ALDI's Hidden Gems for 2023: 10 Must-Have Items

Hey there, Flave City Family! Welcome to ALDI, where we're about to take a leisurely stroll through the aisles and uncover the top 10 things you should definitely snag at ALDI in 2023. If you caught my Costco video yesterday, you know the drill. Today, it's all about ALDI, and I'm going to show you some of the best items that will make your taste buds dance and your wallet smile. So, let's get right into it without wasting any more time.

1. Coconut Cashew Crisps: The Paleo Snack Sensation

Let's kick things off with a bang – the ALDI snack section. Over the years, ALDI has seriously upped its game, and one of my all-time favorites is the Coconut Cashew Crisps. These little delights are not only delicious but also paleo-friendly. Yes, you heard that right!

What makes them Bobby-approved? Well, for starters, they are made with top-notch ingredients. These crisps are coconut-based and sweetened with paleo-friendly coconut sugar. You'll also find real cacao, cassava flour, and no sneaky natural flavors hiding in there. The best part? Eight pieces contain just nine grams of sugar, which means slightly over one gram per crisp. That's impressive, considering how sweet and nutty they taste. You can choose from chocolate or sea salt caramel, and trust me, both are winners. The only one to steer clear of is vanilla, as it contains natural vanilla flavor, which isn't as "natural" as it sounds. But at $2.99 for a pack, which is three and a half ounces, these crisps are a steal and 100% Bobby-approved.

2. ALDI Savor: Keto-Friendly Cookies

Oops, excuse my excitement, but I just spotted a 10-cent ALDI Savor – yes, you heard it right, 10 cents! These little gems made their debut last year, and they are ALDI's answer to the popular HighKey cookies. While they may not be perfectly Bobby-approved, they are still a solid choice, especially if you're keto, diabetic, or keeping a close eye on sugar intake.

What sets them apart? ALDI Savor offers zero net carb cookies, making them a go-to option for those looking to maintain low sugar levels. Take a peek at the ingredients, and you'll find almond flour and erythritol as sweeteners. The oil of choice here is coconut oil – no questionable processed ingredients in sight. The only slight drawback is the presence of natural vanilla flavor. However, in the world of keto and diabetic-friendly cookies, finding a better alternative without natural flavors is a challenge. So, technically, these cookies get the Bobby seal of approval.

Both the original and Snickerdoodle flavors are fantastic, and they won't break the bank like some other brands out there. Head to Target, and you'll see HighKey cookies selling for around six bucks. In contrast, you can snag these ALDI Savor gems for just 10 cents each. What a deal!

3. The Healthiest Bread in Town

If you're on the hunt for the healthiest and most nutrient-dense bread at ALDI, look no further than their organic Sprouted Bread. It's been a consistent winner over the years and is Bobby-approved through and through. Priced at $3.49, it's a fantastic deal, especially when you consider that it's comparable to the pricier Dave's Killer Bread.

What makes this bread stand out? First, it's organic, which is always a plus when it comes to wheat-based products. But what truly makes it a winner is the fact that it's made from sprouted grains. Those grains, including wheat berries, millet, and rye, are packed with nutrients. When grains are sprouted, they become more nutrient-dense and easier to digest. That's a win-win for your health and your taste buds. Whether you opt for the low sodium version or the regular one, you can't go wrong with ALDI's Sprouted Bread. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, their Seed-Tastic bread at $4.99 is another solid choice. It's organic and boasts excellent ingredients, although it's not sprouted like the former. Still, it's a worthy contender.

4. Pasta and Sauce: A Match Made in ALDI

If pasta is your comfort food, ALDI has you covered. They offer some great options that won't break the bank. Let's talk pasta first. Opt for whole wheat spaghetti over regular spaghetti – it's a complex carbohydrate with more fiber, which means it won't cause those pesky blood sugar spikes. At $1.69, it's a budget-friendly choice.

However, if you're looking to shake things up a bit, consider ALDI's chickpea pasta. They have both rotini and penne varieties. What's so great about chickpea pasta? It's not just a pasta; it's a fiber and protein powerhouse. A one-cup portion boasts a whopping 11 grams of fiber and 19 grams of protein. That combo keeps you feeling full for longer and prevents those blood sugar spikes. So, you can say goodbye to those post-pasta energy crashes. At $2.69, it's a fantastic deal, and it's gluten-free, too.

Now, onto the sauce. You might be tempted to go for the famous Rao's sauce, which is undeniably top-notch. But if you're looking for a wallet-friendly alternative with great ingredients, give ALDI's Simply Nature Organic Marinara Sauce a try. For just $1.95, you get a 23.5-ounce container. The ingredients are impressive – it's all about tomatoes, with no added oil or sugar. The only difference from Rao's is that it uses tomato puree instead of whole peeled tomatoes, which makes it slightly less superior. Nevertheless, it's a much cheaper option with fantastic ingredients, and it's Bobby-approved.

5. Grass-Fed Beef: Quality Meat, Affordable Price

Did you ever think you could find 100% grass-fed beef in almost every grocery store? Well, ALDI makes it possible. Their brand of organic, 100% grass-fed, grass-finished ground beef is a game-changer. Not only is it nutritionally superior, but it's also better for the environment, the cows, and your health.

