Shopping at Aldi is always a thrilling experience, because you can count on steep discounts and exclusive products that you can’t find anywhere else. But sometimes the competitive prices can be distracting, causing us to fill our carts with items that may not be worth it. While you can certainly do your weekly grocery shopping at Aldi with ease, there are quite a few products that you should probably reconsider adding to your list. From brand-name products to fresh produce and packaged goods, here are 14 items you shouldn't buy at Aldi.
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Brand-Name Products
Just like most supermarkets, Aldi has its own brand of products and they’re not only high-quality, they’re also extremely affordable. If you find yourself in an Aldi, it’s a good idea to avoid brand-name products and take advantage of the reasonably priced Aldi items, like frozen pizzas, chips, and baked goods.
Paper Products
It might be tempting to buy items like toilet paper and paper towels at Aldi, but the truth is, you can get a better deal elsewhere. Aldi’s paper products aren’t pricy, but many big-box stores offer discounts and coupons on similar items, whereas Aldi doesn't accept coupons at all. Skip this aisle and focus on other groceries instead.
Chicken
Loyal Aldi shoppers already know that the packaged chicken isn’t anything to write home about. In fact, one Reddit user said the last time she bought chicken at Aldi, she spent so long trimming the fat that by the time it was ready to cook, there was barely any meat left.
Produce
Aldi has plenty of fresh produce, but the downfall is that it’s not always up to snuff. If you’re making a trip just to pick up some fruit and veggies, you may want to consider another market, so you know you’re getting the best quality without question.
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Hard Taco Shells
Hard taco shells should be delicious and durable enough to hold your taco fillings. Unfortunately, the Aldi brand doesn’t hold up to other brands. Numerous Reddit users said the Corn Hard Tortillas “tasted stale and were crumbly,” which is exactly what you don’t want for your meal.
Shredded Cheese
Sure, shredded cheese is great to have in the refrigerator so you can throw a handful on some tacos or in an omelet, but it's not as practical as you might think. Many shredded cheeses, including Aldi's Emporium Selection Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, and others, contain cellulose. Cellulose is found in many shredded cheeses to prevent clumping, but the ingredient can also make the cheese harder to melt, which isn't great if you like it on top of your chili, or mixed into scrambled eggs.
Skip the shredded cheese altogether, and buy one of Aldi's block cheeses instead—we're fans of the Emporium Selection Aged Reserve White Cheddar. These cheeses don't contain cellulose, and are easy to grate yourself if you've gotta have those cheese shreds. Block cheese also lasts longer than shredded cheese, so your money will go farther.
Deli Meat
Aldi has pre-sliced deli meats that are great for a quick school lunch or snack, but because of the way Aldi stores are modeled, you won't find a deli counter inside. While this might not be a problem for some, if you would like your deli meat sliced a particular way, or if you want a specified amount of it, try another supermarket.
Frozen Fish Sticks
Fish sticks are a great option to keep in the freezer for a quick lunch or dinner. However, while the Aldi brand fish sticks are priced well, it doesn’t mean they’re necessarily worth adding to your cart. Aldi shoppers have stated that these fish sticks have way too much breading and not enough actual fish, which isn’t ideal. If you're in the mood for breaded fish, try Aldi's Beer Battered Cod Fillets instead, which offer a much better bread-to-fish ratio. Pro tip: Throw the fillets in the air fryer to really maximize the crispiness factor.
Or, if you have the time, you can buy Aldi's Wild Caught Alaskan Cod Fillets and Chef's Cupboard Panko Breadcrumbs to go the DIY fish stick route. This way, you can even add some of your favorite dried herbs and spices to the batter to customize the flavor to your liking.
Yogurt
When it comes to yogurt, it’s probably best to grab it from another store. That’s because, according to Reddit users, Aldi’s yogurt has a thin and watery texture that’s not very appetizing, especially if you’re a fan of homemade tzatziki or a fruit parfait. Your best bet is to try a different brand, or make your own yogurt at home.
Jarred Pickle Spears
When buying pickles you’re expecting them to deliver on two fronts—plenty of briny flavor and that classic crunch. According to numerous Aldi shoppers, the chain’s jarred pickle spears fail to deliver on texture. As one Reddit user put it: “They don’t have the crunch I crave.”
If you’re at Aldi and you need pickles, opt for the Great Gherkins Bread & Butter Pickle Chips instead. They’re flavorful and delightfully crunchy—perfect for sandwiches, hamburgers, and more.
Bagel Skinnys
Listen, bagels aren’t meant to be skinny, so it’s no surprise that Aldi customers often pass on the chain’s Bagel Skinnys, which are, as the name suggests, a slimmed down version of a bagel.”I'm never buying their ‘skinny’ bagels again,” one shopper declared via Reddit. “They taste like cardboard in the worst way.” If you want a bagel, have a bagel! For fewer carbohydrates, grab a slice or two of Aldi’s tangy sourdough instead.
Broccoli & Cheddar Soup
The consensus is in: Aldi’s Specially Selected Broccoli & Cheddar Soup is a serious miss. In fact, there’s a whole Reddit thread dedicated to just how unappealing this pre-made soup is. For most, it just doesn’t taste right and lacks flavor. Luckily, Aldi sells dozens of other soups that taste great, including offerings from Campbell’’s and Maruchan, as well as additional soups from its own label. Or, you can make your own healthy soup!
Millville Crispy Rice Treats
Aldi has a great sweets selection, with many chocolate treats and cookies that are worth your money. However, according to several shoppers, the chain’s brand of Crispy Rice Treats aren’t great, with many saying they have a chemical-like taste. In other words, you’re probably better off making your own crispy treats instead.
Cream Cheese
Aldi’s branded cream cheese isn’t terrible, but shoppers agree that there are better options out there. As one Reddit user shared, “It’s nowhere close to being as good as Philadelphia.” Many others agreed. Luckily, Aldi also sells Philadelphia cream cheese. If you’d rather not purchase the name-brand stuff, peruse our list of cream cheese substitutes.
