I’ve said it a thousand times: I love Aldi. I’m there every weekend, wandering the aisles, checking out the deals, and somehow leaving with way more than I intended. Maybe you do the same—walk in for milk, walk out with half the store. But as much as I adore Aldi, I’ve learned through trial and error that some items just aren’t worth tossing into the cart. If you’re an Aldi fan who wants to stretch every dollar, here are nine things you’re better off skipping—even during a sale.
1. Pre-Packaged Produce
Aldi has fantastic produce, but the pre-washed, pre-cut options aren’t always the bargain they appear to be. They’re convenient, sure, but sometimes the quality inside those sealed bags is disappointing—overripe, mushy, or just not great. Plus, you usually pay more per pound compared to picking out your own fruits and veggies. If you love fresh produce, choosing individual pieces yourself usually gives you better quality and a better price.
2. Brand-Name Cereal
I still remember spotting name-brand cereal at Aldi and feeling like I hit the jackpot. But after comparing prices, I realized it’s not always the deal it looks like. Other stores often sell the same brands cheaper, especially when they’re running promotions. Aldi’s own cereal lineup tastes surprisingly similar—but at a much nicer price—so I stick with those instead of paying extra for Kellogg’s.
3. Paper Products
I love stocking up on toilet paper and paper towels, but Aldi’s options are a hit-or-miss situation. They tend to be thinner and less durable, meaning you go through them faster—so you’re not really saving money. I still shop Aldi for almost everything, but for paper products, I’ve learned to grab the higher-quality brands from other retailers.
4. Organic Snacks
As someone who enjoys healthier snacking, I was excited when Aldi expanded their organic options. The downside? Some of the organic snacks cost more than they do at other stores, and the selection can be limited. When I want organic granola bars or similar items, I usually buy them in bulk elsewhere when they’re on sale.
5. Canned Goods
Canned staples—beans, soups, tomatoes—are essentials in my kitchen. While Aldi does offer good deals occasionally, other stores frequently run deeper discounts. I’ve also noticed that Aldi’s canned goods can be inconsistent in quality. Because of that, I wait for sales at other grocery chains and stock up there instead.
6. Soda and Soft Drinks
My family goes through soda faster than I’d like to admit, so I always keep some on hand. But soda at Aldi is rarely the best price. Even when it’s marked down, you can often find better deals at big-box stores or supermarkets during weekly promotions. And the store-brand sodas just don’t compare in taste to the name brands.
7. Pre-Made Meals
Aldi’s grab-and-go meals look delicious… but they don’t always taste as good as they look. Some are overpriced compared to making the same dish from scratch, and the quality might not live up to your expectations. After a few disappointing take-home meals, I decided it’s usually faster, cheaper, and tastier to whip something up myself.
8. Specialty Cheeses
I’m a cheese lover through and through, and Aldi does carry some solid everyday cheeses. But when it comes to specialty varieties, the prices can creep higher than you’d expect. If you enjoy artisan cheeses, you’ll often find better deals—and more selection—at other grocery stores. I still grab the basics at Aldi, but I look elsewhere for the fancy stuff.
9. Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza is my emergency dinner, my lazy-night lifesaver. Aldi offers a decent range, but the flavor and texture can be hit or miss. Sometimes the cost doesn’t beat other stores’ sales either. After trying a few that didn’t wow me, I started shopping around for my favorite brands at better prices.
Okay, that wraps it up. I still adore Aldi and snag plenty of great bargains, but over time, I’ve learned which items are worth skipping. Smart shopping is all about figuring out where your money goes the farthest—and sometimes that means grabbing certain products elsewhere. And hey, if you still toss a few of these into your cart now and then, don’t beat yourself up. We’ve all done it.
