Navigating the prepared meal section at your local supermarket can be a hit or miss experience. At Aldi, the variety is vast, but not every deal is as good as it looks.
Here’s a straightforward guide to what you should skip and what you should definitely toss in your cart this month.
Skip: Park Street Deli Macaroni & Cheese $2.99/12 oz
While tempting, this mac & cheese falls short in flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients:
Pasta, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, salt
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Microwave and stir, although it may lack the creamy consistency you desire.
Buy: Priano Ravioli $3.49/16 oz
A delightful choice, these ravioli are stuffed with rich flavors, perfect for a quick gourmet meal.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients:
Semolina flour, ricotta cheese, eggs, spinach, Parmesan cheese
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Boil for 4-6 minutes and serve with a light tomato sauce or olive oil.
Skip: Mama Cozzi’s Mini Pizza Crusts With Sauce $4.49/10 oz
Unfortunately, these mini crusts turn out a bit too tough and the sauce lacks depth.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 300 per crust
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients:
Wheat flour, water, tomato sauce, olive oil, yeast
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Top with your favorite toppings and bake, but be wary of the crust’s firmness.
Buy: Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Take and Bake Pizzas $5.99/32 oz
Always a crowd-pleaser, these pizzas offer a delicious crust and generous toppings.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 280 per slice
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients:
Dough, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, various toppings
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
Skip: Park Street Deli Pork or Chicken Egg Rolls $3.99/12 oz
These egg rolls are often too greasy and lack filling, making them a less desirable choice.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 200 per egg roll
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
Cabbage, pork or chicken, carrot, salt, spices, wheat flour
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Bake or fry, but you might find them oilier than expected.
Buy: Park Street Deli Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad $4.99/16 oz
This chicken salad is refreshing with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 230 per serving
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients:
Chicken breast, mayonnaise, dried cranberries, almonds, celery
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve on whole-grain bread or over a bed of fresh greens.
Skip: Bettr Bowl Birria Rice Bowl $5.99/12 oz
The birria lacks authentic flavor, and the rice can be mushy.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 400 per bowl
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients:
Rice, beef birria, tomatoes, cheese, spices
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Microwave as directed, though it might not meet expectations.
Buy: Fuchsia Asian Inspirations Chicken or Pork Potstickers $4.49/24 oz
These potstickers are a flavorful delight, stuffed with tender meat and wrapped in a thin, crisp skin.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 220 per serving (6 pieces)
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients:
Chicken or pork, cabbage, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, wheat flour
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Pan-fry until golden and serve with soy sauce or dipping sauce.
Skip: Park Street Deli Pulled Pork $6.99/16 oz
This pulled pork is often too dry and overly sweet, lacking the succulence you’d hope for.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 310 per serving
- Fat: 23g
- Protein: 21g
Ingredients:
Pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Heat and serve, but you may need extra sauce to counteract the dryness.
Buy: Park Street Deli Hawaiian Chicken $4.99/16 oz
Juicy and flavorful, this Hawaiian chicken brings a tropical flair to your meal with its sweet and tangy sauce.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients:
Chicken breast, pineapple, bell peppers, brown sugar, soy sauce
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Heat thoroughly and serve with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
With this guide, you can confidently navigate Aldi’s prepared meal section, knowing exactly what to skip and what to shop for an enjoyable eating experience!
