Aldi is known for its affordability and quality — but this doesn't mean everything on your shopping list is worth the money. Don't worry. We've got you covered with the most overpriced items to avoid.
You need to stretch your Aldi budget further. Carefully consider which picks are true bargains before you checkout, and skip these money-wasting buys. With a few smart product swaps, you'll keep more cash in your wallet.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Specialty mixed nuts
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Southern Grove's unsalted mixed nuts and sea-salted variety sell for $14.29. And while you could pay more for a name-brand product, these bigger buys aren't always the best option.
Aldi's other nut varieties can save you money. The store's sea salt-roasted shelled pistachios are only $4.29 for a six-ounce bag, and 16 ounces of dry-roasted peanuts cost $2.55. Unless you need to buy in bulk, stick with the smaller, more affordable options.
Prepared wraps
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Aldi doesn't have an in-store deli, so its prepared food isn't made on-site. At $4.39 for an Italian or turkey roll sandwich, these wraps are an expense you should avoid.
Instead of the ready-made version, stock up on tortillas, packaged cold cuts, hummus, and veggies. While you'll spend more on a cart full of fixings, you can make wraps for a week's worth of lunches, saving money on the total cost.
Frozen Black Angus Burgers
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Pass on these frozen pre-formed patties — each box of six costs $9.89.
If you're shopping for ready-made burgers, Aldi has a family-sized fresh pack of 80/20 ground beef for $10.33. While the price is higher than the Black Angus option, you won't have to thaw your meal.
Chicken breasts are another affordable option. The BBQ-ready poultry product is only $1.75 per pound, making it a budget-friendly buy.
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Fancy honey
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Specially Selected's Raw Honey costs $7.95. But you don't have to pay this high price to get the sweet sugar substitute at Aldi. The store sells Berryhill's honey bear for $4.09.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.
Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:
- Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
- Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
- Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
- Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
- Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
- Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
- For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.
Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds and save money at your favorite retailers.
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Protein bars
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This post-workout pick-me-up is pricier than necessary. While the cost of protein bars at Aldi is comparable to what you might find in other grocery stores, it's more than you may feel comfortable spending.
A six-count box of Elevation's Advance High Protein Bar sells for $7.69.
You can save money on Millville's chewy granola bars and get 10 grams of protein per serving. At $3.19 for five, this deal is a steal.
Syrup
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Spend less on syrup and skip Specially Selected's $5.85 bottle. This maple syrup is too expensive for its small 12.5-ounce size.
Individual packs of ramen
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Ramen is known for its affordability. That is, unless you buy individual packs. Fusia's Teriyaki, Pad Thai, and Kung Pao varieties cost $2.75 each. Compare this high price to $2.85 for a six-pack of Maruchan chicken-flavored ramen.
Gourmet pasta
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Aldi's aisles are packed with gourmet goodies at budget-friendly prices. But some of the store's upscale pasta selections aren't affordable. Priano's rigatoni is a prime example.
The "authentic Italian" bronze cut pasta costs $2.15 for 16 ounces. Reggano's Penne Rigate is only $1.09 for the same size box.
Unless you have a palette sensitive enough to taste the difference, go for the less expensive option.
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Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are some of our favorite tips for reducing food expenses that we personally put to use:
- Plan your meals around what's already in your pantry, then create a shopping list to prevent impulse purchases.
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Stock up on staples when on sale, but don’t ever buy just because something comes in bulk.
- Shop the marked-down section for near-expiration bargains
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task to handle every week, the savings can really add up. Double check in case your store also offers perks like gas rewards or any other discounts you might be able to take advantage of outside the grocery store.
Brand-name salad dressing
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Olive Garden's Signature Italian dressing is a cult classic. Aldi sells this pricey pick for almost $4. If you're a fan of the taste but not the high price, skip this brand-name dressing and try the store's generic dupe.
Tuscan Garden's Restaurant Style Italian has the same zesty flavor at about half the price. You'll only pay $2.15 for a bottle of this dressing.
Single-serving salads
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Store brands like Park Street Deli and Little Salad Bar offer single-serving green, chicken, pasta, and veggie-based salads. These smaller sizes can cost $3.19 or more.
While this price may not seem extravagant, it's more than many shoppers expect to pay for a serving or two.
If you're not looking for a quick lunchtime bite, stock up on fresh salad supplies. You'll find bagged lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and more for less in Aldi's produce aisle.
Paper and plastic-ware products
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The Boulder store brand's Solo cup copycat costs $4.05 for a 50-pack at Aldi, and a 96-count box of clear forks sells for $7.55. Save money and the environment by choosing reusable options instead of these disposable dupes.
If you need take-and-toss plasticware for a party, Walmart, Costco, and Target also have similarly priced picks. Shop a few different retailers to score cups, forks, and other bulk-buy bargain utensils at the best sale prices of the season to save more on essentials.
Bottom line
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While Aldi's prices usually make it easy to save on groceries, some items aren't affordable. From brand-name products to single-serving salads, stop overspending on these expensive options.
Instead of wasting cash on pricier picks, fill your cart with the top store-brand deals. These bargain buys combine low prices and high quality.
As a bonus, you can snag deep discounts on everything from prepared foods and frozen meals to snacks and sweet treats.
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