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The $2 Box Is the Best Cereal You Can Buy at Aldi — And It’s a Mash-Up of Two Childhood Classics

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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updated May 11, 2022
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Credit: Aldi

Aldi’s pizzeria-quality pies and famous “red bag chicken” are both regulars on my dinner rotation. I’m still working my way through the store’s breakfast options, but I’ve found a few morning favorites in the bakery and frozen foods sections. Next on my list: the cereal aisle.

Aldi’s cereal options are impressive. The shelves are stocked with both national brands and private-label cereals. There’s also a variety I didn’t expect, given the small footprint of the food market. With mornings somehow feeling busier than ever, I figured I should try every box (on a weekend, of course) in attempts to find the best one to eat before heading out the door. After a rigorous taste test, one cereal was the obvious choice. The winner is a delightfully sweet way to start the day. And I even have a few bonus, extra-special ways to enjoy it.

Credit: Patty Catalano

Millville Honey Grahams Cereal, $1.79 for 12 ounces

I have a deep connection to the classic cereals of my childhood. After all, the cartoon characters on colorful cereal boxes were as much a part of my youth as the Saturday morning animated shows. What Aldi’s box of Honey Grahams lacks in colorful mascots, it makes up for in flavor and price. At just $1.79 for a 12-ounce box, I could buy two of these for the cost of a single box of the name-brand. 

Credit: Patty Catalano

This private-label cereal captures the rippled texture and honey graham sweetness I grew up on with astounding precision. Plus, Aldi’s version also has a dusting of sugar that adds a Cinnamon Toast Crunch vibe too. It’s a bonafide breakfast bonanza!

It’s also a great base for post-noon noshing. You can mix the honey-sweet squares with other cereals and bite-sized treats for an ad-hoc snack mix. Do a cereal swap and mix the honey grahams with butter and marshmallows for the classic no-bake treat or sub in for Cheerios in this peanut butter bar. The mixing bowl is your limit.

What cereal do you buy at Aldi? Share your favorites in the comments.

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