There's so much to love about this low-cost grocery store.
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As the cook in our family, I love the Aldi shopping experience. This budget-friendly grocery chain offers can’t-beat low prices that don’t put a strain on my budget. Plus, a trip down the baking aisle lets me grab everything I need for my favorite cake recipes.
Psst! Don’t have an Aldi nearby just yet? The company plans to expand their number of stores to 2,500 by the end of 2022. (That’ll make it the third largest grocery chain in the United States!)
Here are a few perks Aldi offers that might really surprise you!
1. Prices are cheap, I mean really cheap.
Imagine walking into a store where everything is on sale. That’s what it feels like when you step inside Aldi. How do they get their prices so low? Almost 90% of their in-store products are exclusive brands. If you spot a box labeled SimplyNature, Fit & Active or Specially Selected, you know you’re purchasing a product you can’t get anywhere else. Since these exclusive brands aren’t spending money on advertising, Aldi can pass on the savings to you and your family.
Not into wine? Products from Aldi’s baby essentials brand, Little Journey, have been awarded the Parent Tested Parent Approved seal of approval for four consecutive years. This means you can trust introducing your tikes to a package of Little Journey Yogurt Bites.
3. They have wholesome options.
Aldi doesn’t skimp on the things that matter most. With budget-friendly organic, non-GMO and gluten-free options, it seems like you can have it all. Looking to ditch artificial ingredients from your diet? The SimplyNature product line offers a more natural approach to packaged food by promising its products will never include nefarious ingredients like artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and more. (Buhbye, caprocaprylobhenin, whatever you are!)
4. Not satisfied? Return it.
The company stands behind their products so confidently that they offer a guarantee. If you’re not 100% satisfied with the product, any Aldi store will refund your money and replace the product. Skeptical? A few folks on Reddit have already tested this claim with much success. User wholegrainaddict says, “I took in the label and receipt and told them I didn’t like the item. They refunded my money, and then subtracted the same amount from my bill.”
(Looks like wholegrainaddict got a free replacement for their fresh product, too.) Cheers to Aldi’s customer service team!
5. Aldi supports good causes.
In addition to their shopper perks, Aldi supports health and wellness programs for children in the community. Schools and organizations can be granted funding and gift cards from their local Aldi store to boost their own programs. Have a children’s cause that needs support? Take the initiative and apply for the Aldi Smart Kids program, here.
Whether you are new to the Aldi crew or already a complete fanatic, there is always something new happening at this grocery store chain.
Looking to Save Some Change? Try our Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Recipes
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Taste of Home
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I like to make this slow-cooker split pea soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
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Vegetarian Red Bean ChiliFor a vegetarian red bean chili that meat lovers would like, this recipe is healthy and tastes great. It takes just a few minutes to prepare, then the chili simmers in the slow cooker leaving me free to do something else. I top bowls with shredded cheddar cheese.—Connie Barnett, Athens, Georgia
Slow Cooker Ranch ChickenThis is a fabulous slow-cooker ranch chicken recipe that we have passed around to all our friends, especially those who have young children. It's wonderful for a cold winter night or a hot summer day when you don't want to turn on the oven. Serve it as a weeknight family dinner or for a large group. —Sonya Stark, West Jordan, Utah
Onion Meat LoafMy husband and I really enjoy this delicious meat loaf made with onion soup mix. You only need five ingredients to assemble this easy entree before popping it in the slow cooker. —Rhonda Cowden, Quincy, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Beef Vegetable SoupConvenient frozen veggies and hash browns make this meaty soup a snap to mix up. Simply brown the ground beef, then stir everything together to simmer all day. It's wonderful served with bread and a salad. —Carol Calhoun, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Beef and BarleyI like to serve this to company. I'm not sure where the recipe originated for this country-style dish, but I have had it for years and rely on it when I'm hosting a meal for a group. —Linda Ronk, Melbourne, Florida
Slow-Cooked Stuffed PeppersMy favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Slow-Cooker Salisbury SteakThese flavorful "steaks" fit into everybody's budget. A special friend shared the recipe, and I think of her each time I make it. - Susan Wright, Mineral Wells, West Virginia
Soy-Garlic ChickenBecause I’m a full-time mom and help my husband on our ranch, I’m always looking for simple yet hearty meals for the slow cooker. My family really likes this one. —Colleen Faber, Buffalo, Montana
Slow-Cooker Sweet Sour MeatballsFor a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York
California Tamale PieWhen I serve California Tamale Pie, I know I’ll see smiles on the faces of everyone at the table. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy the taste and texture of classic tamales, without the time and hassle. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
Polish Kraut with ApplesThe combination of apples, sauerkraut and smoked sausage gives this hearty dinner an old-world flavor. I enjoy this, and it's so easy to make. —Caren Markee, Cary, Illinois
Cabbage Barley SoupMy neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian soup was the clear winner. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Mushroom Pork Tenderloin"This moist pork tenderloin in a savory gravy is the best you'll ever taste," promises Donna Hughes of Rochester, New Hampshire. Prepared with canned soups, it couldn't be easier to assemble.
