AI reviews summary
The overall sentiment for ALDI is increasingly negative, with a significant number of long-term customers reporting a decline in both product quality and service standards. While some users still value the competitive pricing and specific "Special Buys," there is a widespread perception that the price gap between ALDI and major competitors is narrowing. Recurring themes include frustrations with staffing levels, aggressive bag-checking policies, and "Special Buys" that are either out of stock immediately or prone to mechanical failure.
Pros
- Value on Specific Staples: Several users continue to praise the price and quality of specific items such as blue vein cheese, specific pasta ranges (Armando), and certain household cleaning products.
- Special Buy Bargains: When available and functional, "Special Buy" items like retro fans and rotary tools are highlighted for providing high-end features at a fraction of the cost of name brands.
- Efficient Self-Checkout: In stores where they are properly maintained, the new self-checkout machines are noted by some as a fast and efficient way to complete a shop.
- No-Frills Environment: Some customers appreciate the quiet shopping experience, noting the lack of "annoying store music" and the consistent store layouts.
Cons
- Declining Fresh Produce & Meat: There are frequent reports of meat (specifically steak and mince) being tough, gristly, or "off" before the expiry date, alongside fruit and vegetables arriving mouldy or rotting within days.
- Aggressive Bag-Check Policies: A major recurring complaint involves staff demanding to search personal handbags and backpacks, with many customers describing the interactions as "demeaning," "discriminatory," or "hostile."
- Poor Staffing & Long Queues: Users frequently report stores operating with only one manned register open and self-checkouts closed, leading to significant delays and "stressed" or "rude" staff interactions.
- Difficult Returns & Support: Customers highlight a "diabolical" lack of phone support, with many struggling to resolve warranty claims or obtain refunds without a receipt, often being directed to unresponsive online web forms.
Verdict
ALDI remains a viable option for budget-conscious shoppers focused on dry goods and specific dairy items, but the brand’s reputation for "Special Buy" reliability and fresh produce quality is currently under heavy scrutiny. Potential shoppers should be prepared for inconsistent service standards and are advised to keep all receipts, as resolving product failures or overcharges through their digital-only support channels is reportedly difficult.
On 31 July, at around 10:00 am, I attended the ALDI Auburn store to request a warranty assessment for a milk frother that stopped working after approximately five months. The appliance had only been used a few times. I brought the original receipt with me. The store's relieving shift manager, "XXXX", advised me that the milk frother was not… Read more
covered under warranty and that he could not assist me. I explained that, according to ALDI's warranty policy and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Australian Consumer Law), the product should still be covered if it has failed within a reasonable period.
[Name Removed] responded by saying, "I'm not going to do that. Go wherever you want." Several customers in the store told him that he was mistaken. Some of them searched the ALDI website on their phones and showed him ALDI's warranty policy for the milk frother. Despite this, he insisted that the policy did not apply to the model I had purchased. He repeatedly stated that he was the manager and that what he said was final.
I then asked him to contact or speak with his manager to confirm the warranty policy, but he refused. His behaviour was dismissive, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the level of customer service I would expect from ALDI.
I would like ALDI to investigate this matter thoroughly, including reviewing the store's CCTV footage from around 10:00 am on 31 July. The footage will confirm what occurred and the discussions that took place between myself, [Name Removed], and the other customers who witnessed the incident and attempted to assist by showing him ALDI's own warranty policy. I also request that my warranty claim be assessed in accordance with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Australian Consumer Law) and ALDI's warranty policy.
I am also seeking legal advice regarding the way I was treated. I believe I was unnecessarily delayed in the store for an extended period and publicly humiliated while the relieving manager attempted to demonstrate that his decision was final and above challenge. I found his conduct disrespectful, intimidating, and completely unacceptable.
1 Star Very disappointing customer service at ALDI Merrylands. The staff treated me with no respect. While I was at the checkout, a staff member reached into my shopping trolley and started scanning items without asking or even letting me know what they were doing. I found this intrusive and unnecessary. When I politely said, “Excuse me, you… Read more
need to ask my permission before putting your hand in my trolley,” the staff member replied rudely, saying, “I’m doing my job.” There was no apology or attempt to communicate respectfully.
I then asked to speak with a supervisor, but the situation was not handled professionally, and I left feeling dismissed.
