14 Great Aldi Buys Even Experienced Shoppers Overlook

Aldi is a grocery store known for its quirks, such as charging $0.25 to use a shopping cart. However, the retailer helps you boost your Aldi shopping budget by trimming costs and skipping the fancy displays other grocers are known for. 

Instead, they focus on quality food at rock-bottom prices. That approach has gained them a loyal fan base. Here are 14 great Aldi buys that every Aldi shopper needs to know about.

Most are Aldi's own store brands, which is a big part of how the chain keeps prices low, and they cover everything from cheese and snacks to pantry staples and frozen dinners.

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

Price: $0.89 each

If you've shopped at a normal grocery store for avocados recently, you know to expect prices north of $2 at the very least and sometimes closer to $3. But, at Aldi, you'll find them for less than a dollar. Looks like guacamole is in your future.

Aldi sells large avocados individually, so you can buy just what you need. If you prefer smaller fruit for snacking or packed lunches, look for its six-count bag of mini avocados, or pick up a four-count bag of organic avocados. 

Ripe avocados work in more than guacamole, too. Slice them onto toast, salads, tacos, or rice bowls, or blend them into smoothies for extra creaminess.

Price: $3.95

For those who like to put a cheese board out when they have friends over, this cheddar parmesan cheese is a must-have in the fridge.

Keep it on hand for any time you're entertaining. It'll be the first cheese to go, and no one will believe you found it for under $5.

The 7-ounce wedge combines semi-hard cheddar with notes of Parmesan, and it's made with just cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and microbial enzymes. It's part of Aldi's large Emporium Selection lineup, so you can round out your board with other picks like Cranberry White Cheddar or Smoked Gouda. Serve it at room temperature for the fullest flavor.

Price: $5.49

Have a sweet tooth? Some say these peanut butter cups are better than any name-brand you'll find.

And, when they come in a 12-ounce package, you'll have to exercise some serious restraint in not going back for another, and another.

That works out to about 46 cents per ounce. Each cup pairs milk chocolate with a peanut butter filling, and the ingredient list includes a touch of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty balance. Keep in mind that they contain peanuts, milk, and soy, so they aren't a fit for anyone with those allergies. Store them in a cool, dry spot so the chocolate doesn't soften.

Price: $2.55

This is a good-sized bag of pita chips for just $2.55. You won't find anything close to this size at this price at other grocery stores. And who doesn't love having a salty bag of pita chips on hand?

Each 7.33-ounce bag is made from twice-baked pita bread and comes in Sea Salt or Parmesan Garlic & Herb. The chips are sturdy enough for thick dips like hummus or tzatziki, and they add crunch to salads, too. 

They also have 0 grams of trans fat per serving. For another crunchy option, Clancy's also makes bagel chips in Sea Salt and Roasted Garlic.

Price: $4.39

Imported straight from Ireland, this creamy Irish butter is as good on toast as it is in baked goods. You'll never go back to basic butter once you see how good this deep yellow butter is. It even looks better.

Aldi says the butter is made from milk from grass-fed cows. The 8-ounce package has just two ingredients, cream and salt, with at least 80% butterfat. If you want something easier to spread straight from the fridge, Countryside Creamery also sells a spreadable Irish butter blended with canola oil. 

Because it's salted, it adds flavor to everything from mashed potatoes to scrambled eggs.

Price: $3.85

If you use Greek yogurt as a substitute in recipes or if you like to eat it as breakfast or a snack with honey and granola, then you probably look for larger tubs so you can save on the dollar per ounce.

This 32-ounce tub is one of the best deals on the market at just $3.85. The yogurt has 5% milkfat and no added sugars, with 170 calories per serving. Its only ingredient is cultured milk with live and active cultures. 

Use it as a tangy base for tzatziki or as a topping for baked potatoes. If you prefer a lighter option, Friendly Farms also sells a 32-ounce nonfat plain Greek yogurt.

Price: $4.35

Skip the trip to the bakery and, instead, spend the price of one cinnamon roll on eight Bake Shop Cinnamon Sweet Rolls. You'll have enough for the family and for breakfast the next day, too.

That works out to about 54 cents per roll. The rolls are soft and fluffy, with a sweet cinnamon glaze already on top, so there's no icing packet to deal with. 

They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea, and you can warm them for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back that just-baked softness. They also make an easy afternoon treat.

