Welcome to New Orleans, Aldi! As of March 2022, we now know that Aldi will go where the Laser Tag on Veterans was, and progress is indeed being made. Here is the latest information about the new Aldi coming to Metairie!
To say I am excited that Aldi is coming to New Orleans is an understatement. In the last couple of weeks, it was announced the Aldi grocery store chain will be opening multiple locations in the Greater New Orleans area, the Northshore, and the West Bank. When I saw this on the news, I instantly called my mother, who moved to the Northshore officially in February 2021, to tell her the great news. She was instantly very excited as well! Her first response, “Oh my gosh, Kristina, I can’t wait to get those German Chocolates!” When I lived in Florida, Aldi came to Miami in 2014. Mom and I went to the opening to see what the big deal was since, déjà vu, so many people kept talking about it! It was so worth it! This Lafayette mom also agrees with me about how awesome Aldi is (theirs is already open – lucky ducks!)
What is Aldi?
Aldi is a Family-Owned German Discount supermarket. They were founded in Germany in the 1940s and migrated to the United States in the late 1970s. Little by little, they have been expanding state by state.
Aldi is marketed as high-quality items for discounted prices. They sell things from furniture to shoes to toys to produce to cheese to wine to frozen food to live plants. Mom and I always joked that Aldi is what would happen if Tuesday Morning had a baby with Trader Joe’s. We’ve gotten beach chairs, wine, chocolate, and cheese before on a trip to Aldi.
What is Good to Buy?
This list could go on forever. A lot of the miscellaneous items like furniture, wine, and desserts are seasonal but the produce and foods are usually consistent. Here are some favorites of mine (and many Aldi Loving Instagram accounts). Here is one mom’s take on what she’s already tried in Lafayette, too.
Dips/Hummus
Aldi has a variety of dips with flavors varying by season. The Dill dip is so refreshing during the summer. The Buffalo Cauliflower dip is also really good. Aldi has a fun variety of hummus flavors. Taco hummus, Chipotle Hummus, Tex-Mex Black bean hummus, Taco Sweet Corn hummus. Grab a bag of the popular Tortilla chips (there are like 5 varieties) and snack away!
Cheese
The brand from Aldi is called Emporium Selection. One of my favorite cheeses to buy are the variety of goat cheeses they have. Again, they have delicious seasonal flavors from blueberry goat cheese to pumpkin goat cheese (yes, pumpkin lovers, I said PUMPKIN).
Candles
Aldi is a one-stop discount shop. They have such a great line of candles. The scents are not too strong but work wonderfully. If you like a scent, buy more than one because some of the popular ones fly off the shelves. I personally cannot wait to restock on my White Almond candle stock. If you see me opening day, move out of my way because I am heading to the three-wick candles.
Seasonings
Aldi has a wide variety of seasonings and spices to replenish any pantry. A personal fave is the spice season grinder varieties. Garlic and herb is a must. A fan favorite for brunch is Violet Sea Salt. Most of my friends like writing “Violet Sea Salt” on food placement cards because it ups any dish and makes it “fancier.” Somehow its does.
Produce
The produce at Aldi is always better priced than other grocery stores. They do carry a lot of organic fruits and vegetables. Their prices don’t break the bank.
Gluten-Free
Aldi has a TON of Gluten-free food. From breads to desserts to frozen foods to chips. They have so many options of foods that are Gluten Free. The Gluten-Free pretzels are really good and addicting. The best thing is that the Gluten-Free items do not break the bank.
German Food
Being a German grocery store chain, they carry a lot of great German items. The chocolate is a huge favorite in my house. All are so rich in milk chocolate. You will leave with chocolate in your cart. The frozen large German pretzels are delicious and instantly make you miss Oktoberfest. One thing that is also rare is the delicious inexpensive German Wines. Some I feel like I only had when I was in Germany and now happily find in the grocery store at Aldi.
The list could go on and on!
My advice is to give Aldi a try. There is something for everyone at Aldi. If you see me opening day, feel free to peek in my cart and grab some of the same items!
Love Aldi! You should also warn about their procedures to keep prices low (quarter for cart, bag own groceries, debit only, etc)
You’re only renting the cart. I have a friend who wouldn’t go for years because they charged for the cart. I love it. My Geo convertible was a shopping cart magnet. Lots of dingies from stupid people too lazy to corral their cart. On a regular basis I see people handing off their carts and waving away the proffered quarter. People behind you helping to unload your cart. I love this place.
Is this here yet? We have a bach party and would like to shop there instead of Walmart or something
Not yet!
I can’t find it either, I’m thinking they scratched it???
June 2nd is the Grand Opening for the Slidell location!
For the Slidell location, June 2nd is the Grand Opening!
I have been waiting for Aldi to come to New Orleans area am happy it made it way here. Thank you
Any updates?
Google maps says this location is permanently closed.
June 2nd is the grand opening in Slidell 😉