Aldi Shopper Reveals 12 Items You Should Think Twice About Buying

Additional Coverage:

I Shop at Aldi Every Week – Here Are 12 Items I Never Buy (financebuzz.com)

Aldi Adventures: What to Grab and What to Skip on Your Next Shopping Spree

We all love Aldi for those sweet deals and budget-stretching power, but let’s be real – not every item on their shelves is a golden ticket. While many of their products hit that perfect sweet spot of quality and price, some just don’t quite measure up to the Aldi legend.

As your friendly neighborhood grocery guru, I’ve compiled a list of items I often leave behind on my Aldi runs, due to either lower quality or a surprisingly hefty price tag.

(Editor’s Note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location. Always double-check in-store!)

The “No, Thank You” List for Savvy Aldi Shoppers:

1. Little Salad Bar Garden Salad (Price: $2.35)

While the price is undeniably appealing, this bagged iceberg blend often wilts faster than a snowflake in July. Many shoppers, myself included, have noticed this speedy spoilage. You’re better off grabbing some fresh lettuce and making your own mix, as Aldi still boasts plenty of other fantastic, fresh produce options at great prices.

2. Park Street Deli Pulled Chicken (Price: $6.39)

Convenience is king, but this pulled chicken comes drowned in a barbecue sauce that might just overwhelm your taste buds. Unless you’re a superfan of intensely sweet flavors, you might find this one a bit much.

A better bet? Grab some fresh chicken breast and whip up your own BBQ masterpiece with one of Burman’s delicious sauces.

3. L’Oven Fresh Pains au Chocolate (Price: $5.49)

With 10 grams of fat and 190 calories per bun, these rich brioche delights are more of a dessert than a breakfast pastry. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, head straight to Aldi’s Bake Shop aisle. Their Triple Chocolate Creme Cake, Chocolate Cake Bites, and Kitchen Sink cookies are all fan favorites that deliver on the indulgence.

4. Simply Nature Organic Creamy Peanut Butter (Price: $4.85)

Looking to save a buck? You can skip this organic peanut butter.

Despite being non-GMO and unsweetened, it’s pricier than other similar options. If organic isn’t a must-have, Peanut Delight’s creamy peanut butter comes in at a much more wallet-friendly $2.19.

5. Specially Selected Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Price: $11.99)

There’s no denying the luxurious taste of this EVOO, but that luxury comes with a significantly higher price tag. At 16.9 ounces, Simply Nature’s organic extra virgin olive oil is $7.99, and Priano’s is a steal at $6.39. I usually opt for the latter to keep those savings rolling in.

6. Emporium Selection Swiss and Gruyere (Price: $2.99)

For nearly $3, this eight-ounce bag of Swiss and Gruyere blend isn’t the best cheese bargain. You can snag Happy Farmer’s triple cheddar shredded cheese for just $3.09, and you’ll get four more ounces for those extra pennies. More cheese for less!

7. Black Angus Choice Beef Ribeye Steak (Price: $15.89 per pound)

High-quality Black Angus is fantastic, but that $15.89 per pound price tag makes this a “special occasion only” buy for most budgets. If you’re craving a steak without breaking the bank, consider the top sirloin at $9.99 per pound.

8. Ground Beef 93/7 (Price: $7.29)

Your burger night shouldn’t put a dent in your wallet. Aldi’s 93% lean ground beef is on the pricier side at over $7 per pound.

You can often find better deals on Aldi’s ground beef with a higher fat content or their ready-made frozen burgers. Plus, don’t forget to check out competitors like Walmart, Target, and Costco for lower-priced patties.

9. Sweet Harvest Applesauce (Price: $3.09)

While Sweet Harvest’s $3.09 price tag seems lower than Simply Nature’s unsweetened applesauce at $3.49, take a closer look at the quantities. Simply Nature gives you over two pounds of applesauce – that’s double the 24-ounce container from Sweet Harvest. More bang for your buck with Simply Nature!

10. Brookdale Canned Chicken Breast (Price: $2.75)

This chunked chicken can be a bit… uninspiring. With Aldi’s consistently low prices on fresh, uncooked chicken breasts, boneless, skinless frozen chicken, and even pre-shredded rotisserie chicken, you might find yourself skipping the canned version altogether.

11. Casa Mamita Taco Seasoning Mix (Price: $0.55)

The American Heart Association suggests adults keep sodium intake under 1,500 mg daily. This Casa Mamita mix packs a punch with 300 mg per one-ounce packet. If you’re watching your salt, opt for their low-sodium alternative, which is the same fantastic price of $0.55.

12. Parkview Uncured Beef Franks (Price: $4.75)

Planning a summer BBQ? You can save some serious cash by passing on these pricier all-beef hot dogs.

Parkview’s classic hot dogs are over $3 less, and while they’re made from chicken and pork, your guests might not even notice the difference. Your budget certainly will!

The Bottom Line: Smart Shopping at Aldi

No store is perfect, and even our beloved Aldi has a few items that miss the mark. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still be a savvy shopper! By choosing affordable alternative Aldi brand options and maximizing your cash back credits, you can stack those savings and keep your budget happy.

Quick Money Tips for Everyone:

Tackle Debt: Debt can be a real roadblock to financial freedom. Beyond cutting expenses, look into tools like balance transfer credit cards or debt counseling to pay it off faster.

Boost Your Income: A little extra cash can make a huge difference. Consider a new job or explore ways to pocket an extra $300.

Trim Expenses: This doesn’t have to be painful! Focus on your biggest expenses for the largest savings.

For instance, soaring auto insurance rates mean shopping around for a new company could significantly cut your bill. And for travel buffs, the right travel credit card can offset vacation costs.