Aldi has some great deals, but not every product is a winner. From my own trials (and occasional disappointments), here are the items I’d seriously consider leaving on the shelf. Think of this as a friendly heads-up before you fill your cart.
1. Aldi’s Fresh Chicken
I’ve tried this a couple times, hoping it was just a bad batch. Sadly, it always seemed watery and lacking real chicken flavor, like it was pumped with extra liquid.
After seasoning and cooking, I’d find the meat oddly bland, no matter what spices I threw at it. Unless you’re desperate, you might want to invest in better-quality chicken from elsewhere.
2. Kirkwood Frozen Breaded Chicken Patties
In theory, these should be a quick, crunchy dinner. In reality, they’re more breading than actual chicken, and the texture feels rubbery to me.
Topping them with sauce or cheese doesn’t mask that the meat inside is sparse. If you crave a chicken patty, there are definitely better brands out there—even if they cost a bit more.
3. Millville Pre-Cooked Bacon
The thought of pre-cooked bacon is convenient, right? Except this bacon is ultra-thin, super greasy, and barely tastes like bacon at all—more like a salty film.
Each strip shrivels into nothing when heated. Honestly, if you’re a bacon fan, you’re better off cooking the real deal. Your taste buds will thank you.
4. Fremont Fish Market Frozen Shrimp
I was excited to find cheap shrimp, but these turned out mushy once defrosted. The flavor is so mild that it’s almost like you’re eating rubber with a faint hint of seawater.
Even drowning them in garlic butter didn’t save the dish. I’d recommend saving your money for a fresher (or at least better-frozen) option elsewhere.
5. Burman’s Hot Dogs
They’re dirt cheap, which might entice you, but these dogs are filled with questionable fillers. The texture’s off, and the taste is overly processed.
If you’re not picky, you might not mind, but I found they lacked the snap and juiciness of higher-quality hot dogs. Spend an extra dollar or two for something that actually satisfies.
6. Aldi’s Block Cheese
You know that waxy, artificial taste some cheeses have? That’s exactly what you get here. It’s less creamy cheddar, more flavorless block that won’t melt nicely.
Shredding it for a casserole might mask the issues somewhat, but if you’re cheese-obsessed like me, you’ll notice. Better to grab a name-brand block on sale than settle for blandness.
7. Friendly Farms Almond Milk
I wanted to love this for its price, but every carton I’ve tried came out watery, almost like they skimp on the almonds. The consistency just doesn’t feel rich enough.
In coffee, it barely adds creaminess, and in smoothies, it leaves me wanting more flavor. For a better plant-based milk experience, you might need to shell out for a different brand.
8. Aldi’s Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is supposed to be thick, creamy, and tangy. This version seems runny and oddly artificial, lacking that satisfying heft.
No matter what toppings I add—granola, fruit, honey—it never tastes quite right. You’re better off grabbing a well-known Greek yogurt brand if you want a real protein-packed treat.
9. Happy Farms Sliced American Cheese
I know American cheese isn’t exactly gourmet, but this brand’s slices feel particularly plastic. The melt factor is bizarre; it either liquefies too fast or doesn’t melt properly.
For sandwiches or burgers, the off taste can dominate. If you want American cheese, consider a slightly higher-end product that at least mimics real cheese flavor.
10. Aldi’s Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese should be creamy and mild, but this one’s grainy and somewhat chalky. It reminded me of lumpy curds floating in vaguely sour liquid.
Topping it with fruit or savory spices couldn’t hide the texture issues. If you’re a cottage cheese fan, trust me—look elsewhere for that smooth, creamy vibe.
11. Mama Cozzi’s Frozen Pizza
I’ve had some passable frozen pizzas in my day, but Mama Cozzi’s can be a gamble. Some days, the crust is doughy and the sauce bland; other times, it’s just plain inconsistent.
If you’re craving a convenient pizza night, you might be disappointed by the uneven toppings and lack of flavor depth. A few bucks more for a better frozen pie is well worth it, in my opinion.
12. Aldi’s Frozen Meatballs
Meatballs are meant to be juicy, meaty morsels. These, however, feel like they’re packed with fillers. The taste leaves me wondering where the real beef went.
Sauce might disguise some flaws, but the texture doesn’t lie. If you’re making spaghetti night special, I suggest making your own or choosing a brand that lists actual meat as the first ingredient.
13. Fremont Fish Market Fish Sticks
Breaded fish can be comfort food, but these sticks provide more breading than fish. They tend to be dry, with a near-nonexistent seafood taste.
