The 7 Best Cheap ($2 or Less!) Aldi Groceries We Tasted in 2024
Way back in January, I challenged myself to get grocery spending under control in the coming year. I spend a lot of time in grocery stores because I am both the primary cook in my household and a food editor. Every grocery run (even those for “research purproses”) ends with me face-to-face with the credit card machine. I’m not one to clip coupons or even stick to a grocery list, so the simplest way I found to save money this year was to shop at Aldi.
Aldi is an increasingly popular grocery store with a small footprint and a big focus on budget-friendly prices. Its famous quarter-rental shopping cart system, no-frills decor, and store-brand products are the grocers way to cut operating costs and help shoppers save money where it counts.
I logged a lot of hours wandering Aldi’s wide aisles, and picked more than a few incredible budget buys — think: $2 or less! These are the seven I’ll continue adding to my cart in 2025.
1. Benner Tea Co. Premium Assorted Tea, $1.69 for 20 tea bags
I’ve been shopping at Aldi for over 20 years, but it wasn’t until recently that I started buying their Benner Tea Co. Premium Teas. I enjoy the ritual of an afternoon mug of tea, especially in the winter months. Aldi makes it so easy to keep up the habit because its boxes of individually-wrapped tea bags cost just $1.69 for 20 bags. Lately, I’ve had fun combining freshly brewed tea with sweet honey and a squeeze of lemon or brewing some Earl Grey to serve with holiday cookies.
2. Baker’s Corner Cake Mix, $0.99 for 15.25 ounces
Instead of splurging on specialty cakes and cookies, I stock up on cake mix from Aldi. Boxes of Baker’s Corner cake mixes are just $0.99, and I know all of the tricks to turn them into a party-worthy dessert. I skip the box instructions and substitute milk for water and melted butter for oil to give the boxed mix a homemade flavor. This year I’ve made practically every flavor of dump cake one could imagine — and I’m still not tired of them.
3. Earthly Grains Couscous, $1.79 for 5.8 ounces
Aldi is one of my favorite places to buy the staple ingredients that I cook with night after night. Earthly Grains Couscous is a versatile staple that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of main dishes, and is ready in just 5 minutes. I serve it on its own with a shower of Parmesan cheese, mix it with canned beans or chickpeas and roasted vegetables, or pile it up as a bed for saucy chicken thighs.
4. Friendly Farms Moo Tubes Lowfat Yogurt, $1.75 for 8 (2-ounce) tubes
These single-serving packages of yogurt became a “must-buy” when my kids were young, and, years later, they’re still a staple in my home. These squeezable yogurts are ideal for anyone living a grab-and-go lifestyle, and are an easy choice for busy mornings or afternoon snacks. You can keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them for an ice cream-like treat.
5. Chef’s Cupboard Onion Soup Mix, $0.98 for 2 ounces
One way to save money on groceries is to compare prices between stores. I was shocked when I realized that a box of onion soup mix is more than twice as much at a big-name regional grocery store than at Aldi. Savings like that can, and do, add up — especially at Aldi, where so many items end up being cheaper. I love to serve the retro two-ingredient onion dip (sour cream plus onion soup mix) at the holidays. I also use the seasoning packet for weeknight dinners, like these French onion chicken bites.
6. Park Street Deli Dark Chocolate Dessert Hummus, $1.99 for 8 ounces
There are new grocery products launching almost every single day. I was skeptical about dessert hummus from the start, but after a rave review from a fellow Aldi shopper I took the plunge on Park Street Deli’s Dark Chocolate Dessert Hummus. The dip is chocolaty and fudgy with no bean-y aftertaste. This is just one of many “little luxuries” for you and your wallet.
7. Clancy’s Restaurant-Style Tortilla Chips, $1.95 for 12 ounces
Aldi releases a list of Fan-Favorites every year, and one that I can’t believe I’d missed was Clancy’s Restaurant-Style Tortilla Chips. This bag of chips cost less than $2, which is almost $5 less than the smaller bag of name-brand chips that I usually buy from my nearby grocery store. These chips have the best crunch and are not too salty (my main complaint with store-bought chips).
What’s the best Aldi budget buy you made this year? Tell us about it in the comments below.