We aren’t advocating that you go overboard on junk food, but sometimes you need to satisfy that sweet tooth or indulge in some savory treats. Here are 15 of my family’s favorite junk foods at Aldi.
1. Belmont or Specially Selected Ice Cream
Thoughts: Aldi’s ice cream costs less than Edy’s or Breyers. All of it is good, too, from the cartons of moose tracks, cookie dough, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream to the ice cream sandwiches and bars and Drumsticks. If you really feel like splurging, the Belmont Super Premium ice cream is a great option and tastes practically identical to name brand Ben & Jerry’s.
2. Choceur Chocolate
Thoughts: Much of Aldi’s chocolate comes from Europe and is just as good as name brand Hershey’s. We’re a fan of Aldi’s chocolate bars for making s’mores during camping trips.
Full review: here and here and here
3. Clancy’s Chips
Thoughts: They may not be quite the same as name brand, but my family enjoys a variety of products in Aldi’s Clancy’s snack food line, including Clancy’s Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips (they’re not as good as Doritos, but they’re a decent alternative), Clancy’s Party Mix (like Chex Mix), and Clancy’s Cheese Puffs (like Cheetos). You also can’t go wrong with a bag of original Clancy’s potato chips and a tub of French Onion dip (sold in Aldi’s refrigerated section, and another version of French Onion dip is sometimes available as an ALDI Find). In addition, we are fans of the Clancy’s Stackerz chips, which are basically Lay’s Stax.
4. Belmont and Specially Selected Cheesecakes
Thoughts: Aldi sells several varieties of cheesecake as both Regular Buys and Special Buys (ALDI Finds). They are all pretty indistinguishable from name-brand or restaurant cheesecakes.
5. Benton’s “Girl Scout” cookies
Thoughts: It’s always good to support local Girl Scout troops, but if cookie season is over, these cookies taste virtually identical to the real thing and may cost as little as 95 cents per package, depending on where you live. They come in three flavors: Fudge Mint (the equivalent of Thin Mints), Peanut Butter (the equivalent of Tagalongs or Peanut Butter Patties), and Caramel Coconut (the equivalent of Samoas). The peanut butter and chocolate cookies are my favorite.
Full review: here
6. Village Bakery Donuts
Thoughts: These are your traditional grocery store donuts that come in powdered sugar, chocolate frosted, and plain flavors. They’re good for times when you need easy breakfast or are feeding a crowd. My family likes the chocolate frosted donuts.
Full review: here
7. Bremer Corn Dogs
Thoughts: This is carnival food you can make at home, and it’s delicious.
Full review: here
8. White Castle burgers
Thoughts: These are one of the few name-brand items Aldi sells as Regular Buys, meaning they are on the freezer shelves all the time. They never last long in my house. My family prefers the cheeseburger variety.
9. Mama Cozzi’s Pizza
Thoughts: Aldi sells a variety of frozen and take-and-bake pizzas as Regular Buys and as limited-time Special Buys (ALDI Finds). We like almost all of them. The Regular Buy Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza is excellent. We also like the Mama Cozzi’s Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza, the Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Dip-N-Strips, and the Take & Bake Philly Cheesesteak Pizza.
Full review: here and here and here and here
10. Simms Smoked Snack Sticks
Thoughts: Taste-wise, these are pretty much exactly like name brand Slim Jims.
Full review: here
11. Village Bakery Cookies
Thoughts: These are more upscale bakery-style cookies that come in flavors like Chocolate Chunk, Toffee Almond, Oatmeal Cranberry, and Kitchen Sink. They are soft and chewy and remind me of name brand Lofthouse cookies. They’re not as good as homemade cookies, but if you need something quick and easy for a party, these are a solid choice.
Full review: here
12. Specially Selected Pumpkin Cake Roll
Thoughts: This is a seasonal Special Buy (ALDI Find) item that shows up in stores during the fall. It consists of cake and a cream cheese filling, and it is better than pumpkin pie. Seriously.
Full review: here
13. Appetitos Southwestern Rolls
Thoughts: These are another Special Buy (ALDI Find) item that show up occasionally, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. They’re like egg rolls but with southwest-themed ingredients like corn, beans, and spices. We like to dip them in Ranch dressing.
Full review: here
14. Fusia Chinese Food
Thoughts: Aldi carries many kinds of Chinese foods as Regular Buys, including chicken entrees like Orange Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken as well as egg rolls. Several times a year, the store also rotates in a variety of Special Buy (ALDI Find) items such as potstickers, crab rangoon, specialty egg rolls, and additional entrees. It’s all good and costs less than takeout. Some of our taste testers even prefer Aldi’s takeout-style food over Trader Joe’s.
15. Baker’s Corner Funnel Cake Mix
Thoughts: This is a Special Buy (ALDI Find) item that shows up in stores sometimes. It’s not difficult to make these funnel cakes at home, and they taste authentic, exactly like what you’d buy at a carnival or fair. While you’re at it, pick up some Baker’s Corner Elephant Ear Mix, too. It’s another Special Buy (ALDI Find) product.
Full review: here
What are your favorite treats to buy at Aldi? Let us know in the comments.
I really like Aldi’s “Butter cookie Coated with Dark Chocolate” cookies, that are just like Le Petit Ecolier cookies. The are delicious!
My son and i love the Taquitos rolled chips. Oh and the Kettle sweet and salty popcorn they get sometimes is so good!!
Clancy’s baked potato chips. Pistachios. Baklava!! Honey Graham Crackers taste just like Nabisco. I love so many of the brands sold at Aldi!!
I just bought a container of Honey that’s organic Wildflower. It’s delicious. So much better than the little honey bear honey and only a few cents higher in price.
We love the Steamable Vegetables for the microwave that are in the freezer. Broccoli and the Corn one are favorites.
I’ve been buying the Spinach and Mozzarella Ravoli and heating them in the oven with some Spaghetti Sauce and Mozzarella. Yummy and a quick meal.