Navigating the meat section at your local Aldi can be a game of nutritional roulette. With a variety of options that promise quality and value, it can be tough to know which meats to add to your cart and which to pass by. Here’s a practical guide to help you make the best choices for health and flavor.
BUY: Never Any! All-Natural Chicken Thighs $5.17 /pkg (est.)
Perfect for a juicy, flavorful meal, these chicken thighs are free from antibiotics, hormones, and other additives.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 210
- Total Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
Chicken thighs
Preparation Instructions
Best when roasted at 375°F for 35 minutes or until juices run clear.
AVOID: All-Natural Frozen Ground Turkey $5.49/16 oz
While marketed as a healthy alternative, this ground turkey can be inconsistent in texture and flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 220
- Total Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Ground turkey
Preparation Instructions
Suitable for burgers and meatballs but may require extra seasoning.
BUY: Grass-Fed Ground Beef $5.29/1 Lb
A healthier, leaner option, rich in Omega-3s and free from added hormones.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 240
- Total Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Grass-fed beef
Preparation Instructions
Ideal for making hearty chili or flavorful meatballs.
AVOID: Chicken Breasts $6.11 /pkg (est.)
Often quite dry and tough, these breasts may disappoint those looking for succulent chicken.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 120
- Total Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 26g
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
Preparation Instructions
If purchased, brining or marinating before cooking is recommended.
BUY: Grass-Fed Steak $11.49/1 lb
Rich in flavor, these steaks offer a high-quality, grass-fed option without the premium price tag.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 330
- Total Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 24g
Ingredients
Grass-fed beef
Preparation Instructions
Best grilled to medium-rare or pan-seared.
AVOID: Sausage $2.39/12 oz
These sausages are often overly fatty and laden with preservatives and additives.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 280
- Total Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients
Pork, water, salt, spices
Preparation Instructions
If chosen, consider grilling to reduce some of the fat content.
BUY: Organic Whole Chicken $14.51 /pkg (est.)
A versatile option, this whole chicken is certified organic, ensuring it’s raised without antibiotics or hormones.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 190
- Total Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
Organic whole chicken
Preparation Instructions
Roast at 400°F for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
AVOID: Hot Dogs $1.09/12 oz
These hot dogs are high in sodium and additives, offering little nutritional value.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 150
- Total Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Mechanically separated chicken, water, salt, corn syrup, dextrose, spices
Preparation Instructions
If you choose to buy, grill or boil briefly, but consider healthier alternatives.
BUY: Frozen Wild-Caught Tuna Steaks $4.09/12 oz
Sourced from sustainable stocks, these tuna steaks are a hearty, healthy seafood option.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 130
- Total Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 28g
Ingredients
Wild-caught tuna
Preparation Instructions
Best seared over high heat for 2 minutes/side, maintaining a pink center.
AVOID: Pork Chops $6.36 /pkg (est.)
These pork chops tend to be tough and are often treated with additives to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 260
- Total Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
Pork, water, salt
Preparation Instructions
If used, marinate and slow cook to improve tenderness.
BUY: Organic Chicken Breasts $5.79 /pkg (est.)
These high-quality chicken breasts are organic and free from antibiotics, offering a lean protein source.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 120
- Total Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 26g
Ingredients
Organic chicken breasts
Preparation Instructions
Perfect for grilling or baking at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
AVOID: Bacon $4.19/16 oz
Although delicious, this bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, making it a less healthy choice.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 300
- Total Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Pork, water, salt, sugar, smoke flavoring, sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite
Preparation Instructions
If indulging, cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.
BUY: Frozen Wild-Caught Pink Salmon $6.59/16 oz
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and sourced from wild fisheries, this salmon is a nutritious seafood option.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 170
- Total Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 24g
Ingredients
Wild-caught pink salmon
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
AVOID: Deli Meat $3.19/8 oz
Often processed with a high level of nitrates and sodium, deli meats are convenient but not the healthiest choice.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 70
- Total Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: less than 1g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Turkey breast, water, salt, sugar, spices
Preparation Instructions
If opting for deli meat, consider consuming it sparingly and look for lower sodium varieties.
With these insights into Aldi’s meat offerings, you can shop smarter and eat healthier while still enjoying a variety of tasty options. Whether you’re planning a family meal or prepping for a week of healthy eating, making informed choices at the supermarket is key to maintaining a balanced diet.
