+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

We're having Aldi superfans share their grocery lists with us. Here are their favorite things to buy there.

May 9, 2023, 21:38 IST
Insider
Aldi fans are loyal to the store's budget groceries. Aldi; Courtney Nuss; Marianne Ayala/Insider
  • Insider has rounded up shopping lists from 19 Aldi fans, and these are their favorite products.
  • Frequent shoppers love the store's pizza, bread, canned goods, nuts, and produce.
Advertisement

As part of our Aldi Diaries series, Insider has been gathering grocery lists from people around the globe who love shopping at the chain.

Read on for some of their favorite products to get at the budget-friendly chain.

Rachel Fernandez, a vegetarian shopper, has relied on Aldi for over 4 years

Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen take-and-bake deli pizzas are cheap and easy to build on

Mama Cozzi Pizza Kitchen cheese pizza. Rachel Fernandez for Insider

Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen makes it into Aldi's fan-favorite-product awards every year.

The deli pizzas come in a variety of toppings, but Fernandez prefers the $4.99 cheese option because it's a great canvas for your own extra ingredients.

Her go-to toppings are caramelized onions, garlic, and marinated artichoke heart (all of which she purchases at Aldi).

Advertisement

Winking Owl wine is affordable and great for batch drinks

Winking Owl red wine. Rachel Fernandez for Insider

Not everyone can get behind Aldi's $3 Winking Owl wine, but its followers are loyal.

Fernandez uses the cheap bottles to make homemade sangria and other batch alcoholic punches.

The chickenless tenders at Aldi are a great meat replacement

Earth Grown vegan chicken-less tenders. Rachel Fernandez for Insider

Plenty of stores stock plant-based meat alternatives, but Aldi's prices are largely unmatched.

The Earth Grown brand has a variety of vegan products, including the $2.95 chickenless tenders that Fernandez cooks in her air fryer.

Read Rachel Fernandez's full Aldi shopping list: I'm a vegetarian who's shopped at Aldi for 4 years. Here are 16 products I always buy.

Advertisement

Vegan bartender Emily Anderson picks up some of her favorite cocktail ingredients at Aldi

There's plenty of fresh, citrus fruits to chose from

Assorted citrus fruits at Aldi. Emily Anderson

Anderson usually picks up three bags of fresh limes, lemons, or oranges for under $10.

She uses the juices for cocktails and the peels for garnishes.

Aldi stocks a number of salts that pair nicely with different cocktails

Assorted salts available at Aldi. Emily Anderson

No home bar is complete without fancy salts for rimming margarita glasses and tequila shots.

Anderson also adds fine-ground salt to daiquiris, palomas, sours, and her original cocktails.

Tea can be a fun ingredient to experiment with in your cocktails

Assorted Brenner teas. Emily Anderson

Tea can add a unique burst of flavor to cocktails.

Advertisement

Anderson recommended trying peppermint and chamomile with honey and whiskey or chai with rum punch.

Read Emily Anderson's full Aldi shopping list: I'm a vegan bartender who shops at Aldi. Here are 14 cheap cocktail ingredients I always buy there.

George Arkley buys all of her Mediterranean-diet essentials at Aldi in the UK

Marinated king prawns can be thrown right on the grill

Garlic, chili, and coriander king prawns. George Arkley

Although they're on the higher side of Aldi's price range, the Tasty Catch's marinated king prawns are a great splurge for a barbecue.

Arkley recommended the garlic, chili, and coriander flavor.

Aldi's canned beans, veggies, and fish can't be beat

The canned products are super cheap. George Arkley

One of the cheapest ways to stick to the Mediterranean diet is to stock your pantry with plenty of canned products like beans, veggies, and fish.

Advertisement

Chickpeas, black beans, and butter beans can be added to veggie burgers, pastas, and curries, and canned tomatoes can be used in sauces and stews.

Tinned fish, which Arkley said tastes the same no matter the price, is also super affordable at Aldi.

