As a devoted fan of both Trader Joe’s and Aldi, I’m always on the hunt for the best finds at both stores. But, after some taste-testing and shopping, I’ve come to realize that certain Aldi items actually outshine their Trader Joe’s counterparts.
From snack-worthy dips to top-tier wines and creative savory spreads, Aldi’s lineup offers amazing flavors at unbeatable prices. Here are the Aldi items that I’ve found are even better than some of Trader Joe’s most beloved products. Read on!
Street Corn Dip $3.75/10 Oz
Aldi’s take on the Mexican street corn craze is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This dip is a must-have for parties or a fun snack at home.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 80 per 2 tbsp
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 6g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Corn
Cheese blend (cream cheese, cotija, queso blanco)
Mayo
Chili powder
Lime juice
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve chilled with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.
Pesto Rosso $2.45/6.7 Oz
Aldi’s Pesto Rosso is a rich, sun-dried tomato-based pesto that brings a bold, savory punch to your pasta or sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 130 per 2 tbsp
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 4g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Sun-dried tomatoes
Olive oil
Basil
Parmesan cheese
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Toss with pasta, spread on a baguette, or use as a dip for veggies.
Intermingle California Red Wine $7.79/750 ml
This Aldi-exclusive red blend offers full-bodied flavor with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and vanilla at a budget-friendly price.
Nutrition Facts:
Alcohol content: 19%
Ingredients:
Red grape varieties (blend)
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Pair with grilled meats or a cheese board for a perfect evening.
Fusia Mandarin Orange Chicken $8.05/26 Oz
Aldi’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a crispy, savory-sweet dish that rivals the famous Trader Joe’s version, but at a fraction of the price.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 320 per 1 cup (prepared)
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 12g
Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Mandarin orange sauce
Soy sauce
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve over white rice with a side of steamed broccoli.
Southern Grove (Philippine) Dried Mango $4.39/6 Oz
These dried mango slices are perfectly chewy and sweet, making them an excellent snack that’s even more affordable than Trader Joe’s.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 140 per serving
Sugar: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Ingredients:
Dried mango
Sugar
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Eat straight from the bag or chop into small pieces for salads and yogurt bowls.
Tomato & Basil Chicken Sausage $3.65/12 Oz
This chicken sausage is packed with savory flavors of tomato and basil, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to pasta dishes or on its own.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 150 per link
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 3g
Protein: 14g
Ingredients:
Chicken
Sun-dried tomatoes
Basil
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Grill or pan-fry and serve with pasta or on a toasted bun with your favorite condiments.
Everything Sourdough Bread $3.09/24 Oz
This loaf combines the tangy goodness of sourdough with the iconic flavors of everything bagel seasoning, making it perfect for sandwiches and toast.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 130 per slice
Fat: 2g
Carbs: 24g
Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Sourdough bread
Everything bagel seasoning (sesame, garlic, onion, poppy seeds)
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Toast and top with cream cheese or use it for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.
Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
Aldi’s take on this classic Italian dish is rich, cheesy, and peppery, offering a quick and easy gourmet meal at home.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 380 per serving
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 46g
Protein: 12g
Ingredients:
Pasta
Pecorino Romano cheese
Black pepper
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Cook as directed and serve with a side salad for a simple yet elegant meal.
Aged Reserved New York White Cheddar $2.59/10 Oz
This sharp, tangy aged cheddar is perfect for snacking, melting, or adding to a cheese board for guests.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 110 per 1 oz
Fat: 9g
Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
Pasteurized milk
Cheese cultures
Salt
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Pair with crackers, apples, or melt over a burger for a gourmet touch.
Everything Bagel Seasoning $2.05/2.3 Oz
Aldi’s version of the cult-favorite seasoning blend adds the classic flavors of an everything bagel to just about anything.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 5 per 1 tsp
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 1g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
Sesame seeds
Poppy seeds
Garlic
Onion
Salt
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Sprinkle over avocado toast, eggs, or roasted veggies for a burst of flavor.
Conclusion
While Trader Joe’s offers plenty of delicious and unique products, Aldi’s range of affordable, high-quality alternatives easily competes—and in some cases, surpasses its rival. Whether you’re looking for snacks, dips, or meal solutions, Aldi has proven that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or quality. Give these Aldi finds a try, and you might just become a full-time Aldi fan like me!
