Image credit: Aldi
The quality of Aldi’s food has made headlines, after the BBC’s Panorama revealed that many Tesco products that are “price-matched” to Aldi contain less of the key ingredients than its budget rival.
While the German discount supermarkets have been attracting savvy middle-class shoppers for years now, this revelation certainly did Aldi no harm. For example, Tesco chicken kievs (from the Hearty Food Co range) contain 44% chicken, compared with 57% in the Aldi equivalent.
Last month the boss of Aldi UK, Giles Hurley, said that customers are "trading up" to premium own-label products including Wagyu steak, premium cheese, ready meals, and brioche buns.
So, which are the best Aldi products to go for? These are my favourites.
(Prices checked at the time of publication but may vary.)
£1.15/171g
These are my latest obsession. They are so versatile – I chop them up in a salad, heat them and put in a pitta or add them to a grazing board when entertaining.
They’re the right amount of spicy to not offend anyone (by that I mean my delicate palate), and they last in the fridge for a good few days. Seriously yum.
£3.79/520g
When I see the size of these pizzas, I always have to do a double take when it comes to the price.
These oval delights are made with dough that’s soft in the middle and wonderfully crispy on the crusts. And there’s absolutely no scrimping on the toppings. A taste-filled bargain.
£1.99/500g
Packed with barley and oat flakes, fruits and seeds, I find this very filling and not too sweet.
I like to have quite a substantial breakfast, so I add Aldi’s tinned peach slices (see below) and yogurt to my bowl. The fact the barley flakes are blackcurrant flavoured is an added bonus.
34p/411g
Tinned fruit was always one of those items that I thought I had to spend more money on, but then I tried these peach slices.
Now I eat them about three times a week on my cereal on my cereal (substituting fresh fruit when I have something ripe in the fruit bowl) and I cannot fault the taste or texture.
I do make sure to drain off the light syrup they’re preserved in, to avoid unnecessary sugar.
£1.09/1L
I’ve never liked the taste of milk, so only ever use it for hot drinks. I decided to swap to oat milk some years ago and can’t imagine going back now.
It’s at the cheaper end of the market and offers a creamy finish that froths up nicely for coffee. It’s fortified with calcium, vitamin B12, B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin D – all of which are good things if you don’t consume much, or any, dairy.
The only drawback is that it’s not fortified with iodine, which some plant milks are (iodine is mainly found in dairy, eggs and seafood, and many of us don’t get enough).
£1.79/200g
Even if you’ve not visited Australia, the chances are you’ve heard of Tim Tams, much like you’ll have heard of Vegemite. As someone who was lucky enough to live there for a year, I can vouch that Tim Tams are amazing. I’d choose them over a packet of Penguins every day. (Sorry.)
Thanks to Aldi, I can now have a taste of Oz with its Just Divine Biscuits. These are perfect over a cuppa with friends or as a little treat after dinner.
£1.39/280g
This versatile store cupboard staple has come to my rescue on many occasions.
If I’m pressed for time, I fry up a bunch of veggies and tofu, stir in the satay sauce and serve with rice for a quick and easy evening meal.
99p/700g
Guaranteed to always be in my freezer, I’ll try to find an excuse to add these to as many dishes as possible. And, at 99p, they’re an incredibly cheap way to get one of your five a day.
And did you know peas are high in protein? Another reason to stock up on them. I’ve perfected my own pea and mint soup, which I batch cook and freeze for a super-quick lunch.
£1.39/800g
These loaves are big! The chunky slices mean one piece is often enough, so the loaf goes a long way.
Aldi has added to its bloomer range, so if seeds aren’t for you, there’s also a Tiger Bloomer, Rustic Bloomer and Malted Bloomer.
£1.65/250g
Another easy way for me to get one of my five-a-day.
A mix of cranberries, raisins, sultanas, walnuts and almonds, I’ll either grab a handful for a snack, or add some to my cereal.
75p/250g
These pouches can be heated in a saucepan of boiling water or in the microwave.
They make a great side dish with dinner and they’re also a lovely filler for red peppers, topped with some cheese.
£1.19/1kg
There’s something about Aldi’s sweet potatoes that I really like. For some reason, their skins are often paler than others. I’m not at all sure why I like that, but I do.
Apart from being good value for money, they’re always really fresh and the perfect size. I like mixing them with white potatoes for mash, or roasting to eat as a side or in soup.
£1.35/170g
These vegan sweets are a lovely treat for youngsters.
And adults.
Inspired by a certain pig named Percy (thanks M&S!), I buy these as a special treat every now and again. After all, I could shove my hand in the bag and not stop until it comes out empty…
£2.59/275g (15 washes)
I remember when scent boosters were first a ‘thing’, and I thought I wouldn’t have to wait long for the supermarkets to do their own versions, but that never seemed to happen. And then I found these in Aldi. They also come in Coconut and Blossom scents.
I only use them when I’m washing my duvet sets – because when I get in to bed is when I want that lovely fresh smell – so they last a long time.
And I love that they’re certified cruelty-free, which you don’t see on the bigger brands.
£6.99/100ml
I strongly suggest stocking up on your favourite eau de parfum (or maybe all of them) when they hit the shelves in Aldi, to avoid disappointment.
Inspired by the iconic Jo Malone scents, this range is snapped up within hours every time it hits the shelves. You might not enjoy quite the same staying power after spritzing, but you’ll certainly receive plenty of compliments.