Olive oil is an essential part of the Med diet

Assorted Solesta infused olive oils. George Arkley

If you're following the Med diet, olive oil can really start eating away at your food budget since it's used in pretty much every dish.

Aldi stocks some affordable bottles, and Arkley also recommended the store's chili- and garlic-infused oils for extra flavor.

Read George Arkley's full Aldi shopping list: I've followed the Mediterranean diet for years. Here are 11 of my favorite things to buy at Aldi.

Advertisement

Katie Kelly has been coming back to Aldi every week for 5 years

The store's Greek yogurt can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Friendly Farms nonfat Greek yogurt. Courtney Nuss

Plain Greek yogurt is a versatile kitchen staple.

In addition to eating it with cereal and fruit, Kelly uses the yogurt for thickening smoothies and even as a sour-cream replacement for tacos.

She gets her daily boost of caffeine from Café Bustelo's ground coffee

Café Bustelo coffee. Katie Kelly for Insider

Aldi has several options when it comes to coffee, but Kelly swears by the Café Bustelo grounds.

She uses it to make two shots of espresso every morning, which she pairs with honey, vanilla extract, and oat milk.

Aldi stocks both name-brand and its own kombucha

VitaLife kombucha. Katie Kelly for Insider

Even with name-brand options on the shelves, Kelly recommended Aldi's VitaLife kombucha.

Advertisement

Her favorite flavor is Berry Nirvana.

Read Katie Kelly's full Aldi shopping list: I've shopped at Aldi almost every week for 5 years. Here are 15 things I keep coming back for.

Courtney Nuss is a solo Aldi shopper who sticks to a tight budget

Aldi has some of the most affordable cashews around

Aldi sells a few different bags of nuts. Courtney Nuss

If you're always on the go or looking for easy snack ideas, Nuss recommended cashews.

Although the nut can be pretty expensive at some stores, Aldi sells bags for under $5.

Happy Farms provolone slices make lunches easy

Friendly Farms provolone cheese slices. Courtney Nuss

Investing in low-cost sandwich fixings can really make a difference in your monthly grocery budget, according to Nuss.

Advertisement

She picks up the Happy Farm's provolone slices and Specially Selected Black Forest ham at Aldi to make easy and affordable ham-and-cheese sandwiches.

To bring simple sandwiches to the next level, she also picks up an Italian loaf

Specially Selected Italian bread. Courtney Nuss

Nuss reaches for the Italian loaf at Aldi, which she slices and heats in the oven right before eating.

For under $3, the bread can be used for morning toast, sandwiches, or dinner side dishes.

Read Courtney Nuss' full Aldi shopping list: I'm a solo shopper at Aldi. Here are the 16 things I always buy while staying under budget.

Military wife Amanda Turner drives 90 minutes with her toddler to shop at Aldi

Avocados are a staple in her house, and Aldi's are cheap

Aldi has great produce prices.Amanda Turner

Turner uses avocados for everything from brownies to tacos.

Advertisement

Although they can be expensive at some grocers, Aldi sells nice-sized ones for $0.49.

There's a reason the 'Red Bag' chicken has a cult following

The chicken is a fan-favorite item at the store.Amanda Turner

According to Turner, Aldi's Kirkwood breaded chicken-breast fillets (fondly referred to by fans as "Red Bag Chicken") are a great Chick-fil-A dupe.

She cooks them in an air fryer for 15 minutes or in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 (switching to broil for the last couple of minutes).

In addition to getting a nice crunch, the fillets have a well-spiced pickle flavor.

If you're shopping at Aldi in the South, pick up a carton of Blue Bell ice cream

I've been able to pick up Blue Bell ice cream on sale.Amanda Turner

Although it's only regionally stocked in the South, Turner's whole family loves Blue Bell ice cream as a special treat.

Advertisement

A 64-ounce container of Blue Bell ice cream sells for $6.97 at Aldi, and it's even sometimes on sale for $5.97.

Read Amanda Turner's full Aldi shopping list: I'm a military wife who drives 90 minutes with my toddler to shop at Aldi. Here are 12 things I always buy there.