You can load up on tartar sauce, but the sauce ends up being the main event. If crispy, flavorful fish is what you’re after, you might skip these entirely.
14. Aldi’s Frozen French Fries
I’ve tried a few varieties hoping for a golden, crispy fry. Mostly, I ended up with soggy sticks that never quite reached that fast-food crunch.
The flavor is also underwhelming—like generic potato that’s been sitting around too long. If you’re serious about fries, you’ll want to look at better-performing brands.
15. Bremer Frozen Lasagna
Frozen lasagna can be a lifesaver on busy nights, but Bremer’s version falls flat. The sauce tastes artificial, and the whole thing comes out watery.
Even cheesiness doesn’t rescue it; the layers lack that hearty, homemade vibe. You’ll probably wish you’d ordered takeout or whipped up a simpler pasta dish instead.
16. Clancy’s Cheese Puffs
I adore a good cheese puff, but Clancy’s version is more like cheese-flavored foam. The texture dissolves too fast, leaving a vaguely salty aftertaste that’s not very satisfying.
If I’m craving that crunchy, cheesy experience, I’d pick up a well-known brand. These just don’t hit the spot, especially if you’re a hardcore snack connoisseur.
17. Millville Cereal
Aldi’s cereals can look like clones of big-brand favorites, but they often taste stale and overly sweet in a chemical sort of way. Crunch factor fades quickly in milk, too.
If you’re not picky about cereal, you might not mind. But if you love that perfect bowl in the morning, these might disappoint you by the second spoonful.
18. Baker’s Treat Snack Cakes
Cute packaging and catchy flavors might entice you, but one bite usually reveals a spongy, artificial experience. The sweetness feels overblown, and the cake itself is oddly dense.
There’s a distinct aftertaste that screams “factory line,” not homemade. Honestly, you’re better off splurging on a name-brand treat or just baking your own cupcakes.
19. Aldi’s Granola Bars
Granola bars can be the perfect on-the-go snack—unless they’re so dry they crumble in your hand (and all over the car). Unfortunately, Aldi’s versions often lack flavor and moisture.
You might find yourself choking down a powdery bite of oats. For a quick fix, they do the job, but if you enjoy a satisfying chew, you’ll likely be underwhelmed.
20. Aldi’s Peanut Butter (Peanut Delight)
Peanut butter aficionados know the difference between a smooth, nutty spread and something that tastes off. This brand tends to be overly sweet, with a strange aftertaste that lingers.
I tried dressing it up with jelly, but the odd flavor still peeked through. If you’re going to stock PB in the pantry, a brand with better roast flavor is well worth the extra pennies.
21. Aldi’s Coffee (Beaumont Brand)
Coffee should be rich, robust, and aromatic. Beaumont’s often misses the mark with a weak or burnt taste that reminds me of cheap diner coffee gone stale.
The price can be tempting, but if you’re a coffee lover who treasures that morning cup, you may leave the store feeling disappointed. Spare yourself the letdown and find a roast you truly enjoy.
22. Aldi’s Bottled Orange Juice
It’s one thing to want affordable OJ, but this brand’s offering feels thin and tastes vaguely artificial. Fresh, zesty notes? Hardly any.
If orange juice is a staple in your morning routine, you’ll likely be let down by its watery nature. Better to spring for a premium brand or squeeze your own when oranges are in season.
23. Aldi’s Store-Brand Soda (Summit)
I love a good fizzy treat now and then, but Summit sodas often taste overly sweet and synthetic compared to leading names. The carbonation also feels flat pretty quickly.
If you’re a soda purist, you’ll notice the difference right away. A cheap price doesn’t necessarily justify that cloying aftertaste or lack of sparkle.
24. Aldi’s Canned Vegetables
Canned goods can be a lifesaver, but Aldi’s versions sometimes come out mushy and heavily salted. It’s hard to salvage that off texture once you pop the can.
If you’re cooking a soup or stew, you might manage to mask it. Still, for simpler dishes where veg is a star, you might prefer a better-grade canned option or go fresh/frozen from a more reliable brand.
25. Aldi’s Vegan Sushi Rolls
Aldi’s Vegan Sushi Rolls may sound like a quick, easy meal, but these rolls often fall short on flavor and texture. The seaweed wrap tends to be overly chewy and lacks that fresh bite sushi lovers crave.
Consider choosing a different ready-to-eat meal, especially if you’re looking for authentic sushi taste. Quality should always come first in your shopping cart.