9 Reasons Why Aldi’s Groceries Are So Inexpensive

Shopping at Aldi is a unique experience. Beyond unbelievably discounted snacks and pantry staples, you might have noticed the grocer’s coin-operated shopping carts, bare-bones shelf setups, and a distinct lack of grocery bags. All that effort isn’t for nothing: The company estimates its targeted, strategic cuts save shoppers a collective $8.3 billion — or roughly $4,000 per family of four — every year, as detailed in its 2025 Price Leadership Report.

“Everything we do, and don’t do, is designed to offer a simpler, quicker, and more enjoyable shopping experience with great products at the lowest possible prices, every day,” says chief operating officer Dave Rinaldo. 

Here are some of the ways the grocer keeps its prices low. 

They display products in shipping boxes 

Employee costs impact the price on your final receipt, so Aldi says it starts by simplifying the store setup. Staffers won’t spend their shift arranging fruit bins, and most inventory is displayed in shipping boxes, says Rinaldo. This strategy allows the store to hire fewer workers per shift. 

Stores have a minimalist shelving layout

You won’t see any tempting displays or elaborate shelves in Aldi stores — a move that saves material and labor costs (and, in turn, might eliminate your temptation for impulse treats). Digital shelf tags, meanwhile, automatically update pricing and promotions. 

They focus on private label products

Aldi cuts time spent in-store by offering a tight, prioritized selection of products. Around 90% of Aldi’s inventory is exclusive to the retailer, says Rinaldo, as the brand still strives to cater to a range of dietary preferences. On average, Aldi shoppers save the most on store-brand fresh vegetables and fruit, per the company’s Price Leadership Report.

They don’t have a rewards program 

To keep grocery costs low, Aldi also skips loyalty points in the checkout line. That’s consistent with what researchers say about reducing operational costs: Kate Astashkina, assistant professor of technology and operations at the University of Michigan, says budget-conscious supermarkets streamline processes to avoid unexpected costs. 

“Aldi and similar retailers avoid loyalty programs, promotions, and elaborate store layouts. Stores are standardized and intentionally minimal,” she says. “It’s not about being low-quality — it’s about being low-friction. And friction is expensive.”

They don’t offer shopping bags at checkout

Don’t forget your reusable tote: Aldi doesn’t provide plastic bags. If you need something to carry your groceries home, paper and reusable bags are available for purchase. On its website, Aldi says this strategy is intended to avoid monetary and environmental waste. 

“The end result is that we not only save our customers money — by avoiding adding the cost of the bag to our prices — but also precious resources,” the website notes. 

Each location keeps standard operating hours

Trying to make a late-night run? Not at Aldi — you’ll have to plan your trip around usual operating hours, which are typically 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., depending on the location. Aldi stores don’t offer extended hours, and the company tracks the most popular shopping times to avoid wasting money, says Rinaldo. 

They skip music licensing fees 

Typically, supermarkets pay licensing fees to play artists’ music in stores, which can ultimately impact the final price of your cereal or eggs. Aldi avoids additional fees by skipping the in-store playlist. You won’t hear Top 40 hits, yacht rock, or any music at all during your grocery run.

The shopping carts are quarter-operated

This might be Aldi’s most infamous cost-saving measure: the coin-operated shopping carts. Each rolling cart can be unlocked with a quarter, which provides an extra incentive to return it at the end of your trip. This means Aldi staffers don’t spend their time collecting carts.

They buy local when they can

Some of Aldi’s produce and meat is sourced locally, which cuts down on transportation costs (and fuel emissions) and ensures items are fresh. 

“In short, Aldi’s cost-cutting isn’t just operationally efficient — it quietly encourages smarter, lower-waste behavior among consumers. And that has broader ripple effects,” says Astashkina. “Because shoppers at Aldi tend to buy only what they need, total demand is more grounded in actual consumption.”

If you don’t mind navigating a few shipping boxes or selecting from a limited range of private label products, you could save more on your next grocery trip.