The 5 Best-Value Items to Buy at Aldi
Updated: Apr. 16, 2024
Aldi is the low-price grocery store full of hidden gems; find them here!
If Aldi isn’t already your favorite chain grocery store, get ready for that to change. This German grocer has gained in popularity and locations over the past 40 years because of its commitment to quality products at an affordable price. Craving copycat Girl Scout cookies? Aldi has got your back. Stuck with choosing the perfect wine for a friend’s dinner party? Award-winning bottles are at Aldi.
But First, Here’s What to Know Before You Go to the Store
Discover five items that are a must to pick up the next time you’re at this discount store.
1. Organic Foods
If you’ve decided to make the switch to organic, Aldi is your new best friend. With an extensive store-brand organic line, you can pick up everything from chips and snacks to dairy, boxed goods, fresh meat and produce, all with the coveted USDA Organic label. The best part is many of their organic products are a full dollar less than what you would find at other grocery stores, so you can stock up on organic foods without draining your pocketbook.
Save money at any grocery store with these tips.
2. Canned Goods
Get ready to stock your pantry, because Aldi’s canned goods selection is as extensive as it is affordable. With canned fruits, veggies, tuna, soups, broths and so much more ringing up at less than 50 or 60 cents apiece, you’ll be able to find anything you need at rock-bottom prices. If you’d like a healthier alternative to basic canned foods, check out Aldi’s Fit & Active line, which has products with reduced sodium, fat and/or calories at only a few cents more.
Psst! Snatch up a few cans of black beans for this heavenly tortilla pie.
3. Cheese
Cheese lovers rejoice! Aldi has all of your family’s favorite types of cheese in block, sliced and shredded form, plus other cheesy staples like cottage cheese, cream cheese and ricotta. Where Aldi’s cheese section really shines, though, is the specialty cheeses. With a rotating selection of aged cheddar, creamy Brie, smoked Gouda and flavored soft cheeses and a wide variety of cured meats like prosciutto and smoked salmon, your charcuterie board has never been so tasty (or inexpensive!). Here’s what you need to know about Aldi Savers tags.
4. Chips
It’s practically impossible to pass through an Aldi’s chip aisle without picking up a bag or two. Which isn’t surprising since they have almost any kind of chip you can imagine (say hello to jalapeno kettle, guacamole tortilla and sweet potato chips) at a reasonable price. If chips aren’t your thing, check out Aldi’s other crispy snacks like cheddar puffs, gluten-free pretzels, rice snacks and flavored popcorn. The one thing missing? Homemade dip.
5. Wine
If you’re looking for a nice bottle of wine to bring to a dinner party or holiday event without breaking the bank, look no further. Aldi wine has consistently won awards for taste and value from the Beverage Testing Institute’s annual World Wine Championship, which conducts blind taste tests of wines from around the world. The best part is, almost all of Aldi’s wines cost less than $15 and many are less than $10. Keep an eye out for a bottle of Cotes de Provence rose or Stormchaser Red Blend, both of which are award winners and less than $9.
Wine isn’t the only boozy beverage Aldi wins at. Learn why their whiskey was rated one of the best in the world.
Grab your quarter and reusable grocery bags, it’s time to get shopping!
You can make these recipes for under $10.
Teriyaki Chicken ThighsThrow chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar and other flavorings into a slow cooker for an easy, cheap dinner. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli to round out the meal. Learn how to make teriyaki chicken.
Cheeseburger CupsA bite-size dish kids love and busy parents flock to for its budget-friendly ease. Fill little biscuit cups with ground beef and cheese, and bake until melty and browned on top. Ketchup optional!
Gnocchi Chicken SkilletFor a homey dinner in a hurry, you can’t go wrong with this stovetop chicken and gnocchi recipe. Personalize it with your favorite sauce, like marinara, and your choice of cheese and seasonings.
Also, for dinner tonight, whip up one of our quick and delicious chicken tenderloin recipes. You'll have a meal on the table in no time!
Roadside Diner Cheeseburger QuicheWhen you need to stretch those cheeseburger dollars, put all the ingredients in a quiche! This savory main dish is super easy to make, is easy on the wallet and makes at least eight servings.
Vegetarian Skillet EnchiladasThe best cheap dinner ideas are usually the easiest. For this simple and full-flavored recipe, cook vegetables, black beans and tortilla strips in enchilada sauce, cover in cheese and bake until melty.
Spaghetti with BaconThis simple five-ingredient casserole comes together quickly. The sauce couldn’t be easier: just simmer canned tomatoes and tomato sauce with bacon and onion. Add the sauce on top of the spaghetti and bake.
Wisconsin Butter BurgersStart with super lean ground beef and add butter. It’s as close to the famous burger you can get without having to travel. Serve all the toppings on the side so everyone can dress their burger the way they like.
Corn QuesadillasCorn mixed with cheese and a bit of sour cream makes a wonderfully savory-sweet vegetarian filling for quesadillas. And so easy! Fresh guacamole and a splash of salsa are no-brainer accompaniments. Just be sure to pick up avocados when they're on sale.