Price: $8.05

You won't find 93% lean organic ground beef for under $7 in many places, but you will at Aldi. This is what you need for everything from hamburger night to cooking a meat lasagna.

Buy a few and freeze them. You'll always want to have a pound of ground beef available, especially at this price.

Each 1-pound package has just 7% fat, and the only ingredient is organic ground beef. The leaner blend also works well for meatballs and taco fillings. Because it's leaner, you'll have less grease to drain after browning, which makes it a solid pick for chili, stuffed peppers, or sloppy joes.

Price: $2.29

Whether you use almond milk for your smoothies, your cereal, or your coffee, finding it for a price under $3 is unusual. But you'll pay just under $2.80 if you shop at Aldi and spring for their Friendly Farms brand.

The 64-ounce carton has 30 calories per cup and is dairy-free and gluten-free. It's fortified with calcium and vitamins A, D, and E. Friendly Farms also sells original unsweetened and regular vanilla versions at the same price. 

Since it's unsweetened, it's a good fit for savory recipes and for anyone watching added sugar. Shake the carton before pouring, and finish it within the time frame listed on the package once it's opened.

Price: $3.09

It's pizza night, and you won't have the regret that comes with wondering how your delivery order somehow ended up totaling $30 (or more). Instead, grab a few frozen pizzas from Aldi and make it a pizza party.

This thin crust pizza is made with real mozzarella cheese and pepperoni made from pork, chicken, and beef. If your crew prefers a plain pie, Mama Cozzi's sells a thin crust cheese pizza for the same price. 

For a heartier option, the brand also makes rising crust, pan, and stuffed crust pizzas. Add your own toppings, like peppers or onions, to make it feel more homemade.

Price: $2.99

This aged reserve white cheddar is perfect for snacking. It's got a great bite, and it comes in the same sleek packaging as much more expensive grocery store brands. You could pay twice this price, or have a cheesy time for just under $3.

Aldi currently sells it in a 10-ounce package, so it works out to about 30 cents per ounce. The ingredient list is simple: pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. 

Pair it with crackers and apple slices for an easy snack, or shred it into mac and cheese. It's also sturdy enough to slice for burgers or grilled cheese.

Price: $1.09

Garlic powder makes everything better, especially when you get to save money on groceries. For just $1.09 for 3.12 ounces, you'll easily add flavor to all your favorite dishes. 

The only ingredient is garlic, and you can sprinkle it on meats, vegetables, or pasta, or mix it into marinades, sauces, and rubs. It saves you from peeling and chopping fresh cloves on busy nights. If you prefer organic, Aldi's Simply Nature Organic Garlic Powder costs $2.19 for 2.5 ounces. 

Store the jar in a cool, dry cupboard and keep the lid closed tightly to prevent clumping. A little goes a long way, so start small and add more to taste.

Price: $6.59

Nuts can be expensive, particularly when you're buying them at a regular grocery store. But, at Aldi, you can get shelled pistachios for a fraction of the price you'll pay elsewhere. These are just $6.59 for a 6-ounce bag.

The ingredient list is just pistachios and sea salt. Since they're already shelled, they're ready to eat on their own or toss into salads and baked goods for extra crunch. 

They also make a colorful topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, and they're easy to pack into small containers for snacks on the go. If you're watching sodium, Southern Grove also sells unsalted roasted pistachios.

Price: $2.85

Usually, when you buy a jelly or fruit spread besides grape or strawberry, you're going to pay a premium price, but not at Aldi. You can get a delicious blackberry spread for under $3. This is what your morning toast needs. 

The 9.95-ounce jar is made with 75% fruit and has 35 calories per tablespoon. It also works on pancakes or in dessert recipes. If you like variety, Specially Selected also offers raspberry and strawberry versions for the same price. 

Stir a spoonful into plain Greek yogurt or oatmeal, or pair it with brie or goat cheese on a cheese board. Refrigerate the jar after opening.

Did you know Aldi doesn't just help you make the most of your grocery budget? One of the best hacks for shopping at this discount retailer is to peruse the middle aisle, which includes seasonal finds.

You'll find everything from sneakers to sweaters to outdoor furniture at bargain basement prices. You'll go in not knowing what to expect, but you might just leave with a flattering $10 dress.

Just remember to bring a quarter for your cart, plus your own reusable bags, since Aldi doesn't hand out free ones. New Aldi Finds arrive in that middle aisle every week, so it's worth checking back often.