Home » My favorite things to buy at Aldi

My favorite things to buy at Aldi

by Kristen

Disclaimer:  Nobody is paying me to write this.  I originally wrote this in 2017.  However, a few of the items I included in my original post are no longer available at ALDI.  Since we are now in a new decade, it was time for me to update this ole ALDI post. 

Let me tell you something. Six or seven years ago, you would not have found me in an Aldi store.  The quarter thing freaked me out, and I just assumed that Aldi carried generic brands that were not good.  I don’t know if Aldi has changed over the years, or if I didn’t see how many healthy items they carried.

However, now, if I have the time to go to a grocery store, I prefer to shop at Aldi.  ( if I don’t have time I am doing grocery puck-up)

  1. Their products taste the best.
  2. You can always find new and exciting products to try.
  3. You cannot beat Aldi’s prices.
  4. I am convinced the Aldi’s produce is the freshest.  You don’t see large displays of produce like at the big box stores, but I think it moves off the shelves faster.

Here are a few facts about Aldi:

  • Aldi has been around for a long time.  Aldi was founded in Germany in 1913 and has been in the U.S since 1976.
  • You will need a quarter to rent a cart while you are shopping.
  • You will need to either bring your bags to the store with you or purchase them at Aldi.
  • Aldi often has ” special buys.”  These are unique food items that are a lot of fun to try!
  • Aldi’s snacks contain no artificial colors or flavors!

Here is my list of favorite things to buy Aldi in 2020!

  1. Brownie Batter Hummus- I love bringing unique appetizers when we attend gatherings with friends.  One thing I like to put together is a fruit plate with this Aldi Brownie Batter Hummus.  It is delicious, and most people don’t believe that its hummus!

2. This gluten-free brownie mix is so. Very. Good.  I bought this gluten-free brownie mix a few years back because we have extended family who eats gluten-free.   This is now the only brownie mix that we ever buy!  It is so delicious! We make these brownies all the time, and people love them!

3. Berries!- Unlike other big-box grocery stores, when berries are in season, you can find them for a VERY REASONABLE price at Aldi.  During the summertime, you might see blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for just a dollar or two per container!  My family LOVES indulging in berries when Aldi has them!

4. Everything Bagel Seasoning – I used to pick up Everything bagel seasoning at Trader Joe’s when I would make trips up to Chicago.  I am super excited now that my local Aldi carries it too!  If you have not tried Everything bagel seasoning, you must!

You should try your Everything bagel seasoning on:

Everything Bagel Salad 

Everything Bagel Baked Salmon

5. Guacamole – Aldi has some delicious guacamole in their deli section.  The poblano pineapple guac is sooo good!  I also love these little guacamole cups.  This is the only single-serve guac I see anywhere for a reasonable price.  My husband loves packing these in his lunch.

6. These Amazing Animal Crackers- For someone who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, these animal crackers bring back some serious nostalgia.  These animal crackers taste exactly like the cookies McDonald’s used to have when I was a kid.  My kids love these animal crackers, and they make a delicious snack!

7. Salmon- I was so excited when my Aldi started carrying fresh salmon.  It is the best salmon that one can buy in my area.  I am NEVER disappointed with it, and the price is always low.   My kids love this salmon. I cannot recommend it enough!

8. Peanut Butter Cups- Whenever I used to go to Trader Joe’s when I was in Chicago, I would always pick up some of the amazing peanut butter cups.  Did you know that the peanut butter cups at Aldi are the same thing?  If you’re looking for a chocolate fix, then you need to pick up some of these peanut butter cups!

9. Another excellent item for your chocolate fix is these Dark chocolate coconut chocolate covered almonds!   They’re awesome! You just need these in your life. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

10. Frontera salsa- Frontera salsa has been a family favorite for years.  I was super excited when I started seeing it at Aldi.  We go through this salsa fast in our house.  It makes a great salad dressing, taco topping, or a condiment to have with a variety of meals.  This salsa has no sugar and is whole 30 approved.

