How a Pennsylvania Family of 4 Spends $230 a Week on Groceries (Mostly) at Aldi
Name: Carolyn
Location: Irwin, Pennsylvania
Number of people in household: 3 to 4; myself, John (my husband), our son (Landen, age 20), and stepson (Kash, age 9, on weekends)
Age: 45
Occupation: I’m a benefit verification specialist in the healthcare industry; John is a medical billing coordinator
Where you shopped: Aldi, Farmers Market, Giant Eagle, Target, and Shop ‘n Save
Weekly grocery budget: $175, on average
Amount spent: $229.35
Where did you shop?
We mostly get the bulk of our groceries from Aldi, and this week was no exception. We also made a trip to the local farmers market. It’s open from May to October, and we like to pick up some items from there each week when possible. We also stopped at Giant Eagle, Shop ‘n Save, and Target for a few other items we needed.
I attempt to grow a garden each year, with some years producing better results than others. We did have some luck with tomatoes and garlic, so I was able to use some of that harvest this week. My mother also gifted us with some green peppers from her garden.
What’s your grocery strategy?
I typically schedule a weekly pickup from Aldi through Instacart. I started using Instacart during the COVID-19 pandemic and haven’t stopped since — I like the time it saves me. Inevitably, there will be something I forget to order or Aldi does not have, so we usually go to at least one other store to get everything we need for the week.
Target is the store we visit most often, after Aldi. It frequently offers deals for Target Circle members, and is a great way to save some money on items we’re already shopping for. We order select staples in bulk from Amazon, like teabags, black peppercorns, and pink Himalayan salt.
I’ll typically check the Flashfood app once a day; the company partners with grocery stores across the country, like Giant Eagle near me, to sell heavily discounted items that are nearing their expiration or sell-by dates. It’s a good way to save money and help prevent food waste. There were no items I wanted to purchase from Flashfood this week, though.
Our weekly food bill usually averages out to around $175. Some weeks are more than others, and vice versa. Going to the farmers market definitely increases the amount spent, but we really enjoy going. This week was slightly more, because we had family over for two meals, and in addition to visiting the farmers market, I bought a value pack of chicken breast and cod, which we’ll both use for multiple meals.
How do you meal plan?
We have several whiteboards on the refrigerator: two that are for items needed from Aldi, Target, or any other store, and one that shows the dinner plan for each day. This helps with planning and just overall contributes to a greater sense of well-being, as it really takes away a lot of stress.
My husband and I sit down every week, usually by Thursday, and plan out what we want to make for the coming week. We rarely go out to eat; we cook the majority of our meals at home. We consider what is in our refrigerator/freezer that still needs to be used, what the schedule for the week looks like (what days Kash will be over, when John and Landen will be at work, if we have evening plans), and also what meals we have prepared recently.
We’ve been meal planning like this for not quite a year, but it has been helping us limit unnecessary purchases and food waste. A few items we bought and haven’t used this week will be incorporated into next week’s meal plan.
When thinking about dinner, we try to pick meals that will please everyone’s palate. If there are no leftovers for lunch, John and I will prepare something special for ourselves that might not appeal to Landen or Kash. Landen most of the time prepares his own lunch or eats leftovers (the air fryer is a favorite kitchen gadget of his), and he does not usually eat breakfast.
What did you buy?
