5 Reasons Why Trader Joe’s is Better Than Aldi

EDITOR’S NOTE: Like all posts on Aldi Reviewer, this piece is the opinion of its respective authors. Also like all posts, comments are welcome, although we ask users to be mindful of our Community Guidelines.

A while back, I profiled five reasons why I think Aldi is better than Trader Joe’s. As the two stores are distant cousins, I think it’s a fun exercise to put the two head-to-head in a spirited family debate. Truth be told, Aldi definitely has some big advantages over TJ’s, especially given that Aldi stores are far more common in the United States.

Still, Trader Joe’s is no slouch, and because it operates independently of Aldi Nord, it has a flavor all of its own. That gives it great appeal for those who shop there.

With that as background, here are five reasons why Trader Joe’s is a better store than Aldi.

1. A superior checkout experience

Aldi does good on checkout, especially where speed is involved. Trader Joe’s, though, is a true triple threat: speed, convenience, and personability.

The first thing you know when you get into a TJ’s line is that you’re not going to wait very long. Maybe it’s not quite as ridiculous as Aldi, but it’s still plenty fast. If Aldi is Formula 1, Trader Joe’s is NASCAR. Not blazing, but not inconvenient, either.

The second thing is that TJ’s gives you a more helpful experience. Not only do you not have to bag your own groceries, but Trader Joe’s bags are amazing. It’s no secret that we often re-use Trader Joe’s bags because they’re so good. TJ’s will even frequently double-bag when needed.

And then there is the worker-customer relationship. Trader Joe’s crew members — the company’s name for workers — are the nicest, friendliest, most personable workers I’ve ever met at any grocery store. They’ll ask you how you’re doing and what you’re up to and mean it. They’ll tastefully share personal stories while effortlessly bagging your stuff. If you’re a regular customer, they’ll form relationship with you. And if you tell them it’s your birthday, or you’re having a bad day, don’t be surprised if they give you a gift.

2. Some sections are better than Aldi

Aldi has an efficient, well-rounded inventory. It has most of what you need. Trader Joe’s largely does, too, and it has the added advantage of some sections that are just better than Aldi.

Take personal hygiene. Aldi’s hygiene section has long been a sore subject for us, thanks to a mediocre selection of private labels, overpriced national brands, and a few odd omissions (i.e. dental floss). Trader Joe’s has a better selection here, including solid private label shampoo and conditioner, a nice 3-in-1 product, and a selection of dental care offerings.

That’s not all. Trader Joe’s also has a much better wine selection, both in terms of quality and quantity. Trader Joe’s also wins out on fresh-made foods, like wraps, sandwiches, and handmade burritos. And while Aldi does pretty good on organic selections, TJ’s has more, especially in the produce section.

3. Food quality

Trader Joe’s was ranked as the #2 grocer for quality in 2022, trailing only Wegman’s. Aldi wasn’t even in the top 25%. As much as we like Aldi groceries, and as much as we think Aldi has improved over the years, Trader Joe’s is in an elite category when it comes to their food quality.

Why? It’s a few things. Simple ingredients in many of its products. A wide variety of food types. And quality sourcing. It doesn’t get much better than that.

But here’s the real kicker: Trader Joe’s accomplishes this while keeping prices competitive. Is TJ’s as cheap as Aldi? Rarely. Is TJ’s cheaper than most other stores? We’ve reviewed a lot of Trader Joe’s products and we are consistently surprised with how fair the grocer’s prices are, even compared to other store private label brands. And TJ’s is nearly always cheaper than national brands.

4. New horizons

Aldi is a bread-and-butter store, stocking the staples along with some extras. Trader Joe’s also stocks the staples, but the grocer sprinkles in some really exotic stuff, too.

Is that exotic stuff a little weird? Sometimes, yes. But other times Trader Joe’s has let me take some culinary risks that have paid off. I like the fact that the grocer mixes it up while largely holding to its quality products.

5. The bottom line

Trader Joe’s is the most profitable store per square foot in the grocery industry. The company is a smashing success despite having relatively few stores, a small advertising budget, little in the way of an online presence, and small stores … to say nothing of TJ’s surprisingly competitive prices. That’s a testament to how well TJ’s understands its customers. As much as we talk about how Aldi has a cult following, Trader Joe’s really has a cult following.

And it pays off handsomely for the store.