Sabah Hussain likes to stock up on party supplies at Aldi

The store has great cheeses for a charcuterie board

Specially Selected French baking Camembert.Sabah Hussain

Charcuterie boards are great for grazing before the main course of a dinner party.

Hussain is a fan of topping Aldi's baked Camembert with honey, rosemary, chili flakes, and sliced garlic to put in the center of her board.

Advertisement

Flavored water is a nice nonalcoholic option for guests

Aqua Vale flavored waters at Aldi.Sabah Hussain

For people who don't drink alcohol, but still want a fun drink with dinner, Aldi has a nice selection of still and sparkling flavored waters.

Hussain recommended mixing them with lemonade and garnishing with raspberries for extra flair.

Aldi has plenty of premade desserts that make hosting easy

Dessert Menu mixed-berry cheesecake.Sabah Hussain

Hussain's dinner guests rarely turn down dessert, but to save on time, she picks up a premade treat at Aldi.

The store has a delicious range of sweet options, including tasty thaw-and-eat cheesecakes.

Read Sabah Hussain's full Aldi shopping list: I shop at Aldi to host big parties on a budget. Here are 14 of my favorite cheap things to buy.

Advertisement

Spencer Morin shops at Adli for products that help her meet her weight-loss goals

Simply Nature's cheesy cauliflower crackers are a great snack to swap into your pantry

Simple Nature cauliflower crackers.Spencer Morin

If you crave something savory and cheesy in the afternoon or evening, Morin suggested the Simple Nature cauliflower crackers in cheddar.

A serving is only 110 calories, and they also come in a sea-salt flavor.

The jalapeño-artichoke dip is great for parties or game nights

Park Street Deli jalapeño-artichoke dip.Spencer Morin

Aldi stocks plenty of fun dips that work well for snacking or party spreads. You can eat them with corn chips, black-bean chips, celery, or whatever else you have on hand.

Morin said her favorites are the jalapeño-artichoke dip and the cauliflower-Buffalo dip.

L'oven Fresh's everything bagel thins are great for breakfast

L'oven Fresh everything bagel skinnys.Spencer Morin

Morin said she prefers the L'oven Fresh bagel skinny over regular, more calorie-dense bagels because there's a better ratio of cream cheese to bread.

Advertisement

She uses them to fix up bagels with cream cheese, egg sandwiches, or avocado toast in the mornings.

Read Spencer Morin's full Aldi shopping list: I lost 70 pounds in 8 months. Here are my favorite Aldi snacks that helped me achieve my goals.

Joe Opaleski and his partner spend $20 a week on groceries

Aldi stocks everything you need to make a Polish-inspired dinner

Kielbasa sausage and sauerkraut from Aldi.Joe Opaleski

Opaleski, who has family roots in Poland, said he picks up kielbasa sausage and sauerkraut to make a comforting meal.

He just sautées the sausage, boils the sauerkraut, and serves everything together.

Advertisement

There are few things cheaper and easier than a peanut-butter sandwich

Bread and peanut butter from Aldi.Joe Opaleski

If you're looking for a quick snack or small meal that doesn't break the bank, there's hardly anything that's easier to whip up than a peanut-butter sandwich.

It's a go-to for Opaleski and his partner.

Basic quiche ingredients are super affordable at Aldi

Ingredients for quiche from Aldi.Joe Opaleski

Since Aldi's eggs are pretty affordable, Opaleski likes to take advantage of that and pick up everything he needs for a cheap quiche.

Advertisement

A premade pie crust, a carton of eggs, and a bunch of green onions usually does the trick

Read Joe Opaleski's full Aldi shopping list: My partner and I spend $20 a week at Aldi. Here are 14 things we love to buy and how we use them.

Whitney Sandoval shops for kid-friendly and gluten-free products

Aldi's gluten-free bread knocks it out of the park

Gluten-free bread at Aldi.Whitney Sandoval

As a mom of three, Sandoval goes through plenty of sandwich bread.

