I'm a registered dietitian. Here are 8 items I buy from Aldi that I'd recommend to my clients.

Aldi's Simply Nature organic black beans are a staple ingredient in my plant-forward meals. The organic, fiber-rich beans offer 7 grams of protein per serving.

I appreciate how versatile black beans are and like to add them to things like salads, quesadillas, tacos, and rice dishes.

Aldi's Priano red-wine vinegar is perfect for adding to summer salads or stews. I'll also use it when cooking chicken and pork.

As an added bonus, the beautiful bottle looks great on the kitchen counter.

One of my favorite Aldi salad options is the Little Salad Bar sweet-kale chopped-salad kit.

I buy this salad mix because it's rich in vegetables, and the poppy-seed dressing adds just the right amount of flavor and sweetness.

When I want to add protein to my kale salad, I purchase the rotisserie-style pulled chicken from Aldi. I also throw it in sandwiches, tacos, and burritos since my family loves the taste of this lean protein.

I add a few Southern Grove dried cranberries to salads, oatmeal, and homemade granola. Dried cranberries are rich in vitamin C and vitamin E — which are powerful antioxidants — and provide enough sweetness to serve as a replacement for added sugar.

Snacks are important for a midday boost. Instead of relying on standard peanuts, I choose Southern Grove pistachios. These taste great, and I've even found that Aldi's price is a bit cheaper than other grocers in my area.

Pistachios are rich in potassium and magnesium, which help me power through the rest of the day.

The Southern Grove roasted pepitas can be mixed with raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet-and-savory snack.

In addition to their yummy flavor, another reason to eat pepitas is that they're a great source of protein.

Aldi has several options for prepackaged snacks, but one of their healthier choices is the Park Street Deli Snack Selects with pepper jack, raisins, and honey-roasted peanuts.

I reach for this if I get home later than usual. This power-packed snack helps me get through the afternoon and early evening.

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