Aldi is full of incredible grocery and household finds that you absolutely can't afford to miss. It is one of the best places to score a great grocery deal or find a new delicious food favorite. But not everything inside those cement walls is a guaranteed hit. We wanted to share our favorite Aldi items but also the ones we feel miss the mark. Will we keep shopping at Aldi? Absolutely! But we may skip over a few of these less-than-stellar items when we shop.
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the Writer’s personal beliefs.
Best: Bread
If you love fresh, bakery-style bread without the fancy price tag, Aldi's got you covered. Their artisan loaves, sandwich bread, and even brioche are all solid choices. You won't be disappointed if you're making toast, sandwiches, or garlic bread. The bread at Aldi tends to be super fresh and also available at a good price.
Best: Flour
Bakers, rejoice! Aldi's flour is just as good as the big-name brands but for a fraction of the cost. I use Aldi flour all the time when I bake, and I have to say that it is perfect. Light, fluffy, and affordable! I go to Aldi very often just to buy a few bags of flour.
Best: Cheese
Aldi's cheese game is strong. From sharp cheddar to creamy brie, they have a fantastic selection that rivals any fancy gourmet grocery store. Their specialty cheeses are especially impressive and perfect for making unique cheese boards or just slicing up as a snack.
Best: Cooking Oil
Olive oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil… Aldi's got them all, and they are all high-quality and at a good price. No matter what type of oil you love the most, Aldi likely has it in stock and without an inflated price tag.
Best: Yogurt
Aldi's yogurt selection is surprisingly good. In fact, they tend to have more options than other big-name stores. From plain Greek yogurt to the fancy, flavored stuff, the quality is on par with bigger brands, making it a great pick for breakfast, smoothies, or a midday snack.
Best: Soda and Seltzer
If you love sparkling water or soda, Aldi's versions are just as refreshing as the big names but way cheaper. Their seltzer flavors are crisp and bubbly, and their sodas satisfy that fizzy craving. Just stick to the Aldi brands, as the brand name stuff does tend to be a little pricer. Why pay more when you can get the same quality from Aldi's own brand?!
Worst: Butter
I hate to say it, but Aldi's butter just doesn't hit the mark. It tends to be inconsistent in quality and doesn't have the rich, creamy taste you want in baking or cooking. If you're serious about butter like I am, you might want to pick it up elsewhere.
Worst: Name Brand Snacks
Yes, Aldi carries some name-brand snacks, but you're probably not getting a good deal on them. In fact, you'll probably pay the same price (or more) than you would at a regular grocery store. If you want chips, cookies, or crackers, stick to Aldi's in-house brands that are just as tasty and way more budget-friendly.
Worst: Cereal
Aldi's cereal selection can be hit or miss. Some of their knockoff versions of big-name cereals are decent, but others fall flat in taste and texture. If you're picky about your morning bowl of cereal, you might want to grab your favorite brand elsewhere.
Worst: Shampoo
If you're expecting salon-quality hair care from Aldi's shampoo aisle, you're going to be disappointed. Their options tend to be basic, and if you have specific hair care needs, you'll likely get better results from other brands at a drugstore or big-box retailer.
Worst: Fresh Produce
This one hurts to admit because Aldi has some great deals on produce. The problem? Quality can be all over the place. One week, you'll find perfect avocados; the next, they're either rock-hard or mushy. If you buy produce from Aldi, check it carefully before tossing it into your cart.
Worst: Paper Products
Toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins from Aldi tend to be expensive, and since the grocery giant doesn't accept coupons, you won't get any great deals. Grab your paper products at a different store that gives better discounts or accepts retailer coupons.
This article was inspired by Kiplinger and was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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