11. Organic Marinara Sauce: This spaghetti sauce is simple and delicious.  It also has no sugar and is whole 30 approved!  We love this sauce and continuously keep it in the house!

12. Natural Peanut Butter- We go through 1-2 jars of this per week.  I love how it has lower sugar than most peanut butter.  My kids love it, and it is so inexpensive!

13. Jam– Aldi has the BEST tasting jam!  Again, Aldi’s jams contain no artificial colors or flavors. You’re getting delicious jam for a low price!  My kids love the raspberry, orange marmalade, and the strawberry jam the best!

14.  Naan- Naan flatbread from Aldi is so good!  I like keeping this around for a quick meal.  I want to top this with whatever leftover meat we have around for a quick dinner!  I also love making personal pizzas with my kids when I have Naan!

15. Steamed Frozen Broccoli–  Although prices do vary.  I just picked this frozen broccoli up at Aldi for 89 cents!  This is the most delicious frozen broccoli out there!  It’s all broccoli and not only pieces of stem. I highly recommend this fresh steam broccoli!

16. Jasmine Rice- I love rice and have tried many different brands.  I keep coming back to the Aldi Jasmine Rice. It is just the best!  I LOVE making sticky rice in my Instant Pot with this rice!

Be sure to try out my:

Coconut Water Sticky Rice

One-Pot Jambalaya 

Pineapple Ginger Sticky Rice

17. Salad kits- My general attitude towards salad kits is that they are a rip-off.  I mean come on, Salad and a few toppings for $4.00-$5.00?  The only place I will buy salad kids is at Aldi because they are such a great price!  I usually find Aldi’ Salad kits to cost between $2.00-$2.50.

18. Croissants- When we have out of town guests, I like to make a continental breakfast.  I will put out hard-boiled eggs, jams, fruit, and some sort of croissant or muffins for them.  These croissants always go over big.  Plus, my kids love having these for snacks!

19. Cheese– Aldi has incredible cheeses!  If you’re looking to put together a cheese tray, eat cheese and crackers or have some cheese with your wine, then you need to head to Aldi.   Aldi often carries cheese for certain holidays.  I am always impressed with it!  Plus, the crumbled goat cheese, bleu cheese, and parmesan cheese are great on salads!

I might be adding more items to this list as I discover them!  What is your favorite thing from Aldi?

 

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40 comments

Pam Sandusky March 18, 2021 - 6:47 pm

Can I find all these items all the time; or they seasonal?

 
Faye September 30, 2019 - 12:47 am

I love their oyster crackers. They’re seasonal too. $.79 . so stock up..also they’re. 1/2 &1/2 is $1.55 and ultra pasturized
.

 
Kristen hamilton June 19, 2018 - 9:31 pm

YES! SO greAT! I grew up with the aldi in cedar falls in the 90s and frequented it again when i moved bAck from st. Louis to go to uni a decade lAter!

 
Nikki June 29, 2017 - 2:13 pm

I buy a lot of those things at Aldi, too. I am in love with their produce section. It’s not only the cheapest produce in the area, but it’s the best, too! My husband and mom eat a lot of salad, I love fruit, and I have two guinea pigs that get fruits and veggies every night. I spend at least half as much on produce at Aldis than I do at the chain grocery stores in my area.

 
Kristen June 29, 2017 - 6:34 pm

Yes. I also love their produce section! They don’t always have everything, but I can usually meal plan around that 🙂

 
karen March 25, 2017 - 5:49 pm

Not only does Aldi’s have some excellent groceries but i also found a big heavy bottomed stainless steel stove top to oven casserole pan ther, made by Crofton. They have some great kitchen gadgets and cooking utensils too. a similar pan probably would have cost me $40 on up elsewhere. i paid around $18 for it at aldi. cooks evenly and easy to clean. their Coceur chocolates mostly come from germany, are some of the best chocolate i’ve had and come in multiple varieties. Yes Aldi’s is one of my favorite places to shop also.

