10 Aldi Items I Wish I'd Started Buying Years Sooner

The rising cost of groceries makes it hard to stay on budget. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the cost of "food-at-home" is projected to rise by 2.5% in 2026 and by 2.1% in 2027. And that's why I don't shop at just any store.

I wasted years overpaying for pricey products. As it turns out, I could save money at Aldi on items that I constantly buy. From everyday essentials and baking basics to salty snacks and a few gourmet goodies, I found better prices at this retailer than in other chains.

Which buys are at the top of my list? Here are 10 Aldi bargains I wish I had started buying sooner.

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

Price: $3.49

Greek yogurt, like this Specially Selected gem, is one of the most versatile items in my fridge. How do I use it? I eat it straight from the container, add berries for breakfast, and turn it into a parfait for dessert. Bonus points go to this pick for the 32-ounce size and the sumptuously sweet salted caramel flavor.

For years I thought of this thick, zesty dairy delight as something that only expensive "fancy" food stores carried. But as it turns out, Aldi's generic version is just as good and much better priced. Whole Foods Market sells the same size container of Organic Plain Greek Yogurt from its 365 brand for almost twice the price ($6.99).

Price: $2.49

Sweet treats don't have to break the bank. I've always shopped for brand-name ice cream from Breyers and Häagen-Dazs. That is, until I finally realized I could get the same high-quality dessert at a lower price.

Aldi's Sundae Shoppe line features flavors galore. And while I'm a fan of this Strawberry selection, you could choose from a bounty of bargain options, including Butter Pecan, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Moose Tracks, and more.

If you're wondering how Aldi's price stacks up to what you could pay elsewhere, compare $2.49 for the 48-ounce tub to $4.69 for 48 ounces of Breyers All Natural Strawberry Ice Cream at Target.

Price: $0.85

Chickpeas are a pantry staple that I always stock up on. And now that I see the price difference between Aldi's private-label line and comparable brand-name buys, I know where I'm shopping for garbanzos.

On a recent trip to the store, I snagged this 15.5-ounce can for $0.85. The identical item from Goya costs $1.79 at Target. The almost-$1 price difference adds up over time, especially if you're like me and buy this canned item almost every week.

Not sure what to do with a can of chickpeas? Here's an easy recipe tip: Stir the fiber-rich beans into a healthy blend of quinoa, chopped veggies, and grilled chicken.

Price: $1.95

Aldi is known for deals on dupes of popular name brands. And this breakfast bargain is one I wish I had known about sooner.

At less than $2, the crispy rice cereal (12-ounce size) is an absolute steal. In comparison, a smaller nine-ounce box of Kellogg's original version costs over $2 more ($3.99 at Target).

I like to think of this purchase as a multi-use find. Yes, I eat a bowl with milk in the morning. But I also blend the crispy rice morsels into mouthwatering marshmallow treats and occasionally use the cereal to top yogurt or ice cream.

Price: $1.69

This hearty, filling, and healthy meal in a can is another way to save money on private-label generics.

I've always bought brand-name soup. But now that I know Aldi has this 18.6-ounce bargain buy, I'm changing my shopping habits. The Campbell's copycat is a deal that definitely deserves a spot in your cart too.

How much did I save on this dupe? I spotted an 18.6-ounce can of the name-brand (Campbell's Chunky Healthy Request Chicken Noodle Soup) at Target for $2.49. Both items feature a strikingly similar list of ingredients, including rich chicken broth, protein-rich chicken, tender noodles, and plenty of veggies.

Price: $5.95

Extra virgin olive oil always seemed like an extra expense that wouldn't fit into my tight grocery budget. And while specialty store selections are pricey, this Aldi store-brand buy is a bargain that I couldn't ignore.

Not only does this EVOO have a flavor I savor, but it also comes in a convenient, easy-to-use squeezable 16.9-ounce bottle. The same size container from Whole Foods Market costs over twice as much ($12.99).

Even though this is my top EVOO, Aldi has plenty of other options. I also spotted a 33.8-ounce bottle of Priano Extra Virgin Olive Oil for $10.99 and Simply Nature's Non-GMO Olive Oil Spray for $3.69.

Price: $3.29

Life's little indulgences aren't always expensive. Chocolate certainly isn't a necessity. But an occasional treat isn't financially out of reach. That's why I pick up this decadently delicious crispy hazelnut milk chocolate bar at Aldi and skip pricier specialty-store sweets. And bonus, I don't have to worry about overeating. This tasty treat is already pre-portioned into 11 individually wrapped pieces.

The low price leaves money left over to snap up a few other gourmet goodies. Aldi has plenty of budget-friendly bars, including Choceur's Milk Chocolate with Almonds ($1.99), Milk Chocolate with Honey Salted Almonds ($4.39), Cookies and Milk Creme Filled Chocolate ($3.65), Dark Chocolate ($1.99), and Raisin and Nut Chocolate ($4.39).

Price: $1.89

Salty snacks are occasionally on my shopping list. Between backyard barbecues, picnics, game days, and movie nights in, I'm always on the lookout for a cheap chip. And Aldi certainly delivers.

For years I wasted money on popular name brands. Then I found Aldi's generic. Clancy's eight-ounce bag of kettle chips is crispy, crunchy, and comes in four flavors: Original, Sea Salt and Vinegar, Jalapeno, and Mesquite Barbecue.

I compared Aldi's $1.89 price with similar products from other stores. Target sells an eight-ounce bag of Cape Cod Kettle Cooked Potato Chips for $3.99, and Kroger charges $4.29 for the 7.5-ounce size from Kettle Brand.

Price: $2.59

Who knew Aldi had such a serious selection of high-quality hummus? I'm a fan of the plain recipe, but my family also enjoys some of the more flavorful options. That means I also add Park Street Deli's Pine Nut, Spicy, or Olive Tapenade Hummus to my shopping list.

With the money I save, I have plenty of cash leftover to spend on the rest of my meal. While hummus is an easy (and affordable, at under $3) dip, here's another use: Layer the spread onto a whole-wheat pita, add crumbled feta, and sprinkle Kalamata olives and spices on top to make a Mediterranean-style pizza.

Price: $3.99

Aldi's cheese selection goes well beyond what you could get in many other budget-friendly grocery stores. While I expected to nab slices of American, chunks of cheddar, and shredded mozzarella, I was surprised to find this camembert in the refrigerated dairy section.

The buttery soft-ripened cheese is rich, creamy, and deliciously dreamy. And for less than $4, the seven-ounce size is an affordable alternative to other stores. For reference, an 8.5-ounce wheel of Herve Mons Camembert costs $12.99 at Whole Foods Market.

Shoppers who aren't fans of the flavor could still get more than just a decent deal on "fancy" cheese. Other equally impressive bargains include Emporium Selection's Aged Reserve Cheddar ($2.99), Emporium Selection's Deli Sliced Havarti ($1.65), and Emporium Selection's Spinach Artichoke Gouda ($3.09).

In my experience, Aldi's private-label lines outprice most major stores. While the retailer doesn't offer the bulk-buy deals you could find at Sam's Club, Costco, or Walmart, the combination of cost, quality, and variety makes this chain one of my favorite places to pick up everything from chips and dip to pantry staples.

Aldi doesn't have a customer loyalty club, exclusive discounts, or coupon-based promotions. But, along with everyday low prices, there are other ways to increase your savings. What's my favorite strategy? Put your next grocery haul to work and earn when you shop. As the name says, the best cash back credit cards offer cash back on eligible purchases.