Aldi
English muffins, $1.35
Potato sandwich buns, $2.75
Mini naan, $4.95
Iced tea, $3.55
Ginger beer, $2.79
Diced tomatoes, $1.05
Crushed tomatoes, $1.65
Tomato paste, $0.95
Black beans, $0.95
Heavy whipping cream, $5.95
Whole milk, $5.29
Whole milk Greek yogurt, $3.85
Pepper Jack cheese, $1.95
2 blocks mozzarella cheese, $3.90
Mocha iced coffee, $3.85
Sour cream, $1.99
New York sharp cheddar cheese block, $2.15
Eggs, $2.85
Rice pilaf, $1.05
Spaghetti, $2.09
Breaded chicken fillets, $8.79
Frozen cod, $12.55
Frozen sweet corn, $1.09
Frozen extra-fine green beans, $2.55
Broccoli bites, $4.29
Thick-cut bacon, $3.99
Ground beef, $3.99
Family pack chicken breasts, $12.76
Olive oil mayonnaise, $3.65
Crushed red pepper, $1.25
2 packs pizza dough, $2.70
House Italian dressing, $2.69
Four cheese pasta sauce, $2.55
Refrigerated pie crust, $2.85
Granulated sugar, $3.25
All-purpose flour, $2.59
Cantaloupe, $2.99
Blueberries, $3.25
2 avocados, $1.78
Cauliflower, $3.09
Bananas, $0.83
Limes, $2.55
Strawberries, $2.09
Lemons, $3.29
Sea salt caramel coconut rolls, $3.49
Raisins, $4.69
Organic yellow corn tortilla chips, $3.29
Peanut butter chewy dipped granola bars, $2.09
Dry roasted unsalted peanuts, $2.19
Total: $156.19 (includes tax, bag fees, and an Instacart credit)
Farmers Market
Pickled beets, $8.00
Hot mild sausage, $8.00
Peaches, $7.00
Jalapeños, $4.00
Grape tomatoes, $4.00
Plums, $4.00
Tomatoes, $4.00
Leaf lettuce, $4.00
Total: $43.00
Shop ‘n Save
Baguette, $3.99
Italian bread, $2.50
Total: $6.49
Giant Eagle
Angel food cake, $6.99
Total: $6.99
Target
Honey, $11.69
Total: $11.69
Local Dairy
Ice cream, $4.99
Total: $4.99
Grand Total: $230.16
Saturday: Eggs, Homemade Bread, Waffles, Fruit, Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Broccoli Bites, Leftovers, Chicken Salad, Vegetables, and Angel Food Cake
Kash is here today and he wakes up hungry and ready for breakfast. John makes him four cinnamon waffles, which he inhales, and chops up a Gala apple, which he ignored (both are from a previous shop).
John and I always start our morning with hot tea, which he lovingly prepares for us. I like mine with milk and lots of honey — I think I am part hummingbird! John does a splash of milk and a teaspoon of sugar. For breakfast, we decide on fried eggs with homemade bread I baked the day before. It was my first attempt at making it, and it turned out pretty good — just very, very crusty. We also finish off the cantaloupe and blueberries in the refrigerator.
Kash expresses interest in having a fried egg, so I make him one also. His stomach awakens even more and he gives in to the Gala apple slices too. Landen wakes up later and does not eat breakfast right away. When he does eat, he has two of the waffles and some banana chocolate chip bread that I made earlier in the week. Kash and Landen both drink water.
After we get back from picking up things at Aldi, the farmers market, and Target we have lunch. Kash has one of his favorite lunches, consisting of frozen chicken nuggets, French fries, and broccoli bites. He also has a bowl of apple slices and carrot sticks. John and I continue to work on cleaning out the refrigerator, and both have leftovers: breakfast casserole, for him and I have cabbage and noodles. We also eat the last of the old English muffins and a bowl of plums (from our farmers market trip) and kiwi (purchased the week prior). It took forever for the kiwis to ripen enough to eat! Landen eats a little after us and has some chicken tenders and fries from the freezer, which he makes in the air fryer. For drinks, Kash and I have water, Landen has iced tea, and John has a drink that we like to call a Grape Fizzy: sparkling water mixed with grape juice.
Later in the afternoon, we sample the Salted Caramel Coconut Rolls that we bought at Aldi.
John’s mom and stepdad join us for dinner, in celebration of his mom’s upcoming birthday. We eat a chicken salad, using the breaded chicken filets purchased from Aldi and lots of fresh vegetables. We also make French fries to put atop the salad. We live outside of Pittsburgh and French fries on big salads is just what we do. Landen goes out with friends and is not here for dinner.
Kash, my mother in law, and I all drink water. John and his stepdad both have Grape Fizzies. His stepdad likes to refer to them as the “House Special.” His stepdad also finishes off the buttermilk we have in our refrigerator. He is a buttermilk fanatic and was happy to drink it, so that it did not go to waste before its expiration date. We end our dinner with Angel Food cake with homemade whipped cream (made by John) and berries.
Sunday: Oatmeal, Lots of Fruit, Paneer Two Ways, Chicken Wraps, Spaghetti, Bread, Salad, and Banana Blondies
Sunday mornings usually mean a more leisurely start to the day, and tea, of course. John, Kash and I all wake up early. Landen sleeps in, as he got home late the night before. John makes oatmeal for breakfast with brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. There’s enough leftovers for breakfast on another day. Along with the oatmeal, we each have a fruit bowl of plums, kiwis, blueberries, and strawberries. And then to make breakfast completely decadent, John makes a plate of homemade paneer (which he made the day before), dates, honey, and sunflower seeds. It is a truly delicious creation. Landen didn’t eat anything for breakfast.
