Aldi vs. Target: Which Store Has Better Deals on Summer Entertaining Essentials?
You can save good money this summer by comparison shopping.
Whether a backyard barbecue, a pool party or you’re entertaining impromptu guests this summer, both Aldi and Target are popular spots to get what you need. However, if you’re trying to dial in your budget and save as much as you can, it can pay off to comparison shop.
Find out which store has the better deal on these summer entertaining essentials.
Frozen Tropical Fruit: Aldi
Best Price: $6.89
A bag of frozen tropical fruit is great for summer entertaining. Make a tropical fruit pitcher with frozen tropical fruit, pineapple juice, lemonade, sparkling water (or citrus soda) and lime slices.
Between Aldi and Target, Aldi has the better deal. It sells a 32-ounce bag of Season’s Choice Tropical Blend Frozen Fruit for $6.89, which is about 20 cents per ounce. The bag includes pineapple, mango, strawberry and papaya. The same-size bag of tropical frozen fruit at Target is $9.19 or about 29 cents per ounce and contains pineapple, mango and strawberry only.
Canned Mocktails: Aldi
Best Price: $4.49
A zero-proof alternative for the traditional cocktail this summer is the mocktail. Aldi’s bestselling mocktail is Summit Pina Colada. It comes in a four-pack of 12-ounce cans for $4.49. Other mocktail flavor options include Mai Tai and Passion Fruit Punch.
Target also sells mocktails, but for a much higher price. A four-pack of 12-ounce cans of Mingle Mocktails Cosmo is $13.99 — over double the price of the Aldi item.
Round Packable Serving Set: Aldi
Best Price: $7.99
If you’re into the snackle box trend, get ready to pack your favorite finger foods for your next beach day or pool party. This Crofton Blue Round Snackle Box is just $7.99, and includes a round dip cup that nestles in the middle: something Target's version lacks.
While we've seen the Target Sun Squad Small Packable Round Serving Set's five compartments priced as low as $7.49, its regular price is $10, making it less of a steal at regular price.
Meat, Cheese and Crackers Deli Tray: Aldi
Best Price: $11.99
A ready-to-go deli tray is the perfect solution when you don’t have the time or ingredients to build a charcuterie board this summer. Aldi’s 28-ounce Park St. Deli Salami and Pepperoni Party Platter is packed with beef salami, pepperoni, golden crispy crackers and mild cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses for about $12.
Target has a similar 28-ounce Hormel Gatherings meat, cheese and crackers party tray for $16.99, a full $5 more. The savings are significant at Aldi.
Blue Bell Ice Cream Cups: Target
Best Price: $9.19
One of the quintessential treats of summer is ice cream. Target has a 12-pack of Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate and Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Cups for $8.59, which is less than $1 per cup. Aldi has the same 12-count pack of Blue Bell Ice Cream Cups, but it’s slightly more at $9.55.
‘Hello Sunshine’ Summer Coir Mat: Aldi
Best Price: $6.99
Greet your guests this summer with a seasonal-themed welcome mat. Aldi’s Kirkton House “Hello Sunshine” Coir Mat is only $6.99. This is a tremendous savings compared to Target’s “Hello Sunshine” Coir Mat, currently on sale for $6 at $23.99: more than three times as expensive. You could fit nearly the entire cost of Aldi's version into just the amount Target reduced its own from $29.99.
The Clear Winner: Aldi
For the majority of items compared here — from frozen fruit to deli trays to seasonal welcome mats — Aldi has the better price when compared to Target. But these are just a handful of examples. Before buying any summer entertaining essentials this season, comparison shop between a couple of stores to determine which one has the better deal.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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