She said she finds the slices of Aldi's liveGfree bread to be bigger than most gluten-free competitors, plus, it freezes well if you want to stock up.

Gluten-free pasta is another pantry staple

Gluten-free pasta at Aldi.Whitney Sandoval

Although Sandoval said some brands of gluten-free pasta don't have the right texture, she enjoys the rice-and-quinoa noodles from Aldi's liveGfree brand.

Advertisement

She often pairs them Aldi's Simply Nature tomato-and-basil sauce, which she likes because it doesn't have added sugar.

Fruit snacks are perfect for moms on the go

Black Forest fruit snacks at Aldi.Whitney Sandoval

Moms can likely relate to Sandoval's desire to keep a few packs of Black Forest's juicy-burst fruit snacks in her diaper bag at all times.

She said her kids particularly like the unique flavors in the pack, like green apple, and the juice inside each fruit snack.

Read Whitney Sandoval's full Aldi shopping list: I'm a mom of 3 who avoids gluten. Here are 16 foods I always buy at Aldi.

Chef Tori Hazelett finds everything she needs for her 2 kids

Based on value and taste, Burman's mayonnaise is a must

Mayonnaise from Aldi.Tori Hazelett

The chef found Aldi's Burman-brand mayo on her first trip to the budget store seven years ago and has never looked back.

Advertisement

She said it's about half the price of Hellmann's, and she thinks it tastes better.

For a nice dinner, Black Angus rib eye makes a great centerpiece

Rib-eye steaks from Aldi.Tori Hazelett

Particularly if you love to grill or smoke meats, Hazelett recommended picking up some of Aldi's affordable rib eyes.

She's never been disappointed by the think-cut meat.

Peanut-butter cups are a simple and delicious treat

Peanut-butter cups from Aldi.Tori Hazelett

Hazelett said she doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, but she does enjoy picking up some of the Choceur milk-chocolate peanut-butter cups at Aldi.

The chef even said she regreted trying them in the first place because now she can't stop buying them.

Advertisement

Read Tori Hazelett's full Aldi shopping list: I'm a chef and mom of 2 who loves Aldi. Here are 13 of my favorite things to buy there.

Megan Schuett sticks to a budget when shopping for her family of 4

Chocolate-chip brioche makes a delicious breakfast or snack

Chocolate-chip brioche from Aldi.Megan Schuett

Schuett recommended pairing the sweet Specially Selected brioche loaf with a cup of coffee. She also likes to enjoy it as a midday snack before lunch.

The fancy bread only costs $3.95, and it also comes in a vanilla flavor.

Prepackaged chicken-salad cups come in handy when it's time to pack lunches

Cranberry-almond chicken salad from Aldi.Megan Schuett

Aldi sells individual cups of cranberry-almond chicken salad, and Schuett likes to pack them in lunch boxes for a break from deli meat.

It's a great product for busy moms or anyone looking for a quick meal option.

Advertisement

Everyone in the family can enjoy pancakes on the weekends

Complete pancake mix from Aldi.Megan Schuett

With Aldi's complete pancake mix, you only need to add water, so it makes making a fun weekend breakfast easy.

Schuett said she likes to add blueberries for sweetness, and sometimes she lets her kids add chocolate chips.

Read Megan Schuett's full Aldi shopping list: I spend $100 a week at Aldi to feed my family of 4. Here are 15 items we love to buy and how to use them.

As a solo shopper, Jailynn Taylor spends $50 at Aldi each week

Aldi's generic marshmallows-and-stars cereal might be better than its name-brand competitor

Marshmallows-and-stars cereal from Aldi.Jailynn Taylor

Taylor said she likes the taste of Aldi's sweet breakfast cereal better than the name-brand alternative — plus it's cheaper at $1.65 a box.

She recommended eating it for breakfast or for a snack.

Advertisement

Frozen fruit can be easier to buy when you live alone

Berry medley frozen fruit from Aldi.Jailynn Taylor

When shopping for one, it can be difficult to get through fresh fruit before it gets bad.

Taylor recommended Aldi's large bags of frozen-fruit blends for smoothies and juice bowls.

