14 Worst Aldi Freezer Items That Aren't Worth Buying (Even If They're All Under $10)

Aldi's freezer aisle is full of bargains, but not every deal is a winner. With inflation still stretching grocery budgets thin and with everyone trying to stretch their Aldi budget, it's tempting to grab the cheapest frozen meals and snacks you can find.

But as many shoppers have discovered the hard way, some low-cost items aren't worth the few dollars you save. From soggy side dishes to freezer-burned dinners, these Aldi frozen foods have left customers disappointed—and sometimes downright frustrated—even if they are under $10.

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

Price: $3.55

These mozzarella sticks are supposed to have a crispy exterior and gooey interior, but many find them lacking. The breading is supposedly too thick with very little cheese filling, and reviewers complain they also tend to leak cheese during cooking, resulting in a mess and a less satisfying snack.

If you're craving a cheesy indulgence, it might be worth looking for a fresher, more balanced version.

Price: $3.25

This ice cream is meant to have chunks of cookie dough and chocolate chips in a creamy vanilla base, however, many find the mix-ins sparse and the texture gritty, making it feel more like plain vanilla ice cream.

Price: $2.45

While the flavors are decent, the squash often comes undercooked, leading to an unsatisfying texture. Even after following the cooking instructions carefully, many shoppers find themselves with a mix that's too firm or unevenly heated.

It may require additional stovetop cooking to achieve the desired tenderness, making the convenience factor moot.

Price: $1.09

Once a freezer staple, recent batches have left many customers disappointed. They say the kernels are often tough, chewy and inconsistent in size, with a surprising number of crushed pieces.

Whether steamed or sautéed, they rarely reach that crisp, fresh taste expected from frozen corn.

Price: $5.69

This breaded chicken can be hit or miss. While some bags contain tender, well-seasoned pieces, reviewers complain others are filled with gristle and chewy bits that are hard to chew. It's frustrating to spend time baking them only to bite into a disappointing piece.

The inconsistency makes it a gamble, especially for a product that costs more than others on this list.

Price: $6.59

This tempura shrimp may seem like a good deal with the price, but sometimes things are too good to be true. Redditors have reported that the shrimp becomes rubbery and that the crispy coating falls off while being eaten.

Price: $7.69

At first glance, this seems like a great frozen pizza deal with a stuffed crust bonus, but people have pointed out that the pepperoni is often sparse, and the crust can be gummy instead of crispy.

The cheese in the crust usually doesn't melt well, robbing you of that satisfying cheesy pull. It might curb a pizza craving in a pinch, but don't expect pizzeria quality.

Price: $5.69

These plant-based meatballs are intended as a hearty vegan protein, but the texture is often spongy and dense. Online reviewers complain that they don't hold up well in sauces and can fall apart during cooking, tasting more like filler than a meat substitute.

For vegans or plant-based eaters, there are tastier and more convincing alternatives elsewhere.

Price: $5.49

These taquitos have crispy outer shells, but they're often filled with dry, shredded chicken and very little cheese. When baked, they can become too hard and unpleasant to bite through. The lack of filling makes them feel like you're paying for flavored tortilla rolls.

They're a convenient snack, but not one you'll be eager to repurchase.

Price: $1.39

Brussels sprouts can be a polarizing veggie, and this frozen version doesn't help their case. The steamable bag often leads to mushy, waterlogged sprouts that lack any roasted or caramelized flavor.

Customers say they need extra seasoning and cooking time to be remotely appealing. If you're trying to eat more greens, there are better frozen options available.

Price: $1.89

This low-carb substitute has gained popularity, but Aldi's version can be disappointing. It's often mushy and watery right out of the bag, making it hard to achieve a rice-like texture.

Many shoppers end up straining and sautéing it further just to make it edible.

Price: $4.65

These fish sticks contain more breading than fish, and what little fish there is can taste overly processed. The coating turns soggy in the oven, and there's often a noticeable fishy smell.

For a family-friendly freezer item, it doesn't live up to its promise. Kids and adults alike may turn up their noses at this one.

Price: $3.55

Vegan cheese sounds like a great dairy-free alternative, but this one is not. This supposed cheese substitute doesn't melt properly, often resulting in a gluey or congealed texture.

Price: $1.09

Although convenient, these steamable veggies are often inconsistent in texture and quality. Some vegetables come out mushy while others are still hard, even when microwaved evenly.

With minimal flavor, customers say they require heavy seasoning or butter just to taste decent.

While Aldi has many frozen gems, these items prove that low prices don't always equal great value. Whether it's odd textures, poor taste, or disappointing ingredients, these products may not be worth the savings.

But if you're looking to really stretch your grocery dollars, these top grocery saving hacks can help you avoid buyer's remorse at the freezer aisle. Planning ahead and shopping smart can make all the difference—and keep your cart full of foods you'll actually enjoy.