Aldi is a favorite shopping destination for its budget-friendly prices and unique finds, but not all products are created equal. This guide breaks down the 21 best and worst items at Aldi, helping you navigate what to stock up on and what to skip. Each product includes detailed information on price, nutritional value, and ingredients so you can shop smarter.
What to Buy at Aldi
1. Seasonal Items $3.99/12 oz
Aldi’s seasonal products, like pumpkin spice coffee or holiday-themed treats, are cult favorites.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 100
- Fats: 3g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, spices, natural flavors.
Why Buy: Limited-edition and high-quality, these items deliver the spirit of the season at a great price.
2. Baking Products $1.29/32 oz flour
Aldi’s flour, sugars, and baking mixes are affordable without sacrificing quality.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 100
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
100% unbleached enriched wheat flour.
Why Buy: A must-have for bakers; the prices are unbeatable for pantry staples.
3. Bread $1.89/20 oz loaf
Fresh, soft, and available in a variety of types like whole grain, sourdough, and brioche.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 70
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Why Buy: Perfect for families on a budget, Aldi’s bread rivals higher-end grocery stores.
4. Cheese $2.99/8 oz block
Aldi’s cheese selection includes European imports and specialty varieties.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 7g
Why Buy: Excellent value for gourmet flavors. Pair it with Aldi wine for a budget-friendly charcuterie board.
5. European Sweets $3.49/10 oz box
Imported chocolates and cookies are a highlight at Aldi.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Why Buy: High quality at a fraction of the price compared to specialty stores.
6. Ketchup $1.49/32 oz bottle
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 20
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, sugar, salt, onion powder, natural flavoring.
Why Buy: Aldi’s ketchup rivals name brands in taste and consistency while being significantly cheaper.
7. Milk $3.29/1 gallon
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Fats: 5g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Pasteurized Grade A milk, Vitamin D3.
Why Buy: Aldi’s milk is a staple for families and an essential pantry item at a great price.
8. Pure Maple Syrup $6.49/12.5 oz bottle
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
100% pure maple syrup.
Why Buy: High-quality syrup at a lower cost compared to specialty grocery stores. Perfect for pancakes, waffles, or baking.
9. Spices $0.95/2.5 oz bottle
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 0
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
100% pure ground spices (varies by type).
Why Buy: Aldi offers an extensive selection of spices at unbeatable prices. Stock up on essentials like cinnamon, paprika, and oregano without breaking the bank.
10. Wine $2.95–$8.99/750 ml bottle
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 125
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Grapes, yeast, sulfites.
Why Buy: Aldi’s wine collection, including the award-winning Winking Owl and Exquisite Collection, offers premium flavors at bargain prices.
11. German Beer $6.99/6-pack, 12 oz bottles
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 11g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Water, malted barley, hops, yeast.
Why Buy: Authentic German beer at a fraction of the cost of imports. Perfect for entertaining or enjoying on a budget.
12. German Foods – Varies ($3.99 for bratwurst, $2.49 for spaetzle)
Nutritional Facts (bratwurst per serving):
- Calories: 290
- Fats: 25g
- Carbs: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients (bratwurst)
Pork, water, salt, spices, natural casing.
Why Buy: Aldi excels at offering authentic German foods, from sausages to pretzels, perfect for Oktoberfest or year-round indulgence.
13. Deli Items $3.99/8 oz sliced turkey or ham
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 60
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Turkey breast or ham, water, salt, sugar, natural flavorings.
Why Buy: Fresh, high-quality deli meats are perfect for sandwiches and salads without the premium deli counter price.
What to Avoid at Aldi
14. Cereal $2.49/12 oz box
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Corn flour, sugar, malt flavoring, salt, preservatives.
Why Skip: Aldi cereals often lack the crunch and taste of name-brand options, with some tasting overly sweet or artificial.
15. Soda $2.99/12-pack cans
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 39g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Sugar: 39g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, natural flavors, citric acid, preservatives.
Why Skip: Aldi’s soda offerings are often overly sugary and lack the bold flavors of more established brands.
16. Deodorant $1.49/2.6 oz stick
Why Skip: Aldi’s generic deodorants don’t provide the long-lasting protection or pleasant scents of leading brands.
17. Paper Products $4.99/12-pack toilet paper
Why Skip: While cheap, Aldi’s paper products, like toilet paper and paper towels, are often thin and less durable than competitors.
18. Shampoo $2.89/12 oz bottle
Why Skip: Aldi’s shampoos and conditioners are basic but lack the quality, scent, and nourishing effects of premium options.
Mixed Reviews
19. Meats – Varies $5.49/lb for ground beef
Why Mixed: While affordable, some cuts of meat lack consistency in quality.
20. Produce- Varies $1.99/lb for bananas
Why Mixed: Some produce items are fresh and affordable, but others spoil quickly.
21. Salty Snacks $1.49/10 oz bag of chips
Why Mixed: The chips and pretzels are hit or miss depending on the flavor.
Conclusion
Aldi has plenty of gems to offer, from its seasonal specialties to its European sweets and wines. However, some items, like cereals and sodas, may leave you disappointed. Use this guide to make the most of your next Aldi shopping trip!