 
Melissa March 5, 2017 - 1:39 am

I buy the bulk of my groceries at aldis! My best finds include the grass fed ground beef and the UNCURED bacon. I also always load up on the organic frozen berries for smoothies and the large container of organic spring MIX and / or spinach, Arugula, KALE, etc.

 
Kristen March 6, 2017 - 12:19 am

You’re right. frozen berries are delish!

 
Cheryl February 28, 2017 - 6:14 pm

I love Aldi Frozen Orange Juice! We tried it once and will only use this brand in frozen. Their orange juice in a box is also good. Their qtips. Why pay $4 fir a name right. Their dark chocolate is awesome. As a home baker love their butter, but the best sour cream is from aldi. It’s rich and bakes very well as does their cream cheese. Fresh produce qhen n in season is such a bargain and napkins, kleenex, paper towels. If you aren’t brand stuck you can save tons at aldi . Simple rule if I don’t like it, I just don’t buy it again!

 
JUDY February 22, 2017 - 5:56 pm

I am a foodie that loves Aldi’s specialty salad dressings. I haven’t bought salad dressing in 30 years but this is the only brand I buy.
I LOVE THE 3 CHEESE OR GARLIC THE BEST.

 
Kristen February 22, 2017 - 7:19 pm

Thanks Judy! I will have to check that out!!

 
Kristal December 4, 2017 - 1:16 am

Their Rapsberry VINAIGRETTE is amazing!

 
Sara February 18, 2017 - 4:36 am

I love thei oeanut butter from aldi also. Thr black bean tortill chips are delis.h. And the winking owl merlot is my fave!, also love the dark roast coffee. A d whole wheat wide pan bread. And thr bague and garlic naan.

 
Kristen February 18, 2017 - 11:54 pm

YES! the garlic naan is good! I need to add that to this list!

 
Danik February 17, 2017 - 11:29 pm

I can’t wait for the Safeway edition 🙂

 
Marsha February 17, 2017 - 7:30 pm

I love Shopping at alDis and im happy to find this pin. I have my favorite groceries to bUy especially their liquid coffee creamer. Thanks for all your suggestions.

 
Cathleen February 16, 2017 - 1:34 pm

THeir VErsion Of Raisin Bran is the Best!

 
Michelle gardner February 16, 2017 - 2:29 am

I shop Aldi too. The spices are great. The semi sweet morsels For chocolate Chip cookies are the best. Good food cheap

 
Dee February 13, 2017 - 10:41 pm

Adli has been my favorite for a few years now.
Their cerial is as good as the name brands. Ditto on the peanut butter. Love their veggies. The package of different color peppers can’t be beat for $1.99. Canned goods are great prices and the newer aldi’s have a bigger better fresh veggie aisle.

Thanks for updating your website. I have not tried the tropical fruit salad, but will this week.

 
Ruba February 13, 2017 - 9:58 pm

Aldi is our FAVOURITE store ,brushed potatoes and the iceberg lettuce is a wonder ,they sell the best carrots

 
Kristen February 13, 2017 - 10:02 pm

Yes! Their organic carrots especially!

 
Ruth February 13, 2017 - 8:10 pm

Enjoyed reading your favorites from Aldi’s. I drive past 3 other groceries for the pricing and the meat and vegetables are so much better.

 
Lynn February 12, 2017 - 12:22 am

We love Aldi’s. Holiday specials, can’t be beat. Must say I was sorry they quit carrying the sweet potato casserole, it was the family favorite, and it fit in one of my casserole dishes. lol their version of Velveeta in the box, rice, pastas, especially the noodles, can milk and all the sugars for baking, fresh broccoli, peppers, green onions, avocados, bananas, berries of all types, and lettuces. Almost all dairy products – butter, soft butter with olive oil, lactose free milk, sour cream, cottage cheese, grates cheese and block cheese. Then to ethnic foods, and specialties. Their balsamic vinegar is wonderful, Frozen whipped topping, and the best is the small icecreams, especially the java chip, none better! We love Aldi’s.