Grass-fed and grass-finished are essential labels to look for when it comes to beef. These labels ensure that the cows were never exposed to GMO corn or soy, making for a healthier and more eco-friendly choice. ALDI offers one of the best deals you'll find for grass-fed beef, and when they have a family pack on sale, it's an even bigger win.

6. Irish Butter: ALDI's Hidden Gem

If you're a fan of Kerrygold butter, it's time to put it aside and reach for ALDI's Countryside Creamery Irish butter. This butter not only tastes great but also boasts more fat content, which is a good thing when it comes to butter. It sizzles and spits in the pan, which is what you want. And at $3.45, it's a fantastic deal for butter of this quality.

there's more to this butter story. If you're considering the spreadable version, hold on a second. It might not be as wholesome as you'd hope. You see, the spreadable version contains GMO-heavy canola oil, which isn't the healthiest choice. So, steer clear of the spreadable option and stick with the pure Irish butter; your taste buds and health will thank you.

7. Olive Oil: The Mediterranean Touch

When it comes to olive oil, ALDI offers a variety of options. But if you're a discerning olive oil enthusiast like me, you'll want to pay attention to where your oil hails from. The clear winner among ALDI's olive oils is the Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This gem has the exclusive Sicilian stamp, meaning it's sourced from Sicily and nowhere else.

Why is this important? Well, it's all about traceability. This olive oil is 100% Sicilian, with no mixing from other countries. It's a pure and authentic taste of Sicily. This bottle is priced at $7.99, a bit higher than the others, but trust me, it's worth it. Olive oil from different regions has distinct flavors, and Sicilian olive oil is renowned for its rich, fruity, and well-balanced taste.

While ALDI offers other olive oils sourced from multiple countries like Greece, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia, the Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil takes the crown for authenticity and flavor. It's a must-try for any olive oil connoisseur.

8. Hot Dogs: Beefy Delights

Did you ever think that ALDI would be your go-to place for top-notch hot dogs? Well, it is! ALDI offers organic beef hot dogs that are a carnivore's dream come true. These hot dogs are not only made from beef, but they're also organic, meaning no GMO corn or soy in the cow's diet.

What makes them truly special? These hot dogs boast clean and high-quality ingredients, making them one of the best deals for sausages on the market. So, the next time you're planning a barbecue, don't hesitate to grab a pack of ALDI's organic beef hot dogs. Your taste buds and your health will thank you.

9. Lunch Meat: Building the Perfect Sandwich

Alright, we've talked about the best bread, but what about the perfect sandwich fillings? Look no further than ALDI's Simply Nature Roasted Turkey. When you're making a sandwich, organic is the way to go, and this turkey breast ticks all the right boxes. It's Bobby-approved with no GMOs, and it even contains organic honey for a touch of natural sweetness.

What's even better? You won't find any added sugar here – it's just pure turkey goodness. So, whether you're crafting a classic turkey and cheese sandwich or something more gourmet, ALDI's Simply Nature Roasted Turkey is a fantastic choice. Your sandwich game just got a whole lot better.

10. Cheese, Please: The ALDI Way

Now, let's complete that sandwich with some cheese. ALDI offers a fantastic option that you can't pass up – Irish cheddar cheese. Produced in Ireland, this cheddar is made from grass-fed cow's milk. While it's not officially labeled as "Kerrygold," it follows the same rules and standards, guaranteeing top-notch quality.

What's the deal with grass-fed cheese? Well, it's not just about the cows having a better diet; it's also about the quality of the milk. Grass-fed cows produce milk with a richer flavor profile, making for a more delicious cheese. Whether you're grating it onto pasta, melting it in a sandwich, or just enjoying it on its own, this Irish cheddar from ALDI is a cheese lover's dream come true.

11. Sweet Keto Treat: Coconut Clusters

Alright, we've covered a lot of ground, but we can't forget about satisfying that sweet tooth in a keto-friendly way. ALDI offers a solution with their Keto Coconut Clusters. These little clusters are relatively new to the store and come in both original and chocolate flavors. What sets them apart is their organic status.

Now, they might not be the epitome of perfection, but when it comes to keto or diabetic-friendly snacks, your options are limited. These clusters come packed with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds – all nutrient powerhouses. Hemp seeds, in particular, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, while pumpkin seeds offer a dose of zinc. Together with a touch of fat, these clusters are designed to keep you satiated and prevent those blood sugar spikes. A healthier sweet treat option, especially for those following a low-sugar keto or diabetic diet.

In Conclusion

And there you have it, Flave City Family – the top 10 hidden gems you absolutely must try at ALDI in 2023. It's fascinating to see how ALDI has evolved over the years, continually improving and expanding its range of Bobby-approved items. These products not only deliver on quality but also keep your budget in check.

So, the next time you find yourself in the aisles of ALDI, keep this list in mind. Whether you're searching for snacks, bread, pasta, meat, or even a sweet treat, ALDI has you covered. You don't have to break the bank to enjoy high-quality, healthy, and delicious food.

Now, it's your turn to hit ALDI and discover these hidden gems for yourself. Happy shopping, and enjoy these fantastic finds! Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you.