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Coolgoober

(236 posts)
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 11:00 AM Dec 16

I've Done The Grocery Shopping For The Last 15 Years

Yes, prices are up and we all feel it. But yesterday, yesterday, THE COOKIES, Through the roof! Man oh man, five six and seven bucks for a package of cookies? I don't know if I can cut back, it's winter.

66 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I've Done The Grocery Shopping For The Last 15 Years (Original Post) Coolgoober Dec 16 OP
Sad news for TSF... LakeVermilion Dec 16 #1
Shop at Aldi. Prices are 1/3 to 1/2 of even wal hell SheltieLover Dec 16 #2
Eggs are $1.20 at Aldi. I'm back to eating eggs. Intractable Dec 16 #6
Keep wishing Aldi's would open a store in my hometown. KS Toronado Dec 16 #9
If you have a freezer, it might be worth the drive once a month, if not too far SheltieLover Dec 16 #10
90 miles away so $20/$25 in gas, not worth it for the wear & tear on my vehicles. KS Toronado Dec 16 #17
Sorry to hear it's so far for you. SheltieLover Dec 16 #20
Not everyone has their own vehicle. TBF Dec 16 #18
True. SheltieLover Dec 16 #22
They make you bag your own stuff! BlueWaveNeverEnd Dec 16 #14
I always take boxes and make sure I've got a quarter in my pocket. KS Toronado Dec 16 #19
If you show up quarterless, they will give you one SheltieLover Dec 16 #24
That's actually a plus for me - I prefer to bag my own groceries TBF Dec 16 #21
Costs are way higher with kraznov at the helm SheltieLover Dec 16 #25
Yup they do SheltieLover Dec 16 #23
For the record DFW Dec 16 #29
My son tells me exactly this. Diamond_Dog Dec 16 #35
You are correct Lifeafter70 Dec 16 #37
Everyone in Wichita called it Aldi's, old habits die hard KS Toronado Dec 16 #39
Thx for sharing SheltieLover Dec 16 #42
I want one too Trailrider1951 Dec 16 #31
Aldi is wonderful! get the red out Dec 16 #41
I prefer many of their house brand items SheltieLover Dec 16 #44
Me too get the red out Dec 16 #47
And they know it. Hence their double guarantee SheltieLover Dec 16 #49
For fun I decided to see how far Aldi's is from me. 1,320 miles. Maru Kitteh Dec 16 #43
Sorry to hear, Maru SheltieLover Dec 16 #45
Message auto-removed Name removed Dec 16 #3
Welcome to DU. nt MarineCombatEngineer Dec 16 #4
Perhaps you are vegan? TBF Dec 16 #5
Message auto-removed Name removed Dec 16 #7
I'm not vegan, but rarely eat beef due to high cholestrrol SheltieLover Dec 16 #11
Yes - for me beef is once or twice a week at most TBF Dec 16 #15
Costs are way up SheltieLover Dec 16 #26
True, Aldi carries the basics, generally SheltieLover Dec 16 #30
9$ for a gallon of off brand orange juice yesterday berniesandersmittens Dec 16 #8
Cripes. Shop Aldi SheltieLover Dec 16 #12
I am in a metro area so we do have Aldi, but it is very sparce TBF Dec 16 #16
Good to know. There are 4 within 20 mi of me SheltieLover Dec 16 #27
There's not one close berniesandersmittens Dec 16 #61
Sorry to hear that, BSM! SheltieLover Dec 16 #62
$20 dollars for a birthday cake from a box mix. Irish_Dem Dec 16 #32
Instead of 37 cupcakes, we only need two right? berniesandersmittens Dec 16 #38
You only need one cupcake for the birthday person. Irish_Dem Dec 16 #40
wow BlueWaveNeverEnd Dec 16 #56
In July, Old Trapper Beef Jerky Was... ProfessorGAC Dec 16 #13
Kraznov's pootinization of the USA SheltieLover Dec 16 #28
I bought a roast for Christmas Eve and don't even want to say what it cost. Irish_Dem Dec 16 #33
I looked at one a couple of weeks ago, just for the 2 of us. $70.00. I waved goodbye. Vinca Dec 16 #53
My family has their heart set on a certain kind of roast for Xmas Eve dinner. Irish_Dem Dec 16 #55
There is one near my brother in Virginia DFW Dec 16 #34
There's an Aldi right across the street from my local Walmart Diamond_Dog Dec 16 #36
Same here, DD! SheltieLover Dec 16 #48
Their quality is exceptional, too SheltieLover Dec 16 #46
It is! Diamond_Dog Dec 16 #57
I just got my $324 Aldi Instacart order SheltieLover Dec 16 #58
You are absolutely correct! Diamond_Dog Dec 16 #59
Great minds... SheltieLover Dec 16 #60
Here in the shit hole of NE Ohio Diamond_Dog Dec 16 #63
I hear you. SheltieLover Dec 16 #64
We actually do also have small Indian, Mediterranean, Italian, etc. specialty groceries here, too. Diamond_Dog Dec 16 #65
Good for you! I wouldn't either! SheltieLover Dec 16 #66
Over 10 dollars Cosmocat Dec 16 #50
Certain chips and snacks are also ridiculous. Ilsa Dec 16 #51
Yes, cookies are big bucks. Zackzzzz Dec 16 #52
My brother in Virginia makes regular Costco runs, too DFW Dec 16 #54

