Jill Andersen of Minnetonka wanted about 25 Honeycrisp apples to give to out-of-town guests as part of an out-of-towner goodie bag for her wedding.
Economizing as most brides and grooms do, she asked where she could buy Honeycrisp apples for less.My first thought was Aldi, usually the low-price leader. But I doubted the German-based supermarket would have Honeycrisp. Because of its smaller selection, I figured Aldi's stock would be limited to Gala and a few others.
Wrong.
Aldi does carry Honeycrisp and even SweeTango seasonally. Its price for Honeycrisp apples are $3.49 for a 2-lb. bag ($1.74/lb.) or 49 cents each for a 2 3/4-inch apple (pictured). In late September, Aldi's price was 79 cents an apple.
When Andersen bought 24 apples at Aldi in late September, she paid about $19. At Cub, which had Honeycrisp apples so large that Andersen described them as "meal-sized," she would have spent about $80 for the same number albeit much larger apples.
Aldi's apples weren't as pretty as Cub's, but Andersen was happy with the quality and smaller size. For many of us, size doesn't matter, but apples are priced based on size and condition. The top grade apple is called "extra fancy," then fancy, #1 grade, and utility. Sizes can range from 1 1/2-inches and up.
In a price check of Aldi, Costco, Cub, Sam's Club, Target and Wal-Mart, Aldi's prices were the lowest. Other notable Honeycrisp prices were a 3-lb. bag on sale at Target this week for $4.99 ($1.66/lb). Wal-Mart sells a 2-lb. bag for $3.97 ($1.98/lb.)
Costco is the only retailer I checked to offer organic Honeycrisp apples ($15.99 for 5.5 lbs. at $2.90/lb.).
