As a home improvement expert with a passion for finding savings, I often get asked how discount grocery chains Aldi and Save A Lot compare. While they seem similar on the surface, my in-depth inspection reveals some notable differences between the two retailers in terms of pricing, selection, brands, ownership, and more.
A Historical View of the Two Discount Chains
First, let‘s take a quick look at the history and origins of each brand. This background will help us understand how the two chains operate today.
The Aldi Story
Aldi was founded way back in 1946 in Germany by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht. In 1960, the brothers split the company into two separate entities due to a business dispute – Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd.
Today, Aldi Nord operates over 2,500 stores in northern Germany and several European countries. Aldi Süd has over 5,500 locations spanning southern Germany, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and the U.S. Both divisions of the company remain 100% owned by the Albrecht family.
Aldi opened its first US store in Iowa in 1976. Since then, its growth here has been explosive, with over 2,100 stores operating in 37 states.
Aldi‘s massive expansion continues, with the retailer on track to become the third largest grocery chain in the US behind Walmart and Kroger.
The Save A Lot Story
Save A Lot was founded much later than Aldi, in 1977 by Bill Moran. Based in St. Louis, MO, it quickly expanded across the Midwest as a discount grocery store model.
Save A Lot was acquired by SuperValu in 2016 and now operates as their budget grocery store subsidiary. Previously, Save A Lot was owned by private equity firm Onex Corporation.
With around 1,300 stores, Save A Lot focuses predominantly on rural markets in the Midwest, South, and East Coast regions of the US. It has a minor presence overseas with one store in Paraguay.
While Aldi experienced rapid organic growth over decades, Save A Lot changed ownership multiple times and appears to still be finding its footing.
At a Glance: Comparing the Key Stats
Here‘s a quick-view table comparing some of the vital statistics between Aldi and Save A Lot:
| Key Stat | Aldi | Save A Lot |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1946 | 1977 |
| Store Count (US) | Over 2,100 | Around 1,300 |
| Store Count (Global) | Over 10,000 | Around 1,350 |
| Countries of Operation | 20+ | US + Paraguay |
| Ownership | Albrecht family | SuperValu |
| Average Savings vs. Competitors | 10-15% | Up to 40% |
A few key things stand out:
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Aldi has been around a lot longer than Save A Lot, with 75 years of experience providing discounts vs. Save A Lot‘s 45 years
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Aldi is significantly larger both domestically and globally, with 5X as many international stores
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Save A Lot claims to offer even deeper discounts, with prices up to 40% lower than traditional grocers
Now let‘s dive deeper into how the two chains compare across some key attributes:
Price and Savings
Affordability is essential for any discount grocer. In terms of everyday pricing, Save A Lot consistently beats Aldi when it comes to offering the lowest prices.
Analyses of grocery prices have found that Save A Lot offers average savings of 40% compared to traditional supermarkets like Kroger and Safeway. Aldi still provides great value, but comes in slightly higher with average savings around 10-15%.
For example, here are some real price comparisons on common grocery items:
| Item | Kroger Price | Aldi Price | Save A Lot Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallon of milk | $2.79 | $1.99 | $1.49 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.49 | $0.99 | $0.89 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.49 | $0.99 | $0.79 |
| Box of cereal | $4.29 | $1.69 | $1.25 |
As you can see, Save A Lot consistently undercuts Aldi by about 10-20% on typical grocery staples.
Product Selection
In terms of overall product selection and variety, Aldi tends to offer a wider array of items compared to Save A Lot.
Aldi stores carry around 1,400 regularly stocked products. While their selection is still narrow compared to a mainstream grocer, you‘ll find a solid variety of fresh produce, dairy, bread, canned goods, frozen foods, snacks, household items and more.
Save A Lot locations are even more tightly curated, with just 1,000 SKUs on average. The focus is mainly on everyday basics and staples. You‘ll find a more limited produce selection and fewer indulgent snack and baking options.
If you‘re looking for diversity of choice across grocery categories, Aldi is likely the better destination. But Save A Lot still covers the core essentials.
Private Label Branding
Both chains rely heavily on their own private label brands, vs. name brand items, keeping costs low.
Aldi has put major effort into developing quality store brands shoppers love, such as:
- Friendly Farms (dairy)
- Simply Nature (organic and health products)
- Millville (cereals and snacks)
- Burman‘s (condiments and sauces)
Save A Lot‘s exclusive labels include names like:
- Sunny Select (frozen items)
- Clover Valley (general grocery)
- World Classics (ethnic cuisine ingredients)
- Kraftmaid (paper products)
Saavy bargain hunters may be able to discern minor quality differences between the retailers‘ private label offerings, with Aldi investing more into premium product development and sourcing. But both provide affordable alternatives to big national brands.
