What Not To Buy At Aldi In 2022 (15 Products To Avoid)
People often think that they’re getting a great deal when they buy something. They end up buying inferior quality or paying more for items that they could find for less if they did their research.
While Aldi strives – and for the most part, succeeds – to offer top-notch products to their shoppers, at the lowest prices, even the German grocery giant can fall a little short, or not be the best match for an individual shopper’s needs.
Aldi 2022: Here are the Things You Don’t Want to Buy
Side Note: While this article does not intend to criticize Aldi’s products, it is meant to give my personal opinion on some of their products. Aldi is a great place to shop and I share my experiences with them on other Aldi blogs.
Aldi stocks a range of toiletries as well as paper goods.
There is a good chance that you will find the same goods cheaper at a bulk shop (such as Costco or Sam’s Club), or online, particularly if you subscribe and save.
Aldi’s cleaning supplies are decent, but to be perfectly honest, they aren’t great, and they can be found cheaper – for about the same quality – at dollar stores.
Another option is to shop online and bulk warehouse stores. This will give you more results with less trips.
If you need feminine hygiene products, razors, body wash, any of those types of things – go elsewhere. Aldi sells many wonderful and quality items, but their personal care products are very limited, lacking in any kind of variety.
Many of us are pretty attached to personal care products. Aldi has a limited selection so it’s better to stick with the ones you love.
Aldi’s seafood has a higher price than the other grocery shops (and especially Walmart’s), as well as being less expensive. Aldi has also been criticized for its poor sourcing.
Aldi revealed in 2017 that its seafood was sourced from China. This suggests that North Korean citizens may have been mistreated as workers and large portions of their earnings went straight to the North Korean state.
You shouldn’t expect gourmet pizza-quality food if you buy frozen pizzas for as low as $2.19.
Aldi’s cheap pizza, the frozen thin dough, doesn’t have good taste. It just seems kind of flavorless to many who have tried it.
This doesn’t just apply to the $2 pie. I have tried many Take & Bakes. The refrigerated version is better than the frozen.
For pizza lovers who crave hot and spicy food, you can stop at Little Caesar’s to get a Hot N Ready.
Aldi’s breads are good, though it might just be my personal preference.
The loaves come already sliced. Although I understand how convenient this is for some shoppers, it would have been great if Aldi sold a few unsliced sourdough loaves so that I can make my own bread or to use as a loaf.
Aldi sells a lot of produce in bags or containers. This gives the buyer less control and allows them to take more home.
If you are the kind of shopper who likes to hand-pick each individual piece of fruit or vegetable, Aldi’s produce section will madden you. The majority of the produce is not sold in individual packages.
Aldi offers quality meats at affordable prices. However, their chicken is not always up to par.
The family packs of chicken breasts can be a great deal but they may need to be trimmed. The chicken thighs are the same, if not worse. It will take about 15 minutes to unpack the groceries and get rid of all excess fat.
You might skip this if you aren’t able to dedicate the time or don’t own a pair of sharp kitchen shears.
Aldi’s Pet Foods are so reasonably priced, it’s tempting to make a switch.
But you’re better off sticking to your current brand, because the Heart to Tail pet food, in particular, is not the healthiest choice for your animals, with corn filler as the first ingredient, not real meat.
Multiple bloggers have noted that any of the cheesy cracker knock-offs – Goldfish, Cheez-it dupes – don’t live up to their brand name counterparts.
Aldi’s Millvale bars were surprisingly bland the first time that I tried them.
Although the hunger drove me to consume it, it’s very possible that I would have been motivated not to throw it away.
Aldi sells many wonderful ground coffees, mostly under the Barissimo label, but the Beaumont ground in the big plastic cannister tastes strongly of burned coffee beans.
Aldi carries a few name-brand items at any given time, but they aren’t always the lowest price, and they don’t accept manufacturers coupons. There are likely other places that offer the exact same item at a reduced price with or without a coupon.
Aldi’s autumn line has a poncho that I own, and it is about the same depth as what I would wear. Expect less-than-tailored fits and, in some case, less-than-stellar quality.
For more information on shopping at Aldi you can visit our other posts about what Aldi has to offer, Aldi’s special buys and Aldi’s manufacturing process. Also, see 17 reasons Aldi is so affordable.
Aldi has many highs in quality product, but it doesn’t have all the lows. Ultimately, though, you should make the best decision for you and your household.
.What Not To Buy At Aldi In 2022 (15 Products To Avoid)