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?

On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:09:18 -0500, "cybercat" >
wrote:

>
>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
macaroni and cheese
cereal
salad dressing
diced fruit cups
mandarin oranges
eggs
butter
milk
cheese
tortillas
graham crackers / Ritz style crackers / Saltines
oatmeal
applesauce
yogurt -- my husband and sons really like their yogurt
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
canned soup
rice
pasta
tuna
laundry detergent
liquid dishwasher detergent

We did not like:
bread
powdered dishwasher detergent
Bisquick type mix

Tara

On Nov 7, 7:45 pm, Tara > wrote:
> On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:09:18 -0500, "cybercat" >
> wrote:
>
>
>
> >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..."

> macaroni and cheese
> cereal
> salad dressing
> diced fruit cups
> mandarin oranges

> eggs
> butter
> milk

They are usually the best place to buy eggs, butter, milk.

> cheese
> tortillas
> graham crackers / Ritz style crackers / Saltines

Most/nearly all are full of trans-fats.

> oatmeal
> applesauce
> yogurt -- my husband and sons really like their yogurt

You are lucky. My 5 YO is spoiled on good yogurt.

> 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..."

> canned soup

"partially hydrogenated..."

> rice

Their white rice is cheap. Only ethnic grocers are cheaper.

> pasta
> tuna
> laundry detergent

Their laundry detergent might work, but it sure stinks.

> 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. 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.
>
> Tara

--Bryan

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:


[SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]


> 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

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.

Oh pshaw, on Wed 07 Nov 2007 07:59:11p, Gregory Morrow meant to say...

> Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>
>
> [SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]
>
>
>> 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.

--
Wayne Boatwright

(to e-mail me direct, replace cox dot net with gmail dot com)
__________________________________________________ ____________

Modem: What landscapers do to dem lawns.

"cybercat" > wrote in message
...

> 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.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

cybercat wrote:

> 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?


Their big plastic shopping bags are commodious and cost a quarter, and
as A VERY STYLISH FAG I think they are nicely designed (as opposed to
the old ones that seemingly every homeless person carried...). FYI:


Go here for their current sales flyer:

http://www.aldifoods.com


There has been a long discussion of Aldi on LTH Forum, a local Chicago
food board, here is the URL for the thread and some comments I've
copied, HTH:


http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=6661


"aldi is no small mom and pop shop -- see:

http://www.familybusinessmagazine.com/topglobal.html (#15)

ALDI Group (15)
Albrecht/Essen, Germany
Industry: Food retailing
Revenues: $30 billion
Employees:
www.aldi.com
ALDI (short for "Albrecht Discounts") is Europe's top private-label,
deep-discount food retailer, with 6,100 stores worldwide, including
3,100 in Germany and some 670 in the U.S. Co-founders Theo and Karl
Albrecht own the company; Theo's sons Theo Jr. and Berthold run
European division..."

-----------------------

"I now do my regular shopping at Ultra Foods in Forest Park, but
before that I did as much as possible at the Aldi on Harlem at about
18th St. As noted, the selection is very limited (and you can't get
Diet Coke--or any name brand pop/soda --which always meant I had to at
least stop in somewhere else) but the prices are very good. It's not
just 20 or 30 cents better either. Many many things there are a dollar
or more cheaper than they are at Jewel. The things I nearly always buy
when I'm there include saltines, all-purpose flour, sugar, vegetable
oil, butter, rice mixes, chicken and beef broth, napkins, bath soap,
bleach, bananas, oranges, peppers (usually a four pack of two green, a
yellow, and a red for $1.99) , cran-apple juice, generic cool-whip,
whole chicken, ground turkey, and batteries. They may not carry brand-
name pop, but they nearly always have 4 packs of fresh AA or AAA
Duracell batteries near the check-out for $1.99. Back when Ed lived on
frozen pizza, they had good brands at great prices..."

