Have you ever wondered if Aldi’s $5 products are worth getting?
A lot of people are on the Aldi train, and for very good reason. But even if you’re a seasoned shopper, have you heard about the Aldi treasures you can get for five bucks or less? These aren’t just budget-fillers; they are genuinely high-quality products that can elevate your weekly meals and snacks without straining your wallet.
While the German retailer has been getting more and more popular amongst people who love a good deal, there are a couple of items that seem to dominate the discussion. We all hear about the famous “Aisle of Shame” finds or the affordable produce. However, digging a little deeper into the regular grocery aisles reveals a consistent lineup of budget-friendly superstars that deserve their own spotlight.
And do not get us wrong! The ones you hear mentioned frequently, like their take-and-bake pizzas or specialty chocolates, are a great deal, and you should not pass up on them! They have rightfully earned their reputation among the Aldi faithful. But the true art of Aldi shopping lies in discovering the everyday essentials that outperform their big-brand competitors on both price and quality.
However, there are certain items that are not going to set you back that much, that are of great quality, and that not many make the most of, even if they are used to going to Aldi for their groceries. These are the unsung heroes of the store, the staples that can form the backbone of a smart, affordable, and delicious pantry and fridge. It’s about knowing where to look and being open to trying the store brands, which is where Aldi truly shines.
In a time where the price of groceries has reached an all-time high, it is better to know all your options and make an informed choice than to just accept paying more for items of similar or higher quality in another store! Every dollar counts, and being a strategic shopper is no longer just a hobby; it’s a necessary skill. Choosing an Aldi product for under $5 instead of a national brand for $7 or $8 elsewhere can lead to significant savings over the course of a month or year.
For this reason, we have brought you some of the best $5 items you can get at Aldi so that you can stay on top of the game and shop smarter! Get ready to add some new must-haves to your shopping list that will make you wonder why you ever paid more.
What are your favorite items at Aldi? Are there any Aldi queries you want us to look into? Let us know in the comments down below!
1. Deli sliced Swiss cheese
No matter if you like it in your grilled sandwiches, on top of burgers, or as a tomato and mayo sandwich, one cannot deny that Swiss cheese is a great addition to any meal it fits into. Its mild, nutty flavor and iconic holes make it a universally loved classic. It has a fantastic melting quality that creates that perfect, gooey cheese pull we all crave.
However, getting sliced cheese can end up becoming pretty expensive, especially if you choose the deli-sliced version. At a traditional grocery store deli counter, you can easily pay double or even triple the price for a similar product. This often relegates good quality Swiss to a special occasion purchase rather than an everyday staple.
This is where Aldi comes in with their very own Happy Farms brand, which has a lot of cheese options. Happy Farms is Aldi’s powerhouse dairy brand, consistently delivering excellent products from milk to yogurt to, of course, cheese. It’s a brand that seasoned Aldi shoppers have come to trust implicitly for its reliability and outstanding value across the board.
The one we always get is the sliced Swiss cheese, which has been a great addition to a lot of our dishes and has been a great choice for a quick lunch more times than we can count. It’s perfect for whipping up a classic Reuben, making a sophisticated Croque Monsieur, or simply elevating a standard ham and cheese. The slices are a good thickness, not too flimsy, so they hold up well in any recipe.
The best news yet? A pack costs only $1.55 for 11 slices, way less than our initial money goal! This price point is almost unbelievable when you compare it to other stores. It allows you to enjoy the delicious taste and melt of deli-style cheese without the deli counter price tag, making it a no-brainer for your regular shopping list.
2. Never Any! Apple chicken sausage
A great addition to every breakfast is to have some more options, which means that you need to open your mind and see other options. While bacon and pork sausage are traditional go-to’s, they can be heavy. Chicken sausage offers a leaner, yet equally flavorful, alternative that can completely transform your morning meal.
The best thing about these apple chicken sausages is that they are not only a breakfast food, even if this is what our minds go to first. Their versatility is truly their strongest asset. The subtle sweetness from the apple pairs beautifully with a wide range of ingredients, making them a fantastic component for lunch and dinner as well. The “Never Any!” branding is also a huge plus, guaranteeing the product is free from antibiotics, added hormones, and steroids.
