[marvholly]

I have been an Aldi shopper for >30 years, even in Europe. You do NOT pay for a cart at Aldi. You put a quarter/euro in to use the cart and get it back when/if you return it to the rack at the store entrance.

That said & done I find I am buying less & less at Aldi. their prices have skyrocketed, many basic products are now only available in their pricey premium line (Grandessa) or fit n active. I watch sales, compare prices & uses coupons.

Things I still buy regularly at Aldi are the nonfat plain yougurt in 32 oz, some flavored yougurt, cat food, salsa, chips, nachos, pretzels, cookies. Specials I regularly check out (baby carrots week of 3/9), watching for sauerkraut, black & garbanzo beans (should be coming soon, by early May). things I used to buy but I have found cheaper elsewhere are tissues, paper plates (0.99/92 pkg at WAGS this week), toilet paper, speghetti sauce, cottage cheese, Triscuit type crackers (Target & use coupon on MP crackers available on this site), aluminum foil....It does vary weekly/monthly.

I generally use Aldi prices as a comparison to deals at other local stores. Bought smoked sausage today for $1/lb, Aldis is $2/lb. Did NIOT buy the balogna for $1 from the same mfg as I do prefer the Aldi for the same $$. Bought 8 oz grated & bar sharp cheddar for $1.67, Aldi is >$2. Bought paper towel last week at Aldi for 0.59, other stores OUT OF SIGHT.

You need to comparison shop. You need to know rock bottom sale prices. Then Aldi MAY work for you. I do use Aldi as a cheap comparison price for anything I am seeking. Aldi whole chicken has been o.69/lb, However, my local certified store has run tyson whole organic chicken for 0.69/lb several times in the past few months. Many are items are really good buys. junk foood like chips, nachos, & pretzels. I also do like their salsa at 1.49/24 oz.

I probably would do more of their breads BUT I have outlet stores for Sara Lee & Entemans (Brownberry for $1.09/16-20 oz loaf) and buy day olds at my Food$less (Kroger). I do still buy their english muffins.

I do like their salad dressings (use italian & ranch) but have had GREAT deals on Kens, Kraft & Kroger brands at my local stores. There is a $2 Kens coupon in the weeks newspaper inserts.