31 Best Things to Buy at Aldi to Save Money

As a dietitian and budget-conscious shopper, Aldi is my go-to store for frugal grocery shopping, where you’ll find certain products consistently cheaper than the lowest sale prices at large chain grocery stores.

While large chains offer a wider variety and consistently stock the same products, Aldi carries a good selection of affordable staples and pantry essentials that are always available (unless they’re out of stock, which can happen).

Although you can’t rely on Aldi’s rotating “get-it-while-it-lasts” specials to be there from week to week, these everyday staples are always on my Aldi shopping list.

Here’s a breakdown of the best things you should buy at Aldi for big grocery savings.

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1. Bread

Aldi offers a variety of bread, including whole grain, artisan-style loaves, and brioche buns, all at a fraction of the price compared to larger chain stores. Their seed bread is comparable to Dave’s Killer Bread, while their artisanal white bread is similar to Sara Lee’s. Other great finds include sourdough loaves, potato burger rolls, and bagels.

Bread is always cheap and in stock, so there’s no need to stock up and waste valuable freezer space.

2. Pretzels and Chips

Aldi’s store-brand snacks, like pretzels, veggie sticks, and blue corn tortilla chips, rival name brands in taste and texture but cost far less. Clancy’s pretzel sticks, for example, are comparable to Utz but for a lower price. While you’re in the chips aisle, don’t forget to grab a large jar of salsa—it’s a great deal, and it pairs perfectly with their tortilla chips.

3. Feta and Hard Cheeses

Aldi’s cheeses, such as creamy feta and specialty hard cheeses like Parmesan and Gouda, are excellent for charcuterie boards or cooking. Many of these cheeses are significantly cheaper than those at grocery stores while still offering great quality. Just keep an eye on the packaging—some cheeses may seem cheaper but come in smaller portions.

4. Oatmeal

Old-fashioned and steel-cut oats are staples in my pantry. I also keep instant oats on hand for baking. Aldi’s large containers of oats stretch further for less money, making them a fantastic buy if your family enjoys oatmeal for breakfast or homemade granola. They’re also great for meal-prep overnight oats or to bake cookies and muffins.

5. Granola and Granola Bars

Aldi’s granola and granola bars, such as their Simply Nature brand, come in different flavors and make an easy grab-and-go snack. We always pack these for road trips or after-school snacks. Many of their options are organic and free from high-fructose corn syrup, so they’re a healthier option at a great price.

6. Vinegar

Aldi carries a variety of vinegar, including apple cider, balsamic, white, and red wine vinegar, all usually at much lower prices than other brands. I always stock up on their gallon-sized white vinegar for cleaning vegetables and their balsamic and white wine vinegar for salads. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to Bragg’s apple cider vinegar with the mother, Aldi’s organic apple cider vinegar is a great option.

7. Olives

Aldi’s Spanish, Kalamata, and black olives are versatile and affordable pantry staples. They’re perfect for quick snacks, salad toppings, or tapenades and cost less than olives at most grocery stores. Their long shelf life means you can always keep a jar on hand. I use them to toss into pasta or salads for extra flavor or add to cheese and crackers on a charcuterie board to serve last minute guests.

8. Nuts (Roasted and Raw)

Aldi offers a quality and affordable selection of nuts, like almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios and cashews. Roasted nuts are usually found in the snack aisle with the trail mix, while raw nuts are in the baking aisle. I like to keep walnuts, almonds and cashews stocked for snacking or as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt. 

9. Canned Tomatoes

Aldi’s tomatoes are just as good as name brands but at a fraction of the price. Their crushed and diced tomatoes are surprisingly flavorful and not too watery, unlike some store brands that don’t stack up to big-name brands. I always keep their plain and fire-roasted diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes in my pantry when my favorite brands aren’t on sale. 

10. Pasta Sauce (Jars)

Aldi’s jarred tomato sauces, like marinara and garlic, are affordable and convenient alternatives to pricier brands. Be sure to check the ingredients for added sugar or preservatives. Their Simply Nature organic marinara is a healthier, low-sugar option, and it’s still cheaper than most name-brand sauces even on sale. I usually make large batches of tomato sauce and freeze extra, it’s nice to have a couple of jars of pasta sauce in the pantry for quick meals.

11. Broth

When I don’t have homemade stock in the freezer, Aldi’s canned and boxed broths are a money-saving alternative. Their Chef’s Cupboard Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth and Simply Nature Organic Low Sodium Broth are great options, though the organic version contains sugar. I always choose low-sodium broths to keep our meals healthier. You can always add salt to a meal later if needed, so it’s best not to add too much while cooking.

12. Sugar

Granulated sugar is the same regardless of the brand or price, so it’s a good idea to compare prices to get the best deal. Aldi’s confectioners’ sugar and brown sugar are usually always a great value and I make sure to stock up on them during the holidays.

13. Chocolate Morsels

Aldi’s chocolate morsels are a great alternative to expensive brands, especially for baking. They carry semi-sweet, dark chocolate, and even Belgian dark chocolate chunks, which I use to make rich, decadent desserts like Ina Garten’s Chocolate Gelato.

14. Pure Vanilla

Aldi’s pure vanilla extract is a must-have for bakers. It has a rich, natural flavor and is much cheaper than both name brands and other store-brand options.

15. Pesto

Aldi’s pesto is a pantry staple I always keep on hand. Their traditional basil pesto is made with high-quality ingredients like basil, olive oil, cashew nuts, sunflower oil, Grana Padano cheese, pine nuts and other flavorings. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a marinade for chicken or fish. Aldi also carries a sun-dried tomato pesto, which has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that’s great for adding a twist to dishes. Best of all, Aldi’s pesto is not only more affordable than similar options at other stores, but I find it tastes just as good, if not better!