----------------------------------

"I was never much of an Aldi's fan. However, I find myself dropping in
a lot more often. They have really upgraded a LOT of their private
labels and have added fresh meats in a number of their stores. There
is a lot of stuff that I will not generally buy there - like most
fresh vegetables - but I give them a lot of credit because they are
trying a lot of new items as opposed to doing the same old things the
way they always have..."

----------------------------


"I have shopped at Aldi in Arlington Heights & Mt. Prospect for a few
years now and am a fan. Once you get their system down (carts,
bringing bags, grabbing boxes etc.) you will save time & $$$. Because
the offerings are primarily private label, you don't get caught up in
needing to make many decisions. Dairy is really nicely priced, as
mentioned in previous posts canned goods are a great deal. I do shop
at Trader Joe's too and love their frozen bagged harts vericots
(priced 1.99) now Aldi has them for I think 1.49 and the taste is the
same. I have recently tried the jarred premium salsas (1.49 or so )
and found them to be just as tasty as the $5 Harry & David ones in my
pantry..."

--------------------------

"Hubby and I used to think that we were "too good for Aldi", but now
we're hooked. They've got wonderful European-style chocolates that are
some unrecognizable brand that put any store-bought Hershey/Mars/
whatever to shame. Good quality and very inexpensive.

We recently had some of our foodie friends over for a bbq. They were
raving about the food, and I let the secret behind our bbq ribs and
shrimp slip. Oh my, Aldi! They were surprised. We've enjoyed lamb,
other pork products, and fancy sausage products. The cheese is also a
good find. I have some of their very reasonably priced cornish hens in
my freezer, very anxious to try those, too.

Like many stores, Aldi is better for certain things and not best for
everything, but you quickly learn. Don't go in looking for any
particular produce items, except maybe bananas.

Cash/debit only, but Aldi stretches your dollars. Plus, the experience
is pretty interesting...."

---------------------------------


"I have to tell ya, I'm at ALDI like once a week, at least. Here are
some of my regular/favorite things to purchase:

gourmet cheeses - they have a really good selection of monterey jack
cheeses. There's a pesto, jalepeno, mushroom and leek, and they have a
havarati dill that's pretty good too.

egg substitute

eggs

the chocolate, as others have mentioned

frozen veggies

real veggies (hit or miss on this one)

gourmet bacon - peppercorn and maple flavors

sliced deli and shredded cheeses

whole wheat bread

nuts

evoo

triscuit-like crackers

AND OTHER STUFF YOU HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR...


What I mean by that last bullet is other non-food items that will end
up there somehow. For example, we bought a hallway storage bench,
which was made of real-wood; actually good quality stuff for like $70.
I looked up comparable benches and they were usually in the $200
range. We always get compliments on it. They have a weekly flyer that
shows you what will be there the following week. BE CAREFUL though.
Sometimes the stuff really isn't cheaper than other stores. You'll
know when you see it..."

-----------------------------------

"I also go to Aldi every week for at least part of my grocery list.
Besides the items The Sleeve mentioned, I buy the fruit & grain bars
for Science Boy's lunches, the instant oatmeal, German beer (their 12-
pack contains 4 each of three different beers that SB quite likes),
orange juice (the "not from concentrate" stuff), grape tomatoes,
mangoes, sweet corn (not as fab as fresh, locally grown, but pretty
darned good!), ground beef, and -- SB's personal favorite -- pot pies.
Mind you, I am opposed to packaged pot pies in general because of the
high sodium/calories/price, but these are identical to the Marie
Callender pies he loves but *way* cheaper! (Though now that I'm done
working nights for a while, I probably won't be buying any for a
spell.) They do have name brand items on sale from time to time (just
got Skinny Cow ice cream cones for $1.50/box vs. $4-5/box) and
sometimes non-food items (as previously mentioned). The only item I
ever bought there that I was *not* happy with was a rice cooker. It
broke about 3 minutes into cooking our rice. I didn't have the receipt
anymore, but the manager let me exchange it for a new one anyway. That
one broke, too, so I just tossed it. Other than that, though, no
problems for me there..."

