10 items I skip at Aldi because they’re cheaper somewhere else

10 items I skip at Aldi because they're cheaper somewhere else

When you think of Aldi, you probably think of savings across the board. And while it's true that Aldi beats most grocery stores on a lot of basics, there are a few categories where it doesn't come out ahead.

Prices vary depending on where you live, but there are certain items that consistently end up cheaper at places like Walmart, Costco, or even H-E-B. Knowing what to skip helps you make the most of your grocery budget while still using Aldi for what it's best at.

Name-Brand Cereal

Aldi's private label cereals are usually cheap, but if you want name-brand options like Cheerios or Frosted Flakes, you'll likely find them cheaper at Walmart or during Kroger's sales. Those stores run frequent promotions and even stack coupons, which Aldi doesn't do.

If you're loyal to a certain cereal brand, keeping an eye on bigger retailers will usually save you more than sticking with Aldi's shelf price.

Soda and Soft Drinks

Aldi does sell name-brand soda, but it's almost always more expensive per can or bottle than Walmart or Sam's Club. Those retailers often run multi-buy discounts that Aldi doesn't match.

If soda is something you buy regularly, it's worth grabbing cases somewhere else and saving Aldi for other pantry staples.

Fresh Berries

Aldi can sometimes have great produce prices, but fresh berries aren't always one of them. Stores like Costco often win here because of bulk pricing, and Walmart frequently comes out cheaper week to week.

Because berries are high-turnover items, buying them where you know you'll get both freshness and a lower per-ounce cost makes more sense than grabbing them at Aldi.

Deli Meats

Aldi's lunch meats are decent quality, but per ounce, they're usually more expensive than grabbing larger packs at Costco or even sale prices at H-E-B. Aldi doesn't always carry family-size options, so the cost adds up quickly.

For school lunches or sandwiches, sticking to bulk buys from other stores can save you quite a bit long-term.

Coffee Pods

If you drink coffee from single-serve pods, Aldi's prices look good at first glance but don't hold up when compared to Amazon bulk deals or Sam's Club packs. Per pod, you'll usually save more by buying in larger quantities elsewhere.

Even with store brands, Aldi doesn't compete with the deep discounts you can get online or at warehouse stores.

Paper Towels

Aldi sells paper products, but the pack sizes are smaller and the price per roll is usually higher than Walmart's Great Value or Costco's Kirkland brand. Since paper towels are something you go through constantly, the savings at those other stores add up quickly.

Buying in bulk almost always gives you the better value compared to Aldi's limited options.

Pet Food

Aldi does carry pet food, but Walmart and Tractor Supply usually have better prices, especially on larger bags. The selection at Aldi is also limited, so you don't have as much flexibility.

For pet owners, it's worth skipping Aldi here since both the variety and the cost per pound tend to favor other stores.

Spices

Aldi's spice section looks budget-friendly, but if you compare price per ounce, Walmart's Great Value and Sam's Club bulk jars usually come out cheaper. Aldi's smaller jars run out quickly, which means you're paying more for less in the long run.

For frequently used seasonings like garlic powder or cinnamon, stocking up somewhere else is smarter.

Cleaning Products

Aldi's cleaning aisle is hit-or-miss, and while some items are cheap, basic cleaners like bleach, dish soap, and all-purpose sprays are often cheaper at Walmart. Aldi's prices tend to be steady, but Walmart runs frequent sales and has wider options in store brands.

For everyday cleaning supplies, you'll probably cut costs by skipping Aldi.

Vitamins and Supplements

Aldi does carry vitamins, but compared to Costco's bulk packs or even Walmart's store-brand options, the price per tablet is higher. Since supplements are something you buy regularly, the difference really adds up over time.

This is one category where warehouse clubs especially beat Aldi in both price and variety.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.