Both Trader Joe’s and Aldi have a reputation for offering low-cost groceries – including breakfast essentials, pantry staples, and more – but is one supermarket more affordable than the other?
These shops can now be found on nearly every street corner. While they appear to be the same, they actually differ in many ways. And, most of the time, it’s a matter of personal choice.
If you’re wondering which local store would fit your needs the best – Trader Joe’s vs. Aldi, this guide will explain why you might choose to shop at one over another.
Trader Joe’s vs. Aldi – Which Is Better and Cheaper in 2023?
There is no simple answer because it is dependent on several circumstances. Aldi, however, is known for having lower costs on food basics, such as almond milk, cream cheese, non-fat Greek Yogurt, and mozzarella balls. On the other hand, Trader Joe’s has better deals on chocolate hummus than Aldi.
For example, Aldi offers fresh fruits and vegetables at a reduced cost. However, when it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables, they cannot equal Trader Joe’s hygiene and quality requirements. Furthermore, Aldi’s product selection is restricted, and produce may not be fresh at all times.
In terms of organic produce, Trader Joe’s wins because its prices are 10% lower.
Having said that, if you like to buy on the spur of the moment, Aldi is a good place to go. They have unexpected sales that let you save on your purchases. On the other hand, Trader Joe’s is the place to go if you prefer to plan ahead and shop according to a list sans sacrificing freshness and quality.
Moreover, Trader Joe’s has a more extensive range of greeting cards than Aldi. Then again, Aldi prioritizes quality over quantity.
Who Is Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s is a grocery store chain in the United States with headquarters in Monrovia, California. It was founded in 1958 as a Pronto Market convenience stores chain in the Greater Los Angeles area.
The founder, Joe Coulombe, was concerned that the first Pronto Markets were too similar to 7-Eleven, which he described as the “800-lb gorilla of convenience stores,” and that there would be too much rivalry.
While on vacation in the Caribbean, Coulombe came up with the idea for the Trader Joe’s South Seas theme. Today, Trader Joe’s has 540 stores in the United States, with more being built regularly.
Who Is Aldi?
Aldi, stylized as ALDI, is the joint brand name for two German family-owned cheap grocery chains with over 10,000 locations in 20 different countries and combined annual revenue of more than €50 billion.
Aldo stores are known as instances of “no-frills” supermarkets that specialize in staple items such as food, beverages, toilet paper, hygiene articles, and other low-cost home items. Many of its items are its own brands, with several different brands for each item being limited to two.
They primarily sell custom-branded products exclusively (often very similar to and produced by major brands under Grandessa, Happy Farms, Millville, Simply Nature, and Fit & Active brand names.
Does Aldi Own Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s is owned by Aldi, although it is not the Aldi that North American shoppers are familiar with. Aldi Nord, which owns Trader Joe’s, was founded when the two brothers who started the Albrecht Discount business in Germany split up. Aldi Sud is in charge of Aldi’s operations in the US.
Is Aldi Cheaper Than Trader Joe’s?
To appropriately answer that question, we examined over 25 popular grocery items (milk, eggs, butter, nuts, and poultry) from Aldi and Trader Joe’s, and the results were surprising.
Aldi, a German supermarket brand that the same family formerly owned as Trader Joe’s, gives the venerable retailer a run for its money. For example, did you know that stocking up on Aldi’s bagels makes more sense? For $1.49, you can get a 20-oz package of six everything bagels.
An 18-ounce package of six Trader Joe’s everything bagels, on the other hand, costs $2.29.
Furthermore, whereas Trader Joe’s sells a dozen big eggs for $3.99 (equaling $0.33 per egg), Aldi sells the same number of large eggs for $2.39, equating to around $0.20 each egg. It’s worth noting, though, that Trader Joe’s eggs are organic, but those from Aldi are not.
If buying organic food is essential to you, you might choose to buy your eggs at Trader Joe’s.
Trader Joe’s and Aldi are neck and neck on some other essentials, such as olive oil. Believe it or not, both chains carry Sicilian extra virgin olive oil in 16.9-ounce bottles for $7.99.
| Item | Trader Joe’s | Aldi |
| Greek Yogurt | $4.99 for 32 oz. | $1.85 for 32 oz. |
| Cereal | $2.29 for 12 oz. | $2.29 for 17.3 oz. |
| Milk | $3.99 for 59 oz. | $2.76 for 64 oz. |
| Eggs | $3.99 for a dozen | $2.39 for a dozen |
| Bacon | $4.69 for 8 oz. | $4.45 for 12 oz. |
| Frozen Vegetables | $2.99 for 14 oz. | $1.35 for 16 oz. |
| Oatmeal | $2.69 for 18 oz. | $2.45 for 42 oz. |
| Bananas | $0.19 each | $0.14 each |
| Bagels | $2.29 for 18 oz. | $1.49 for 20 oz. |
| Bread | $1.99 for 22 oz. | $0.85 for 20 oz. |
| Deli Meat | $4.99 for 6 oz. | $3.85 for 7 oz. |
| Cheese | $4.99 for 8 oz. | $1.79 for 8 oz. |
| Fresh Fruit | $3.99 for three pounds | $1.19 per pound |
| Hummus | $2.69 for 8 oz. | $2.29 for 8 oz. |
| Granola Bars | $3.29 for 7.4 oz. | $1.39 for 7.4 oz. |
| Pasta | $0.99 per pound | $1.39 for 2 pounds |
| Veggie Burgers | $3.69 for 12 oz. | $2.79 for 10 oz. |
| Chicken | $2.49 per pound | $3.99 for 1.75 pounds |
| Fish (Smoked Salmon) | $5.99 for 4 oz. | $3.99 for 3 oz. |
| Fresh Vegetables (Kale) | $3.69 for 10 oz. | $2.99 for 12 oz. |
| Quinoa | $3.99 per pound | $2.89 per pound |
| Rice | $4.49 for 2 pounds | $2.79 for 2 pounds |
| Nut Butter | $5.99 for 12 oz. | $4.89 for 12 oz. |
| Hazelnut Spread | $3.99 for 13 oz. | $1.95 for 13 oz. |
| Olive Oil | $7.99 for 16.9 oz. | $7.99 for 16.9 oz. |
| Butter | $3.19 per pound | $2.89 per pound |
Conclusion
So, which is better between Trader Joe’s and Aldi, you ask? It all depends on your purchasing habits, priorities, and the items you’re after.
- ALDI items may be less expensive if you have dietary limitations, but Trader Joe’s frequently has a greater selection.
- If you want to save money on everyday necessities: ALDI will save you money on your shopping basket.
- If you’re looking for organic items, ALDI is generally less expensive, although Trader Joe’s has a more extensive range.
- ALDI is the store you go to if you want a speedy shopping experience with minimal decision fatigue.
- Look to Trader Joe’s if you want a shopping experience with various possibilities.
- The ALDI Aisle of Shame will be your jam if you seek a constantly shifting mix of things ranging from food to footwear to furnishings.
So, analyze your options and make an informed decision.