I’ve shopped at other ALDI stores, including on Sydney’s North Shore, and have never been treated this way. The difference in customer service is obvious.
The Merrylands store seriously needs better customer service training. Customers deserve to be treated with courtesy and respect.
The ALDI advertisement on TV with the young woman and the old man on the floor with his face right up close to hers is soooo creepy. How they don’t understand this ad is so inappropriate is unbelievable!!!
Reviews with attachments
Aldi for me, is NO LONGER the go to place for groceries. My own personal experience is that their mince has been very suspect for a long time - from mince that goes white when it's going from cold to hot in the pan, and other suspect cuts that reek of bottom dollar quality that is rated as "good fresh meat" - when it isn't. This video covers all… Read more
the bases across the retailers, and most notably in terms of deceptive practices, with a lot of extra added water to the mince and Aldi's own fictitious in house "standards" - well Aldi leads the pack again.
Aldi sells apples that NEVER rot and are so toxic that even black mould will never grow on a half eaten one - ever.
Their meats have been as dodgy as, for a long time too.
I am tired and no longer willing to buy from a supplier that engages in deceptive practices....
You know - "Hurry to Aldi - On special Saturday" - and they only get in one tumble dryer per store...
I am sticking to the LOCAL BUTCHER - he sells real meat.
- +2
PUBLIC SAFETY WARNING: Dangerous Appliance and Unacceptable Sub-Standard product by ALDI: I am posting this to warn families and the community about an incredibly dangerous appliance and the unacceptable low-grade standards maintained by ALDI Australia. In August 2024, our Stirling 80L Electric Oven (Model 708188) spontaneously exploded. The… Read more
glass door blasted outward while the unit was not even in use. This was a brand-new appliance, professionally installed by a builder’s technician in a new home. Most shockingly, the oven had never been used—the original factory tags were still attached when it shattered, sending lethal glass shards across our kitchen.
This is not just a faulty product; it is a dangerous appliance that is unsafe to society and families. A product that explodes without provocation is a severe threat to any household with children or pets.
Furthermore, ALDI's response to this Major Failure has been appalling. Despite the unit being well within its 36-month warranty, ALDI has demonstrated a complete lack of accountability. After two years of delays, they have refused to cover the $249 professional installation and removal fee required to safely replace their defective hardware. Their offer of a $199 refund and a $100 gift card does not even cover the basic cost of a plumber, effectively asking me to pay out of my own pocket for their product's life-threatening failure.
ALDI’s willingness to sell such low-grade, hazardous equipment and then hide behind inadequate "store credit" offers is a disgrace to Australian consumer standards. Do not trust your family’s safety with ALDI’s kitchen appliances.
ALDI’s attempt to avoid all future liability for a dangerous, exploding appliance by offering a measly $100 gift card is unconscionable; it is a dismissive insult to consumer safety and the Australian Consumer Law that fails to cover even the interest on your two-year delay, let alone the actual cost of a safe installation.
I'm planning to officially reported this safety breach to EnergySafe Victoria and the ACCC as this is the matter of safety to the community
- +1
I always buy the International cuisine beef lasagna for my family as a cheap dinner night option. Safe to say NEVER AGAIN!!!! Thoroughly disgusted, No white sauce or cheese next no mince in it and when I pulled it out of the microwave is was like runny liquid swooshing around on on three layer of pasta sheets. Not to mention had a off odour to it. I am getting sick of these businesses cutting corners!!! Putting people at risk!!! Show details
Congratulations Aldi. I bought your retro desk fan this week. The fan works well and I congratulate you for having 100% recyclable packaging. No plastic or styrofoam in sight. Show details
Contaminated farmdale milk products should take off the shelves – farmdale lactose free milk, contaminated, I'm disgusting and sick with my recent experience, see video attached, i purchased from North Sydney ALDI. I would like to see farmdale milk products removed immediately from ALDI stores, please rely to my email: whyou728@hotmail.com Explaining how this milk products manufactured. Regards Irena
Poor quality of groceries at Aldi seem to be the norm these days. We bought a Westcare light block of cheese on 10/7/26 last Friday and the first thing we see as we cut open the package is a bit of mould on the top. Yesterday a week later on 24/7/26 we bought a bag of mandarins and a bag of grapes. Of the 13 mandarins 7 were really squashy and… Read more
half the bag of grapes were white and ready to go bad. I do not know whether its certain Aldi stores are slipping in their product quality or is this the norm these days. Prices are creeping up and quality is sliding down. Have noticed the Hillcrest muesli bars are shrinking in size by the week too. Is there nobody watching the big supermarkets these days?
