Aldi is well known for its budget-friendly groceries, but not every item on its shelves is a great deal—especially when it comes to meat. While some options may seem appealing due to their low prices, factors like quality, taste, ingredient sourcing, and nutritional value can make them less than ideal choices.
Whether it’s concerns about excessive additives, inconsistent texture, or simply better alternatives available elsewhere, certain meats at Aldi might not be worth your money. In this article, we’ll break down some of the meats you might want to think twice about purchasing.
Pre-Marinated Steak Tips $9.99/lb
While pre-marinated steak tips seem like a convenient choice, the flavor can often be overpowering and mask the true taste of the beef. Additionally, the high sodium content (500mg per serving) and added sugar may not be ideal for those watching their intake.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Protein: 24g
Ingredients
- Beef steak tips
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Brown sugar
- Vinegar
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat the grill or pan to medium-high heat.
- Cook steak tips for 3-4 minutes per side until desired doneness.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Chicken Sausages $3.55/12 oz
Despite being a leaner alternative to pork sausage, Aldi’s chicken sausages often contain artificial flavors and excess sodium (450mg per serving). Some customers have also reported inconsistencies in texture and seasoning.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Salt
- Spices
- Garlic
- Natural casing
Preparation Instructions
- Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
- Slice into pasta or salads for added protein.
Frozen Meatballs $3.59/16 oz
These fully-cooked meatballs contain a mix of ground beef and pork, along with a high amount of sodium (600mg per serving). The texture can be mushy, and the seasoning blend doesn’t always taste fresh.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
- Ground beef & pork
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Spices
Preparation Instructions
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat in a skillet with sauce for 10 minutes.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
Liver Pâté $4.99/8 oz
Although liver pâté is a delicacy, Aldi’s version tends to have a grainy texture and an overwhelming liver flavor. The inclusion of preservatives and additives makes it less desirable than fresh alternatives.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
- Chicken liver
- Butter
- Cream
- Onions
- Spices
- Brandy (optional)
Preparation Instructions
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Spread on crackers or toasted bread.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Ground Turkey $8.79/3 lb
Ground turkey should be a healthy option, but Aldi’s version can be watery and lack the rich flavor of other brands. Additionally, some customers have complained about excessive gristle.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
- 100% ground turkey
Preparation Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Use in tacos, pasta, or casseroles.
Canned Corned Beef Hash $2.75/15 oz
With an alarming 980mg of sodium per serving, Aldi’s canned corned beef hash is not the healthiest option. The mix of corned beef and potatoes is often greasy and overly processed.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
- Cooked corned beef
- Potatoes
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Spices
Preparation Instructions
- Heat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Serve with eggs for a complete breakfast.
- Add to casseroles for extra flavor.
Frozen Salmon Fillets $10.99/32 oz
While frozen salmon is a convenient protein source, Aldi’s version is sometimes bland and may have an unpleasant, fishy odor. The quality varies between batches, making it an unreliable purchase.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
- Salmon (wild-caught or farm-raised)
- Salt (if pre-seasoned)
Preparation Instructions
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Grill, bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, or pan-sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
Bologna $1.85/16 oz
This budget-friendly lunch meat contains a high amount of sodium (550mg per serving) and preservatives. The taste is also noticeably artificial compared to other brands.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
- Pork and/or beef
- Salt
- Spices
- Sodium nitrite (preservative)
Preparation Instructions
- Slice and serve cold in sandwiches.
- Pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Cube and add to pasta salads or omelets.
Packaged Beef Liver $5.99/16 oz
Beef liver is a nutritious choice, but Aldi’s version can be tough and difficult to cook properly. Many customers report an overly metallic taste.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
- Beef liver
Preparation Instructions
- Rinse and soak in milk for 30 minutes to reduce bitterness.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pan-fry in butter or oil for 3-4 minutes per side.
Bratwurst $3.89/19 oz
Bratwurst is a German-style sausage made from seasoned pork or beef. It’s a flavorful choice for grilling, sautéing, or simmering in beer. While bratwurst is a grilling favorite, Aldi’s version is often too fatty and contains excessive sodium (720mg per serving). The casing can also be chewy.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients
- Pork and/or beef
- Spices (nutmeg, coriander, white pepper)
- Salt
- Natural casing
Preparation Instructions
- Grill over medium heat for 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Simmer in beer and onions for extra flavor.
Turkey Bacon $3.65/8 oz
This turkey bacon alternative is marketed as a healthier option, but it contains artificial smoke flavoring and added preservatives, resulting in a rubbery texture.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
- Turkey
- Salt
- Sugar
- Smoke flavoring
- Sodium nitrite (preservative)
Preparation Instructions
- Cook in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave on a paper towel for 30-40 seconds per slice.
