I love ALDI and these are my most-purchased, most-loved, most-consumed ALDI products that are a key part of making our day-to-day lives delicious, wholesome, and affordable.
21 Things You Should Absolutely Be Buying at ALDI
This post is sponsored by ALDI
There are a lot of things I love from ALDI.
Like, could write a novel about it. The quality, affordability, variety, sustainability…
This is not a surprise. I know you know this already because a) I talk about it quite regularly here on POY, and b) you love ALDI, too! My DMs on Instagram are frequently filled with love for ALDI products and requests for more ALDI product recommendations from fellow ALDI fanatics. I mean, ALDI lovers are just a force to be reckoned with.
But in my miles-long list of ALDI favorites, there are a handful of products that end up in my cart week after week after week, or better yet – that I will actively drive out of my way to buy. No shame.
This post is a look at those most-purchased, most-loved, most-consumed ALDI products that are a key part of making our day-to-day lives delicious, wholesome, and affordable.
1: Friendly Farms Original Oatmilk
Why I like it: The oatmilk from ALDI is hands-down my favorite, most-purchased item. We buy multiple cartons every time we place an ALDI Instacart order (and many thanks to our Instacart shoppers who shlep all our oatmilk from the store and up to our house, lol). Admittedly I am a lover of most all oatmilk, but this one is the best I’ve literally ever had. It’s top-notch creamy, and there’s a subtle sweetness to it but no added sugar, making it perfect for cereal, baking, or my personal favorite: supremely delicious iced coffees.
2: Fresh Ginger
Why I like it: Including this on my list of top products because I’m just so happy that you can now buy fresh ginger root at ALDI. The more I can get from one grocery stop, the better! And fresh ginger is something I love to use in various recipes (see, for example, these bowls with that ginger sauce), so having the option to snag this while I’m doing my weekly ALDI order is just very convenient and wonderful. (It’s also always been super fresh every time I’ve gotten it. Fragrant, firm, juicy, and delicious. A+!)
3: Simply Nature Organic Multigrain Tortilla Chips
Why I like it: We keep a full shelf of our pantry storage reserved just for these specific chips. 😂 The texture is just so delicious. They taste like a slightly more interesting version of a regular tortilla chip – not overly healthy, just extra textured and yummy. Flax seeds, brown rice, and sunflower seeds in tortilla chips that we actually love to eat? Add to cart.
4: Earth Grown Vegan Classic Meatless Meatballs
Why I like it: This was a crowd-sourced recommendation! You all introduced me to these meatballs with your insistence that I try them earlier this summer, and I did, and WOW YES they did not disappoint. They are a freezer staple for us! We toss them in jarred marinara or pasta sauce for an easy spaghetti and meatballs option, and when I have slightly more energy, we coat them in this sticky sweet sauce and put them on some rice and pickled veg. Bjork couldn’t believe they were meatless.
5: Simply Nature Organic Chicken Broth
Why I like it: Usually I’m just stocking up on this organic chicken broth, but I wanted to mention this as an entire category because ALDI also has amazing stocks and even BONE BROTH that is really, really good. Like, true collagen-rich bone broth. From ALDI. What is life.
6: Simply Nature Organic Oats & Flax Instant Oatmeal
Why I like it: In my experience, organic oats can be strangely hard to find, so I will often make an ALDI order specifically to stock up on these organic oatmeal packets. I like this particular variety because it also has flax seeds in it to give the whole thing a little wholesome-ness boost. There is a little bit of added sugar in these so I don’t give this to my baby yet (10 months), but for me and my toddler, it is so perfect and so convenient to just throw a couple of these together in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast that is nutritious, just lightly sweet, and filling. Yay organic oats!
7: Priano Rosso Pesto Sauce
Why I like it: We have discussed this before with this sheet pan shrimp and cauli rice situation, but I really adore this sauce. I keep several little jars on hand at all times because it’s super versatile. I am not always a huge fan of jarred pesto (the green variety), but this is a different thing altogether. It’s made with a tomato base and it has some yummy cheeses in it, which gives it just a bit of creaminess, and it’s one of those little jars of magic that kind of makes everything taste better. Pasta, eggs, baked casserole-type recipes, soups, etc. Can’t go wrong.
