Aldi has built a loyal following among shoppers looking to save money on groceries. Between its affordable store brands, weekly specials, and lower-priced alternatives to popular products, there are plenty of reasons people keep coming back.
But not everything at Aldi is worth putting in your cart. Some products are just as good as the more expensive brands, while others might leave you wishing you’d spent a little more.
In a recent Reddit discussion, Aldi shoppers shared their favorite grocery finds, the products they buy repeatedly, and a few purchases they wouldn’t make again.
Chocolate
Aldi has a surprisingly good chocolate selection, from everyday milk chocolate bars to hazelnut varieties and more expensive-looking treats. The Moser Roth range is particularly popular, and some varieties can compete with pricier chocolate brands.
Try a few different bars to find your favorite, especially if you regularly pay more for name-brand chocolate.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a grocery staple where the price difference between store brands and name brands can be substantial. Aldi’s version has a thick, creamy texture, making it a popular choice for breakfast, smoothies, and snacks.
The larger containers can be especially convenient for households that go through yogurt quickly.
Cheese
Aldi’s cheese selection includes everything from everyday cheddar to brie, goat cheese, and specialty varieties. The extra-mature cheddar is a particular favorite for its stronger flavor.
Cheese can get expensive, especially when you’re buying several varieties for entertaining or meal preparation. Aldi offers affordable options without forcing you to stick to basic sliced cheese.
Potato Chips and Crisps
Aldi’s hand-cut salted crisps have received praise for their flavor and crunch, with some shoppers preferring them to Kettle Chips.
The store also carries a variety of other chips and snacks that can cost less than popular brands. If packaged snacks are a regular part of your grocery list, this category is easy to compare.
Coffee
Aldi’s ground coffee is another grocery staple worth considering. With coffee prices adding up quickly, finding a less expensive option you enjoy can make a difference over time.
Whether you use a traditional coffee maker, French press, or another brewing method, compare Aldi’s offerings with your usual brand.
Related: Used Coffee Grounds Have More Uses Than You Might Expect
Laundry Detergent
Aldi carries several laundry products, including washing powder, tablets, and liquid detergent. These are popular alternatives to more expensive household brands.
The best way to compare value is to look at cost per load rather than the container price. A cheaper package isn’t necessarily the better deal if it contains fewer washes.
Face Cream and Skincare Products
Aldi’s skincare selection includes moisturizers, face washes, day creams, and night creams. Some products are designed as affordable alternatives to well-known skincare brands.
One shopper in the Reddit discussion said Aldi’s face cream worked better for them than much more expensive products.
Of course, skincare results vary, so it’s still important to choose products that suit your skin type and check the ingredients.
Related: 10 Dollar Tree Beauty Products Shoppers Say Feel Much More Expensive
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are an easy way to keep meal ingredients on hand without worrying about them spoiling after a few days. Many households regularly buy Aldi’s peas and other freezer staples.
They’re especially useful for soups, stir-fries, casseroles, and quick side dishes when fresh vegetables aren’t available.
Nuts and Dried Fruit
Aldi’s nuts, dried fruit, and snack mixes are convenient pantry staples. They work well for snacking, baking, adding to oatmeal, or putting together homemade trail mix.
Because nuts can be surprisingly expensive, it’s worth comparing package sizes and prices before automatically reaching for a familiar brand.
Bread and Bakery Staples
Aldi’s wraps, bagels, flatbreads, sandwich rolls, and naan breads are useful everyday staples. These products regularly end up on grocery lists, making price comparisons especially worthwhile.
You can also freeze them to extend their shelf life, which helps when you’re stocking up or don’t expect to finish a package right away.
A Few Aldi Products Shoppers Won’t Buy Again
Even with so many popular products, Aldi has a few items that haven’t impressed everyone.
Cat Food: Some shoppers have had trouble getting their cats to eat Aldi’s cat food. Even a low price isn’t much of a bargain if your pet refuses to touch it.
Certain Fresh Fruits: Fresh produce can be inconsistent, especially softer fruits like peaches and nectarines. Some shoppers have good experiences with Aldi’s berries and other produce, but others find that certain fruits don’t ripen well or spoil too quickly.
Standard Pasta and Rice: Aldi’s basic pasta and rice haven’t impressed everyone. Some shoppers prefer premium pasta varieties, especially for texture and how well they cook.
Stuffing: Aldi’s stuffing received criticism for its dry, unpleasant texture. It’s one of those products where personal preference can make a big difference.
Certain Frozen Chicken Products: Some shoppers have been disappointed by changes to the taste and texture of frozen chicken products they used to enjoy. Recipe changes can be frustrating, especially when a product has been a regular household favorite.
Sweet Baked Goods: While Aldi’s everyday bread products have plenty of fans, some of the sweeter bakery items have received mixed reviews. Complaints include products tasting overly sugary without much flavor.