The croissants that come with sausage, egg, and cheese croissant breakfast sandwiches are no longer edible. They are like eating shoe leather. It is even hard to pull them apart with your hands let alone take a bite from it.
Aldi store have products that are very enjoyable 1-Being goat cream cheese 2-Being bread and butter pickle my daughter loves Aldi and introduced me to their products WOW love them. I can’t wait to our next shopping and for a gift I’m getting her an Aldi gift card of $50 that’s how pleased I am. I have been a longtime shopper of Woolies a big change for me.
I recently purchased the Lacura LASH EXTRA mascara. It sets like glue and is impossible to remove. Eyelashes become clumped with mascara that does not wash off. If any gets on your skin when applying it is also very hard to remove. I have also noticed a considerable thinning of my lashes after using for only 3 days. This is a terrible product. Show details
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I purchased the Aldi premium range Angus Beef sausages the other day and last night pan cooked them inside as it was a bit chilly for a BBQ. The 6 sausages were plump and looked delicious. However, after cooking they reduced in size by roughly 30/40% and I was left with this incredible amount of fat in the pan as shown in the attached photo. Is… Read more
this normal/acceptable?
I know sausages are not that healthy but didn't know the fat content was so high. Apart from losing 30/40% of the product to fat, I shudder to think how much leftover fat I had consumed.
- +3
Purchased what we thought was a 6pack of Elmsbury classic meat pies from aldi after buying from them before and they tasted like beef pies but these ones seem to be only 25% beef not 100% meat like the other ones were they need to state on the packet in bold letters they aren't 100% meat pies not in fine print so you need a magnifying glass to read Show details
This was the worst steak. It was gristly and fatty.
- +1
Alidi "Women performance Crane pant" are not quality! After 3 washes I have so many pillings & fluff on the pant & I cannot wear it, it is awful material. I am disappointed. Show details
- +4
Plat a pop rainbow purchased from aldi rutherford, my daughter was eating and choked on a small piece of metal. Purchased 26th june 2026. Show details
I brought eye fillet steak from Aldi Alfredton Here in Ballarat Victoria. I have done the same purchase several times before. Unfortunately this time, the eye fillet was not eatable, it was so so tough, I had to spit out . So the stir fry failed.. then I thought I would try cutting it up for a beef stew, simmered for over 2 hours, just as tough as… Read more
the stir fry . Not sure what happened to this hunk of meat , even the dogs had trouble chewing through it. Very disappointing experience, lots of wasting time. Ok purchased on Sunday 21st of June 2026 Alex Hille Ballarat Victoria
Latest follow-ups
Why would you shop here and line the pockets of 2 of the world's richest men? Profits go overseas!! Fake advertising comparing their own generic products against known brands rather than Woolworths or Coles generics.??
Follow-up · If you are an Australian with superannuation your fund invests in Aussie companies eg ,BHP COLES WOOLIES etc.. Why would you support a German company that's no on the ASX??
Appreciation post ♥️ – Appreciation post ♥️ As a new mommy being so excited and nervous simultaneously I was too worried as at night local other brand nappy was remaining wet at night when I changed size in same brand I was badly worried then I gave a try to Aldi nappy.… Read more
Quality is so so good my baby sleeps happy at night no wetty pamper in morning. Best product. From a New mommy THANKYOU ALDI.
Follow-up · The nappy is perfect. It never leaked. It’s a great product for baby. I appreciate such quality ❤️✨✨✨
Aldi No parts back up on Goods sold – Be Careful with Aldi as they sell goods and after sales support does not exist. This case a ALDI Casalife 3-in-1 Bathroom Heater, Exhaust Fan and Light BH02D The light bulb failed after 9 months. Here is what happened. Please people dont buy this… Read more
3-in-1 Bathroom Heater, Exhaust Fan and Light as Aldi will not provide any spare parts for any failure out of warranty. I would honestly avoid anything made by Casalife. [ Might be named Casalite on other goods sold.]
This unit appeared to do a reasonable job of getting rid of moisture. But noisier than expected. Led Light could of been a bit brighter.