Chunky Chicken CacciatoreThis healthy pasta recipe is so versatile! Look in your fridge for anything else you want to throw in, like red pepper, mushrooms, extra zucchini—you name it. And if you're a vegetarian, go ahead and leave out the chicken. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, Utah
Sweet Orange ChickenThis orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Buffalo Pulled ChickenThis slow cooker dump dinner is one of my go-to's. The lighter chicken is a nice alternative to pulled pork. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Simple Swedish MeatballsWhen my husband packs these saucy slow-cooked meatballs in his lunch, all his work buddies wish they had their own! It's comfort food at its easiest. — Christina Logan, Gun Barrel City, Texas
Zippy Bean StewThis bean stew is a staple for my co-workers and me once the weather turns cool. Although this is a low-fat dish, it definitely doesn't taste like it! —Debbie Matthews, Bluefield, West Virginia
Sweet Potato Lentil StewI fell in love with the spicy aromas in this sweet potato lentil stew. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas
Pumpkin-Lentil SoupI was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Stuffed ShellsThere's no need to precook the shells in this simple pasta dish. It's almost like magic when you open the lid and find the deliciousness waiting in the slow cooker. Add garlic bread and you're golden! —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
Buffalo Chicken ChiliThis Buffalo chicken chili is rich in the best way. The cream cheese, blue cheese and tangy hot sauce join forces for a dinner recipe everyone will love. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Chicken StroganoffThis recipe is creamy, warm, satisfying and fairly inexpensive—and it needs just a few ingredients! Who could ask for more on a cold winter evening? I will admit, though, that I have been known to make it during summer, too. —Jason Kretzer, Grants Pass, Oregon
Shredded Chicken TostadasThese flavorful tostadas are super easy and family-friendly. You won't believe how tender and juicy the chicken comes out. Just load the tostadas with your favorite fresh toppings, and you'll have one simple, sensational meal. —Lisa Kenny, Houston, Texas
Meatball TortelliniI combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ ChickenI live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma
fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Potato & Ham SoupIn our house, this recipe is a win-win. It's easy for me to whip up and easy for my family to devour...the crusty bread for dipping doesn't hurt, either. —Linda Haglund, Buffalo, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & PeasSome amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Ham and Bean StewYou only need five ingredients to fix this thick and flavorful stew. It's so easy to make and always a favorite with my family. I top bowls of it with a sprinkling of shredded cheese. —Teresa D'Amato, East Granby, Connecticut
Citrus-Herb Pork RoastThe genius combination of seasonings and citrus in this tender roast reminds us why we cherish tasty recipes. It's nice to serve with hot noodles to soak up any extra citrus gravy. —Laura Brodine, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Tangy Pulled Pork SandwichesThe slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Chuck RoastMy husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooker chuck roast recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York
Conga Lime PorkDinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken ChiliMy friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas
Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot RoastThis dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Mexican Chicken ChiliCorn and black beans give this satisfying chili a Mexican flair the whole family will love. Adjust the cayenne if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Italian Beef SandwichesMy mom made the best Italian beef. I’ve added to it over the years, but it’s still her recipe. She made these Italian beef sandwiches for family reunions, and there were never leftovers. —Mary McVey, Colfax, North Carolina
Chili Coney DogsFrom the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Chicken ThighsHere’s a real sensation: Asian-style slow-cooker chicken thighs and rice. They always go over big with my family. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
Moist & Tender Turkey BreastThis easy turkey recipe is sure to be popular in your home. Everyone will love the taste, and you'll love how quickly it comes together. —Heidi Vawdrey, Riverton, Utah
Zesty Beef StewPreparation couldn't be simpler for this hearty no-fuss stew! I created this dish when I didn't have some of my usual ingredients for vegetable beef soup. My husband says it's the best I ever made! —Margaret Turza, South Bend, Indiana
Country Rib SandwichesPerfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida
Bacon-Beef Barley SoupHere’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan
Sweet-and-Sour Beef StewThis chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
Shredded Beef au JusMy mom found this recipe in a farm journal soon after she and my dad got married. The tender beef has been a family favorite for years, and my dad often requests it. —Danielle Brandt, Ruthton, Minnesota
As the wife of a minister, I am heavily involved in serving our congregation. I have several articles focusing on women and their Christian walk, at UCG.org. As a certified professional interior decorator and have used my skills to help women gain control over clutter in their homes as well as bringing more order to their personal lives. This includes saving time and money in the kitchen, creating a home which can serve the needs of each individual family, and learning to set priorities when it comes to the use of time. As an author I write fiction and nonfiction for women and their families. All of my books can be found at Amazon.
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Updated: Mar. 25, 2023