</>

Wayne Boatwright wrote:


> Oh pshaw, on Wed 07 Nov 2007 07:59:11p, Gregory Morrow meant to say...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>
> > [SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]
>
> >> 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 one near me (on the 4500 block of N. Broadway in Chicawgo) is
sparkling new, it replaced a DREARY old facility that everyone
complained was dismal - and smack dab across from a Red Cross homeless
shelter. Yeah, it was bad, lol...

Friends used to say, "Go, but NOT on "welfare days"...", e.g. the
first of the month when poor people get their food stamps and other
monies...

This particular area is gentrifying (a Starbucks replaced a sleezy
tattoo parlour, etc.), so...there are Whole Foods and Trader Joe's
nearby. There are also a lot of cheap Asian and Mexican groceries in
the area...

I've noticed that Aldi now advertises (and has their sales flyer in
the Sunday edition) in the _Chicago Tribune_, they seem to be
"brightening" up not only their ads but also their offerings, aiming
them to a higher demographic.

Stores in some of the suburban locations offer electronics, home
stuff, clothing, etc. Some friends even bought a PC there, they are
pleased. OTOH some have warned about their cheap house - brand kitchen
appliances...

>From their website it seems they offer something new: flower
delivery! And some folks have mentioned that their cheap cut bouquets
are a good value...

Some locations carry liquor, including cheap German beers...


--
Best
Greg

pamjd wrote:

> 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

cybercat wrote:
> 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® wrote:
> On Nov 7, 7:45 pm, Tara > wrote:
>> On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:09:18 -0500, "cybercat" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> 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.

>
>> macaroni and cheese
>> cereal
>> salad dressing
>> diced fruit cups
>> mandarin oranges
>
>> eggs
>> butter
>> milk
>
> They are usually the best place to buy eggs, butter, milk.
>
>> 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.

>> 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.

>> 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..."
>
>> canned soup
>
> "partially hydrogenated..."
>
>> rice
>
> Their white rice is cheap. Only ethnic grocers are cheaper.
>
>> pasta
>> tuna
>> laundry detergent
>
> Their laundry detergent might work, but it sure stinks.
>
>> 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.

> 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.
>> Tara
>
> --Bryan
>


--

Sarah Gray

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> Oh pshaw, on Wed 07 Nov 2007 07:59:11p, Gregory Morrow meant to say...
>
>> Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>>
>>
>> [SNIPEROONIE "partially hydrogenated" nonsense]
>>
>>
>>> 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 wrote:

>
> 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" > wrote
>
> 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" > wrote in message
...
>
> "cybercat" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>> 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" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> 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" > wrote
> 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.

>
> 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!

>
> 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.
>
> 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" > wrote
>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.

cybercat wrote:
> "Sarah Gray" > wrote
>> 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.
>
>

as other have mentioned, though, if you are not adverse to buying
pre-ground meat, their hamburger is decent, as are the bulk sausage and
lunch meat type stuff. they have frozen turkeys (butterball, also) for
..89 a pound. also, if you see yeast in packets (here, it's .79 for a
3pack), they only carry them this time of year, so if you want to buy
them , now's the time (the same for some other things; you can ask an
employee there, I find that the people who work there are more
knowledgeable about the products they carry than at a regular chain. It
probably has to do with the streamlined selection and the decent money
they make)

--

Sarah Gray

"cybercat" > wrote in message
...
> 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?

I've shopped at Aldi while staying in PA. I didn't buy a lot, but didn't
find a problem with anything I bought, including the diet soda. They used
to sell you a bag if you didn't bring any. Not sure if they still do. Had
forgotten about the quarters. Odd that the grocery stores on the East Coast
do that. Don't know of any on the West Coast that do.

