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The $3 Aldi Grocery I’m Stocking in My Pantry This Spring

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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published Apr 17, 2023
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Have you ever noticed how your cooking changes with the seasons? As winter shifts into spring, I’m abandoning stews and braises for light and brothy beans, veggie-packed pastas, and picnic-style suppers. As I adjust my grocery list to my changing menu, I start viewing the grocery store shelves with a new lens. 

On a recent Aldi visit, I realized that I’ve been overlooking the jars of Tuscan Garden Quartered Artichoke Hearts all winter long. As a regular Aldi shopper, I’m attuned to noticing the rotation of short-lived seasonal products among the always-available items. This $3 ingredient is exactly what I needed to push my meal plan into spring and, to my surprise, it’s been on Aldi’s shelves all along. 

Credit: Patty Catalano

What’s So Great About Tuscan Garden Quartered Artichoke Hearts?

While I may attempt cooking fresh artichokes once a year, keeping ready-to-eat jarred artichokes in my pantry is my secret to flavorful spring suppers. The delicate flavor of artichokes can take on a tinny aftertaste when packaged in cans, so I always opt for artichokes in glass jars when available. Luckily, Aldi sells quartered artichokes in glass jars.

On the shelf, you’ll see that Aldi sells two styles of quartered artichoke hearts — in water and marinated. The water-packed artichoke hearts are the most versatile; they don’t contain any flavorings other than salt and citric acid (to prevent browning). The marinated artichoke hearts are jarred in a seasoned oil that infuses every bite with flavor, plus provides a flavorful finishing oil for adding to your dish.

What’s the Best Way to Use Tuscan Garden Quartered Artichoke Hearts?

Artichoke hearts can be added to just about any meal this time of year. Often, plain and marinated artichoke hearts can be used interchangeably as long as the flavor profiles align. The marinated variety pairs with spinach for a springtime take on frittatas, but plain artichoke hearts can be substituted in a pinch. 

Combine plain artichoke hearts with chicken, pasta, and lemon for an easy weeknight dinner. I also can’t talk about artichoke hearts without mentioning antipasto salads. The marinated variety is best here, but you can doctor up a jar of the plain artichoke hearts with store-bought or homemade Italian dressing. 

Find it in stores: Tuscan Garden Quartered Artichoke Hearts, $2.59 for 12 ounces

What Aldi pantry staples are you buying on repeat this spring? Sound off in the comments below.

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