[poundwise]

The problem with Aldi is selection. Most of the Aldi stores I have been to are smaller. The produce is typically cheap, but not good quality (the same can be said of Wal-Mart) and the meats, also cheap, are quite poor. Then there's the fact that just based on size of store, they don't have many choices when it comes to individual items. To me, Aldi seems to be a good way to pick up a few items at a great, low price but that's about it. I think most people who shop Aldi also shop another grocer.

That being the case, I don't think any other grocer compares overall, price-wise, to Wal-Mart.

I would still suggest that meats can be had for less and/or better quality at your local grocer's when they are on sale. Some meat is on sale every week at each grocer.

Produce, especially fruit, is something I am picky about. Some things, like oranges and bananas are fine at Wal-Mart. But other things, like grapes, or different varieties of fruit (the not-as-common types of apples for instance) can be had, though at greater cost, in much greater quality at my local Lowe's Foods. At the greater cost is sometimes negated by a sale as well.

One thing I think most all of us agree on, it is probably best to shop more than one location.

I, personally, buy majority of items on the shelves at Wal-Mart. I also get most of my dairy there.

I like to get meat on sale so I shop one of two local major grocers.

Produce, varies. Sometimes I get it at Wal-Mart. If the selection isn't good, I pick up produce elsewhere when I get meat.

I hate the idea of running around to lots of places to save a few bucks, so I keep it simple as possible. In a nutshell, Wal-Mart Supercenter for most things, meat (mainly, on sale) and possibly produce (at least some) at Lowe's Foods. (Since I go there anyway for this reason, I will also pick up any BOGO special(s), etc. that appeals to us.)

At some point, when we out of debt or nearly so, we will return to eating more organic and natural foods and then, frankly, we will buy paper products and cleaning supplies, etc. through Wal-Mart and groceries through Whole Foods, or similar. Of course, when you choose to do this, the grocery budget has to be adjusted upward quite a bit.