In article >, "cybercat" >
wrote:

> 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?

Bring cash. I haven't been for a long time but I don't think they take
checks or plastic.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
Notes about our meals in Tuscany have been posted to
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com; 10-16-2007

cybercat wrote:

>
> "Sarah Gray" > wrote
> > 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.

They inject with more water and salt than other supermarkets do.

--
Dan Goodman
"You, each of you, have some special wild cards. Play with them.
Find out what makes you different and better. Because it is there,
if only you can find it." Vernor Vinge, _Rainbows End_
Journal http://dsgood.livejournal.com
Futures http://dangoodman.livejournal.com
mirror: http://dsgood.insanejournal.com
Links http://del.icio.us/dsgood

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article >, "cybercat" >
> wrote:
>
> > 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?
>
> Bring cash. I haven't been for a long time but I don't think they
> take checks or plastic.

They take debit cards which are processed as ATM cards -- which, it
turns out, most in Minnesota aren't.

The two I've been to have ATMs with lower fees than most.

--
Dan Goodman
"You, each of you, have some special wild cards. Play with them.
Find out what makes you different and better. Because it is there,
if only you can find it." Vernor Vinge, _Rainbows End_
Journal http://dsgood.livejournal.com
Futures http://dangoodman.livejournal.com
mirror: http://dsgood.insanejournal.com
Links http://del.icio.us/dsgood

cybercat wrote:
> 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?
>
>

Its hit or miss. Some items are good and others are the same quality as
Walmart. For example they just put refrigerated cases in the local
stores and now have the Walmart style embalmed "fresh meat". All of the
frozen poultry and meat I have seen is the "enhanced with a solution"
stuff. Some of the canned items such as corn are good. The chocolate
bars are good quality. Frozen veggies such as peas are good.

Thanks for the list. We're slated for two Aldi's sometime in the near
future (they just cleared the lot for the first one, so close to
winter that if they don't get the cement poured and the framing up,
they won't do anything else til next spring).

We currently have a mess of PriceRites, and other areas of the state
have Shop N'Save and Sav-a-Lot. Pricerite is good for produce, altho
everyone else will loss-lead prices lower than theirs on one or two
items every week. Milk and eggs they used to be the best, but now the
drug stores are loss-leading them on those, but not all the time.

Their prices on cheese and yogurt, and several of our pantry items are
very good. I'm in there at least once, usually twice a week. Meat
and fish are areas they do nothing for me. I want to smell the fish,
and the meat always looks nasty.

maxine in ri

On Nov 7, 8:45 pm, Tara > wrote:
> On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:09:18 -0500, "cybercat" >
> wrote:
>
>
>
> >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
> macaroni and cheese
> cereal
> salad dressing
> diced fruit cups
> mandarin oranges
> eggs
> butter
> milk
> cheese
> tortillas
> graham crackers / Ritz style crackers / Saltines
> oatmeal
> applesauce
> yogurt -- my husband and sons really like their yogurt
> 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
> canned soup
> rice
> pasta
> tuna
> laundry detergent
> liquid dishwasher detergent
>
> We did not like:
> bread
> powdered dishwasher detergent
> Bisquick type mix
>
> Tara

ravenlynne wrote:
> cybercat wrote:
>
>>
>> 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.
>

Do you not get it back when you return the cart?

--

Sarah Gray

"Julie Bove" > wrote

> I've shopped at Aldi while staying in PA. I didn't buy a lot, but didn't
> find a problem with anything I bought, including the diet soda. They used
> to sell you a bag if you didn't bring any. Not sure if they still do.
> Had forgotten about the quarters. Odd that the grocery stores on the East
> Coast do that. Don't know of any on the West Coast that do.

I have been to an Aldi's just once, and I had almost no cash on me so
I only bought some pork rinds and a soda. I hadn't planned to go there,
I was on my way to somewhere else. Before I could stop her, the cashier
gave me a bag. You could fit a couple of pillows in this thing, it was big
and sturdy. And free.

