These Are The Absolute Worst Days To Shop At Aldi

We've all been there, slowly watching as our snacks dwindle throughout the work week, all the while knowing that the painstaking end-of-week trip to the grocery store is looming. With so many Americans looking to stretch their dollar, many pay their weekly visit to the cheapest grocery store on average: Aldi. As 59% of consumers head out to get their groceries once the work week is over (per Drive Research), the weekend undoubtedly becomes the most heavily congested time to visit your local store. Aldi is no different, and can get as busy as any grocery provider during peak hours, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday typically being the worst days to shop. If you are out of luck and have to shop on one of their most active days, definitely make sure to skip the Saturday morning peak, which is between 10 a.m. and 1:59 p.m. 

It's also best to avoid shopping on Tuesdays. This day of the week may seem a safer option compared to higher foot-traffic weekend days, but many specialty and seasonal item restocks don't happen until Wednesday. If you're unsure if what you need is a specialty item, Aldi has a unique price tag system that can help you keep track. Some of the least expensive (and likely over-shopped) items are also only replenished mid-week. So, if you arrive on Tuesday, the shelves will have been picked over for several days, leaving you with less choice.

It's recommended to avoid late hours if you're interested in access to the best stock at Aldi — instead, opt for shopping early to late mornings. According to conversations between Aldi employees on Reddit, mornings around 11 a.m. are when restock deliveries should be completed, meaning you'll have the most selection around that time on weekdays as general grocery items are brought in daily. Aldi Finds offerings are released on either Sunday or Wednesday until they sell out. That said, Wednesday appears to be the Aldi Finds restock day for many locations, making Wednesday morning the best time to shop at Aldi in general. There are, of course, differences store to store, as each location may have a slightly varied schedule depending on suppliers. This said, just make sure to check with your local Aldi before you go.

The Aldi website is a great way to potentially not even need to drive to Aldi at all. You can check the Aldi Finds section of the site to see what items may be at your store ahead of time. The website also includes price drops and even the option to place your order online if you want to avoid in-store crowds entirely. So, with some planning ahead, you can make the most of your Aldi trip (or not even have to go there at all, if you opt for ordering online), all the while knowing you're saving money and time. Just remember to avoid the weekend chaos.