Kash gets picked up by his mom later in the morning. He will be back again next weekend. After he leaves, I spend most of the morning cooking. We invited my dad, stepmom, and uncle over for a Sunday Spaghetti dinner, and I need to prepare.
While I was cooking, John goes to the gym for a workout and then stops at Shop ‘n Save for sliced bread and a baguette. He insists we eat something small for lunch and makes another paneer creation to hold us over until dinner. First, he toasts pine nuts and brown mustard seeds. Then he cooks diced tomatoes in cumin. Once the tomatoes are cooked, everything gets combined together with paneer and served over mini naan. We also finish off the plums and each have some of the salted caramel coconut rolls. Landen makes himself two chicken wraps with lettuce, tomato, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing.
After lunch, I put my second attempt at the no-knead bread into the oven and make frosting for the banana blondies I baked earlier. Then, I do some yoga, following a YouTube video, before my family arrives. It is necessary. John skins chickpeas to prepare for our Monday lunch. Taking the skin off of chickpeas is a tedious task, but I consider it a labor of love because it really does make a difference to the overall taste and quality of a dish. It also is very meditative to do I think.
My stepmom is not feeling well and she does not join us for dinner, so it’s myself, John, Landen, my dad, and my uncle. We feast on spaghetti with meat sauce (ground beef and sausage), fresh bread, salad, and banana blondies. Everyone is stuffed and satisfied. My dad takes a plate home for my stepmom. We go to bed happy.
Monday: Leftover Oatmeal, Smashed Chickpeas on Toast, Fruit, Leftover Spaghetti, Grilled Cheeses, French Fries, Salad, Banana Blondies, and Cinnamon Ice Cream
John and I start the day early; our alarm sounds off at 5:15 a.m. I have a few sips of the tea that John prepares for me before I head to the gym. After working out and showering, I make breakfast for John and myself: leftover oatmeal from Sunday and we share a banana. John also has the last of the homemade bread. We both drink our usual tea. (Pictured on my mug is Rick, from the band Goose, not my husband. It was a present from him, though!) Landen sleeps past breakfast, but has some leftover spaghetti and iced tea before he goes to work at 12:30 p.m.
John works from home this week and makes us lunch everyday. Today we have smashed chickpeas on a toasted baguette. The chickpeas marinated overnight in olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill, garlic, crushed red pepper, and cardamom. He warms the chickpeas before mashing them and then tops the toasted baguettes topped with the mixture plus shredded Asiago. We eat them with a side of tomatoes and each have a bowl of kiwi and peach slices, and a small piece of banana blondie.
Landen comes home on his lunch break, which is more like an early dinner, and has another serving of leftover spaghetti and some baguette.
John and I have an easy dinner while catching up on one of our favorite shows. We eat grilled cheddar cheese sandwiches with tomato slices. John has two sandwiches and a side of fries; I have one and a side salad with pickled beets, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and crunchy French fried onions. I have water to drink and John had a Grape Fizzy.
We finish the night with a small piece of banana blondie and a scoop of cinnamon ice cream from the local dairy by our house. When Landen gets home from work he eats two grilled cheese sandwiches, minus the tomato.
Tuesday: Scrambled Eggs, English Muffins, Fruit, Leftover Spaghetti, BLTs, Paneer Plate, Peanuts, Vaca Frita de Pollo, Rice, and Cinnamon Ice Cream
This morning I skip the gym in favor of doing a yoga practice at home. After showering and washing dishes, I still have time to make a nice breakfast for John and I: scrambled eggs with tomato and dill, English muffins with spreadable cheese, and a bowl of peaches, kiwis, strawberries, and bananas. This is all washed down with our usual morning tea.
Landen wakes up later and continues to work on the spaghetti leftovers for lunch, before going to his job. For lunch, John and I have the perfect BLTs and a paneer plate with blueberries. (That finishes off all of the paneer and sets John on a mission to make more as soon as possible!) We both drink water with our lunches. I snack on a handful of peanuts later in the afternoon.
For dinner, John wanted to try a variation of a new recipe he discovered: vaca frita de pollo (Cuban shredded chicken). He cooks and shreds the chicken on his lunch break and puts it in a cilantro lime marinade (which is different from the recipe). I make rice to go along with it. We usually always have rice on hand, as we purchase five-pound bags of Jasmine rice from Aldi. I toast the rice and added garlic (from our garden), jalapeños, black beans, corn, and a can of fire roasted tomatoes that had been in our cupboard for a while. We serve the chicken and rice with an avocado, some shredded cheese, and lime slices. It’s a really delicious meal and we will definitely make it again. John drinks ginger beer and I have a glass of water.
