Aldi’s Frugal Favorites: Top 10 Must-Buy Items (and 6 to Skip)

Shopping at Aldi is a delightful experience for frugal shoppers looking to maximize their budget without sacrificing quality. While the store offers a variety of products, some stand out as exceptional deals, while others may not be worth the savings. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your next Aldi trip.

Must Buy #1. FRIENDLY FARMS Heavy Whipping CreamProduct Image 1
Rich and creamy, this heavy whipping cream is perfect for baking, cooking, and topping your favorite desserts. Use this for all your culinary creations, from savory sauces to decadent desserts. This versatile ingredient is a must-have in any kitchen.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: Grade A cream (ultra-pasteurized), milk, contains less than 1% of mono and diglycerides, polysorbate 80, and carrageenan.

Per tablespoon:

  • Calories: 50
  • Total Fat: 5g (3.5g saturated fat)
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 0g
  • Protein: 0g

This heavy whipping cream is known for its unbeatable quality and flavor and it delivers consistent and delicious results every time. Its rich texture enhances both sweet and savory dishes, making it an essential addition to your kitchen.

Must Buy #2. EARTHLY GRAINS Jasmine RiceProduct Image 1

Experience the fragrant and flavorful delight of  this special rice imported from Thailand. This long-grain rice is perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes with its delicate aroma and fluffy texture. It’s also a versatile pantry staple, this fragrant rice is perfect for a variety of dishes from stir-fries to casseroles.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/4 cup dry serving:

  • Calories: 160
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36g
  • Protein: 3g

EARTHLY GRAINS Jasmine Rice stands out for its superior quality and authentic taste. We love its versatility, making it an ideal side dish or base for stir-fries, curries, and more. The non-GMO verified status ensures that you’re enjoying a product free from genetically modified organisms. Its naturally fragrant and slightly sweet flavor adds a touch of elegance to any meal, making it a pantry staple for any kitchen.

Think Twice: FRIENDLY FARMS Lowfat Blueberry Yogurt $0.65/6 oz

Lowfat Blueberry Yogurt, 6 oz
The taste and texture might not meet everyone’s expectations, and you may find better quality and variety elsewhere. But for those who wish to indulge in the creamy goodness of Friendly Farms’ Lowfat Blueberry Yogurt, you’ll find this delightful treat with its perfect blend of the sweet, tangy flavor of real blueberries.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: Cultured pasteurized grade A lowfat milk, sugar, blueberries, water, modified corn starch, natural flavor, kosher gelatin, citric acid, tricalcium phosphate, potassium sorbate (to maintain freshness), pectin, agar, vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3.

Per 6 oz serving:

  • Calories: 140
  • Total Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Vitamin A: 15% DV
  • Vitamin C: 0% DV
  • Calcium: 15% DV
  • Iron: 0% DV

Made with real fruit, it provides a naturally sweet flavor without artificial additives. The added vitamins A and D make it a nutritious choice, while the low fat content ensures it fits well into a balanced diet. Whether enjoyed on its own, mixed with granola, or blended into a smoothie, this yogurt is a versatile and a fine addition to any meal.

Must Buy #3. Organic Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef $3.99/1 lbOrganic Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef, 1 lb

Savor the quality and flavor of SIMPLY NATURE Organic Grass Fed 85% Lean Ground Beef. This ground beef is sourced from cattle raised without antibiotics or added growth hormones, ensuring a clean and natural product. Perfect for a variety of dishes, it provides a nutritious and delicious foundation for your meals.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: Organic grass-fed beef.

Per 4 oz serving:

  • Calories: 240
  • Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 0g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Iron: 15% DV

The beef is 100% grass-fed and organic, providing a rich, natural flavor that enhances any dish. It’s versatile enough for burgers, meatloaf, tacos, and more. Additionally, its lean profile makes it a healthier option, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of beef without the extra fat. This product aligns with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a choice you can feel good about.

