The Best and Worst Deals to Be Had at Aldi

Aldi Brand: Clancy’s 
Price per unit: $1.99*
Verdict: Skip it

Grabbing a bag of PepsiCo’s Doritos for movie night is always a great idea, but tortilla chips and other snacks are generally much cheaper at Aldi. Shoppers can get twice as much for their money, with one bag of Clancy’s chips coming in at just $1.99 – but is it really worth it? Sadly not. 

Clancy's Chips @AldiUSA / Twitter.com

While Aldi does their best to try and imitate name brands, the outcome is very different when it comes to taste. If you’re looking for the same taste as the more expensive big name items, then the deal isn’t quite as good as it initially seems. Shoppers also claim that other types of Aldi brand chips don’t taste quite as good either. 

So, no matter how tempting it is to stick a bunch of these in your cart and get on with your day, stop for a minute and consider some other options. After all, a party with sub-par snacks isn’t really a party after all, especially if all you’ve done is waste money.

Aldi Brand: Burman’s 
Price Per Unit: $1.89*
Verdict: Buy it

Who doesn’t love a good dollop of Unilever’s Hellmann’s mayonnaise on their sandwich? Hellmann’s might be one of the best-known condiment manufacturers out there, but Aldi packs a punch with its alternative: Burman’s Mayonnaise. Not only is it incredibly cheap at just $1.89 a jar, but it’s just as tasty, too.

Burman's Mayonnaise @Fake_KDKA / Twitter.com

In stark contrast, Hellmann’s brand is sold for $3.77 at Walmart. That’s almost double the price for a product that tastes almost exactly the same. Is it any wonder that shoppers flock to Aldi to stock up on cupboard essentials like this? 

Nearly every different grocery chain does its own version of the white stuff, from Target to Kroger’s and beyond. With a market this saturated, the competition is fierce and not just limited to big names like Hellmann’s. That makes this must-have all the more special.

Aldi Brand: Vive 
Price Per Unit: $2.99 for 12*
Verdict: Skip it

Coke is a powerhouse brand that has been around since 1886 ever since Dr. John Pemberton sold the first glass at an Atlanta pharmacy. That being said, the beverage company has come a long way since then, with countless companies trying to replicate the Coke formula. Aldi is no different. 

Vive Cola @KateFRICS / Twitter.com

Vive Cola is a steal at $2.99 for a pack of 12 cans, but many consumers aren’t overly taken with the taste – especially in comparison to classic Coca-Cola. Though the cost works out to roughly 24 cents per can, Vive just doesn’t taste like Coke and it lacks the same fizziness. 

If that authentic Coca-Cola taste were that easy to emulate, millions of companies would’ve done so by now. It looks like we’ll have to put up with these imitations well into the future, but at least we’ve got the real thing to fall back on, even if it does cost more.

Aldi Brand: Choceur 
Price Per Unit: $1.49*
Verdict: Buy it

Chocolate is a snack cupboard must for most families looking for a weekend treat. Some of American’s biggest known brands like Hershey’s still dominate the market, but can be costly if you’re an avid chocoholic. That’s where Aldi comes in with its Choceur brand of European chocolate. 

Choceur Chocolate @ALDIAustralia / Twitter.com

It comes in many shapes and sizes with a variety of different flavor options ranging from fruit and nut to plain dark. Aside from the great taste of the product, consumers can’t get enough of the price. At just $1.49, Choceur is a must-have on any grocery trip. 

However, there is a catch. European chocolate is a little different to other chocolate. If you like your slabs thick, then you might want to think about looking elsewhere. Yes, these bars are delicious, but they are a little on the thin side.

Aldi Brand: Specially Selected 
Price Per Unit: $6.69*
Verdict: Buy it

Any pancake lover knows that breakfast isn’t the same without maple syrup, but getting a bottle of the pure stuff can be a costly addition to one’s grocery budget. Conagra’s Mrs. Butterworth syrup might come in an iconic bottle, but Aldi’s Deep River Maple Syrup is just as sweet. 

Deep River Pure Maple @Syrup Hip2Save / Pinterest.com

Not only is the price competitive, the quality is superior. Pure maple syrup (minus the pesky additives and chemicals) can be expensive to buy, but Aldi’s Specially Selected is 100% pure as well as being cost-effective at $6.69 for a 12 oz bottle. When it comes to good deals, this is one of the best.

It also comes in a solid, sturdy glass bottle that could be repurposed once you’ve enjoyed every last drop. Just don’t try making your own. It’s really not worth the hassle when you can get something this good from Aldi at this price.

Aldi Brand: Millville
Price Per Unit: $1-4*
Verdict: Debatable 

For families that have plenty of mouths to feed, Aldi’s brand of Millville cereals can seem like the perfect way to go – but bargain hunters may want to take notice of Forbes. The magazine warned that better deals could be found by careful shopping for brand name cereals in combination with coupons. 

Millville Cereal @CerealTimeTV / Twitter.com

Depending on when and how you shop, this deal is open for discussion. Aldi does offer a wide range of tasty imitation cereals, from Marshmallows & Stars to granola and cornflakes. The cost per box is extremely low at between $1-4 dollars a pop, but if you’re used to name brand quality you may want to shop around. 

