Aldi vs. Trader Joe’s: Who Has the Better Deals on Snack Selection?

aldi vs trader joe
Updated Aug. 14, 2024
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Did you know that both Aldi and Trader Joe’s are owned by the Albrecht family? It’s no wonder these two stores have so many similarities, and shoppers love the variety of products at incredibly low prices at both. 

Both retailers have dedicated fans who love that they save on groceries without the hassle of coupons or navigating the aisles of their local big-box superstore.

We’re comparing these two stores to see which has the better deals, and the results may surprise you.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Aldi’s Dried Fruit vs. Trader Joe’s Dried Fruit

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz dried fruit

Price: $4.39 vs. $2.49

Surprisingly, it’s cheaper to buy a package of dried mangoes from Trader Joe’s than at Aldi.

You get six ounces of sweet mangoes in each bag, but Trader Joe’s green mangoes are almost $2 cheaper and even sweeter than the Aldi variety. However, if you’re looking for less sugar and calories per serving, the Aldi mangoes might be a good choice.

Aldi’s Gluten-Free Crackers vs. Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Crackers

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz gluten-free crackers

Price: $3.29 vs. $3.99

Save $0.70 on gluten-free crackers from Aldi, compared to a similar snack from Trader Joe’s.

The Savory Squares from Trader Joe’s blend nut and seed flour and dairy-free cheddar flavor, while the Cauliflower Crackers from Aldi come in sea salt and cheddar flavors for more variety. 

Both crackers are vegan and gluten-free, so it all comes down to price and choice for this round.

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Aldi’s Granola Bars vs. Trader Joe’s Granola Bars

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz granola bars

Price: $2.39 vs. $2.99

You can enjoy a crunchy, peanut butter granola bar from either of these stores, but you save $0.60 at Aldi.

These comparable granola bars give you a crunchy bite to help get you through your day, but you get 12 bars at Aldi compared to six per box at Trader Joe’s — and for way less money. 

Since both snacks have whole grain oats and a peanut butter drizzle, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth with the Aldi buy instead.

Aldi’s Cookie Bites vs. Trader Joe’s Cookie Bites

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz cookie bites

Price: $2.65 vs. $5.49

While it may seem like the Aldi option is more cost-effective, the Trader Joe’s cookies come in a bigger container.

You get over a pound of crispy, chocolate chip cookies in this Trader Joe’s snack, while these cookie thins from Aldi come in only a four-ounce bag. So, if you want a crunchy cookie to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’re getting a better deal by shopping at Trader Joe’s.

Aldi’s Hummus Packs vs. Trader Joe’s Hummus Packs

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz hummus packs

Price: $1.65 vs. $2.99

Don’t let these prices fool you, either, since you get two snack packs at Trader Joe’s.

The Aldi hummus snack pack comes with one container of pretzels and dippable classic hummus, while this Trader Joe’s item has two individual snack packs with pita chips instead. 

Both are convenient to pack for a quick bite anywhere, but you’re saving over $0.30 with the Trader Joe’s deal.

Aldi’s Yogurt Pretzels vs. Trader Joe’s Yogurt Pretzels

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz yogurt pretzels

Price: $3.29 vs. $3.49

There’s only a $0.20 difference between these similarly-flavored yogurt-covered pretzels.

You get seven ounces in each bag of salty pretzels coated with creamy strawberry yogurt, but the Trader Joe’s variety adds a twist with a striped vanilla coating. 

These Trader Joe’s snacks are a seasonal offering, but you can be sure to find this Aldi snack anytime.

Aldi’s Granola vs. Trader Joe’s Granola

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz granola

Price: $3.95 vs. $3.99

These two items are pretty close in size and price, but the Trader Joe’s option may be worth those extra pennies.

You get 12 ounces of peanut butter and chocolate granola from Trader Joe’s, compared to just 11 ounces from Aldi. However, it also depends on which flavors you like, and the Aldi granola is gluten-free and full of superfoods.

Aldi’s Trail Mix vs. Trader Joe’s Trail Mix

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz trail mix

Price: $7.99 vs. $5.99

Here’s a tough category that asks, “Are you willing to spend more money for more flavor?”

These trail mixes are pretty different. Though the Trader Joe’s blend is $2 less, it also has dried cranberries, almonds, and cashews. 

The Aldi find gives you two more ounces of trail mix and a spicy, cheesy flavor in its dried cheese bits, nuts, and corn nuggets.

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Aldi’s Flavored Greek Yogurt vs. Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz greek yogurt

Price: $0.75 vs. $0.99

You can save almost a quarter when you shop for a similarly creamy Greek Yogurt at Aldi.

Each store offers seasonal flavors, like a tropical fruit blend at Aldi or guava passionfruit at Trader Joe’s. You’re guaranteed to get some delicious tastes in these protein-packed treats. 

Aldi yogurt is not only cheaper but also has fewer calories and sugar, making it a healthier option.

Bottom line

Drazen/Adobe senior couple doing groceries

All in all, you could be saving more when you shop at Aldi instead of Trader Joe’s. However, both of these stores have such a unique range of offerings that it’s worth visiting both to see what seasonal goodies they have in stock. 

No matter what, you’re still guaranteed to get ahead financially when you shop at these value stores.

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