Is Save A Lot the Same as Aldi? A Detailed Comparison for Savvy Shoppers
As a home improvement expert who knows the value of saving money, I‘m often asked if Save A Lot and Aldi are the same discount grocery stores. While they share some similarities, there are important differences to understand before you shop. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll compare these two budget-friendly chains so you can determine which one best fits your needs and shopping style.
A Quick Overview of Save A Lot
Save A Lot was founded in 1977 and is an American discount grocery chain with over 1,300 stores across 33 states. The stores are fairly small, averaging 12,000 square feet, and stock mostly Save A Lot private label brands. However, you can find some name brands there too.
Save A Lot is owned by SuperValu Inc., one of the biggest grocery wholesalers in the US. SuperValu keeps Save A Lot‘s operations completely separate from its other grocery brands like Cub Foods and Shoppers.
The Save A Lot shopping experience is straightforward – bring your own bags, no frills store design, and you bag your own groceries. Their low-price model keeps costs down by eliminating extra services.
All About Aldi
Aldi originated in Germany and now has over 10,000 stores worldwide, including 2,000+ in 36 US states. Aldi Süd operates the US Aldi locations. Aldi Nord runs the European Aldi stores.
Aldi keeps prices low with a warehouse-style layout and focus on efficiency. Almost all the products are Aldi private label brands. Aldi doesn‘t have service departments or offer bagging. You‘ll need a quarter to rent a cart!
Aldi stocks a lot of fresh, organic, easy-to-prep options. The weekly Special Buys on non-grocery items help attract shoppers. Aldi Süd also operates Trader Joe‘s in the US, but as a completely separate business.
Comparing Store Size and Locations
Save A Lot has over twice as many stores in the US as Aldi. As of 2022, here is how the store counts stack up:
Save A Lot
- 1,300+ stores
- Located in 33 US states
Aldi
- 2,000+ stores
- Located in 36 US states
Save A Lot tends to have stores in smaller rural towns, whereas Aldi is more likely to open locations in suburban areas. But both chains are actively expanding, so new stores are popping up all the time!
Product Selection and Brands
When it comes to choosing what ends up on the shelves, Save A Lot and Aldi have quite different approaches.
The Save A Lot product mix includes:
- Save A Lot private label brands
- National name brand items
- Generic no-name brands
Aldi on the other hand sells:
- Almost entirely Aldi exclusive brand products
- Just a handful of name brand items
A 2018 price comparison found that private labels made up 65% of Save A Lot‘s stock and 95% of Aldi‘s inventory.
So if you want more big name brand options, Save A Lot is the way to go. But if you are fine with store brands that can save you even more money, choose Aldi!
Quality of Fresh Food Departments
Having high-quality fresh foods is important to me when I‘m grocery shopping. Here‘s how the produce, meat, and bakery departments stack up:
Produce
Save A Lot – decent produce, but quality is mixed
Aldi – excellent prices but smaller selection
Meat
Save A Lot – full-service meat counter with good quality
Aldi – pre-packaged meats only
Bakery
Save A Lot – fresh baked breads and sweets
Aldi – all pre-packaged baked goods
Overall, Save A Lot delivers better quality fresh foods. But Aldi‘s prices on packaged fruits, vegetables, and frozen meat are hard to beat.
Pricing Comparison
It‘s no secret that Aldi comes out as the price leader when comparing similar items at the two chains.
A grocery price check in 2021 found that Aldi was on average 10-20% cheaper than Save A Lot on comparable private label items.
For example:
-
Loaf of white sandwich bread
- Save A Lot price: $0.99
- Aldi price: $0.85
-
Dozen eggs
- Save A Lot price: $1.29
- Aldi price: $0.99
-
Bag of apples
- Save A Lot price: $3.49
- Aldi price: $2.99
Aldi‘s ultra-low cost model gives them an advantage when it comes to bargaining for the best deals from suppliers.
Which Store is More Efficient for Shoppers?
Both chains aim to offer streamlined shopping experiences, but Aldi is designed to get customers in and out fast!
At Save A Lot, you‘ll bag your own groceries and use your own reusable bags if you have them. Staff can‘t provide carryout service.
Aldi takes efficiency to another level:
- Carts require a quarter deposit
- Cashiers scan items incredibly fast
- Shoppers must bag their own groceries
- Customers are encouraged to bring reusable bags
- No bagging or carryout help provided
The no-frills approach at Aldi pays off – the chain boasts 18% higher sales per labor hour compared to the industry average.
Payment and Coupon Policies
Aldi has strict payment policies, while Save A Lot is more flexible:
Save A Lot
- Accepts manufacturer‘s coupons
- Takes competitor coupons and ads
- Accepts contactless payment
Aldi
- Does not accept any coupons
- Does not price match ads
- Cash, debit, EBT, or contactless only
So if you want to use paper or digital coupons, shop at Save A Lot. But heading to Aldi means no clipping or scanning coupons in exchange for even lower prices.
The Verdict: Which Store Wins My Vote?
In my opinion, Aldi comes out slightly ahead due to rock-bottom prices and excellent private label quality. But for some larger households or shoppers who rely on coupons, Save A Lot may be the better fit.
Here‘s a quick recap of my pros and cons:
Save A Lot Pros: More variety and brands, coupon policies, larger fresh food selection
Save A Lot Cons: Produce quality varies, higher prices than Aldi
Aldi Pros: Lower prices, efficient shopping experience, high-quality private label items
Aldi Cons: Very limited selection, no coupons accepted, smaller fresh food departments
Whichever discount grocer you choose, you’ll enjoy great savings compared to traditional supermarkets. My advice is visit both Save A Lot and Aldi near you and pay attention to prices, selection, and overall convenience. Let your unique shopping preferences guide you to your new go-to grocery store!