It’s not that Aldi’s cereals are bad per se, it’s just that they don’t pack the same punch as other, more well-known name brands. Companies like General Mills have the kind of great taste that consumers love. When compared with longstanding products, Millville doesn’t cut the mustard – but there’s no use crying over spilled milk.

Aldi Brand: Kirkwood, Simply Nature, and more
Price per unit: $7.99*
Verdict: Skip it

Meat is one of the most expensive things to buy for many consumers, which is what makes Aldi’s rock-bottom prices seem truly appealing. Their Kirkwood, Simply Nature, and Thomas Farms brands are all well-priced – but that doesn’t always mean you’re getting a good deal. 

Aldi Meat @Everyday Shortcuts / Pinterest.com

While their meat cuts still make a decent meal when they’re cooked well, cheap meat is often cheap for a reason. It could be better to shop around at places like Walmart and look for larger, less processed meat. It may cost slightly more, but the quality speaks for itself. 

It’s a crying shame as meat is such a huge market. According to Statista, the enter processed meat market, in particular, should hit over 1.5 trillion dollars in value by 2022. If Aldi could figure out a way to keep up, they could get a nice slice of the pie.

Aldi Brand: Emporium Selection and more 
Price per unit: $3-5*
Verdict: Buy it

Cheese plates have always been a staple at any party, but sometimes Kraft just doesn’t make the cut. For those fancy after dinner smorgasbords, hard cheeses are a must – but they can break the bank. Aldi quickly realized there was an opportunity here and dove in with their Emporium Selection cheeses. 

Cheese Emporium Selection @The Impulsive Buy / Pinterest.com

A slice of Aldi’s brie or artisan cheddar costs between $3-$5 dollars for a decent slice. Not only do the products taste great, but they look fancy enough that your guests will ever know the difference. There’s also a great variety to choose from so it never gets boring. 

What’s more, Aldi often ups its cheese game closer to the holidays, coming out with all sorts of luxury flavors to tantalize the taste buds and keep consumers coming back for more time and time again. There’s nothing cheesy about holiday bargains!

Aldi Brand: Simply Nature
Price per unit: $3.85*
Verdict: Skip it

Just like milk, eggs are a kitchen must-have. The average American eats 279 eggs a year according to Food and Wine, which is hardly surprising as they’re a breakfast staple. Cage-free eggs are preferred by consumers, but they’re more expensive than your average caged eggs. 

@Fourganic Sisters/Pinterest

For a dozen organic Simply Nature eggs at Aldi, shoppers can expect to pay $3.85. This isn’t a bad deal necessarily, but they can be bought cheaper at competitors. Amazon’s Whole Foods sells the same product under a different name for just $3.39.  When it comes to buying eggs, consumers may be better off elsewhere.

This is a particularly bad look for Aldi but the grocery chain likely gets away with it as consumers flock to the store for its other niche bargains. By putting up the price on essentials that you’ll pick up simply because you’re there, they make a tidy profit.

Aldi Brand: Simply Nature
Price per unit: $4.49*
Verdict: Buy it

Over the last few years, coconut oil has become more popular, but there was a time when it was very expensive to buy. In fact, Walgreens sells a 16oz tub for $12.99. On the other hand, shoppers can find organic coconut oil in Aldi under the Simply Nature brand for just $4.49. 

@Aldi/Twitter.com

Not only can coconut oil be used in cooking, but it’s also a staple in the beauty routine for many people. Aldi also offers up great deals on other oils such as vegetable and olive. When it comes to cooking condiments, the supermarket comes out on top every single time. 

Consumers say that Aldi’s Simply Nature product tastes just as good as some other top-shelf brands and costs just a fraction of the price. Not only does it have a great shelf life but it also comes in a sturdy glass jar.

Aldi Brand: Friendly Farms
Price per unit: $2.48*
Verdict: Buy it

Every household has milk of some kind in the fridge. For those of us that go strictly for the dairy variety, Aldi’s Friendly Farms brand is a winner all around. While even affordable brands like Costco’s Kirkland Signature Whole Milk will cost $3.65 per gallon, Aldi’s is just $2.48 for the same quantity. 

Friendly Farms Milk @TheKrazyCouponLady/Facebook

When compared to the bigger name products, Friendly Farms stands up well and is a perfect price for an everyday essential that most households buy at least once a week. You can find milk anywhere, but whether you can find it elsewhere for this good of a deal is debatable. 

Households in America get through an average of two cups of milk per day, per person, while the USDA actually recommends it should be more than that. With that being said, milk is often at the top of the grocery list and a recurrent expensive – albeit a small one.

Aldi Brand: Serra and more
Price per unit: $12.99*
Verdict: Buy it

Clothing can take a large chunk out of anyone’s budget. Most of us don’t mind splashing out when it comes to what we wear outside of the house, but when it comes to nightwear it’s a different story. A pair of lounge pants will set you back over $12 at Walmart.

Aldi Pyjamas @TheFlawsomeMom/Facebook

As well as groceries, Aldi does the occasional clothing item, including Serra pajamas. When they’re available, an entire set costs just $12.99. The pajamas are long-lasting, wash well, and are easy on the eye which makes this a great deal. 

Aldi doesn’t just specialize in pajamas, either. Although it doesn’t have a set stock and it’s often pot luck what you find, everything from shoes to jackets, school clothes, jumpers, and everything in between has been spotted on the shelves.