14 Reasons Aldi Is Losing Popularity, According to Reddit

Aldi is beloved by folks who appreciate getting great deals on everyday essentials , from groceries to home goods and limited-edition items.

But not everyone is impressed with Aldi, and some savvy shoppers call themselves former fans now.

So why are shoppers no longer in love with Aldi? Check out why some Reddit users are done with the retailer.

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1. It’s getting expensive

One of Aldi’s best selling points is that it’s a cheap option compared to other grocery stores.

But some Reddit users complained that prices have gone up recently, making Aldi just as expensive as a local grocery store.

2. Fresh produce goes bad quickly

Fresh produce can be a big issue for shoppers who want to buy fresh food that is still good for several days or up to a week with some items in the fridge.

Aldi, however, may not have the freshest options, which may lead to items going bad quickly. “The fresh fruit quality is really lacking,” one Reddit user lamented.

3. Aldi focuses too much on limited Aldi items

Aldi has some great limited-edition items like clothes, cups, dog gear, and other in-demand items, and devoted fans run to get the latest pieces.

But one customer said it leaves regular shoppers frustrated when the store is ransacked by people searching for the latest stuff while everyday shoppers are forgotten.

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4. You can’t get everything there

Aldi has some great grocery items but doesn’t have every item, which has frustrated some shoppers.

Customers have discussed the need to go to two or three other stores in addition to Aldi to get everything on their shopping list.

5. They don’t have things in stock

Aldi may have shelves of different products but might not have everything you need in stock.

“They have always been out of most meats,” according to one Aldi shopper.

6. You have to go at the right time

Another issue with products being out of stock is when you go at the wrong time of day and miss a product that may have only been in stock for a few hours before it was bought with no replacement on the shelf.

“I personally don’t like to shop there later in the day when they are more likely to be out of stock of product,” said one Aldi shopper.

7. You need change for the carts

Aldi has a unique system that requires you to put a quarter in a box on the handle of your shopping cart to unlock it. You can get your quarter back when you return the cart.

But some former Aldi customers were turned off by always needing a quarter for a cart, especially because several Reddit users said they rarely carry change anymore.

8. You need to bring your own bags

Aldi does have bags, but you have to pay for them, or you can bring your own reusable bags to save money.

It can be hard when you want to make a quick stop on the way home, only to realize you didn’t bring bags and will have to pay. Returning to Aldi is so inconvenient that some shoppers won’t go back.

9. Other stores are cheaper

Aldi had some great deals on items and may be a good option to pick up staples, but some shoppers have found that other stores are cheaper than Aldi when it comes to buying groceries.

“I was surprised to find that my shopping trip would have been cheaper at Walmart by a couple of bucks,” one Reddit user said.

10. Home goods aren’t high quality

Aldi sells other items besides groceries, like candles, towels, and rugs.

Cheaper prices, however, could mean cheaper quality. “I'd rather pay a couple bucks more for better-made candles,” one Reddit poster said.

11. Aldi is advertising more

It may be rare to see an Aldi advertisement — the retailer skips marketing in exchange for attracting customers with cheap prices.

However, some Reddit posters have started to see Aldi advertisements and believe one reason for the higher prices could be that Aldi spends its money on marketing.

12. Quality can vary widely

One Aldi may not be the same as another, which can make shoppers unfaithful or unable to understand what the hype is all about.

One Reddit user said some Aldi stores can be amazing for shoppers while others “are a sparsely and sporadically stocked wasteland.”

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13. It takes too long to check out

One reason Aldi is so affordable is that the chain cuts down on labor costs by not scheduling many employees in the store at one time.

But that can also lead to customers spending more time in line at Aldi due to fewer workers. One Redditor complained that there’s always a long line at their Aldi with only one cashier.

14. Aldi stores are small

Aldi also saves money by using less space, with fewer different labels and products to choose from.

It also means the store's size may not be inviting, with Redditors calling it too small and dimly lit to continue shopping there.

Bottom line

Aldi can be a good option if you’re trying to save money on groceries , but it may not be the best choice for all shoppers.

You can find other ways to save money if you prefer to skip Aldi, such as using a store app to find the best deals.

It also may be a good idea to join loyalty rewards programs, which Aldi doesn’t have, to help you financially with your grocery bill.

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