Au Gratin Sausage SkilletCut time and cost by using frozen vegetables and boxed au gratin potatoes, and add any kind of sausage you like (although smoked kielbasa is the choice in this recipe). You’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Pierogi Beef SkilletThis is the ultimate one-pan meal full of beefy flavor and vegetables. Brown the meat, and use the drippings for a gravy-like sauce to cook frozen pierogi.
PB&J French ToastBreakfast for dinner is the perfect comfort food. The French toast and peanut butter and jelly sandwich mash-up will put a smile on everyone’s face, kids and adults alike.
Garlic Bread Pizza SandwichesUsing garlic bread for a pizza-like grilled cheese sandwich is pretty ingenious. Save some sauce for dipping!
Pepperoni Roll-UpsThese fun hand-held pizza roll-ups are great on their own, especially with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Or make an entire meal with a fresh snappy salad, these Tuscan-style roasted asparagus or air-fryer garlic rosemary Brussel sprouts.
Pressure Cooker Rigatoni with Sausage & PeasWhen it comes to fast and easy cheap dinner ideas, a pressure cooker is your best friend. After sizzling the sausage, add pasta, sauce and peas, and let it cook for a few minutes. Top with tangy goat cheese or salty feta before serving.
Spicy Cajun Sausage and Rice SkilletUse pantry staples like chicken broth, instant rice and seasonings for effortless dinner ideas. If you want this skillet combo a bit more mild, swap in ground turkey for sausage and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Cheesy Ham & Potato PacketGrilled ham and cheese takes on a whole different meaning here. Fill foil packets with potatoes and onion, grill until the potatoes are soft, then toss in ham cubes and cheese. If you don’t have time for the grill, this works in a 400°F oven, too.
Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower “Rice”A low-carb cheap dinner idea, this chicken and rice bowl has tons of flavor from seasonings and a little bit of tomato juice. The key is to not over process or overcook the cauliflower to keep it from getting soggy. For more inspo, try one of these other cauliflower rice recipes.
Steak & New Potato TossThis salad is fantastic for leftover steak. Use frozen potatoes and broccoli in a pinch, and serve the whole dish either warm or cold, your preference.
Peppered Pork PitasA full meal in less than 30 minutes is what weeknight cooking is all about. Strips of pork cooked with roasted red peppers make a quick and easy filling for warm pita bread. Wrap them up with garlic mayo and torn leaf lettuce.
Margarita ChickenTurn frozen (booze-free) margarita mix into a zippy marinade for chicken. Throw it on the grill, or if weather doesn’t permit, bake it in the oven. Serve grilled corn on the cob or a tasty corn salad alongside it.
Rigatoni with Roasted Sweet PotatoesFor a fast vegetarian dinner, roast sweet potatoes and onions and toss with rigatoni and a buttery cream sauce. Whether orange, yellow or purple, sweet potatoes are low in calories, high in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals—the perfect food!
Black Bean BurritosSimple, fast and inexpensive, black bean burritos easily feed a family on the go. Serve toppings like cilantro, sour cream and salsa on the side so everyone can add according to their tastes.
Jalapeno Popper QuesadillasTurn jalapeno popper ingredients into a deliciously fast dinner. Spread cream cheese on flour tortillas, add diced jalapeno and chopped bacon, and cook for a few minutes in a pan.
Bean & Bacon Griddle BurritosToasting the tortillas on a griddle is the key to this delicious dinner. Keep them on the flame for a few beats longer to get a crispier edge. You can sub in reduced sodium refried beans to lessen your salt intake, and serve with homemade pico de gallo (although jarred salsa is just fine).
Sausage & Spinach CalzonesTurn store-bought pizza dough into delicious sausage, spinach and cheese-filled pockets. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Meat and Potato PattiesBy adding potatoes and onion to ground beef, you can really stretch the servings while on a budget. Top with a quick and easy sauce made with tomato soup.
Chorizo Burrito BowlsA fast and filling meal, chicken sausage makes an awesome one-dish dinner by itself or served with brown rice in a burrito. Serve with salsas of varying spiciness for every taste at the table.
Hot Brown Turkey CasseroleIf you love the classic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, you’ll appreciate this easy casserole version that’s perfect for weeknight meals. It can easily be assembled ahead of time, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
Chicken Burrito SkilletUse any kind of beans in this burrito-inspired skillet—black, pinto or kidney beans especially—and swap in brown rice for white if you want the dish to lean on the healthier side. It’s economical and effortless, the perfect combo.
Sweet and Spicy Sloppy JoesUse turkey instead of ground beef in these sweet and spicy sloppy joes, and top with pickled jalapenos, fried onions or pickles for crunch. Serve alongside coleslaw, which can also be used on the sandwich!
Pasta PizzaWhen the family can’t decide between pizza and spaghetti, give them both! Cooked pasta forms a crisp crust for all of your favorite toppings, including tomato sauce, cheese, mushrooms, olives and more.
Corn Dog CasseroleNo dipping and frying necessary! This casserole combines cornbread mix and chopped hot dogs for a cheap dinner that’s reminiscent of traditional corn dogs but a lot more effortless.
Originally Published: August 29, 2018
