9 Precautions Should Take When Shopping at ALDI in Virginia

We love ALDI. Seriously, it’s one of the best places to score big savings on groceries in Virginia. You can grab everything from fresh produce to snacks without draining your wallet.

But no grocery store is perfect, so there are a few things shoppers should keep in mind before entering ALDI.

Whether you’re a first-timer or an ALDI regular, taking these simple precautions can help you avoid unwanted surprises.

Bring a Quarter for the Cart

If you show up to ALDI without a quarter and expecting to load up on groceries, you’ve put yourself in a pickle. That’s because ALDI uses a cart rental system.

To get a shopping cart, you need to insert a quarter into a little slot on the handle. When you’re done shopping and return the cart, you get your quarter back.

It’s a smart way for ALDI to keep prices low since they don’t need to pay someone to gather up all the stray carts. But if you forget your quarter, you might be stuck without a cart, especially if no one nearby is returning one.

Some shoppers get lucky and trade a cart with someone else in the parking lot (netting them 25 cents in the process), but it’s not something you want to count on.

To avoid the hassle, keep a spare quarter in your car or purse. That way, you’re always ready for your next ALDI run.

It’s a tiny step, but it makes your shopping trip smoother from the start.

Don’t Expect Free Bags

At ALDI, plastic and paper bags aren’t free. This helps reduce waste and keep costs low for customers.

So, if you walk in expecting the cashier to hand you a free bag, you’ll be out of luck—and maybe holding a big pile of groceries in your arms.

The best plan? Bring your own bags.

Reusable grocery bags, totes, or even cardboard boxes will do the trick. ALDI also lets you grab empty boxes from the shelves if you need something sturdy to carry your items. Some regulars even keep a laundry basket in their car trunk to load up their groceries in one trip.

If you forget bags, you can buy them at checkout for a handful of cents, but the cost still adds up over time.

Be Ready to Bag Your Own Groceries

At most grocery stores, cashiers bag your groceries while you wait. Not at ALDI.

The cashiers move fast—really fast—and scan your items at lightning speed. But after that, it’s your job to bag everything up. There’s even a special counter near the exit where you can do your bagging.

This setup keeps the checkout line moving and helps ALDI run with fewer employees, which is how they keep prices low.

But if you’re not expecting it, it can be a little overwhelming the first time. Especially if you’re shopping with kids or juggling a big haul of groceries.

To stay ahead of the game, try to group your items on the conveyor belt in a way that makes bagging easier.

Put cold items together, heavy things first, and delicate stuff like bread or eggs at the end.

Then head over to the bagging area and pack it all up your way.

Watch Out for Limited Stock

ALDI is known for great prices, but they don’t always have everything in stock. They don’t carry 10 different brands of ketchup or 15 types of cereal.

Instead, they typically offer just one or two choices of each item. If you have your heart set on something specific, there’s a chance it might not be there.

This is especially true for ALDI Finds—special items that change each week.

ALDI Finds can include seasonal snacks, home goods, or even exercise equipment. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Customers have been known to line up early just to get their hands on popular items.

So if you see something you love, grab it while you can. And don’t wait to do your shopping late in the day, especially on weekends.

The earlier you go, the better your chances of finding what you need.

Don’t Miss the Return Policy

ALDI’s “Twice as Nice” guarantee is pretty amazing. If you buy something you don’t like, they’ll not only give you your money back—they’ll also replace the product.

That’s a rare promise, especially at a discount store.

But there are a few rules to keep in mind. You usually need the receipt, and some items like alcohol or non-food products might be handled a little differently depending on your state.

Also, if the problem was your fault—like forgetting the ice cream in your hot car—it doesn’t count.

Still, knowing about this policy gives you peace of mind. It means you can try a new product without worrying you’ll be stuck with something you hate.

Just hang on to your receipt and don’t be afraid to speak up if something’s not right.

Double-Check Expiration Dates

ALDI usually has fresh products, but like with any store, it’s a good idea to check expiration dates—especially on items that are on sale or sitting in a clearance bin.

You don’t want to get home and realize your yogurt expires tomorrow or your bread is already stale.

This is especially true for produce and dairy. Sometimes products are marked down because they’re close to their “best by” date.

That’s not always a bad thing—you can save money if you plan to eat them right away. But it’s something to be aware of.

Make it a habit to flip packages over and check the labels. It only takes a few seconds, and it could save you from tossing food out or making an extra trip back to the store.

That’s no fun for anyone.

Check for Broken or Damaged Items

Since ALDI focuses on speed and savings, sometimes things get a little banged up. You might find a dented can, a squished loaf of bread, or a box that looks like it lost a fight.

Always give your groceries a quick look before tossing them into your cart.

This is especially important for eggs; open the carton and make sure none are cracked. Same goes for fruit—check for bruises or soft spots.

If you do grab something damaged by mistake, don’t worry. ALDI has a pretty solid return policy.

But it’s always better to avoid the hassle and double-check before you check out.

Know the Aisle Layout Before You Go

ALDI stores are smaller than most supermarkets, and they usually have a pretty simple layout. But if you’re in a rush or trying to find a specific item, it helps to know the general setup.

There’s usually a flow from produce to snacks to frozen foods, but it can vary by location.

Taking a few minutes to learn the layout can save you from zigzagging back and forth across the store. It also helps if you’re trying to stick to a budget and avoid impulse buys—less wandering means less temptation.

Some ALDI fans even bring a list organized by aisle. That might sound a little intense, but it makes the trip faster and more focused.

Watch for Pricing Labels

ALDI does a great job keeping prices low, but sometimes the signs on the shelves can be a little confusing. Items might get stocked in the wrong spot, or the price tag might belong to a different product.

If you’re not careful, you might think you’re getting a deal that doesn’t actually apply.

This happens most often in the freezer section or with ALDI Finds. A fancy snack might be sitting under a sign for a different item, and you won’t know the real price until it rings up at the register.

If something seems too good to be true, it might be worth asking an employee.

You can always double-check by reading the small print on the shelf tag. It usually lists the item’s name, size, and price per unit.

If the info doesn’t match the item you’re holding, you might want to keep looking.

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