We cannot lie though; they make great additions to a scrambled or sunny-side-up egg, or even added to a quick breakfast sandwich! Sliced and pan-fried until golden brown, they provide a perfect savory and slightly sweet counterpoint to rich, yolky eggs. They can also be diced and mixed into a frittata or breakfast casserole for a crowd-pleasing brunch.
However, in addition to these breakfast foods, the apple chicken sausages are great to just roast up and eat with a side of mash or rice and even work great with pasta and even as ingredients inside of other dishes that call for sausages! Try slicing them into rounds and sautéing them with bell peppers and onions for a quick weeknight stir-fry, or add them to a sheet-pan dinner with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli. They’re also fantastic on the grill during the summer.
They are versatile, and we are sure you can find even more ways to use them in your dishes. Think about crumbling them into a hearty soup or using them as a flavorful topping for a homemade pizza. The possibilities are truly endless, encouraging culinary creativity.
And with only $3.65 a pack, you will definitely have a lot of room to experiment with them! This affordable price makes it easy to keep a pack on hand for quick, healthy, and delicious meal solutions any time of day. It’s a smart buy that delivers on flavor, quality, and value.
3. Goldhen free range large brown grade A eggs
Since we mentioned eggs, you know we cannot let you leave Aldi without a carton! Eggs are one of the most fundamental building blocks of a kitchen. They are a powerhouse of protein and nutrients, and their versatility is unmatched. From a simple breakfast to complex baking, they are an absolute essential.
They make for a great meal, and they are so frequently used in many other dishes that you need to make sure that you have great-quality eggs around your home. The quality of your eggs can genuinely impact the final result, whether you’re whipping up a light meringue or a rich carbonara. That’s why opting for a better egg is always a good idea.
This is why we always make sure to pick up the Goldhen Free range large brown eggs from Aldi. The “free-range” designation means the hens have access to the outdoors, which is a more humane standard of care that many consumers prioritize. These small choices can make a big difference, and Aldi makes it affordable to do so.
They are a grande A+ when it comes to size and flavor, and they have been raised in humane facilities and handled with care. The “Grade A” label indicates a high-quality egg with a firm yolk and thick whites, ideal for all types of cooking and baking. You’ll notice the difference in their rich, golden yolks, which add fantastic color and taste to your dishes.
You will not have to worry about where these eggs came from, and when you can get a dozen for as little as $3, you can easily count on the quality of this product for any of your egg dishes. This price for free-range eggs is exceptionally competitive, often costing half of what you’d pay for a comparable carton at a mainstream supermarket. It’s a perfect example of Aldi’s commitment to providing high-quality, ethically sourced products at an accessible price.
4. Sundae Shoppe Summer gelato
With summer coming up, you should make the most of the warm season and enjoy a cold treat when you come back from outside. There’s nothing quite like a delicious frozen dessert to cool you down on a hot day, and Aldi’s seasonal offerings are always something to look forward to.
The best way to make sure you can have the best of both worlds, with great-tasting treats and not having to worry about your figure, is to turn your attention to gelato. For those unfamiliar, gelato is Italian-style ice cream. It’s made with more milk and less cream than traditional American ice cream and is churned at a slower rate, incorporating less air. The result is a denser, silkier, and more intensely flavored product that often has fewer calories and fat.
Not only is it healthier, but it is also a great alternative for all of us who suffer from intolerances or allergies. And Aldi’s gelato is so good you will have a hard time trying not to eat it all in one go! The Sundae Shoppe brand consistently delivers premium-tasting frozen desserts that could easily be mistaken for much more expensive artisanal brands.
These containers are a great size, and the Sundae Shoppe Summer Gelato comes in triple chocolate, mixed berry, and caramel cookie crunch flavors, with many others available. The triple chocolate is a chocoholic’s dream, the mixed berry is refreshingly tart and fruity, and the caramel cookie crunch offers a delightful mix of textures and sweet-salty flavor. These are often seasonal, so you might see different exciting flavors each time you shop, which adds to the fun.
With a low price of under five bucks, $4.19 to be exact, you can enjoy this gelato at any time! You can treat yourself to a scoop (or two) without any guilt. It’s perfect for serving to guests, enjoying as an after-dinner treat, or even making a delicious affogato by pouring a shot of hot espresso over it.
5. Organic multigrain tortilla chips
While we all love a good snack, good tortilla chips are harder to come by. Many are too thin and break in the dip, others are overly salty, and some are just plain bland. A truly great tortilla chip needs to be sturdy, perfectly seasoned, and have a satisfying corn flavor.