The berry medley is generally available, but there's also a tasty tropical blend that's often sold out because of its popularity.

Premade salad mixes make meal times a little easier

Premade Caesar-salad kit from Aldi.Jailynn Taylor

Taylor suggested stocking up on Aldi's premade Caesar salad for snacks, side dishes, or lunches (if you add a protein like chicken).

Since the pack comes with lettuce, dressing, and croutons, it's super simple to throw together.

Advertisement

Read Jailynn Taylor's full Aldi shopping list: I shop at Aldi for just myself and spend under $50 a week. Here 12 of my favorite things to buy.

Lisa Tanner, a mom of 10, shops on a budget at Aldi

Queso is a great addition to Taco Tuesdays

Jarred queso dip from Aldi.Lisa Tanner

When meal-planning each month, Tanner often buys everything she needs for Taco Tuesdays.

Casa Mamita's salsa con queso makes for a great dip for chips as a side dish to the meal.

It's not too spicy for picky eaters, according to Tanner, but it's still interesting enough for older kids.

Advertisement

Apples are a lifesaver when it's snack time

Gala apples from Aldi.Lisa Tanner

Tanner said her kids all love apples and could easily eat at least one a day.

Since she buys so much of the fruit, Aldi's big 3-pound bags come in handy, especially since they're less than $4.

Smaller packages of diapers make storage easier

Diapers from Aldi.Lisa Tanner

With 12 people in a house, storage is always a concern for Tanner and her family. Instead of buying huge packages of bulk diapers, the mom suggested switching to Aldi's inexpensive smaller packs.

The number of diapers in each pack depends on the size, but a 34-pack of size-three diapers only costs her $3.99.

Read Lisa Tanner's full Aldi shopping list: I'm a mom of 10 who loves shopping at Aldi. Here are 15 things I always buy.

Advertisement

Matthew Lesky works and shops at Aldi

The mocha iced coffee from Barissimo is a great find

Barissimo mocha iced coffee from Aldi.Matthew Lesky

Of all the sweetened, premade iced coffees on the market, Barissimo's mocha variety is a favorite of Lesky's.

It's a nice hit of caffeine that doesn't taste too much like black coffee, and it's affordable at $3 for a big carton.

It's hard to tell the difference between Aldi's ketchup and name-brand options

Burman's ketchup from Aldi.Matthew Lesky

Some people are blinded by brand loyalty when it comes to their favorite condiments, but according to Lesky, Aldi's generic Burman's ketchup is just as good as competitors like Heinz and Kraft.

Plus, it's much cheaper than the name brands at $1.75 a bottle.

Specially Selected pita chips are perfect for snacking

Specially Selected pita chips from Aldi.Matthew Lesky

After trying countless tortilla chips, bagel chips, and pretzel chips, Lesky decided that Aldi's pita chips are his preferred dip vessel. He's particularly fond of the sea-salt flavor.

Advertisement

Specially Selected offers a number of flavors for $4.40 a bag.

Read Matthew Lesky's full Aldi shopping list: I've worked at Aldi for 4 years. Here are 10 of my favorite things to buy there.

Culinary judge Meredith Ochs is a fan of Aldi's selection

Champagne cheese jazzes up any charcuterie board

Emporium Selection Champagne cheese from Aldi.Meredith Ochs

Ochs is a fan of the cheese selection at Aldi, including its Emporium Selection Champagne cheese.

She said she can actually taste the bubbly in it, and it makes for a great addition to a cheese plate for $4.49.

Advertisement

Aldi has a number of 'fancier' snack options, including cheese crisps

Specially Selected cheese crisps from Aldi.Meredith Ochs

Ochs specifically likes to shop at Aldi for high-quality snacks, including the Specially Selected Asiago-and-cheddar cheese crisps.

She serves them with everything from predinner cocktails to bowls of tomato soup.

A box of the artisan crackers goes for $3.39.