Had this Aldi Ceiling Fan Light installed and after about 12 months the LED Bulb failed which had been flickering for a little while. So I rung the Casalife [ Manufacturer] helpline number thinking that would be a simple matter getting a new LED Lamp.
When I rung up I got told to give name address and phone number which I did and they said they would get back to me shortly. A few days passed so I rung again and went through the same procedure and never got a call back as promised.
So I noted I had a email address so emailed them and still no reply after 2 weeks.
As a last resort I went back to Aldi quoting model number etc. Got told by staff that they have no access to any Supplier details and they just sell whats provided to them. And said to me cant you go to Bunnings and buy a bulb?. I said no as they dont stock that bulb.
Not good enough Aldi making / supply your goods and failing to provide any parts back up service.
I understood there was some Consumer law that products had to be of acceptable quality and parts would be available.
But must of been mistaken.
Purchased in Mar 2023 at ALDI for $59.99.
Follow-up · 1.The Electrician said it was a average job to install. A bit messy as ceiling had to be cut to correct dimensions. Then wired up as required with extra wiring for heat and fan operation. 2. Heater function was reasonable for the 2 heat lamps fitted. 3. Fan a little on the nosier side. 4. Lets not forget the LED light failure and spare lamp… Read more
Find out how ALDI compares to other Supermarkets
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Positive reviews
I am constantly being asked what I use on my face ... they don't believe my age. They think I am years younger They find it hard to believe its from Aldi Lacura range... as a pensioner i can't afford the very expensive skin care Aldi range is affordable ... and works for me.. Show details
Treated like an id*ot by a self opinioned self righteous customer service person in the self serve isle. Morley western Australia 1300hrs 30 April. Disgusting attitude to customers. Will go back Mount Lawley. Morley was a great store. Show details
Follow-up · Aldi responded very quickly to my concern. I have been to the store several times since and received the excellent service that I have been used to.
Love ALDI, I always love going in and looking at the special buys to see new interesting things, and ive always got stuff from there and its been great, I got a whipper snipper from there and its excellent, also I usually buy my meat there and it tastes awesome, its pretty lean, which compared to coles and woolworths has more fat than meat, Ive… Read more
always loved ALDI in general and I never walk out empty handed from there, I dont understand why people hate on it so much whenever they once get a product that doesnt fit them and is not designed for what they want. All of my ALDI products have always been in excellent quality, I once had to return something because I got the wrong product and they were excellent with the return, like they are in general, and pricing is the best there at ALDI.
Negative reviews
Terrible customer service at the Narre Warren store. Only ever one checkout line open, almost no staff to be seen, the few staff there are rude, surly, and disrespectful. Makes for a truly unpleasant customer service. Horrible. Will be taking my business elsewhere. Show details
This is not a complaint about a specific store or product but a general whinge about how Aldi stocks items. The insistence of packing 3 different products in one box is infuriating and ongoing. I have complained about this years ago to Aldi and stopped going for years as a result. I have started shopping there again, only to find the same policy… Read more
remains! This means that I still have to go somewhere else. Why would anyone adopt such a st^pid marketing strategy, forcing customers to go somewhere else for everyday items because that the popular one of the 3 items is always gone. Looks like I will have to go back to the other supermarkets. I tried to make this complaint on the Aldi site but there is literally no category in which this is suited. Looks like I'll be abandoning Aldi once again.
Extremely bad customer service at Mayfield Aldi store checkout. Rude employee at the counter saying I was too slow packing into my trolley at the checkout. Employee was going very fast almost throwing items to get them in the trolley quicker. After she pulled me up for it I pushed back as to how she spoke to me. Never been so humiliated in my… Read more
life. Spoke with store manager who said they had a timeline to meet hence the fast checkout experience. She was no help APPALLING SERVICE!
Recent reviews
One lane policy at Katoomba, closing off newly installed self service, defies comprehension. Given the now less apparent product price savings, it’s back to the competitors, where I don’t have to wait in a long queue to purchase a few products. Show details
I’ve reported an abandoned ALDI trolley to the ALDI online reporting service and consumer feedback service multiple times and they still haven’t picked it up. Very frustrating. I wonder why they bother to invite people to report abandoned trolleys if they’re not going to pick them up when they do.
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