I don't even remember seeing any carts, so I can't comment.

nancy

On Nov 7, 10:12 pm, "l, not -l" > wrote:
> On 7-Nov-2007, Wayne Boatwright > wrote:
>
> > 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.

The Crestwood store is pretty new. I'll make sure to drop by there,
since band practice is in Crestwood (I grew up on Lodgepole, off of
Old Sappington). In St. Louis, grocery stores are stratified by price
(as I imagine they are in many other places).
Straub's at the top, as they handle USDA Prime beef. There's
Dierberg's, then just below them, Schnucks. Next down is Shop'n Save,
where you bag your own groceries, and where the average physical
attractiveness of the customers is significantly lower than the stores
above. There are some scattered independents, IGAs and the like, most
of which are in poor areas. ALDI is a special case. Frugal folks
come from all socio-economic backgrounds, and ALDI's appeal is
price.
One thing for SURE. Their fresh meat is garbage that no person of
taste would accept (Enhanced with up to a __% solution...).
When I had to buy a bunch of butter and eggs for a PTO pancake
breakfast, I went to ALDI. I pretty much always buy butter there,
since butter keeps well, and I can buy it 6-8#s at a time. Fact is,
lines can be long, and there is a disportionate number of poor and
fixed income who shop there. I'm planning on going there today
(Maplewood) because they have oranges and grapefruits really cheap in
their ad. Squeezing lots of juice with my Little Pro Plus, serving
the juice to my wife and son, and reserving the accumulated pulp from
the basket for myself fits well with my weight loss plans.

As far as Fenton goes, a lot of the McMansion owners probably bought
more house than they could afford, and the regular Fentonites are
mostly hick. I know, I come from that area, and before we moved into
Crestwood, I lived in Fenton and went to Fenton Elementary for KG and
1st G. Until age 4, I lived in Jefferson County. It is a funny
coincidence that there are two towns with the same names as the pig on
Green Acres, and the drunk on Gunsmoke, down the road from each
other. All that said, I'd far rather live there than in the horror
that is St. Charles County.

Oh, another ALDI positive, they have Matt's cookies, rebranded as
Belmont for half the price of other retailers.

--Bryan

"Nancy Young" > wrote in
:

>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote
>
>> I've shopped at Aldi while staying in PA. I didn't buy a lot, but
>> didn't find a problem with anything I bought, including the diet
>> soda. They used to sell you a bag if you didn't bring any. Not sure
>> if they still do. Had forgotten about the quarters. Odd that the
>> grocery stores on the East Coast do that. Don't know of any on the
>> West Coast that do.
>
> I have been to an Aldi's just once, and I had almost no cash on me so
> I only bought some pork rinds and a soda. I hadn't planned to go
> there, I was on my way to somewhere else. Before I could stop her,
> the cashier gave me a bag. You could fit a couple of pillows in this
> thing, it was big and sturdy. And free.
>
> I don't even remember seeing any carts, so I can't comment.
>
> nancy
>
>
>


Aldi over here are quite good. Starting to really take off.

I've bought their rolled roast pork (boneless) several times, and it's
always been excellent..... both in value and quality.

http://www.aldi.com.au/

Sarah Gray wrote:
> ravenlynne wrote:
>> cybercat wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> 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.
>>
>
> Do you not get it back when you return the cart?
>

Yeah, so it's not a problem. The problem is finding the coin...I never
seem to have one..lol.

--
-Gina in Italy

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

On Thu, 8 Nov 2007 02:49:55 GMT, "l, not -l" > wrote:

>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.

Aldi's and TJ's use the same square foot principal. If something
doesn't sell well enough to justify the space it takes it's
discontinued fast. The number of items carried may have changed but a
few years ago they only carried 700 profitable items. The less
profitable ones were replaced with something else.

