The Ultimate Aldi & Rewe Guide: How to Get the Most Out of Your Budget

Grocery prices have risen noticeably in recent years. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, food prices are around 30% above 2020 levels. Whether you prefer Aldi or appreciate Rewe's wider selection, smart shoppers save €80–€150 per month.

Here are 15 insider tips for consistently saving money at Aldi and Rewe without cutting quality or variety.

Aldi: timing is everything

Aldi is known for low base prices, but there's hidden savings potential here too.

1. The red sticker hunt

Saturday evenings or shortly before closing on weekdays are the best time for fresh products. Items approaching their expiration date are often marked down 30–50%. The meat and cheese counters are particularly lucrative.

2. Use weekly specials wisely

The weekly non-food deals are popular, but there are often XXL packs or branded products on sale in the food section. Check the weekly flyer or the Flyva App.

3. Store brands vs. name brands

Aldi's store brands are often produced by well-known manufacturers. Germany's Stiftung Warentest has repeatedly shown store brands match or beat name brands in blind tests. You pay a fraction of the price for the same quality.

4. Know the Aldi range

Aldi carries only 1,800–2,000 SKUs (compared to 12,000+ at Rewe). That means: base your weekly needs on Aldi's core range and save automatically. Pick up the missing specialty ingredients at Rewe or a specialty shop.

5. Wednesdays and Saturdays are worth noting

Wednesdays bring the "Süd" special promotions; Saturdays see many products marked down for the weekend. Timing your shop to these days gives a bigger discount selection.

Rewe: stack the deals

Rewe is on average more expensive than a discounter but offers huge potential for bargain hunters.

6. The new REWE Bonus program

Since late 2024, Rewe has replaced Payback with "REWE Bonus", integrated directly into the Rewe app. Instead of points, you earn instant euro/cent discounts on selected products. Activation is free. Details in the official Rewe Bonus section.

7. "Ja!" products

The "Ja!" store brand is often priced exactly at discount-store level. If you stick with Ja! for pasta, rice, flour, and oil, a Rewe shop costs barely more than Aldi. Higher-tier products come under "Rewe Beste Wahl" and "Rewe Bio".

8. Check app coupons

On top of the new Bonus program, the Rewe app continues to offer weekly exclusive discounts you scan at checkout. Free items are often included.

9. Rewe delivery vs. store prices

The Rewe delivery service sometimes has different prices than the physical store. Some deals are delivery-exclusive, others are pricier online. If you use both, compare before ordering.

10. Counter markdowns

The Rewe deli and meat counters often discount in the evening, similar to Aldi. Staff are usually happy to tell you what's close to expiry if you ask.

The perfect mix: Aldi + Rewe

The real pro tip: combine both.

11. Basics at the discounter, specialty at Rewe

Buy pasta, rice, canned goods, and standard produce cheaply at Aldi. For specialty ingredients, fresh meat from the counter, or app-only deals, go to Rewe. That blends the price advantage with the variety.

12. Match recipes to the mix

A weekly plan that uses both stores saves measurably more. Our recipes based on sales guide covers the method.

13. Payback alternative at Aldi

Aldi Süd accepts Payback (since 2019). Payback points can be redeemed at Aldi and elsewhere. Daily use adds roughly 0.5–1% of purchase value.

14. Use grocery apps

Beyond Flyva, apps like Too Good To Go rescue food close to expiry, and Kaufda aggregates flyers. Each tool targets one savings lever.

15. Systematic beats spontaneous

The biggest lever isn't a single trick, it's the system. Weekly deal-based planning automatically saves 20–30%. The method: weekly meal plan from supermarket deals.

What does this mean per month?

A two-person household in Germany spends, according to Destatis, €420–€480 per month on groceries on average. The tips above save 20–30% — €85 to €145 per month, or €1,000 to €1,700 per year.

That's either a vacation or two months of extra salary, depending on perspective.

And don't forget: the Flyva shortcut

Before you head out, let Flyva show you the best deals for your meal plan this week. You buy only what you need — at the best price available.

Flyva automates exactly what this guide describes: Aldi offers, Rewe offers, matching recipes, shopping list. You don't have to scan flyers yourself. Try it.

Bottom line

Saving at Aldi and Rewe isn't luck, it's routine. These 15 tips work individually but unlock their full potential in combination. Timing, store brands, and app-based rebates deliver savings without sacrifice. The €1,000 to €1,700 per year isn't theory — it's the realistic outcome for a two-person household.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Is Aldi always cheaper than Rewe?

Not blanket. For basic groceries and store brands, Aldi is on average cheaper. For branded products and weekly specials, Rewe can undercut Aldi significantly. Comparing both saves the most overall.

When are fresh goods cheapest at Aldi?

Late afternoon and evening, especially on Saturdays: products nearing their best-before date get red sticker markdowns of 30–50%. That mostly affects meat, fish, dairy, and bakery items.

How does the new Rewe Bonus program work?

Rewe replaced Payback in late 2024. The new REWE Bonus system lives in the Rewe app. Instead of points, you get instant euro/cent discounts on selected products. Activation is free and discounts are redeemed by app scan at checkout.

Is it worth going to multiple supermarkets?

Depends on distance. If Aldi and Rewe are within a 5-minute walk, yes — 10 to 15 percent extra savings are realistic. If you'd have to drive separately, fuel costs eat the saving. Rule of thumb: max two stores per week.

Which store brands are particularly good?

At Aldi: 'Gut Bio', 'Simply V' (vegan), and house brands like Milsani (dairy). At Rewe: 'Ja!' for basics and 'Rewe Beste Wahl' for premium items regularly win German Stiftung Warentest reviews. Store brands are often produced in the same factories as name brands.