People who smoke tend to purchase cigarettes and tobacco products at select retailers such as gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and grocery chains like Wal-Mart and County Market.

Does Aldi Sell Cigarettes?

Unfortunately, Aldi does not sell cigarettes in its locations. Cigarettes used to be very popular until 2000 where almost all grocery stores sold them. However, in today’s day and age, smoking cessation has been encouraged through various marketing strategies and companies like Aldi have stopped selling cigarettes.

This includes raising the tobacco purchasing age to 21 years old, and individuals must provide valid photo ID prior to their purchase. Some companies have chosen to pull tobacco products from their shelves, and several have never provided tobacco products in their stores, such as ALDI.

Why Doesn’t ALDI Sell Cigarettes?

ALDI was founded in 1946 in Essex, Germany by Karl Albrecht and his brother Theo, the name standing for Albrecht Discount. Their mission was to sell goods at the lowest prices and negotiate deals with buyers to purchase items in bulk.

In the 1960s, the brothers fell out over a disagreement on whether or not to sell cigarettes.  As a result, the brothers split in two, with Theo operating stores in northern Germany and Karl in the south. Karl chose not to sell cigarettes in the southern German chains, and this policy was adapted to include the expansion of ALDI into the US.

Did ALDI Sell Cigarettes Before?

ALDI has never sold cigarettes in their stores. This is due largely in part to how Karl Albrecht thought the brand would be received, and as he greatly opposed cigarettes.

Theo Albrecht however, chose to sell cigarettes in the stores located in Northern Germany, for a short time. In 1979, Theo created Trader Joe’s. While he originally was not opposed to cigarettes, he chose not to sell tobacco products in any Trader Joe’s stores.

Does ALDI Sell Smoking Accessories?

ALDI does not sell any smoking accessories in 2021, nor have they in the past. This includes rolling machines, rolling papers, lighters, loose-leaf tobacco, pipes, and ashtrays.

This decision was made in part by the declining sale of tobacco products and the health risks it poses to customers.

Does ALDI Sell Cigars?

ALDI does not sell cigars in any of their stores in 2021. This includes any cigar-related products such as rolling papers, trays, clips, or lighters.

ALDI does not sell and does not intend to sell any cigar products as of 2021. The best place to purchase cigars or cigar-related products is a convenience store or smoke shop.

Does ALDI Sell E-Cigarettes?

E-Cigarettes have become exceptionally popular in 2021, primarily with young teenagers. Due to this concern, under Federal law, no one under the age of 21 can purchase any tobacco product or electronic vaping device.

ALDI has chosen not to sell tobacco products in any of its stores as of 2021. This includes electronic cigarettes, vapes, refill pods, chargers, and smokeless tobacco.

Are There Any Cigarette Alternatives at ALDI?

In 2021, ALDI does not sell, nor do they intend to sell any cigarette alternatives. This includes smokeless tobacco products, vapes, electronic cigarettes, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, or any smoking cessation products.

However, ALDI does sell alcohol products at over 1400 of their 2,000+ stores. Customers must be over the age of 21 and provide a valid photo ID before purchasing. Their most popular wine, Winking Owl, sells for $2.95 per bottle, featuring flavors such as Moscato, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. 

ALDI also sells a variety of domestic and imported beers in select stores. To find an ALDI that sells alcohol near you, use this store locator.

Does ALDI Sell Cigarettes Online?

As of 2021, ALDI does not sell cigarettes online, nor any tobacco-related products, electronic cigarettes, cigars, or smoking cessation products.

ALDI’s choice to not sell cigarettes or tobacco products is their prioritization of the customer’s health over profit. Karl Albrecht was concerned about how his brand would be perceived and wanted consumers to feel like they were making the healthy choice by shopping at ALDI.

Many people frown at the idea of cigarettes due to the harmful nature of the product. From a business perspective, the margin of cigarette sales is low, and regulations to sell tobacco products can be an unnecessary hassle.

ALDI does offer liquor purchases online via Instacart store pickup however, it is only available at participating locations. Purchasers must be over the age of 21, and provide a photo ID at pickup.