8: Simply Nature Organic Frozen Sweet Potatoes (and Other Vegetables)
Why I like it: I rely so heavily on frozen vegetables to make sure we always have some good stuff (read: vegetable stuff) for the girls to eat with their mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, etc. etc. The Simply Nature brand has so many options, many of which aren’t vegetables I usually see in the freezer section of other grocery stores. I love the sweet potatoes in particular because they are awesome to throw in recipes (soup, anyone?), but the squash and broccoli are also favorites for us.
9: Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk Plain Yogurt
Why I like it: It’s just… five stars. Really good. Creamy, mild, organic whole milk yogurt. Baby eats it plain, toddler eats it with berries and honey, and Bjork and I like it for breakfast with granola. I also use it in a lot of recipes. We also like the Greek yogurt from ALDI but this plain whole milk yogurt is the one I stock up on most often whenever we make an ALDI order.
10: Fresh Atlantic Salmon
Why I like it: I’ve never had a bad piece of salmon from ALDI. We buy it almost weekly and it’s great. It’s affordable, ready to go in the refrigerator section, and I love that ALDI as a company has sustainability values and initiatives that guide their product sourcing for seafood. They have several varieties of salmon, but we usually go for the fresh Atlantic salmon.
11: Fresh Pork Italian Style Meatballs
Why I like it: This is a little random, maybe, but I love these meatballs! We used them for the Harissa Meatballs recipe (I know, it doesn’t make sense, Italian meatballs with harissa sauce and whipped feta), but it was phenomenal. We loved it so much. An awesome shortcut meatball that is a step up from frozen but still saves you the time and energy of making your own.
12: OLIVES! Antipasti, Specifically
Why I like it: I ate so many of these little things when I was pregnant! And… still eating so many of them now, even though I’m not pregnant anymore. Because SALT! BRINE! CHEESE! Omg. They are a salty snack lover’s delight.
13: Pueblo Lindo Queso Fresco
Why I like it: ALDI is famous for its great cheese selection, but I’ve been really happy to see cheeses that can otherwise be hard to find – specifically queso fresco! (I also love and frequently use the Emporium Selection Swiss & Gruyere Shreds that is pictured just below my hand in this photo, so this is a sneaky two-for-one. Remember this egg and croissant brunch bake?)
14: Simply Nature Organic Mac and Puppies
Why I like it: I don’t know if this really needs explanation because… mac and puppies, but my daughter absolutely loves this and talks about “the puppies” nonstop. I like that it’s organic and guess what else I like? It tastes really good. 😂 Welcome to my food blog where I eat mac and puppies.
15: Simply Nature Cauliflower Crackers, Cheddar
Why I like it: We buy these every time we go to ALDI! Kid favorite, mom favorite, dad favorite, everyone favorite! When I was nursing my daughter and had to be dairy-free for a while, these were single-handedly the only snack that tasted like actual cheese to me (without real cheese). Vegan snacks for the win!
16: Simply Nature Organic Baby Spinach
Why I like it: It’s “just spinach,” but it’s in my cart every time we go to ALDI. It’s fresh, it’s organic, it’s a nice sized package that’s not too big or too small because these are the important things in life!
17: Little Salad Bar Sunflower Chopped Salad Kit
Why I like it: This came recommended to me with rave reviews, and it did not disappoint. Greens with edamame, sunflower seeds, and sweet onion vinaigrette. Add a piece of grilled chicken, roasted sweet potato, or some extra nuts (SEE BELOW) and it is meal-time ready. Love it.
18: Southern Grove Chili Lime Cashews
Why I like it: I buy these for two reasons: 1) to eat, and 2) to make this cashew crunch salad. ALDI has so many delicious variations of nuts that I use constantly in recipes and in snackage. Other favorites have been the salt and pepper cashews and the fall-only pumpkin spice almonds. (!!)
19: Simply Nature Organic Quinoa
Why I like it: This quinoa is an affordable, organic pantry staple for us! I keep us stocked up so we are recipe-ready with quinoa at all times.
20: Clancy’s Cheese Curls
Why I like it: I’m sorry to follow quinoa with cheese curls, but also, not really. These are some of my very favorite of all the cheesy snacks I’ve ever had. Awesome late-night snack, treat yoself, yolo munchie for when the moment strikes.
