1. Name-Brand Anything
- Summary: While Aldi does offer name-brand groceries at lower prices than other stores, these items are often still more expensive than Aldi’s store-brand equivalents. Additionally, Aldi doesn’t accept manufacturers’ coupons, which can make name-brand products a better deal at other grocery stores.
2. Shredded and Cubed Cheeses
- Summary: Many customers prefer to avoid Aldi’s pre-shredded, cubed, or “cracker cut” cheeses. These varieties tend to cost more per ounce compared to Aldi’s block cheeses, and shoppers find that grating their own cheese is more cost-effective.
3. Coffee
- Summary: Aldi’s coffee selection, which mostly includes pre-ground coffee and Keurig-style cups, doesn’t impress coffee aficionados. Many customers prefer freshly roasted coffee beans that they can grind at home, and they find Aldi’s coffee lacking in aroma and flavor.
4. Yogurt
- Summary: Aldi’s yogurt selection is limited and doesn’t include many specialty options like whipped yogurt, Icelandic skyr, or plant-based varieties. Customers who enjoy a wider range of yogurt types often prefer shopping at stores like Trader Joe’s.
5. Cereal
- Summary: Aldi’s cereals receive mixed reviews. While some customers enjoy certain varieties, others find them lacking compared to name-brand cereals. Additionally, Aldi’s cereals and oatmeal are not certified gluten-free, which can be a problem for shoppers with gluten intolerance.
6. Sugar-free Coffee Creamer
- Summary: Aldi’s sugar-free coffee creamers, such as Barissimo Zero Sugar French Vanilla, are low-cost but often criticized for their taste. Many customers on Reddit described the creamer as “nasty” and “absolutely awful,” though a few did enjoy it, indicating a possible divide in personal taste.
7. Deli Meats and Cheeses
- Summary: Aldi’s deli meats and cheeses receive mixed reviews, with many customers finding them subpar or “disgusting.” A Fan from Reddit noted that unlike Kroger or Publix, Aldi’s pre-packaged meats lack freshness. Sliced cheese also received complaints about quality and mold issues.
8. Apples and Bananas
- Summary: Aldi’s produce, particularly apples and bananas, often disappoints customers. Reports include apples that are brown inside and bananas that ripen too quickly or are mushy upon purchase. Many customers suggest being cautious when selecting these items.
9. Onions
- Summary: Onions from Aldi have also faced criticism for being old or lacking flavor. Some customers mentioned issues with mold and entire bags going bad due to one spoiled onion. This has led many to avoid buying onions from Aldi altogether.
10. Brookdale Corned Beef Hash
- Summary: Brookdale Corned Beef Hash at Aldi has been described as fatty, greasy, and unhealthy. One user even called it “the worst canned food product” they ever purchased. Such strong negative feedback suggests it’s a product to avoid.
11. Chicken Breast
- Summary: Aldi’s chicken breast is frequently criticized for its “woody breast” texture, described as revolting and crunchy. Despite occasional good prices, many shoppers find the quality inconsistent and the texture off-putting.
12. Mama Cozzi’s Pizza
- Summary: Once popular, Mama Cozzi’s Pizza has recently received negative feedback for tasting like cardboard. Customers noted a decline in quality, affecting both refrigerated and frozen pizzas, making it a less desirable option despite the low price.
13. Hard Taco Shells
- Summary: Aldi’s Casa Mamita Crunchy Hard Taco Shells are criticized for falling apart easily and lacking corn flavor. A Fan suggests that Kroger’s store brand is a much better option in terms of taste and texture.
15. Paper Products
- Summary: Many of Aldi’s paper products, including toilet paper and paper towels, have poor reviews for being thin and flimsy. a reddit fan highlighted that these products lead to higher usage, making them less cost-effective in the long run compared to options from warehouse clubs or big-box stores.