 
Kristen cook February 9, 2017 - 4:14 pm

Trader Joe’s is owned by the same German company as Aldi. in fact, you’ll often find the exact same products at aldi as you would find at trader joe’s, just in different packaging. there are so many things i choose to buy at aldi instead of the higher priced grocery chains: cereal, coffee creamer, snack foods, baking supplies, spices, fresh meats, and holiday items. one thing that i don’t find is a good value is their frozen vegetables – they switched over to almost all “steam fresh” veggies in smaller packages in the past year so i prefer to purchase those in larger bags at either gfs or costco.

ps: is there a reason the comment box will only let me type in all caps? Or is it something i’ve done? Sorry if it seems like i’m shouting!

 
Kristen February 9, 2017 - 7:02 pm

Thanks for that Kristen! yes. I get my frozen veggies at Walmart. I don’t know about the all caps thing. But looks normal on my end. Cheers 🙂

 
KatHleen February 17, 2017 - 1:08 pm

I have seen Trader Joe’s labeled products at ouR
Aldi’s in Muchigan

 
Helena k February 9, 2017 - 3:39 am

I have heard that the owners of aldi and trader joes are brothers. Who had a falling out. Originated in germany i believe. .

 
Lynn dibartolomeo February 8, 2017 - 6:58 pm

we use a. BOx of the quInoa rice blend, One pOund of ground turkey and a bAg of steamed BROCCOLI. All in one sKillet. Add some shredded cheddar. Delicious. And all from aldis.

 
Kristen February 8, 2017 - 8:32 pm

I have never seen the quinoa-rice blend! – but we don’t have one of the big-new Aldi stores. I will look for that next time I’m in chicago!

 
Shawna February 7, 2017 - 7:52 pm

i’m like you, I would never shop at aldi years ago. Now, you can’t keep me out of the place!

 
nory February 7, 2017 - 1:18 am

I shop at Aldis love their fit and active yogurt and their fit and active cereal bars

 
Kristen February 7, 2017 - 2:29 am

I love their yogurt too! I will have to try the cereal bars!

 
Jean February 5, 2017 - 10:51 pm

Hi I’m from Scotland .We also have aldi over HERE great place to shop.xxx

 
Kara February 4, 2017 - 11:20 pm

Like you, I never thought I’d actually shop in an aldi. Now that is my main shopping and supplement at regular grocery stores for the name brand items I can’t do without. The Fit and active string cheese is a weekly purchase, the 45 calorie turkey sticks are a quick “can’t wait until dinner” protein boost and their greek yogurts in the 32 oz tubs are amazing in the protein count and love the nonfat plain and add a little jam or (when in season) pumpkin butter for an out of this world pumpkin yogurt. My husband is obsessed with their coconut vanilla yogurt cups. My daughter swears by the movie theater butter microwave popcorn and stocks up on boxes of it when going to college!

 
Kristen February 5, 2017 - 2:49 pm

Thanks for all those suggestions! Are the Turkey Sticks in the snack aisle? I will have to check those out!

 
Roxanna February 3, 2017 - 5:07 pm

It is nice to know that Aldi’s and Trader Joe’s are connected. In some way! I have not shopped there in awhile, However, I always bought their canned veggies, among other products. I bought some off-brand Nutella, it was very good!

 
robin January 24, 2017 - 1:12 am

WE make poor man’s pastries with CROISSANTS. Split, put some cream cheese and some of your fav preserve on. THAT’S our favorite thing to make with them

 
Carmelle February 14, 2017 - 1:03 am

I make a bread pudding using croissants instead of bread. I add walnuts and brown sugar on layers of croissants before pouring the egg nixture on .

 
jennifer January 21, 2017 - 6:26 pm

I love aldi too! I love your site – just found it

I see you were from Chicago – I’m in oak park 🙂

 
Kristen January 21, 2017 - 7:57 pm

Thanks!!! I grew up in Wheaton-I actually live in Iowa now 🙂

 

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