I’ve Tried Dozens of Aldi Thanksgiving Foods, and This One Is the Best

Aldi's Thanksgiving lineup is one of the first places I look when planning a holiday grocery budget. In 2026, the retailer's meal deal includes the ingredients for a traditional dinner for 10 people for less than $39. However, the 12-item list is only the starting point, with seasonal shelves offering prepared sides, specialty stuffing, appetizers, and festive desserts.

Some products are worth buying to save time, while others bring something different to the holiday table. After comparing the prices, convenience, and appeal of Aldi's seasonal selection, one prepared side stands out as the best overall purchase. Here are seven specific products worth considering to save money at Aldi, with the winner saved for last.

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

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Price: $1.95

Aldi's Bake House Creations Pie Crusts come in a two-count package. They are a practical baking staple for anyone preparing pumpkin pie or another holiday dessert at home.

These crusts are worth buying, in my opinion, for anyone who enjoys homemade pie but wants to skip the mess of making pastry. They also leave more time for preparing the rest of the meal. Pair them with Aldi's pumpkin pie ingredients for a convenient compromise between scratch baking and a ready-made dessert.

Price: $5.29

Aldi's Bake Shop Pumpkin Pie is advertised at $5.29 for a 24-ounce pie in the October 28 weekly ad lineup. It is a great alternative to buying individual baking ingredients and preparing dessert from scratch.

I believe that this is a sensible choice for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, especially when several other dishes could take a long time to make. At $5.29, it also costs considerably less than Aldi's seasonal cheesecakes, leaving more room in the budget for an extra side or appetizer.

Price: $3.29

Park Street Deli Spinach Artichoke Dip is advertised at $3.29 for a 10 ounce package. The frozen appetizer is scheduled to return October 28, alongside a buffalo chicken dip variety.

I would lean toward the spinach artichoke option for a gathering that already has turkey and plenty of hearty sides. Serve it with crackers or sliced vegetables for an easy starter. It offers guests something to snack on without requiring another homemade recipe.

Price: $4.99

Aldi's Appetitos Breaded Cheese Curds are advertised at $4.99 for a 15 ounce box. The product is scheduled for the October 28 seasonal lineup and offers several preparation options, including an oven, deep fryer, or air fryer.

These are worth considering for a casual gathering where guests appreciate warm, savory finger foods. I would serve a small portion before dinner, alongside a dipping sauce. They are less traditional than a vegetable platter, but they offer something different for guests who want an appetizer before the main meal.

Price: $4.39

Aldi's Emporium Selection Applewood Smoked Gruyere Cheese is advertised at $4.39 and is one of the best seasonal cheeses available for the price.

I would highly recommend serving the Emporium Selection Applewood Smoked Gruyere Cheese with crackers and sliced apples rather than spending more on an elaborate appetizer board.

Price: $2.95

Aldi's Betty Crocker Casserole Potatoes are advertised at $2.95 per seven ounce package in au gratin and scalloped varieties, though one is better than the other.

I would choose the au gratin variety for guests who enjoy cheesy, savory sides. These potatoes also offer a useful alternative for anyone who prefers not to serve multiple sweet dishes alongside turkey and cranberry sauce. They are an inexpensive way to round out the menu.

Price: $4.99

My top pick is Aldi's Season's Choice Sweet Potato Casserole. The 22 ounce package is advertised at $4.99 and contains approximately five servings. It combines mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy praline topping, bringing a familiar holiday side to the table without all the preparation required by a homemade version.

This product takes the top spot because it balances convenience, holiday appeal, and affordability. At roughly $1 per serving, it delivers a special seasonal side without requiring shoppers to peel, cook, and mash sweet potatoes themselves. It is the kind of purchase that makes a busy Thanksgiving feel a little more manageable, and I think that is worth it every time.

Aldi's under-$39 Thanksgiving meal deal is a strong start, but its seasonal extras are worth exploring. I would prioritize the Season's Choice Sweet Potato Casserole, followed by the smoked gruyere cheese, spinach artichoke dip, and pumpkin pie. Together, these products add variety without requiring an entirely homemade menu.

Before heading to the store, check the advertised arrival dates and local availability. Several seasonal products arrived on October 28, while other holiday ingredients arrive later. Planning around those dates helps avoid unnecessary trips and makes it easier to save money on groceries.