LakeVermilion

(1,501 posts)
1. Sad news for TSF...
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 11:07 AM
Dec 16

Prices aren't going to drop significantly. Grocery stores have always operated on a thin margin. I think they like this new model.

KS Toronado

(23,060 posts)
9. Keep wishing Aldi's would open a store in my hometown.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:06 PM
Dec 16

Did my shopping there when I lived in Wichita. Population here is 21,000 and the college adds another
10,000 to 12,000, I'm sure the college kids with limited income would all be customers. All we have
is Dillons and Wally World and they have no competition.

KS Toronado

(23,060 posts)
17. 90 miles away so $20/$25 in gas, not worth it for the wear & tear on my vehicles.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:36 PM
Dec 16

But I do stop in Salina every time I pass by there on either interstate, 70 or 35.

SheltieLover

(76,906 posts)
24. If you show up quarterless, they will give you one
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:45 PM
Dec 16

Don't tell kraznov or he will be going from store to store for shiny quarters.

TBF

(35,674 posts)
21. That's actually a plus for me - I prefer to bag my own groceries
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:42 PM
Dec 16

I'll make 2 stops at HEB a week so I can stay under 25 items per visit and bag my own.

It was the incident with the cardboard container of milk that they destroyed by putting something heavy on it ...

But, anyway, the point is that the costs are a lot higher than they were under Biden. And for some reason republicans, and some on this site, are defending that.

DFW

(59,746 posts)
29. For the record
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:58 PM
Dec 16

It’s Aldi, not Aldi’s, since there is no one named Aldi. Actually, few in the States seem to know what “Aldi” means. It was originally a store started by a family in post-war Germany named Albrecht. They started a low-cost store that grew into a mammoth chain, splitting off into Aldi Nord (north) and Aldi Süd (south). The “di” part is just short for “Diskont,” or “discount.” So, “ALbrecht DIscount.”

Kind of an unexciting revelation, sorry!

Diamond_Dog

(39,784 posts)
35. My son tells me exactly this.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 01:14 PM
Dec 16

Four years top of his class in German back in high school. He knows common words and phrases in about 6 languages. Did I mention he’s very smart? 😁

Many people around here add an “apostrophe s” to any store name, such as to say “Walmart’s” which is not correct, either.

Lifeafter70

(772 posts)
37. You are correct
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 01:24 PM
Dec 16

And may I correct another misconception. Trader Joe's is not owned by Aldi in the states. The brothers split before Theo Albrecht bought Trader Joe's

KS Toronado

(23,060 posts)
39. Everyone in Wichita called it Aldi's, old habits die hard
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 01:49 PM
Dec 16

And that was an exciting revelation DFW, had me on the edge of my seat.
Sometimes I can't help myself!

get the red out

(13,958 posts)
41. Aldi is wonderful!
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 02:08 PM
Dec 16

I am amazed they are permitted to have stores in the US since they don't rip people off. It's the only place that I can afford breakfast cereal. I am not paying $5 a box for store brand somewhere else.

SheltieLover

(76,906 posts)
49. And they know it. Hence their double guarantee
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 02:21 PM
Dec 16

They let you choose a different item of equal or lesser value and give you a refund.

Maru Kitteh

(31,267 posts)
43. For fun I decided to see how far Aldi's is from me. 1,320 miles.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 02:15 PM
Dec 16

So I guess ice cream is off the list. There’s food deserts, and then there’s western Montana . .. .

Response to Coolgoober (Original post)

Response to TBF (Reply #5)

SheltieLover

(76,906 posts)
11. I'm not vegan, but rarely eat beef due to high cholestrrol
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:22 PM
Dec 16

Just checked my Aldi. Instacart price for 85% lean burger is $5.39/ lb. 96% lean is $7.49/ lb.