Ochs said it's worth the extra effort to use Aldi's dried chilis

Dried chilis at Aldi.Meredith Ochs

When using dried chilis, you have to remove the seeds and stems before toasting, rehydrating, blending, and straining. But according to Ochs, that's all worth it.

Aldi's Badia guajillo chilis add so much flavor and color to things like moles, adobos, and salsas. The store also sells árbol chilis, which pack more heat.

Advertisement

The bags of dried chilis go for $2.82.

Read Meredith Ochs' full Aldi shopping list: I'm a culinary judge who shops at Aldi. Here are 12 things I recently bought and loved.

Kristina Lopez follows the Mediterranean diet and shops at the budget grocer

Grapes are a versatile purchase

Red and green grapes from Aldi.Kristina Lopez

Grapes can be a great addition to a charcuterie board, a simple treat when you have a sweet craving, or a frozen addition to fun drinks, according to Lopez.

The carton from Aldi also conveniently comes with both red and green grapes.

Advertisement

Goat cheese is great if you have a hard time digesting lactose

Garlic and herb goat cheese from Aldi.Kristina Lopez

Lopez uses goat cheese to add a nice, tangy punch to dishes like salads and toasts.

She specifically recommends the Emporium Selection's garlic-and-herb flavor from Aldi

The store's gyro kits have everything you need for a quick meal

Gyro kits from Aldi.Kristina Lopez

On busy days, Lopez grabs a Bremer's gyro kit to make a quick lunch.

It has 16 ounces of fully cooked meat, 8 ounces of tzatziki sauce, and five pieces of pita bread.

Advertisement

Read Kristina Lopez' full Aldi shopping list: I follow the Mediterranean diet and shop at Aldi. Here are 17 things I love to buy and how I use them.

UK Matt Ng shops for his family of 3 on a budget

Seasoning cooking bags are a lifesaver when you need to throw dinner together quickly

Maggi seasoning bags from UK Aldi.Matt Ng

Maggi seasoning and cooking bags come in a few different flavors, but Ng prefers the garlic variety for easy dinners.

You just add meats or vegetables to the bag, which is packed with seasonings, and cook in the oven.

Advertisement

Ng's family reaches for honey to make veggies more enticing

Squeezable honey from UK Aldi.Matt Ng

As a dad, Ng has creative ways to make sure his kid eats enough veggies, including serving them with a little Grandessa honey.

He especially likes a drizzle over broccoli, baby sweetcorn, and green beans.

Whirlz make for a great treat when the weather gets warmer

Whirlz ice pops from UK Aldi.Matt Ng

Whirlz are a staple treat for Ng and his family in the UK. They come in pineapple-strawberry or lemon-lime flavor swirls at Aldi.

The light treat is great for a snack or dessert.

Read Matt Ng's full Aldi shopping list: I spend $100 a week at my UK Aldi to feed my family of 3. Here are 13 items we buy and how we use them.

Advertisement

UK chef Mia Rodriguez gets her essentials at Aldi

Specially Selected's rhubarb yogurt is luxury on a budget

The Specially Selected rhubarb yogurt from UK Aldi.Mia Rodriguez

Rodriguez likes to eat the thick, rhubarb yogurt for breakfast on its own or add it to smoothies for extra creaminess.

The best part is each pot is less than $3.

Cod loins are great for fish tacos

Cod loins from UK Aldi.Mia Rodriguez

Specially Selected sells a well-priced pack of cod loins that Rodriguez uses for things like crispy fish tacos and curries.

Advertisement

The chef will even roast them with a little pesto coating.

Rigatoni is great for catching all kinds of sauces

Specially Selected rigatoni from UK Aldi.Mia Rodriguez

Specially Selected's rigatoni has all the right grooves to grip sauces like beef or mushroom ragù.

The chef makes a pasta dish with spicy sausage and bell pepper for a full meal.

Read Mia Rodriguez's full Aldi shopping list: I'm a chef who shops at my UK Aldi and spends $100. Here are 12 things I like to buy there.

This story was originally published on September 24, 2021, and most recently updated on May 9, 2023.

Advertisement
You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article