20 Things to Never Buy at Aldi

When it comes to Aldi, it’s pretty hard to knock this retail giant. Not only do they have great low prices that beat your local grocery store, but there are also lots of really good private label foods for a great deal we always buy there. Check out our 50+ favorites here. Aldi’s prices are incredible, and you can get in and out of the store quickly, it’s why I shop there weekly and am a huge fan. However, there are 20 things I NEVER buy at Aldi, and I’ll tell you why! Aldi shoppers, do you agree with my assessment?

20 Things To Never Buy at Aldi

Meat

When I pulled my social media community (join here), hands down, meat was at the top of their list. Many cited it has more grizzle, and fat, and when cooked it’s chewy.

While we have some meat favorites (namely the pork carnitas roast), I do cook it in the slow cooker which helps it not to be so chewy. It’s hard to find a better deal on ground beef and chicken breast elsewhere. So, I do buy meat at my local Aldi because I think it’s a good deal.

Fresh Produce

Aldi’s produce was another one on my social media community’s hit list and one of the most commonly purchased grocery items. Their biggest complaint? Over-ripe fruit quickly molds. I would say that this happens at your regular grocery store too. When it comes to any produce, you do need to check it for mold and ripeness.

When you buy produce anywhere, I try to buy in season which helps with flavor, and buy produce that ripens at different rates. Strawberries are for the beginning of the week, and green bananas and apples are for the end!

Toilet Paper

I will scrimp and save on a lot of things, but toilet paper ain’t one of them! No ma’am. I got desperate in the pandemic and bought some and let’s just say when it comes to the nether regions I want good quality paper products. I am willing to pay a little more for their name-brand counterparts in this department. Now, I will say we have had great luck with their paper towels.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner & Household Cleaners

I mostly use all-natural cleaning products but when it comes to toilets, I like a good bleach cleaner with a little gel to cling to the sides. While Aldi’s toilet bowl cleaner is a great price, it washes down the toilet bowl like Mountain Dew, with no clinging. It’s a no-go in my book.

Faux-Oreos

Let’s just say Oreos can’t be outdone, they don’t taste the same even dunked in milk. Just don’t do it. Certain name brands have stood the test of time, and Oreo is one of them.

Faux-Crackers

While I love Aldi’s Rosemary and olive oil Triscuit dupe, don’t pop the faux cheese-its, faux goldfish (Aldi penguins), faux Ritz crackers, or their graham crackers in your shopping cart. My kids could spot the difference the first time they tried them, and I didn’t even say anything.

Faux Pringles

We love Pringles, but darn it, they are expensive. Unfortunately, Aldi’s aren’t a good replacement. They are oddly thicker with less flavor. Just skip them.

Corn Hard Tortillas

They crumble when you take your first bite, and with kids, you know that instantly produces tears. They also taste stale. We tried them a few times to make sure it wasn’t a fluke, and nope, they just taste that way! One of the worst things is eating stale food. The tortillas might be a reasonable price but aren’t great.

Frozen Fried Rice

By far, the worst offender of them all. It makes me want to puke to relive those moments of eating it. It isn’t good, don’t do it! The Trader Joe’s version is much better if you are looking for a frozen fried rice option.

Dips

I am a dip girl. Give me all the dips I can dip with chips, but Aldi doesn’t do dips well. The crab rangoon, lobster roll, and buffalo chicken dips would make life simpler if they were good, but they are not. The one exception is their brand of 7-layer taco dip which is a great quick option for a get-together.

Hot Buffalo Sauce

Speaking of buffalo chicken dip, Frank knows his hot sauce. Stick with Frank’s Red Hot. It’s better!

Alcohol

I will get flack for this one, but their Aldi’s brand $2 buck chuck and other alcoholic beverages all have a funny aftertaste. I don’t drink enough to make saving a few bucks on mediocre alcohol worth it. However, they do have specialty chocolate, like their chocolate-covered almonds, that pair well with wine, so save a few bucks on chocolate and get yourself some nice wine!

Faux Velveeta

Besides produce and meat, this was the other top offender in my social media community. I have never bought it, but based on the repeated negative reviews, I don’t think I ever will.

Fruit Snacks

Who doesn’t love a good fruit snack? I mean if you eat them, you know what’s in them so no need to tell me ;)! These are very chewy and have a very weird aftertaste so next time you are in the market, don’t waste your money on these.

Coffee

How can you mess up coffee? I don’t know, ask Aldi. It’s one of their best buys, but it’s not that good.

Psst….Check out this article with over 50 products we always buy at Aldi

Microwave Popcorn

We all know the smell of popcorn, right? Aldi popcorn has an odd smell to it. Since so much of our taste comes from smell, that means popcorn is a no-no for me!

Cottage Cheese

I personally don’t like any cottage cheese, but many people said it has an odd taste. I think it has an odd texture anyway, so throw that in, and I was out before I started.

Granola Bars

The fudge-covered ones are okay by my kids, but the granola bars lack much flavor without the nice coating of sugar. Someone even said they tasted like “cardboard.” Haven’t tasted cardboard but I am going to guess it’s not a winner.

Laundry & Dish Detergent

Call me a brand snob, but when it comes to these two items, I know what I like, and it’s a specific brand so I don’t buy my detergents at Aldi!

National Brands Items

If you are shopping at Aldi, you must know they pass on savings to their customers because they mostly sell private label off-brand products.

Their best prices are reserved for Aldi products. Name-brand products are often more expensive plus they don’t offer sales or accept coupons. So, if you have a name brand you love, save it for a trip to another grocery store.

So There You Have It…20 Things To Never Buy at Aldi!

I have been hating on Aldi for 20 products and feel bad because Aldi saves me so much time grocery shopping (in and out in under 30 minutes) and so much money. I save money on my grocery bill by shopping there, at least 10-20% over traditional grocery stores.

Just remember to bring your shopping bags, or you must purchase plastic bags there. Plus, while you are in the parking lot pull out your quarter because you have to put in a quarter to get your cart, and you get it back when you return it! This is another way Aldi keeps their competitive prices and passes those lower prices on to you.

If you are on a budget, just avoid the Aldi finds aisle. They have a limited selection of non-food items for sale. I have gotten whicker baskets, candles, and other things that weren’t on my list. So, again if you are on a budget, just avoid that aisle altogether.

What about things we always buy at Aldi?

Check out this article with over 50 products we always buy at Aldi, including a free printable Aldi favorites checklist to take to the store. While you are at it, grab our 52-week meal planner, it will save you time and money at the grocery store. Aldi and our meal planner paired together equal significant savings for our family.

You might also like these Aldi Related Articles-

7 Simple Aldi Meal Ideas

Aldi 7-Day Simple Meal Plan 

50+ Best Products to Buy at Aldi

5 Aldi Dinner Ideas Under $60

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