Aldi owns Trader Joes…

There.  I said it.

Jumpin’ Jehosophat!!!

Are you Shocked?

You are not alone.

In the earlier days of our marriage, like most young families, we struggled to make ends meet.  I learned to love shopping for groceries because it was the only shopping I was able to do without feeling guilty.

The kids and I made a sport of it.  Each visit to the store I would have them pick one item from the produce aisle that they had never tasted.  We would take home things like spaghetti squash, eggplant or rutabaga.  Some of these became favorites and others we never bought again! Sorry, rutabaga.

That love of grocery shopping continues.

This photo of my pantry lets you know that I should have been a grocery clerk.

Aldi is a very different store with a fascinating history. If I could sum up this store in one word it would be “Efficient.”

It’s roots run deep, originating in 1913 in Germany, as a mom and pop community market.

I have shopped at Aldi for years, and I have gotten a few sneers when I mention it.  I am not talking about the heartthrob Elvis kind of sneer.  I know what they are thinking, Aldi does not have the fancy vegetable misters – or that cutie who sacks your groceries, and I have never been offered a free cookie or beverage while I shop.  But after reading this, you might want to check them out.

Here are some interesting Aldi facts:

1913 – Started as a mom & pop shop in Germany.

1945 – The 2 sons took it global – post-war shoppers wanted simple food at the best prices.

1960’s – The brothers could not reach a compromise on selling cigarettes, so the chain split – Aldi North and Aldi South

1979 – Aldi North bought Trader Joe’s. This has to have been the best-kept secret on the planet!

2015 – Aldi committed to removing synthetic colors, partially hydrogenated oils and added MSG from all the exclusive brand products.

2016 – Aldi’s suppliers must phase out any and all use of pesticide chemicals that are harmful to bees.

Are you loving them more now…?

2017 – Investing 3.4 Billion with a capital B – if you do not have an Aldi near you – chances are you will be getting one.

Some tips for shopping at Aldi:

Since I shop there often I get to witness the newbies.  They are easy to spot.

• First, there is the cart, the struggle is real.  Bring a quarter – you will need it to get your grocery cart, you get it back when you return the cart.
• Next, the frantic look when at the checkout.  The lines may be long – but they are super fast. Once you have paid, you need to move along to the bagging area.  Bring your own Bags – if you forget, no worries – just grab boxes as you shop.
• Aldi used to be cash only – this was quite embarrassing to find out they do not take cards after your groceries are rung up and you are $13.22 short. At this point, I have seen people select less needed items to subtract.  It is like watching a movie on rewind.  But they have recently started accepting debit and credit cards.

They have 3 specialty lines worth mentioning –

On a personal note – I love the wine selection – you will find wines from Argentina, Italy, France, Spain, Australia, and California.  Pair that with the European Chocolates and you can satisfy your Champagne tastes with a beer pocketbook!

Are you thinking this is a paid ad for Aldi?   You are cracking me up!

This is not a paid ad for Aldi.

I still enjoy shopping our local HyVee.  I consider our HyVee my fancy store with the great customer service.

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