The popular discount supermarket chain Aldi has garnered a loyal following for its no-frills shopping experience, high-quality private-label products, and, most importantly, its incredibly competitive prices. Navigating an Aldi store can be a treasure hunt, with new and exciting "Aldi Finds" appearing weekly. But beyond the thrill of discovery, certain staple items consistently rank as the "best buys" for savvy shoppers.
Unlocking Value: A Guide to the Best Items You Should Be Buying at Aldi
This guide will highlight some of the top categories and specific products that offer exceptional value and quality at Aldi.
Why Shoppers Love Aldi
Before diving into the products, it's worth understanding the Aldi model. Their efficiency—smaller stores, a quarter for cart rental (which you get back), encouraging customers to bring their own bags, and a focus on private labels—translates directly into lower prices without significantly compromising quality.
Top Categories & Standout Items to Look For
While "best" can be subjective and inventory can vary, here are some consistently praised items and categories:
- Dairy & Cheese Aisle Treasures:
- Specialty Cheeses: Aldi is renowned for its impressive and affordable selection of imported and specialty cheeses. Look for Irish cheddars, French brie, German Emmentaler, goat cheese, and seasonal varieties. These often rival pricier brands at a fraction of the cost.
- Milk & Yogurt: Basic dairy like milk (including organic options) and Greek yogurt (especially the plain and vanilla bean varieties) are consistently praised for their quality and price.
- Butter: Both salted and unsalted butter, including Irish butter when available, are typically great buys.
- Fresh Produce Picks:
- Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables: Aldi often has excellent prices on seasonal produce like berries, avocados, melons, and leafy greens. Quality can sometimes vary by store and delivery day, so inspect carefully.
- Organic Options: The Simply Nature line offers a good selection of organic produce at competitive prices.
- Pantry Powerhouses:
- Baking Supplies: Flour, sugar, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and spices are generally much cheaper than national brands without sacrificing quality.
- Canned Goods: Aldi's canned goods offer excellent value, from tomatoes and beans to tuna.
- Pasta & Sauces: Various pasta shapes and jarred sauces (including organic and specialty options) are usually good buys.
- Olive Oil: Their extra virgin olive oil, particularly the "Specially Selected" brand, is often highlighted for quality and price.
- Nuts & Dried Fruit: Typically, it is of great value compared to other stores.
- Snack Attack Central:
- Chips & Crackers: Aldi's private label chips (Clancy's) and crackers (Savoritz brand) offer various flavors and styles that often compare favorably to national brands.
- Chocolates & Cookies: Look for their European chocolates (Moser Roth, Choceur) and various cookies and biscuits, which are often imported and delicious.
- Frozen Food Favorites:
- Frozen Fruit & Vegetables: Excellent for smoothies, baking, or side dishes, and generally very well-priced.
- Specialty Frozen Items: Watch for unique frozen appetizers, pizzas, seafood, and seasonal desserts that can be excellent.
- The Thrill of the Hunt: "Aldi Finds" / Aisle of Shame:
- This is arguably what makes Aldi truly unique. The center aisle(s) feature a rotating selection of non-food items, including household goods, kitchen gadgets, clothing, home decor, gardening supplies, toys, and seasonal items. These "Aldi Finds" are available for a limited time and can offer incredible bargains.
- Wine & Beer (Where Legally Permitted):
- In states where Aldi can sell alcohol, their selection of wines and beers is often praised for its surprisingly good quality and unbeatable prices. Many of their Winking Owl wines (if available) are famously inexpensive.
Tips for Shopping at Aldi:
- Bring a Quarter: You'll need it to "rent" a shopping cart (you get it back when you return it).
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags): Aldi does not provide free bags at checkout; you can purchase them or bring your own.
- Be Open to Private Labels: The vast majority of Aldi's products are their own high-quality private brands.
- Check Weekly Ads: "Aldi Finds" and produce specials are often highlighted in their weekly flyers or online.
- Don't Expect National Brands (Mostly): While they carry a few, they focus on their labels.
Shopping at Aldi can be a rewarding experience for budget-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on quality. By knowing which categories and items consistently deliver the best value, you can make the most of your Aldi trip. While this list highlights some fan favorites, part of the fun of Aldi is discovering your own personal "best buys" among their ever-evolving selection. Happy shopping!
