“This post was sponsored by ALDI as part of Influencer Activation for Influence Central.”
David and I do most of our shopping at local organic markets. It’s what best fits our vegan lifestyle. We’ve made the choice to eat fresh, natural and organic foods and not ‘fast food.’ We make as many of our meals as possible from scratch with the best ingredients. This week we were introduced to ALDI. The discount supermarket just opened more than 25 new locations in Southern California. I’ll admit I was skeptical about finding organic foods and fresh organic produce at a ‘discount market.’ But I was very pleasantly surprised.
The produce is gorgeous! We eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and ALDI selections did not disappoint. We were able to buy great produce, and most of it organic, for much less than we’d pay elsewhere. And a great deal of it was grown locally.
What says ‘summer’ better than fresh SimplyNature® Organic Strawberries? Add my favorite SimplyNature® Organic Blueberries and I’m in heaven on earth!
ALDI has no shortage of fresh beautiful produce. Fact is, they’re a fully stocked supermarket with seasonal items thrown in to make it complete. Our entire shopping experience was a delight. And it all starts when you get out of your car.
You won’t find a parking lot littered with market baskets. ALDI has created a way to keep the baskets in place at the door, all lined up, just waiting for the next customer. You see … it takes a quarter to get a basket. Sound out of the ordinary? It is. But after shopping, when you return your empty basket to it’s place, you get your quarter back. Just like that. (Or you can do a twenty-five cent favor to the next customer and give them your basket.)
Each ALDI employee we encountered was friendly and seemed truly happy to welcome us. All were eager to see if we were finding what we wanted and many shared what their favorite products were. They know what they’re talking about too! As part of they’re training experience, they’re encouraged to taste ALDI products so they’ll know first hand how to help customers and answer any questions.
We found so many of our favorite organic products, right down to the condiments. SimplyNature® is the ALDI organic line of foods. Actually, 90% of the products are ALDI labels. As vegans, we enjoy a variety of beans in our diet. I’m not one to talk about price/cost, BUT … we usually pay upwards of $3.00 or more for a can of organic beans. The SimplyNature® Organic Black, Kidney and Garbanzo Beans were only 89 cents each. No kidding! That’s a huge savings on each can. And the SimplyNature® Organic Dijon Mustard? A buck twenty-nine. Yup! And I’m planning on a fresh tomato sandwich using that mustard for lunch.
We also use a variety of grains and legumes. Again, ALDI has it covered with their SimplyNature® organic line like SimplyNature® Organic Green Lentils and Quinoa. We love Quinoa and we’ll soon be sharing our recipe for Agave Lime Quinoa Fruit Salad. Delicious I tell you!
There were a lot of surprises for me with the ALDI shopping experience. On top of being vegan, I’m also gluten-free. Needless to say, grocery shopping isn’t always easy for me. But I was truly surprised with the ALDI’s liveGfree® line of products. I really didn’t think they’d carry any that suited my lifestyle. I was wrong. Way wrong.
Of course, you need not be vegan to enjoy ALDI. You’ll love their USDA Choice meats. (Think summer barbecues!) And ALDI takes it one step further with their own NeverAny! meat products. They’re free from added antibiotics, hormones and animal by-products.
ALDI stands behind their products with a Double Guarantee. What’s that, you ask? Well, if ever you’re not 100% satisfied with a purchase, you simply return it to the store and they will replace it AND refund you’re money. You can’t beat that!
I like a company that is on social media. It shows me that they want to, and will interact with their customers. ALDI is one of those companies. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To keep up with their latest news, recipes, perks and oh so much more, check out the ALDI Blog. I think you’ll love their Chill Out popsicle recipes.
So … check out the ALDI market locator to see if there’s a store near you. I’m banking you’ll be as delighted as we were!
Mistee Dawn says
I love our local ALDI. The produce really does look magnificent. I will be going there again this weekend!
Olivia Douglass says
An Aldi opened up by our house and we’ve fallen in love. What great prices, fantastic staff and a wonderful selection!
Jeanine says
I wish we had an ALDI here, would love to take a peak in and shop there! I hear such great things!
susan says
I have been a fan of Aldi for years! Their selection is great and the prices can’t be beat!
Mimi says
Now this is perfect timing! We came to visit my parents, and they have a brand new Aldi! I was telling my hubby when we got to town that we needed to try it out. My sister in law loves shopping there. We’ll be shopping there tomorrow!
Clarissa says
I wish we had an Aldi near us. I have been hearing such great things about the food quality and prices.
Alicia says
I’m surprised by how fantastic all that produce looks! I will have to save some money and start shopping at our local store.
Barb Webb says
Love ALDI! One of my all-time favorite grocers for all of the reasons you’ve listed and then-some. I think their commitment to stocking fresh, healthy and organic foods is awesome and I’m always delighted with the discount prices, too!
Jenna Wood says
I am very excited ALDI is hitting SoCAl but it will be about a year until one opens within reasonable distance of us. I cannot wait- the produce selections and culinary discoveries are always amazing!
Dawn gibson-thigpen says
girl i love aldi. they have some of the best deals.
Robin Masshole Mommy says
I haven’t been to Aldi in ages! They have great prices for sure – I need to get back there 🙂
Lori Felix says
My mom loves shopping at Aldi. She is on a fixed income so she appreciates their discounted prices while still being able to get quality food.
Jeanette says
We do not have an Aldi here. But when I go to my parents place we go to Aldi’s not. They have a good variety and a great price.
Amy Desrosiers says
We have a Aldi nearby and really loves most of their brands. I can get a cart full for a great price.
Shauna Torres says
Unfortunately, we do not have an Aldi near us but I have heard great things about the store. My sister has one close to her house back on the coast and talks about the selection all the time.
Melissa Lawler says
I love Aldi! I wish they open a store in South Dakota!
Tara says
I have never heard of Aldi, must be US based as I am in Canada. Next time on my travels I am hunting them down!!
Meagan says
My husband and I have been on a whole foods kick. Looks like Aldi would fit perfectly into our diet!!!
Marcie W. says
An abundance of fresh produce is an absolute must for us each and every week. It looks as if Aldi has quite the selection.
Kathy says
I love shopping at Aldi. I have always thought their fruit and vegetables looked amazing. I love the prices too. They have some great products for a great price.
Vera Sweeney says
Ald’s sounds like a great store! We go through so much produce every week, it’s the biggest part of our grocery bill every week!
Kelly says
You’re absolutely right… this produce really is gorgeous! What a great-sounding store… definitely seems like something worth visiting!
Mimi says
We were just at my mom’s and they have a new Aldi’s by her. I’ve never been to one, but I’ve been wanting to go. I’ve seen so many people talk about how great that store is the past few years. We just don’t have one near us. Next time we go to my mom’s I’ll be sure to stop by!
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
Aldi is a great place to shop at! They always have really good deals.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am always looking for new gluten free products to try. i will have to see if there is an ALDI near me.
Janis says
I just went to ALDI for the first time last week and now my whole family is hooked on their products. The organic foods you picked out for your shop look so healthy, colorful and appetizing.
SHELLEY R ZUREK says
I have shopped Aldi before. I really like them but I must have blew right by all the organic options. Thanks for raising awareness.
Jennifer says
I love Aldi! I shop there on a regular basis and it has saved me SO much money on our groceries.