21: Moser Roth Chocolate Bars
Why I like it: And finally, these chocolate bars! SO, SO GOOD. My favorite thing about them is that they’re so much less sweet than a traditional chocolate bar and I used to use these as my go-to chocolate snack when I was doing a sugar-free challenge and trying to cut back on sugar (but still, um, enjoy a little chocolate).
There we go! 21 things you should absolutely be buying at ALDI!
Are you in agreement? What are the items that you consider a MUST-BUY from ALDI?
My original list was about a mile long, so this is only just scratching the surface of my love for ALDI! ♡
Thank you to ALDI for sponsoring this post!
Filed Under: All Recipes Life
October 5, 2021
Nice to meet you!
I’m Lindsay and I ♡ FOOD. I used to be a teacher, and now making food and writing about it online is my full-time job. I love talking with people about food, and I'm so glad you're here.
Did you make a recipe? Tag @pinchofyum on Instagram so we can find you!
I am from India and we dont even have an ALDI here, but I absolutely love reading your posts, Lindsay! 😀 I did visit ALDI a lot whenever I was in Germany.
I love seeing how Aldi’s across the world stock such different things! I used to live out of Aldi when I lived in Germany and Austria, but then I moved to the UK and the food they stock here is horrible! I can’t tell if it is because the British do truly have horrible taste (which is a distinct possibility. sorry Britain – I still love you!) or Aldi kind of forgets about us post-Brexit. Then when I go back to visit my Mom in the US I am amazed at the wonderful selection of food that is fresh, interesting and fun. Basically – if Aldi is reading this, please bring some of these foods to the UK! I’d kill for some multi-grain tortillas or frozen sweet potato or chilli lime cashews or better fresh food that doesn’t go off in a day. But I can concur that the meatless meatballs are AH-MAZING! And I would like to add their Peanut Butter to the list. Thanks for sharing.
If you haven’t tried the coconut cashews, I’d highly recommend. They have a nice subtle coconut flavor, and aren’t sugar bombs (I forget the exact sugar amount, but it is within my diabetic carb limit for a snack). I tried them sometime last year and then totally forgot about them until I saw them on a random shelf on my last visit. Also, the organic peanut butter – just peanuts and salt with a really good roasted peanut flavor, but super affordable.
We love the garlic knots!!! Find them in the bread section.
We buy lots of organic produce at Aldi’s and I find their organic quinoa very reasonable and we love the chocolate you featured.
Those cashews!??! I’ve never seen them at our Aldi! I will have to have another look. One thing I’d add to the list are the jalapeno olives (in a jar). They are the absolute best in a dirty martini. We buy several jars at a time! Also, love your nail polish color. 🙂
I love Aldi! I have three boys, a teen, almost teen, and 8 year old. We go through a lot of food! Aldi really helps with my budget. One favorite of ours are the Simply Nature White Cheddar Puffs.
Love, Love, Love Aldi foods. Have been shopping there for years, and the place just gets better and better! Great bargains, values, and quality, what’s not to love. Everyone should shop at Aldi.
I’m definitely a fan- and I’m so so excited for their seasonal Halloween cheeses! I think my entire top 10 would be from the produce department. They have me in the habit of keeping fresh cilantro and green onions on hand, which add instant freshness. The broccoli crowns, french green beans, and sugar snap peas are a must-buy. The seasonal specials are great, and my store even has local Minnesota-grown apples this week!
Will be on the lookout for those apples on my next Aldi trip!
The Cranberry Cinnamon Goat Cheese log is amazing on a charcuterie plate – as is their salami! Both are available year round. The summer seasonal Caprese pasta salad is great as well.
That goat cheese sounds amazing!
I’ve never shopped at Aldi, but one of my nieces has, been wanting to try it, I moved to Victorville recently & there’s one not far from where I’m staying. I will be going to see if I like it!
You will! Be prepared to find stuff there that you have never seen in a regular grocery store! When you see real corn popped corn, grab it! It won’t stay on the shelf for long because it tastes like you’re eating it off the cob. Also, when you find something in the “Aldi’s Finds” section that you like, don’t wait to go back if you want some more. When their stock is gone, it’s gone for good. Sometimes that brings tears to my eyes, like the sesame seared garlic tuna that was beyond amazin in spring rolls. And don’t forgetAldis award winning wines!