Steaks are outrageous, imo.

But that's everywhere.

Thanks to kraznov.

I eat a lot of chicken & turkey burgers.



TBF

(35,674 posts)
15. Yes - for me beef is once or twice a week at most
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:33 PM
Dec 16

I just noticed because I was making chili this past weekend & I do buy lean cuts (90/10) - not the beef full of fat. Still, the cost has gone up significantly over what it was say a year ago. I shop at HEB, which is the best quality for the price in my area (we do have Aldi, but I am shopping for a family and they don't have half of what I need).

SheltieLover

(76,906 posts)
30. True, Aldi carries the basics, generally
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:59 PM
Dec 16

Some of what they carry though, for instance, wild caught Norwegian salmon, I cannot buy anywhere else. I am very picky about the source of my seafood.

I've often made 2 stops at different stores, & in many instances just shifted consumption habits to align with what Aldi offers.

For example, rather than buying deit pepsi or rootbeer, which Aldi does not carry, I switched to Waterloo fruit flavored sparkling water. Not only much cheaper, but healthier.

Now I avoid the magats & order it all on Instacart. Lol

Happy shopping!

berniesandersmittens

(13,093 posts)
8. 9$ for a gallon of off brand orange juice yesterday
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 11:30 AM
Dec 16

Over $20 for a box of cake mix, frosting, and pint of milk for a bday cake.

TBF

(35,674 posts)
16. I am in a metro area so we do have Aldi, but it is very sparce
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:34 PM
Dec 16

a small store. Many areas of the country don't have it so that is not a solution for everyone.

I just did the search and this was the AI description -

"As of late 2025, ALDI has over 2,600 stores in the U.S., with specific reports citing figures like 2,624 locations across 38 states, and the company plans to reach nearly 3,200 stores by 2028, making it one of America's fastest-growing grocers.
Key Details:
Current Count: Around 2,624 stores.
States Covered: Operates in 38 states and territories.
Growth Plans: Aims to add 800 new stores by the end of 2028, reaching almost 3,200 locations.
Top States: Florida, Illinois, and Ohio have the highest concentration of stores.

SheltieLover

(76,906 posts)
27. Good to know. There are 4 within 20 mi of me
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:49 PM
Dec 16

But not every area has Aldi.

Thx for sharing!

SheltieLover

(76,906 posts)
62. Sorry to hear that, BSM!
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 08:26 PM
Dec 16

I got 4 times the amount of food today as when I ordered from Kroger a week or 2 ago.

The Kroger food lasted 3-4 days.

The huge Aldi order today will last about 2 weeks.

I hope Aldi builds a store near you soon.

Irish_Dem

(79,889 posts)
32. $20 dollars for a birthday cake from a box mix.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 01:10 PM
Dec 16

Unbelievable.

I guess we are going to have to down size to one cupcake for the birthday person.
The rest of us can only watch them eat it.

Irish_Dem

(79,889 posts)
40. You only need one cupcake for the birthday person.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 01:55 PM
Dec 16

And one little candle and match.

You could make the whole batch and freeze all of them.
Take one out at each birthday party.

Tell everyone they have to eat before they come to the party.
And be too full for any party snacks which will not be provided.

Trump did this to us.

ProfessorGAC

(75,861 posts)
13. In July, Old Trapper Beef Jerky Was...
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 12:27 PM
Dec 16

...$13 for the 10 ounce bag.
Yesterday it was $22. Nearly 70% higher.
At least that's not a necessary item, so I only buy it once in a while.

Irish_Dem

(79,889 posts)
33. I bought a roast for Christmas Eve and don't even want to say what it cost.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 01:11 PM
Dec 16

But I thought about calling my bank first to make sure I had a line of credit available prior to purchase.

Irish_Dem

(79,889 posts)
55. My family has their heart set on a certain kind of roast for Xmas Eve dinner.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 04:11 PM
Dec 16

It was more expensive than $70, but I did get a smaller than usual piece of meat.
And did buy it at Costco.

I told the kids it is part of their Christmas present.

DFW

(59,746 posts)
34. There is one near my brother in Virginia
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 01:13 PM
Dec 16

Their selection isn’t huge compared to Safeway or Giant, but they are indeed cheaper. I had no idea they had so many stores in the States. Here in Germany, I think they must have a store every 150 meters. The Albrecht family is one of the richest families—if not THE richest family—in Germany.