Landen comes home on his break and makes a BLT for himself, using some of the baguette. I also dice and season a potato for him and cook it in the air fryer. He eats and relaxes for a bit before rushing back to work again.
John and I finish the night with small dishes of cinnamon ice cream.
Wednesday: Banana, Fried Eggs, English Muffins, Fruit, Leftover Chicken and Rice, Granola Bars, Peanuts, Pork, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Kielbasa, Hot Dogs, and Brownies
I have an early morning appointment and eat a banana before I leave the house. I take a to-go cup of tea with me. I get back sooner than expected — it’s nice to be the first appointment of the day! — and make fried eggs and English muffins for John and I. We also each have a bowl of kiwis and peaches. I still have more time before I need to start work so I practice yoga and make chewy brownies to bring to my mom’s house for dinner.
Landen has the day off of work and his own appointment to go to. He was gone for a bit and did not eat breakfast or lunch here.
John and I finish the chicken and rice leftovers from last night for lunch. There is also an avocado left, so we split that as well. Chewy dipped granola bars round out the meal. Later in the afternoon, I snack on a handful of peanuts and a sliver of a brownie (they need to be checked for safety!).
We all go to my mom and stepdad’s house for dinner. She prepares a delicious meal that really hits the spot: pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, applesauce, kielbasa, and hotdogs. There was so much food!
Somehow we manage to eat brownies before leaving too. We leave some at their house and bring the rest back home for future us. My mom also gifts us with some green peppers from her garden.
Thursday: Greek Yogurt, Fruit, Chicken Wraps, Fries, Paneer with Tomatoes, Bread, Leftover Spaghetti, Peanuts, Baked Cod, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans, and Brownies with Cinnamon Ice Cream
Our day begins with hot tea. After drinking enough to feel awake, I do a few chores around the house and a yoga practice, before making breakfast. John has some plain Greek yogurt topped with banana, honey, and granola (from a previous shop). He also has a fruit bowl of kiwis, strawberries, and peaches. I also have yogurt with granola and honey, but put the kiwis, strawberries and peaches on top of mine. It’s a refreshing breakfast!
Landen has to work again, and has two chicken wraps, fries, and an apple for lunch, before he leaves. He also has a brownie for good measure.
John prepares paneer and tomato for our lunch again today. We had run out of the tomatoes purchased at the farmers market, but luckily the tomato plants on our back porch had a few that were ripe for the picking. We have a roma, a black cherry, and a Cherokee purple tomato plant.
This time, when making the dish, he uses cumin seeds instead of cumin and adds some garam masala and a few shakes of crushed red pepper. We eat it on top of mini naan again and have it with cantaloupe I cut earlier in the morning.
Sometime between lunch and dinner, I decide to make another loaf of no-knead bread. It really is so easy. It finishes just in time for Landen to enjoy on his break from work. He eats it with the very last of the spaghetti!
I snack on some peanuts and they hold me over until dinner.
Tonight, we have baked cod, rice pilaf, a bag of frozen green beans, and some fresh bread. It’s very simple and quick to put together. The cod is baked in lemon juice and butter, and topped with a dash of cayenne pepper. John drinks ginger beer and I have a glass of water. Landen has his plate when he gets home from work.
For dessert, John and I each have a brownie with a small scoop of cinnamon ice cream.
Friday: Yogurt, Fruit, Bread, Quesadilla, French Fries, Black Bean Nachos, Sausage and Pepper Calzone, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, and Cinnamon Ice Cream
I make it back to the gym in the morning, and am happy to be there. I don’t eat anything before, but did have a few sips of tea to get me going. After my workout and necessary shower, I make John a bowl of yogurt, bananas, granola, and honey. He also has a piece of fresh bread on the side. I have a bowl of yogurt with bananas, peaches, granola, and honey.
Landen wakes up later in the morning and gets ready for his afternoon shift at work. Before leaving, he has a cheese quesadilla, some French fries, and an apple. John makes us black bean nachos for lunch topped with salsa, sour cream, and mozzarella and Pepper Jack cheese. We also have a bowl of cantaloupe on the side.
Dinner tonight is a Buffalo chicken pizza and calzone with sausage and peppers. The calzone is supposed to be a pizza, but I messed up the pizza dough and had to improvise. I think the Buffalo chicken pizza mildly resembled a butterfly and that is pretty cool. Both turned out really freaking delicious. Landen eats some Buffalo chicken pizza, but not the calzone. There are enough leftovers for another meal. To end the night, John and I each have a small dish of ice cream. It was a tasty and enjoyable week from start to finish!
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