Beef Jerky $3.55/2.5 oz
With 500mg of sodium per serving and a high sugar content, Aldi’s beef jerky is not the best option. It’s also often overly tough and difficult to chew.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients
- Beef
- Soy sauce or salt
- Sugar
- Spices
- Preservatives (if applicable)
Preparation Instructions
- Enjoy straight from the package.
- Pair with nuts or cheese for a protein-packed snack.
- Use as a topping for salads or soups.
Frozen Sausage Patties $8.55/32 oz
These sausage patties contain 450mg of sodium per serving and a noticeable amount of grease, making them a less-than-ideal breakfast choice.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180
- Fats: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Pork, salt, spices, sugar, natural flavors
Preparation Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with eggs, toast, or pancakes for a complete breakfast.
Smoked Sausages $3.09/12 oz
Smoked sausages provide a rich, smoky flavor that enhances any meal. Although convenient, Aldi’s smoked sausages can taste overly processed, and the ingredient list includes added sugars and preservatives.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 210
- Fats: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
Pork, beef, water, salt, spices, sugar, smoke flavoring
Preparation Instructions
- Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Pan-fry over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Slice and add to pasta, soups, or stews for extra flavor.
Sliced Ham $9.43/12 oz
Aldi’s sliced ham often has an artificial aftertaste due to its preservatives and high sodium content (600mg per serving).
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Fats: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
Pork, water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrate
Preparation Instructions
- Serve cold in sandwiches or wraps.
- Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add to scrambled eggs or breakfast casseroles for added flavor.
Corned Beef $14.67/3 Lb
Corned beef from Aldi tends to be overly fatty and salty (850mg of sodium per serving), making it an unhealthy and less tasty choice.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 250
- Fats: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 19g
Ingredients
Beef, salt, sugar, sodium nitrate
Preparation Instructions
- Heat in a pan over medium heat until browned and crispy.
- Mix with potatoes and onions for a classic hash.
- Serve with eggs or in sandwiches for a satisfying meal.
Chicken Nuggets $5.69/29 oz
Aldi’s chicken nuggets are heavily breaded, contain artificial ingredients, and have a high fat content, making them a poor choice for health-conscious shoppers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 230
- Fats: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Chicken breast, water, breading (wheat flour, corn starch, salt, spices), vegetable oil
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with dipping sauces or in wraps for a tasty meal.
Chicken Breasts $2.49/Lb
Despite being a staple, Aldi’s chicken breasts can be watery and lack flavor. Many customers also report inconsistencies in quality.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 26g
Ingredients
- 100% Chicken Breast
Preparation Instructions
- Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
- Grill at medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Sauté in a skillet with olive oil for 5-6 minutes per side.
Sausage $3.09/13 oz
Sausages are packed with bold flavors and come in many varieties, including pork, chicken, and beef. They can be used in breakfast dishes, pasta, or grilled for a hearty meal. While sausages are generally fatty, Aldi’s version contains excessive fillers and artificial flavoring, reducing overall meat quality.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
- Pork or Chicken
- Spices
- Salt
- Natural Casing
Preparation Instructions
- Grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Pan-fry in a skillet for 10-12 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Bacon $4.65/16 oz
Bacon is a crispy and flavorful favorite that adds a smoky richness to breakfast, sandwiches, and salads. Aldi’s bacon is known to shrink significantly when cooked due to its high water content. It’s also high in sodium and preservatives.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
- Pork Belly
- Salt
- Sugar
- Natural Smoke Flavor
Preparation Instructions
- Fry in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
- Microwave on a paper towel-lined plate for 1-2 minutes.
Deli Meat $3.19/8 oz
Deli meat is a quick and easy protein option. But Aldi’s pre-packaged deli meat often contains artificial preservatives and a rubbery texture, making it an unappealing choice for sandwiches.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 70
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
- Turkey, Chicken, or Ham
- Salt
- Natural Flavorings
- Preservatives (varies by brand)
Preparation Instructions
- Serve cold in sandwiches or wraps.
- Heat in a skillet for a warm sandwich option.
- Dice and add to salads or omelets.
All-Natural Frozen Ground Turkey $4.95/20.8 oz
Ground turkey is a lean alternative to ground beef, making it ideal for burgers, tacos, and meatballs. Despite its “all-natural” label, this frozen ground turkey can have an off-putting taste and a texture that doesn’t hold together well in recipes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
- 100% Ground Turkey
Preparation Instructions
- Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Use in recipes such as turkey burgers, tacos, or meatloaf.
Conclusion
By making informed choices, you can enjoy better-tasting, healthier meals without sacrificing quality. While Aldi offers a variety of affordable grocery items, not every meat product is created equal. Some options contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, or fillers that may affect their taste and overall nutritional value.