Must Buy #4. Gourmet Medley Tomatoes $3.29/12 ozGourmet Medley Tomatoes, 12 oz

A colorful mix of tomatoes that are fresh, flavorful, and ideal for salads, roasting, or snacking. Medley tomatoes are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a variety of flavors and colors in one convenient pack. These small, gourmet tomatoes are versatile and perfect for a range of dishes, from homemade salsa to pasta sauce and beyond.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: A mix of cherry, grape, and other small tomato varieties.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 25
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 1g

We love Gourmet Medley Tomatoes for their vibrant mix of flavors and colors, adding a gourmet touch to any meal. Their versatility makes them a staple in the kitchen, perfect for everything from topping off a freshly cooked omelette to garnishing a salad. Plus, they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

Think Twice: DENTIGUARD Medium Pro Plus Toothbrush $2.99/2 ctMedium Pro Plus Toothbrush, 2 count

These toothbrushes are basic and lack the variety and features you might find at pharmacies or larger retailers. For those with specific dental needs or preferences, these toothbrushes might not be the ideal choice.

On the positive light, the Dentiguard Medium Pro Plus Toothbrushes come with a built-in tongue and cheek cleaner to help remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh. The ergonomic soft grip is designed for comfort and control, making brushing easier and more efficient.

Must Buy #5. CLANCY’S Original Potato Chips $1.79/10 ozOriginal Potato Chips, 10oz

Crispy and delicious, these chips are a great snack at an unbeatable price. The chips are a perfect addition to any party, barbecue, or movie night. With a crispy, light crunch in every bite, you won’t want to put them down! Enjoy alone, pair with your favorite dips, or crumble a handful on top of soups or sandwiches for an extra salty crunch.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: Ingredients include potatoes, vegetable oil (contains one or more of the following: canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil), and salt.

Per 1 oz serving, Clancy’s Original Potato Chips contain:

  • 150 calories
  • 10g total fat
  • 1.5g saturated fat
  • 0g trans fat
  • 170mg sodium
  • 15g total carbohydrates
  • 1g dietary fiber
  • 0g sugars
  • 2g protein

We love Clancy’s Original Potato Chips for their unbeatable combination of flavor, crunch, and versatility. They are a must-have for any gathering, offering a satisfying snack that’s sure to please any crowd. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures a clean, classic taste that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of dishes and dips.

Must Buy #6. CHOCEUR Milk Chocolate Bar with Almonds $1.29/5.29 ozProduct Image 1

Looking for a sweet and crunchy snack to satisfy your craving? Indulge in this creamy milk chocolate bar loaded with crunchy almonds. Made with creamy milk chocolate, real hazelnut spread, and crunchy almonds, each square is the perfect amount of sweet and crunchy.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: Sugar, milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, chocolate liquor, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), hazelnut spread (sugar, hazelnuts, vegetable oil), and almonds.

Per 3-piece serving, Choceur Milk Chocolate Bar with Almonds contains:

  • 180 calories
  • 12g total fat
  • 5g saturated fat
  • 0g trans fat
  • 20mg sodium
  • 20g total carbohydrates
  • 2g dietary fiber
  • 17g sugars
  • 3g protein

We love Choceur Milk Chocolate Bar with Almonds for its delightful combination of creamy milk chocolate and crunchy almonds, enhanced by the richness of real hazelnut spread. Whether enjoyed alone, crushed on top of ice cream, as an on-the-go snack, or an after-dinner treat, this chocolate bar never disappoints.

Think Twice: SECRET Shower Fresh Deodorant $4.39/2.6 ozShower Fresh Deodorant, 2.6 oz
This Aldi product is appealing, but the limited selection and potentially higher prices might make consumers reconsider. Good thing, its invisible solid formula goes on smoothly and leaves no white residue, making it still ideal for everyday use. The Secret Shower Fresh Deodorant is formulated with a blend of active ingredients to acquire maximum effectiveness.

Key ingredients include:

  • Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (antiperspirant)
  • Cyclopentasiloxane
  • Stearyl Alcohol
  • Talc
  • Petrolatum
  • Hydrogenated Castor Oil
  • Fragrance

The fresh, clean scent is invigorating, and the product’s pH-balanced formula is gentle on the skin. Whether you’re heading to the office, the gym, or out for a night on the town, Secret Shower Fresh Deodorant keeps you feeling fresh and confident all day long.

Must Buy #7. WILLOW Facial Tissue with Lotion $1.25/65 countProduct Image 1Soft and soothing, these tissues are gentle on your skin, perfect for everyday use. Infused with aloe and vitamin E, these tissues are perfect for delicate skin, making them ideal for use during cold and allergy season or whenever you need a little extra comfort.

These 2-ply tissues are made with a blend of soft fibers and infused with aloe and vitamin E lotion. Each box contains 65 tissues, with each sheet measuring 8.4 inches by 8.1 inches.