The Shopping Experience
Let‘s explore what it‘s like to shop inside each discount chain.
Inside an Aldi
Walking into an Aldi, you‘ll immediately notice the no-frills, warehouse aesthetic. But in recent years, Aldi has updated stores for a sleeker, more contemporary feel.
You‘ll find wide spacious aisles with skylights, plenty of natural lighting, and polished concrete floors. Some locations even have features like open ceilings and industrial-chic elements.
Though Aldi stores average just 12,000 square feet, their clever layouts make the most of the space so you can easily scoot down each aisle. Expect to find shelves stocked with Aldi Finds – their weekly rotating specials on seasonal items.
One signature Aldi experience – you need to deposit a quarter to access a shopping cart! Budget-wise, smart thinking.
Inside a Save A Lot
Stepping into a Save A Lot store, you immediately recognize the traditional warehouse discount market vibe. Flourescent ceiling lights, bare bones rows of shelving, concrete floors, and basic signage direct you through the tight aisles.
While no frills, Save A Lot locations feel more cramped than Aldi stores, with cluttered shelves and smaller square footage. Newer Save A Lots have improved floor plans, lighting, and finishes, but most stores still maintain that old school discount warehouse aesthetic.
You won‘t find quarter carts here – shopping carts are freely available.
Ownership and Growth Trajectory
As noted earlier, Aldi retains dedicated family ownership by the Albrecht heirs, while Save A Lot is owned by grocery wholesaler SuperValu.
This ownership difference may impact each brand‘s growth potential in coming years. Even after 75 years, Aldi continues to rapidly expand, thanks to the resources and focus of the Albrecht family.
Meanwhile, Save A Lot‘s ownership under SuperValu and previously private equity seems short-term focused, which could limit expansion possibilities.
Indeed, while Aldi aggressively opens new stores each year, Save A Lot has recently started selling off underperforming locations, including 97 stores in Florida acquired by Southeastern Grocers in 2021.
Aldi‘s ambitious growth plans suggest it sees plenty of runway in the US discount market. Save A Lot‘s outlook seems cloudier.
Loyalty Programs and Digital Convenience
Like all modern retailers, Aldi and Save A Lot both provide mobile apps, rewards programs, and additional services for added convenience.
The popular Aldi app allows you to access weekly ads, coupons, shopping lists, and specials at your fingertips. You can also take advantage of Aldi‘s Curbside Grocery Pickup service via the app at 700+ stores.
Save A Lot‘s app provides digital coupons and shopping lists. For delivery and pick up, Save A Lot offers Instacart as a partner at select locations.
Aldi also offers a loyalty program where you earn points towards rewards with each purchase. Save A Lot lacks its own rewards program currently.
So Aldi has Save A Lot beat when it comes to customer loyalty programs and digital services.
My Best Tips for Shopping at Each Retailer
As a savings expert, I‘ve honed some insider tricks for shopping at both chains to maximize deals and value.
At Aldi:
- Compare unit prices closely – sometimes bigger sizes are not the cheapest per ounce/lb.
- Check Aldi Finds weekly for exciting deals on unique seasonal items.
- Don‘t take the first item you see – dig around for fresher produce or dairy that may be hidden.
- Love something? Stock up, as Aldi Finds and inventory always rotates.
- Skip the name brands – Aldi‘s private labels offer similar quality for less.
At Save A Lot:
- Wednesday is double ad day – scan coupons carefully for the best deals.
- Ask the butcher about upcoming manager markdowns on fresh meat cuts.
- Look up and down – deals can be placed on top and bottom shelves too.
- Buy fruits and veggies on Wednesdays when new shipments arrive for best freshness.
- Bring your coupons – even competitors‘ coupons may be accepted.
Which Chain Should You Shop At?
With this comprehensive overview, you now have the facts to decide which discount grocer best fits your needs and preferences.
Here‘s a quick recap of the main differences:
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Save A Lot offers rock bottom prices but less selection and older store formats.
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Aldi provides wider choice and a more pleasant shopping experience, though prices are a bit higher than Save A Lot.
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Aldi is growing quickly with tons of new store openings. Save A Lot is currently downsizing its footprint in the US.
So weigh what‘s most important – lowest costs, quality, variety, or convenience. And consider supporting Aldi to keep fueling helpful savings innovations!
Whichever you choose, you can feel good knowing both chains pass on major discounts so you pocket more savings. Now that you‘ve got the inside scoop, happy bargain hunting!
