3 Reasons to Avoid Shopping at Aldi at All Costs

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Despite its low prices, Aldi may not be the best place to shop. Read on to see why. [[{“value”:”

Of the various expenses in your budget, groceries are probably a big one. So if you’re looking for ways to save money on food shopping, you may be inclined to turn to Aldi.

Aldi is known for its low prices on the groceries and household essentials it stocks. Because of this, you may be eager to start shopping there more often. But here are a few reasons why Aldi shopping could backfire on you — and why you may be better off avoiding the store entirely.

1. You may not find everything you need

Although Aldi’s inventory is competitively priced, its stock can be very inconsistent. You might go to the store only to find that it’s missing a host of basic products, whether that’s everyday produce like apples or pantry staples like rice.

The problem, though, is that if Aldi doesn’t have the essentials you need and you don’t have time to head to another grocery store, you may not be able to prepare the meals you normally would. That could force you to resort to takeout — a more expensive alternative.

And even if you do have time to hit up another supermarket to finish your list, you might get frustrated by running that extra errand. That’s understandable for anyone who’s busy. The savings at Aldi may not be enough to compensate for that inconvenience.

2. You risk losing money if Aldi’s off-brands are rejected by members of your household

A big reason Aldi is able to offer such great prices is that it stocks its shelves with off-brands — not the ones most shoppers are familiar with, and not the ones you commonly see advertised.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with buying products from lesser-known brands. But if you have picky eaters at home, it could become a problem.

If you bring home Aldi products that your children refuse to touch because they’re different from what they’re used to, you risk losing money by throwing out food. If your goal in shopping at Aldi is to save money, this negates it.

3. You could spend needlessly if you’re tempted by Aldi’s “Aisle of Shame”

If you’re not familiar with the Aldi “Aisle of Shame,” it’s the store’s aisle of seasonal finds. You’ll often spot it in the middle of the store, and it’s commonly loaded with non-food items, like home decor.

The problem with this aisle is that it can easily lead to impulse shopping. Aldi does a good job of offering inexpensive seasonal goods. But if your reason for shopping at Aldi is to lower your grocery costs, and you spend an extra $20 or $30 per visit on non-essentials from the “Aisle of Shame,” you’re not doing your finances any favors. So if you tend to give in to impulse buys, you may be better off avoiding Aldi altogether.

Shopping at Aldi has the potential to save you money — but only under the right circumstances. You may want to steer clear of the store if you’re on a tight schedule that only allows you to visit one supermarket per week. And similarly, you should think about shopping elsewhere if you have choosy eaters at home and have a hard time saying no to cute finds and bargains.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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