We love Willow Facial Tissue with Lotion because it combines the softness we crave with the added benefits of aloe and vitamin E. These tissues are gentle on sensitive skin, providing a soothing touch that helps prevent irritation. Whether you’re dealing with a runny nose or just need a gentle touch, these tissues are a great choice.

Must Buy #8. SPECIALLY SELECTED Raw Honey $8.25/24 oz

Product Image 1
Enjoy nature’s gift and satisfy your sweet tooth with wholesome, raw honey from Specially Selected. This honey is US Grade A, lightly strained, and unfiltered, so you know you’re getting the best quality honey at an affordable price.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients Specially Selected Raw Honey provides 60 calories per tablespoon. It is purely honey, without any additives or preservatives. The product is a blend from the USA, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil.

This pure, unfiltered honey is perfect for sweetening tea, baking, or drizzling over yogurt.  We love Specially Selected Raw Honey because of its pure, unfiltered quality, retaining all the natural enzymes and nutrients.

Think Twice: Coca Cola, 12-Pack Soda Cans $8.45/12 ozCoca Cola, 12-Pack Soda Cans, 12 oz

While Coca-Cola’s classic taste and convenient packaging make it a popular choice, there are several reasons consumers might want to reconsider purchasing it regularly from Aldi. Firstly, sodas like Coca-Cola can often be found at significantly better prices during sales at larger grocery stores or warehouse clubs, making it a less economical choice at Aldi.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients Each 12 fl oz can of Coca-Cola contains 140 calories, 0g fat, 45mg sodium, 39g carbohydrates (39g sugars), and 0g protein. The ingredients include carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors, and caffeine.

Soda is often available at better prices during sales at larger grocery stores or warehouse clubs.

Must Buy #9. COUNTRYSIDE CREAMERY Pure Irish Butter $3.45/8 ozPure Irish Butter, 8 oz

Experience the rich and creamy taste of Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter, made with milk from grass-fed cows in Ireland. This premium butter brings the authentic flavors of the Irish countryside straight to your kitchen, enhancing your culinary creations with its exceptional quality.

Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: Butter (Cream, Salt)

  • Serving Size: 1 tbsp (14g)
  • Calories: 100
  • Total Fat: 11g (17% DV)
    • Saturated Fat: 7g (35% DV)
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg (10% DV)
  • Sodium: 0mg (0% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 0g (0% DV)
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
    • Total Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Vitamin A: 6% DV

Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter is a favorite for its superior taste and quality. Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, it has a richer flavor and smoother texture compared to regular butter. Its versatility makes it perfect for spreading on toast, baking, or cooking, adding a delightful creaminess to any dish. Plus, it’s free from artificial additives and preservatives, ensuring you’re getting pure, natural butter.

Must Buy #10. GOLDHEN Cage Free Large Eggs – Grade A $2.99/1 dozen

Product Image 1

A kitchen staple, these eggs are fresh, high-quality, and affordable.

Goldhen Cage Free Large Brown Eggs offer a delicious and humane choice for your daily meals. Raised in environments that prioritize the welfare of the hens, these eggs are not only better for the birds but also packed with nutritional benefits, making them a staple in any kitchen.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 egg (50g)
  • Calories: 70
  • Total Fat: 5g (8% DV)
    • Saturated Fat: 1.5g (8% DV)
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 185mg (62% DV)
  • Sodium: 70mg (3% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 0g (0% DV)
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
    • Total Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Vitamin D: 6% DV
  • Calcium: 2% DV
  • Iron: 4% DV
  • Potassium: 2% DV

Enjoy the peace of mind knowing you are making a responsible choice for your family and the environment. Goldhen Cage Free Large Brown Eggs are a top choice for their superior taste and ethical production. The cage-free environment ensures the hens are healthier and happier, resulting in better-quality eggs.

Think Twice: Bananas $0.17/0.33 lbBananas, per lb

While the price is good, the quality and ripeness can be inconsistent, making it worth checking other stores for better options.

Overarching Factors to Consider

When making your shopping decisions at Aldi, consider factors such as quality and taste, nutritional value, price, and in-store availability. Not all Aldi locations carry the same products, and some selections aren’t always available or only brought in at certain times of the year. It’s important to choose items that are typically in stock at most Aldi stores to ensure you get the best deals every time you shop. Happy frugal shopping!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.