Lou

cybercat wrote:
> "l, not -l" > wrote
>> 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.

Raleigh is a lovely city. Some of my friends lived in Raleigh, until
their house burned to the ground a couple of years ago.

Becca

On Thu, 08 Nov 2007 04:39:06 GMT, Sarah Gray >
wrote:

>> Most/nearly all are full of trans-fats.
>>
>
>True, but again, typical of what you would find in any supermarket.

A real supermarket might have crap, but also has a better choice as an
option. Not much choice at Aldi.

>>> 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.

You can't afford NOT to feed your kids good food. I went to two
different Aldi's a few years ago when a similar thread came up here
just to check them out and see if they'd changed. Same thing. YUK!
A bunch of severely over weight swine buying garbage to train their
litters to be as big as they are. The "Good Stuff" is produce and
quality meats. Neither of which Aldi has.

Lou

"Janet Baraclough" > wrote in message
...
> The message >
> from ravenlynne > contains these words:
>
>> cybercat wrote:
>
>> >
>> > 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.
>
> In the UK you have to insert a £1 sterling coin to unlock the cart,
> but you get one back when you return the empty cart; so the value of the
> coin used hardly matters.
>

That's how the web site says Aldi works too.

"Sarah Gray" > wrote
> as other have mentioned, though, if you are not adverse to buying
> pre-ground meat, their hamburger is decent, as are the bulk sausage and
> lunch meat type stuff. they have frozen turkeys (butterball, also) for .89
> a pound. also, if you see yeast in packets (here, it's .79 for a 3pack),
> they only carry them this time of year, so if you want to buy them , now's
> the time (the same for some other things; you can ask an employee there, I
> find that the people who work there are more knowledgeable about the
> products they carry than at a regular chain. It probably has to do with
> the streamlined selection and the decent money they make)
>

I am thrilled to have an alternative to the usual three big chains I use.
Unfortunately I will not be able to go today due to a client-created
"emergency." But maybe this weekend!

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, "cybercat" >
> wrote:
>
>> 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?
>
> Bring cash. I haven't been for a long time but I don't think they take
> checks or plastic.
> --

Thank you. As it turns out, they will take debit cards now, according to the
web site, anyway.

"Dan Goodman" > wrote in message
ouse.com...
> cybercat wrote:
>
>>
>> "Sarah Gray" > wrote
>> > 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.
>
> They inject with more water and salt than other supermarkets do.
>

Gross. Then meat is out, unlessit is a name brand. But then, Butterball are
injected, aren't they?

On Nov 8, 9:56 am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
> On Thu, 08 Nov 2007 04:39:06 GMT, Sarah Gray >
> wrote:
>
> >> Most/nearly all are full of trans-fats.
>
> >True, but again, typical of what you would find in any supermarket.
>
> A real supermarket might have crap, but also has a better choice as an
> option. Not much choice at Aldi.
>
> >>> 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.

We buy good brands when they are on sale. I'm not talking Brown Cow,
but Breyer's, Dannon, or a local brand called Prairie Farms.
Not pretentious at all here. I drive a beat up '97 Wrangler, and my
spouse drives a beat up '01 Kia Rio. We just like good tasting food.
>
> You can't afford NOT to feed your kids good food. I went to two
> different Aldi's a few years ago when a similar thread came up here
> just to check them out and see if they'd changed. Same thing. YUK!
> A bunch of severely over weight swine buying garbage to train their
> litters to be as big as they are. The "Good Stuff" is produce and
> quality meats. Neither of which Aldi has.

The ALDI here has produce. A lot of times the produce is quite good,
though very limited in variety. It does not have, as you said,
"quality meats." It does have dairy at very reasonable prices.
>
> Lou

--Bryan

On Nov 7, 7:09 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
> 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?

I went into our Aldi's once, and that was enough. I didn't recognize
a single brand and the whole place smelled like sour milk. No thanks.

N.