The 5 Groceries I Only Get From Aldi

As a food-writer, recipe developer, and savvy shopper, I’m forever seeking healthy, notable, and interesting foods at affordable prices. I have been known to drive an hour and a half to a grocery store just to pick up their new line of perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookies or low-sugar sparkling drinks. Aldi equally brings me in for their reliably good basics as well as their fun and creative limited releases, making them a hub for many of my grocery staples. Their affordable prices, consistent selection, commitment to quality, and interesting exclusives help keep my kitchen stocked. Here are five of my Aldi faves. 

1. Organics

Aldi carries a wide range of organic products from dairy and eggs, to fresh produce, meat, and pantry items. Everything in their in-house organic line, Simply Nature, is USDA certified organic and/or Non-GMO verified. I prefer to buy organic whenever I can and Aldi’s variety, consistent quality, and affordable prices make this doable. To keep everyone my household happy, healthy, and well-fed, I regularly stock up on nut butters, bone broth, Greek yogurt, avocado and olive oil, leafy greens, grass-fed beef, chicken breasts, canned tomatoes and beans, sprouted bread, and even tortilla chips to have easy meal ideas at the ready. 

2. Clancy’s Kettle Chips

I developed a love of chips in my second pregnancy that has, rightly or wrongly, continued for three glorious years. I am particularly drawn to corn tortilla chips and kettle chips for their unapologetic snappy texture. So, when only a bag of crispy chips will do, Clancy’s Kettle Chips really deliver. These crunchy crowd-pleasers come in jalapeño and original (which we love pairing with their Friendly Farms french onion dip, or make our own for a nostalgic treat). Winning a place in the ranks of the Aldi Fan Favorites list for good reason, they’re the perfect ratio of crunch to flavor.

3. Cheese

If you’re known as the cheese-lover among your friends, take note that Aldi offers a range of fine cheeses without the high end prices. Their cheese section boasts a wide variety of options, ensuring there’s something to complement every dish and discerning palate. I have been especially surprised by the Emporium Selection (Aldi’s house brand) Irish cheddars, Manchego, and Asiago. 

Irish cheddars have always been a staple in my kitchen for easy snacking and everyday meals. Aldi sells them in mild, mature, and vintage. But you’ll always find me reaching for the oldest cheddar for the sharpest flavor. Outside of this, the certified Spanish manchego is rich and sublime with a wonderful intensity and the asiago has creamy nuttiness that pairs perfectly with pastas, sandwiches, and chicken. 

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4. Wine 

A quick Google search for “Aldi’s award winning wines” will turn up a myriad of prizewinners from over the years. And in the past year, Aldi’s Specially Selected, private label wines have really shone! With premium bottles from notable wine regions around the world, they really stand up to their competitors. 

I love full-bodied reds, so some of my favorite Aldi picks include the juicy stone fruit and black cherry notes of the Specially Selected Uco Valley Malbec and the velvety Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. With many of their wines, you’ll feel like you’re drinking a pricier bottle, but most won’t even put you over $10 to $15 (and you’ll even find a few under $5).

5. Aldi Finds 

I never miss a chance to explore the latest Aldi Finds, and you shouldn’t either. These weekly, limited-edition offerings cover everything from home goods and kitchen gadgets, to health and lifestyle products, clothing, kids’ products, and unique food and drink items. Last year’s gold and emerald cutlery set and charming cast iron bread oven came in hot, and cost a fraction of what you’d pay at big box stores. 

I’ve found some of my best home decor dupes, most exciting snacks, and seasonal gems at Aldi. Around the holidays, in particular, they tend to get into the festive spirit, so be on the lookout for things like the carrot cake hummus, the Reggano Easter or Halloween-shaped pasta, the chocolate-covered almonds with crushed candy cane, the maple cinnamon artisan crisps (out now), and the seasonal raviolis, like pumpkin sage, lobster, or crab. With new and trending products arriving each week, it's always worth a peek.