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- I’m a culinary judge who shops at Aldi. Here are 11 things I’ve bought and loved. (businessinsider.com)
As a Specialty Foods Association judge, Meredith Ochs has sampled some of the finest gourmet products, but she also appreciates the quality and value found at Aldi. Here are some of her favorite Aldi picks that combine affordability with great taste.
Specially Selected French Baguettes
Aldi’s bread aisle offers plenty of options, but the Specially Selected extra-long parbaked French baguette stands out.
After about 10 minutes in a 400-degree oven, it develops a crisp crust and soft interior. It’s versatile enough for sandwiches, crostini, or garlic bread, all for roughly $2 each.
Emporium Selection Champagne Cheddar
Aldi’s cheese selection includes unique varieties like bakeable brie and halloumi-style snacks.
One highlight is the Emporium Selection Champagne cheddar, an English cheese infused with Champagne, offering a distinctive aroma and subtle bubbly flavor. At under $5, it’s an elegant addition to any cheese board.
Specially Selected Fruit Spreads
These fruit spreads, including a seasonal sour-cherry variety imported from Germany, are ideal for toast, cheese boards, or baking. Ochs favors items with recognizable ingredients and minimal additives, which is why she seeks out European imports like these.
Specially Selected Cheese Crisps
Double-baked to a crunchy perfection, the Asiago and cheddar cheese crisps deliver rich flavor and make excellent accompaniments to cocktails or soups. Made with real flour, butter, and cheese, these seasonal treats often appear in Aldi’s winter artisan cracker section.
Baker’s Corner Sweetened Condensed Milk
Perfect for creamy Vietnamese iced coffee or decadent desserts such as Key lime pie and tres leches cake, Aldi’s Baker’s Corner sweetened condensed milk comes in a 14-ounce can for under $2. Ochs recommends transferring leftovers to a sealed container and refrigerating for up to a month.
Simply Nature Organic Multigrain Tortilla Chips and Salsa
These hearty tortilla chips are flecked with flax and other seeds, making them a satisfying snack paired with Aldi’s thick-and-chunky salsa. The salsa includes visible pieces of tomato, peppers, onion, and garlic, and the medium heat packs a pleasant punch-all at a wallet-friendly price.
Simply Nature Chia Seeds
High in fiber and omega-3s, these chia seeds serve multiple purposes-from vegan egg substitutes to binders in baking and plant-based dishes. When soaked, they develop a gelatinous texture ideal for puddings and other recipes.
Pueblo Lindo Dried Beans
Aldi’s dried beans, such as Pueblo Lindo black beans, offer a nutritious pantry staple free from added salt. Ochs advises checking for debris before soaking and recommends a quick soak method to prepare them for cooking.
Organic Bartlett Pears
Aldi’s produce section occasionally surprises with regional finds like a 2-pound bag of organic Northwest Bartlett pears. These autumnal fruits are perfect for salads or desserts and typically cost under $5 per bag.
Baby Portabella Mushrooms
Locally grown and affordable, Aldi’s baby portabella mushrooms can be sliced and stir-fried with oil, soy sauce, and honey for a simple yet flavorful side dish costing less than $2.
Meredith Ochs’s selections showcase how Aldi offers quality items that enhance everyday meals without breaking the bank. For shoppers seeking tasty, reliable staples with a touch of specialty flair, Aldi remains a go-to destination.
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- I’m a culinary judge who shops at Aldi. Here are 11 things I’ve bought and loved. (businessinsider.com)