And the amount of plastic involved doesn’t bother you? Some of the food is good but too much prepackaged for me. I do make an exception for the free range chicken.
Aldi has a great selection of tortillas and flatbreads, some organic. I like the Specially Selected pita chips and the organic multi grain tortilla chips.
I buy the organic vegetables, both fresh and frozen.
I get the frozen shrimp occasionally. The Specially Selected frozen flatbreads (not always available at my local store) are excellent!
Getting a message saying Ive already said that,but I haven’t. Too much plastic involved. Good food especially free range chicken but too many bags.
We love the gluten-free line at Aldi in addition to that salmon and their organic options. I will try the oat milk next time!
wow i cannot believe those prices. Where i live I pay triple for these items. Jealous!!
I love this blog post!! I love all of your recipes too, but this is an amazing addition to your posts and it’s something cheap, useful, and healthy!! Thank you as always!!
Absolutely!
I read this while eating dill pickle flavored potato chips that my husband picked up at Aldi! I never would have picked them, but … they’re not bad lol.
Aldi has such unique potato chip flavors!
I tried the vegan meatballs with harissa and whipped feta. I followed your recommendation on these and we LOVE them. Aldi also has gluten free chicken nuggets that are the best!
Where we live, its also a little hard to find Mexican cheeses, but Aldi does have shredded Oaxaca cheese. So good and melts beautifully.
💙 your posts, Lindsay and team!
You’re so welcome!
Thank you for this post! Admittedly, I am a Whole Foods addict (😬) but with a baby on the way/more mouths to feed than ever, I know I need to find a more affordable grocery option. We have an Aldi down the road that I’ve never been to – but inspired to give it a try! Love seeing how many organic options they have (I had no idea)!
Aldi is the best! I started shopping there a few years ago when I had a baby on the way, and now I’m hooked!
Thanks for all the information, I’ll add these things and Aldi to my shopping list. Also enjoy getting recipes.
What a list! So many I love but a lot I haven’t tried. Also, thank you for finishing with chocolate. Those bars are a treat-yo-self dream 😍. I also enjoy the massive bags of frozen fruit that are so reasonably priced.
Agree with all of these! Would add:
1. The organic DHA milk for my toddler
2. The dark chocolate w/ hazelnuts (OMG YUM)
3. The premade quinoa cups with the roasted pepper chutney. Warm it up, pour it over a bowl of greens and add Aldi goat cheese on top. TRIPLE YUM and good for you. The easiest lunch for this 2nd time pregnant momma.
4. The Never Any! sugar free bacon–better value than the TJ’s sugar free bacon. There are more ounces per package.
5. I know lots of people are VERY specific on diapers but the baby products at Aldi have been wonderful for us. They also just came out with zinc diaper rash cream and a new baby lotion and baby wash/shampoo. Cannot say enough good things about their very affordable baby products. I have used the diapers and wipes for my last baby and will be using them with #2. Give them a try!
6. All their seasonal entertaining food items. I stocked up last year on their marcona almonds and their wafer crackers.
7. Their organic coffee beans!
I could go on…but I will just say if you haven’t gone to aldi, try it! You most likely won’t go back (this coming from a devoted Trader joe’s and Whole Foods shopper!)
Oh yes, their baby products! Their wipes and diapers are both awesome, and so affordable!
I’ve never tried those quinoa cups! Sounds awesome!
Thank You for this review! I am going to try some of Your selections! I have to drive an hour to the nearest Aldi but it is worth it! My selections are: their canned vegetables, Dakota canned baked beans, milk, butter, smoked sausage, bacon, canned soups, ready to bake pizza, and their German noodles (like homemade) and doesn’t bother my stomach. Their fruits and vegetables always fresh! Prices are so affordable! Aldi is my favorite store!
Thanks for sharing your faves!
Love this! Is there any way to get a printer-friendly list of these items?
Hi Sara! So sorry we don’t have a printer-friendly list for this post. We’d suggest copying/pasting into a blank document.
I have driven by Aldi so many times and had no idea what I was missing! I’ve got a list and will definitely be going there this week!
Love hearing this!