Why I loves me some ALDI... and why YOU should, too!

Do you consider yourself a "supermarket snob?" Do you need the extensive lighting? GRAND displays? A sushi counter? The playcenter for your kids? OF COURSE YOU DO!!! But on those paydays when the money is tight- and let's be honest here, those days are more and more frequent... ALDI is the place to get your groceries! Sure, it used to have the bad rep. of  being a sketchy, low-quality goods store. Not anymore! Here are a few reasons why you need to get over yourself, like I did, and give ALDI a try.

1. Americans paying Americans. True, ALDI is a German based store. But, the proof is in the schnitzle. Check the back of all of your ALDI packaging. Nearly everything is made, packaged, grown and raised in the U.S.A.

2. Earth friendly. Bring your fabric shopping bags, folks. No free bags here! ( Don't worry, they sell the reusable ones) No bags means less waste, a cleaner environment and cheaper prices.

3. Significant savings! No, seriously... I did my shopping at Walmart and Giant Eagle before getting over myself and started shopping at ALDI . I have cut my grocery bills by 65%. Granted, there are some brand-name things I will pick up at Target, Giant or Walmart (cleaning and hygiene products, mostly) but ALDI is my first stop before I step foot in any of the big name retailers. The fuel perks gimmick seems woefully insignificant by comparison.

4. FRESH PRODUCE at amazing prices. Have you seen the prices for peppers, recently? Red peppers at Giant Eagle were $3.67/lb.  WHAT!!!!??? I don't think so! ALDI sells packs of beautiful red and yellow peppers for $2. Green pepper packs are 1.60/pack. Banannas are advertised at .39 /lb. WOW! Sure, you are only finding the basics in the produce dept... but... when don't we use the basics on a regular basis?  Check out their ad and be amazed.

5. Excellent comparable brands that rival the big name competitors. Now, I love granola cereal... but it can be expensive. I used to buy boxes of Kellogs granola for nearly $4/box. The same product at ALDI is $1.99/box. NO BRAINER, and it's delicious. ALDI has all of the kids cereals, too, and yes, they taste EXACTLY the same. Granted, there isn't a leprechaun or a tiger "represent'n" on the front of the boxes, but who cares?  Not this gangsta! And your kids won't be able to tell the difference. Your wallet, on the other hand, will. And that's a good thing!

Take ALDI's ONE WEEK CHALLENGE! Do all of your grocery shopping for a week, at ALDI and compare your receipts from the big-name stores. I guarantee that ALDI will slay the competition! And in today's economy, we need all the help we can get.