 2.00. Here is a simple example: Paper bags were 0.06 last year, now they are 0.12 cents. That does not fit the inflation model.
At first I thought this was Aldi’s strategy – to lure in new customers with a grand opening and keep prices low until their customers become acclimated. Then slowly raise the price. I think my suspicions are true.
I hope that is not Aldi’s plan because they are losing business as current prices at local stores are competitive, and customers need not drive miles and miles to shop at their stores.
There is definitely something going on here.
Elaine says
Yesterday I went to aldi and had sticker shock! The frozen chicken price was unbelieveable, 15.00 for a bag of wings! Needless to say I passed. Other items were also noticeably higher, just pennies cheaper than walmart. I’m going to be comparing grocery prices more with walmart and even dollar General. Too bad, I really liked aldi!
Tony says
You absolutely right,I noticed it too! Sometimes I go shopping at Barons
Market they have lower prices on fruits & vegetables. Compared to Vons & Ralphs.
Bobbie Moore says
Yes, they have raised their prices. I noticed it as well.
LQ says
Yes, the Italian bread raised from $1.45 to $1.75,more than 20% increase. I have thought maybe different Aldi stores have different prices. I guess the inflation on the way