Diamond_Dog

(39,784 posts)
36. There's an Aldi right across the street from my local Walmart
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 01:18 PM
Dec 16

And they are ALWAYS busy!

Diamond_Dog

(39,784 posts)
57. It is!
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 07:25 PM
Dec 16

I need to get myself there and pick up some of those fabulous chocolate truffles they sell at Christmas!

SheltieLover

(76,906 posts)
58. I just got my $324 Aldi Instacart order
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 07:33 PM
Dec 16

By comparison, a week or 2 ago, I ordered $276 in food from Kroger.

4 small plastic bags of food that lasted 3-4 days.

Today's Aldi order was 12 large paper bags, stuffed to the top, + 1 gal of milk. I guestimate this food will last about 2 weeks.

I don't mean to sound like an Aldi commercial, but there is no comparison in prices.

Diamond_Dog

(39,784 posts)
63. Here in the shit hole of NE Ohio
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 08:45 PM
Dec 16

I *will* say we have decent choices for grocery stores … as usual, Wally mart …. Also Giant Eagle, Meijer’s, Shop n Save, Aldi, Marc’s …. Trouble is, not one store has everything I want, so I end up going to 3 or 4.

SheltieLover

(76,906 posts)
64. I hear you.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 09:10 PM
Dec 16

I used to luve near a Caputo's Ital Market, a Jewel, Meijers, & a Dominicks in Chgo burbs

Very different here in this red shithole. 😓

Diamond_Dog

(39,784 posts)
65. We actually do also have small Indian, Mediterranean, Italian, etc. specialty groceries here, too.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 09:16 PM
Dec 16

One of the larger Italian markets is owned by the idiot R congressman in the district in south of me and I used to occasionally shop there but no more! I refuse to support that moron’s store!

Cosmocat

(15,348 posts)
50. Over 10 dollars
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 02:39 PM
Dec 16

Youngest is home for the break from college and I did a trip to the grocery store to stock up a bit more.

I knew hamburger was up, but thought I would do hamburger helper for a cheap meal.

That small pack of hamburger I use for it - over 10 dollars.

My rage at how the right wingers screamed about grocery prices and how it was ALL BIDENS FAULT for four years and the media going along for the ride, now all you get is "well this or that" and of course BIDEN! when you note how it has gotten far worse the last year.

Its getting unsustainable ...

Ilsa

(63,855 posts)
51. Certain chips and snacks are also ridiculous.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 02:59 PM
Dec 16

Publix has weekly BOGO specials, and even at half-off, some chips are still outrageously expensive. Forget beef. I get my chicken and ground turkey from Costco at a fraction of supermarket prices.

Zackzzzz

(264 posts)
52. Yes, cookies are big bucks.
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 03:30 PM
Dec 16

We gave up cookies.
We have toast with jam, preserves or cinnamon[Ceylon] and sugar[google recipe].
Sometime, just unsalted, whipped butter. You can freeze sliced bread so you have it on hand.

DFW

(59,746 posts)
54. My brother in Virginia makes regular Costco runs, too
Tue Dec 16, 2025, 04:09 PM
Dec 16

It’s way out in Springfield, so a 30-40 minute drive from his house. But he does load up when he goes. When I’m there, I load up on stuff that is either WAY more expensive here, or else fully unobtainable. Finding roasted pecan halves is nearly impossible, and things like Neosporin just don’t exist. At Costco, you can buy a package of four tubes for barely more than one costs at CVS. Our neighbors here in Düsseldorf are VERY grateful!

My brother wisely bought his house several decades ago, and paid it off around the time he retired. He still has property taxes, but has Social Security, his pension, and his wife bought 2000 or so shares of Apple for almost nothing decades ago that, after several splits, are now 20,000 shares worth about $4 million (!!). They haven’t sold any of it, but even after capital gains taxes they’d have over $3 million left over. She is not in the best of health, so she might yet need it, and their house always needs something done. But he is very frugal, and shops as if he were on welfare, so they get by on what income they get, and keep the Apple shares as an emergency reserve just in case, or as something to pass on to their two sons if they never need it. Though politically we are virtual clones (our sister definitely is not, though that will soon change), he is far more conservative than I am when it comes to money. I’m hardly in a position to say he’s overdoing it. He’s retired and draws no salary, so I’d probably be the same way in his shoes. The local food sellers at our farmers market are usually more expensive than the grocery chains (except Aldi!), but they work their asses off to bring fresh food to market every day with punishing hours. We support them when we can. It’s a 900 year old tradition here, and it would be a sin to see it disappear.

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