16. Avocado Oil

If you use avocado oil for cooking or dressings, Aldi’s Simply Nature avocado oil usually costs less than avocado oil sold at larger grocery stores but still high in quality. Since it’s expeller-pressed, it’s extracted without chemicals or high heat, which helps preserve its mild flavor and nutrients. I use it for homemade salad dressings, sautéing veggies, and even baking—it’s a versatile, heart-healthy option to keep in your pantry.

17. Artisanal Crackers

Aldi’s Specially Selected artisanal crackers come in unique flavor combinations like raisin, rosemary, and pumpkin or brown rice, quinoa, flax, and sesame seeds. These crackers are a perfect addition to a charcuterie board with Aldi’s cheeses, olives and cured meats. They also sell an entertainment cracker assortment with water crackers, multigrain crackers, and cracked pepper crackers, which are great for parties. For an upscale spread on a budget, Aldi’s artisanal crackers are a must-buy.

18. Cream Cheese

Aldi’s cream cheese is just as good as any store brand I’ve tried but usually cheaper. They offer both regular cream cheese and Neufchâtel cheese, which is lower in fat. I use it as a bagel spread, to make creamy dips or to bake desserts like homemade cheesecake. Aldi’s cream cheese is a reliable, affordable staple for any kitchen.

19. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is one of my favorite high-protein, low-fat snacks, and Aldi’s is a great budget-friendly option. They carry small curd cottage cheese in both 1% and 4% fat varieties, and I find the texture and flavor comparable to other brands. While some store brands can be watery, Aldi’s cottage cheese holds up well. That said, their selection is limited—if you’re looking for full-fat, low-sodium, large curd, or whipped options, you might need to shop elsewhere. I love pairing it with fresh fruit, like watermelon in the summer, for a quick and healthy snack.

20. Ricotta

Aldi’s ricotta has a rich, creamy texture that works well in savory and sweet recipes. It’s usually more affordable than other store brands but unlike other brands it’s not as watery, making it easier to use in cooking and baking. It comes in part-skim and whole-milk options. Although it only comes in a 16-ounce container. I use Aldi’s ricotta in lasagna, stuffed shells, and desserts like cannoli filling.

21. Yogurt (Regular and Greek)

Aldi’s yogurt selection is budget-friendly, though it doesn’t offer variety. They carry plain, vanilla, and a few fruit-flavored options, including Greek yogurt, a more affordable alternative to pricier brands. While the flavor and consistency are slightly different from my favorite Greek yogurt brand, I use Aldi’s yogurt for smoothies and for my kids, who don’t notice the difference.

22. Half-and-Half and Whipping Cream

The dairy aisle is one of the best places to save at Aldi, especially on essentials like half-and-half and heavy cream. I use their heavy cream for making homemade whipped cream, creamy soups, and pasta sauces—it’s rich, high-quality, and much cheaper than what you’ll find at larger grocery stores. Their half-and-half is my go-to for coffee and works well in recipes like quiches and casseroles. 

23. Organic Milk

If you prefer organic milk, Aldi’s Simply Nature brand is an excellent choice. It’s free of antibiotics, synthetic pesticides, and added hormones, and it’s available in half-gallon options of whole, 2%, or DHA omega-3 fortified milk. While it’s a great deal compared to organic milk at other grocery stores, Aldi’s Friendly Farms regular milk is even more affordable. Organic or not, Aldi’s milk prices are the lowest prices for milk in my area.

24. Eggs

Eggs are a staple in my household, and Aldi consistently offers some of the lowest prices around right now. Whether you need regular large eggs, cage-free, or organic, Aldi’s egg prices are the lowest I’ve seen. I get their regular eggs and the Goldhen Liquid Egg Whites for egg-white omelets or scrambled eggs. Compared to similar products at big chain stores, Aldi’s egg whites are a fraction of the price.

25. Plant-Based Milk

Aldi’s plant-based milk, including almond, soy, and oat milk, is affordable and tastes just as good as pricier brands. So they’re a good option for anyone looking for a tasty dairy-free alternative. Their Simply Nature almond milk has a nutty flavor that works well in smoothies, overnight oats, or hot chocolate. If you or your family enjoy plant-based milk, Aldi’s options are an easy way to save while not missing out on the flavor.

26. Frozen Berries

Aldi’s frozen berries are a budget-friendly way to incorporate more fruits into your family’s diet. Frozen berries are always stocked in my freezer, and Aldi’s are some of the best for the price. The berry medley, which includes strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, is great for smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt toppings. Plus, frozen berries are picked at peak ripeness and retain their nutrients, so they’re just as healthy as fresh ones. 

27. Frozen Seafood (Tuna and Salmon)

Aldi’s frozen seafood is an affordable way to keep lean protein on hand for easy meals. I make sesame tuna by pressing sesame seeds onto both sides of the tuna and pan-searing it for salads or baking salmon with olive oil and seasoning for a quick dinner. Fish is rich in omega-3s, which are great for heart and brain health.

28. Frozen Vegetables

Aldi’s frozen vegetables, like broccoli, corn, and green beans, are an affordable and simple way to add more vegetables to meals. Flash-frozen at peak freshness, they retain their nutrients and taste great. I always keep a few bags in my freezer for busy nights when I need a quick healthy side dish. Aldi’s prices on frozen veggies make eating healthy more budget-friendly.

29. European Chocolate

Aldi’s European-style options are a hidden gem for chocolate lovers. Their Moser Roth and Choceur brands are rich, creamy, and comparable to specialty chocolates, but for much less. Aldi’s chocolate is a good pantry dessert or for gifts without breaking the bank. The chocolate covered almonds are a favorite in my house.

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