
I sometimes giggle when I see the luxury cars parked outside the new ALDI in my town. My mom was an ALDI fan way before it was chic. In those days, canned goods were the “safe” items, and produce, dairy, and meat were to be avoided. She was a single mom raising a family on a teacher’s salary, so ALDI was a lifeline- especially for large, family get-togethers.
ALDI has upped their game in recent years, offering exceptional quality across the board, as well as many specialty items for those of us on restrictive diets. Now that my last little bird has flown the nest, I’m rediscovering ALDI as a great resource for preparing meals just for the two of us.
Here are some of my ALDI favorites, as well as what I bought on my most recent trip:

1. Specialty wines and spirits
We aren’t alcohol connoisseurs, but we’ve found the wines and specialty spirits priced right and very tasty. ALDI offers some fun options for holidays, which make great gifts or party additions.

2. Chips and Salsa
Although my kids prefer name brand potato chips and eat them by the barrel when they’re home, my husband and I are fine with the no-name variety for a fraction of the cost. Little Salad Bar Fresh Salsa is my absolute favorite, and can be found in the refrigerated section.
3. Produce
ALDI really shines in this category, with unbeatable pricing and organic offerings. Several of my friends have commented that, after shopping at ALDI, they were shocked at produce prices when they returned to their former grocery store.
My favorites are organic avocadoes, honeycrisp apples, fresh garlic and potatoes.

4. Gourmet Cheeses
ALDI has long been my go-to in this category, especially for graduation parties and book club nights. Snag a few packets of cheese, a couple bottles of wine, and a bag of grapes and you’ve turned a get-together into a classy event.
5. Frozen Seafood
My idea of a decadent breakfast is lox with cream cheese. I would put ALDI’s Cold Smoked Atlantic Salmon up against the lox I’ve tasted in luxury hotels. Some of our other favorites are scallops, tuna steaks, and jumbo shrimp.
If you’re and ALDI shopper, what are some of your favorites?

I have always loved shopping at Aldi and my kids liked their canned vegetables better than name brand and they used to be 25 cents a can. Love their produce as well and also at a fraction of the cost. Have also found some great 1/2 price deals. Example- Vacuum for $12.50 that works better than my $100+ one.
I agree about the produce. Found Myer Lemons there last time I visited and they were so yummy in recipes. I will keep my eyes peeled for vacuums from now on, Rhonda. Thanks for commenting.
Love Aldi! Unfortunately, we don’t have one here. Love the blog!
Laura, check out Connie’s comment above. Another former Midwesterner who misses Aldi! Come back and stock up! Thanks for commenting.
I have loved Aldi since my husband and I were young, broke and had a bunch of kids to feed! Not to mention the big family get-togethers and pot-lucks, etc. We moved from St. Louis 13 years ago and I’ve only been back a few times for visits. One of the first things I do when I arrive is hit up the nearest Aldi to stock up on snacks for the duration of our visit. The last time I visited, I brought an empty cooler and bags with me to stock up on groceries before driving back to Colorado Springs! Of course, we also got snacks for the road! One of my favorite convenience foods was their chicken cordon bleu. A couple of minutes in the microwave and you have a creamy, decadent lunch! (I’m easily pleased.)
I always loved their little ‘extras’. I used to find some of the best gifts and surprises!
Wow, Connie! Love your ideas. You are the second person in Colorado to say you guys need an Aldi. Wonder if any plans are in the works with that company? Please come visit more to stock up!
i had Aldi delivery my first delivery order on Thursday during the freezing cold! Awesome!!
That’s incredible, Amy. Didn’t even know delivery was an option! Thanks for the comment.
UPDATE: I checked out delivery and found it’s available through a company called Instacart in some locations. You can go to http://www.Instacart.com, enter your zip code and see which grocery stores they deliver from.
Very nice article, exactly what I wanted to find.
Thanks so much, Chanda! Let me know if you have any awesome items to add to the list.