These organic multigrain tortillas are dusted with sea salt, and they are healthier than your ordinary tortillas. Being organic means they are made without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, which is a huge plus for health-conscious shoppers. The multigrain blend also boosts their nutritional profile compared to standard corn chips.
They are packed with corn, flax, and brown rice, which come with more nutritional additions, and they come with less guilt for not minding all the snacks that come up. The flax seeds add a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, while the brown rice and corn provide whole-grain goodness. This makes them a more satiating and smarter snacking choice.
They are only $1.89 per pack! This price for an organic, multigrain product is simply outstanding. It makes it easy to stock your pantry with a better-for-you snack option that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The chips themselves are wonderfully crispy and have a hearty, rustic texture that holds up to even the thickest of dips.
They are both amazing to just have around in your pantry, while also great for any summer gathering to lay on the plate alongside an amazing dip (some of which you can also find at Aldi for great deals, though you may want to make them yourselves). Pair them with Aldi’s fresh salsa, guacamole, or a creamy bean dip for an instant party-pleaser. They are also fantastic for making nachos!
If you plan to make your dips this summer, make sure you have the proper spices that go along with them. The best way to get started is to get some pre-made dip spice mixes to later make them yourself! These have worked great for us, and they make for amazing gifts as well!
6. Tilapia filets
Managing to grill fresh fish for less than $5 for a family meal is sometimes a dream come true. Fish can be one of the more expensive proteins, often putting it out of reach for a regular weeknight dinner. But incorporating more fish into your diet is a great health choice, as it’s packed with lean protein and beneficial omega-3s.
But if you only pay more attention to the fish section at Aldi’s, you will be able to make this dream come true and diversify your summer BBQ sessions. While Aldi might not have a sprawling seafood counter, its frozen section is a goldmine for affordable fish and shellfish. The frozen tilapia fillets are a prime example of this incredible value.
In some Aldi locations, you may manage to find great-quality tilapia fillets for just $4.72, and they are going to diversify your meals easily with them. Tilapia is a very mild-flavored white fish, which makes it incredibly versatile and a great choice for families or those who might be hesitant about “fishy” tasting fish. Its gentle flavor makes it a perfect canvas for all sorts of seasonings and sauces.
They make for great steamed or grilled meals, and even for some fried fish dishes. Just make sure you pay attention in-store, and you will be able to score some great deals. Because they come individually frozen, it’s easy to just take out the number of fillets you need for a meal, reducing waste. Try them baked with lemon and dill, blackened in a skillet for amazing fish tacos, or lightly breaded and pan-fried for a healthier take on fish and chips.
7. Earth Grown Vegan Style Mozzarella Shreds
You may be lactose-intolerant, vegan, or just trying to reduce your dairy intake and think that these types of cheesy treats are not available to you. For a long time, dairy-free cheese alternatives were hard to find, expensive, and frankly, not very good. They often failed to melt properly and had a distinct, un-cheese-like aftertaste.
However, Aldi has come out with their brand version of a lactose-free version of mozzarella shreds, and they are the perfect choice for everyone who is either lactose tolerant or looking to follow a vegan diet. The Earth Grown line is Aldi’s fantastic range of plant-based products, making vegan and vegetarian eating more accessible and affordable than ever.
The days of thinking there was no cheese in your pasta dishes are long gone, as these mozzarella shreds are both delicious and can help you enjoy your food without compromising on any of your values. This product is a game-changer. It melts beautifully, making it perfect for topping a homemade pizza or creating a gooey vegan grilled cheese sandwich. It stretches and browns just like dairy-based mozzarella, a feat that many other vegan cheeses fail to achieve.
With a low price of $4.15, you do not have to worry about spending a ton on lactose-free and vegan alternatives like you would in other stores! This competitive pricing makes a plant-based lifestyle far more sustainable on a budget. Use these shreds in vegan lasagna, sprinkle them over pasta bakes, melt them into quesadillas, or use them anywhere else you’d use traditional mozzarella. They deliver on taste, texture, and price.
These are just some of the affordable Aldi goods you need to try! This list is truly just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the value hiding in Aldi’s aisles. However, this is just part of our stream of helpful shopping tips for all the major, beloved stores in the U.S.! Becoming a savvy shopper is a journey, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Check out more tips and tricks about what to buy at which stores here!
