- Aldi’s store-brand staples rival name brands in both taste and nutrition, and Reddit users are superfans of the quality and value.
- Healthy, budget-friendly eating is easy at Aldi. Aldi offers nutrient-dense options that deliver quality and value, from salmon to guacamole.
- Dietitians love Aldi too, and find balance with a mix of nutrient-dense picks along with chocolate and brioche.
Aldi has long been a favorite of budget-conscious consumers, but the quality and variety of items available has turned its shoppers into loyal fans who swear by the store’s store-brand products. In a recent Reddit thread, devoted Aldi shoppers shared their favorite Aldi finds, including everything from chocolate to yogurt, salmon and dips.
While a low-cost, high-quality product that tastes better than name-brand and keeps money in your pocket is hard to beat, I gave these items a nutrition once-over as a dietitian, and asked fellow RDs to do the same. Here’s what Aldi fans on Reddit have to say about the best foods you can buy, how their nutrition stacks up, and fun, creative ways to enjoy them.
1. Choceur Peanut Butter Cups
Aldi. EatingWell design.
The peanut butter cups at Aldi have developed somewhat of a cult following, with most users agreeing that they put the name-brand PB cups to shame. “Yep, superior to Reese’s. When they’re out of stock, I get cranky,” says one Reddit user, with plenty chiming in to back up his bold claim. Another Reddit user adds, “Those things are seriously unreal. I had to limit myself to 5-6 a day.”
As a chocolate-loving dietitian, I’ve been a repeat customer of the peanut butter cups and agree with the masses on this one. While a serving of three has 12 grams of added sugars, one or two cups after a meal, when a craving for something sweet, chocolaty and decadent hits, is just enough to feel satisfied without overdoing it. Plus, eating them after or with a balanced meal or snack can help reduce their impact on blood sugar and help avoid overeating sweets later on.
2. Simply Nature Seedtastic Bread
Aldi. EatingWell design.
Customers who care about quality and health, while sticking to their budget, can’t get enough of the organic Seedtastic Bread at Aldi’s. “Their version of Dave’s Killer thin-sliced power seed bread is superior!! So so good,” raves one Reddit User. While this store-brand bread is comparable in taste and nutrition to its name-brand counterpart, it’s an average of $2 less per loaf.
Dietitians can get on board with this Aldi staple, as well. “I love that this bread is packed with seeds and whole grains, offering a mix of fiber, healthy fats and plant-based protein,” says Kaitlin Hippley, M.Ed., RDN, LD, CDCES. “It’s a hearty, nutrient-dense option that keeps you full and satisfied much longer than traditional white bread.”
Use this Aldi favorite for everything from avocado toast to high-protein veggie sandwiches or a classic peanut butter and jelly with a nutritional boost.
3. Friendly Farms Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Aldi. EatingWell design.
One Reddit user makes the bold claim that “Their Greek yogurt is superior to any other I have purchased,” and many others agree. The Friendly Farms Greek Yogurt comes in a wide variety of flavors, fat percentages and sizes, so you can pick the right combination for your goals and taste buds. Compared to traditional yogurt, Greek-style yogurt is strained to be thicker, creamier and higher in protein.
“My family absolutely loves Friendly Farms Nonfat Greek Yogurt, especially the strawberry and black cherry flavors,” says Stacey Woodson, M.S., RDN, LDN, who pairs the protein- and probiotic-rich food with sourdough toast to start the day. Snack on the flavored yogurts or use plain, nonfat strained (Greek-style) yogurt as a lower-calorie and higher-protein alternative for mayo in this Caesar dip or as a base for a fruit and yogurt smoothie.
4. Fresh Salmon
Aldi. EatingWell design.
Protein is often the most expensive part of any meal, but Aldi makes hitting your protein and seafood goals easier with high-quality fresh Atlantic salmon. “I live off their farmed fresh salmon. I used to buy the side, but I prefer the center cut for 10 cents more,” says one Reddit user. Another user says, “Aldi salmon about once a week in our house.”
The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish, including salmon, per week to reap the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Farmed Atlantic salmon, like you’ll find at Aldi, may be one of the more nutritious options. One study comparing various types of salmon fillets found that farmed Atlantic salmon had some of the highest protein levels and lowest mercury levels of the species tested, with DHA and EPA content averaging around 20 milligrams per gram.
“Aldi’s salmon is usually fresh, not frozen, which means you get restaurant-quality fish for grocery-store prices,” says Bess Berger, RDN. Use the fresh Atlantic salmon in an easy sheet-pan meal or a veggie-packed salmon skillet for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Or, use it in pasta salad, as one Reddit user suggests: “I get the portion (not the full side), bake it with salt and pepper in a foil packet, then put it in the fridge to cool. Then I break it up and stir it into a pasta salad—my current go-to is rotini, cucumbers, mini peppers and grape tomatoes in a creamy sour cream dressing.”
5. Specially Selected Brioche Buns
Aldi. EatingWell design.
While maybe not the healthiest bread option at Aldi, it is one of the most popular for turning an ordinary meal into something worth talking about. “We have made their brioche buns one of our weekly staple Aldi purchases. They don’t compare to any other brioche bun I’ve had,” raves one Reddit user. Beyond the quality, they also tend to last longer than other comparable options. “Not only are they the best flavor-wise, but they are always fresh, and they actually stay fresh for longer than two days,” another Reddit user shared.
To turn the fluffy, buttery brioche buns into a balanced meal, Anna Rollins, M.S., RDN, LD, suggests using them as a base for protein-rich fillings like pulled pork or tuna melts. With a simple herb and arugula salad on the side, you’ve got a decadent, crave-worthy meal that’s balanced in flavor and nutrients.
6. Park Street Deli Guacamole
Aldi. EatingWell design.
If you’ve turned your nose up at store-bought guacamole in the past, like many Reddit users have, Aldi’s version may just change your mind. “I cannot stand premade store-bought guac from anywhere, but on a whim I bought the Aldi Southwest guac and it was so good I buy it regularly,” says one Reddit user. That’s a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with, as I keep a few single-serve packets in my freezer so there’s always some avocado ripe and ready to use.
Beyond the convenience and flavor, regularly eating avocados, like in guacamole, provides a number of health benefits. They’re rich in unsaturated fats, prebiotic fiber and oleic acid, which helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, including carotenoids, which act as antioxidants in the body.
Hippley agrees, sharing her favorite ways to use the Park Street Deli guacamole: “I love spreading it on toast, pairing it with veggies or adding a dollop to tacos or grain bowls for a creamy finish.”
Our Expert Take
Reddit users are quick to share that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability when shopping at Aldi. From protein-packed strained (Greek-style) yogurt to omega-3-rich salmon and satisfying peanut butter-filled chocolate cups, you can eat well (with some indulgences) and keep money in your pocket. Whether you’re already a loyal fan or are looking to dip your toes in the Aldi fan club, these top picks are a great place to start, according to people on Reddit and dietitians.
