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The $2 Aldi Grocery I Bring to Every Party I’m Invited To

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 May 10, 2024
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Aldi is one of the best places to shop for parties, events, and activities this spring. When your calendar is full, the smaller footprint of this grocery store makes it so much quicker to get in and check out with exactly what you need. Aldi carries fewer items on the shelves, and you can bet those carefully curated shelves are packed with great-tasting, yet affordably priced crowd-pleasers.

Credit: Robert D Brozek/Shutterstock

I’ve been an avid Aldi shopper for years, and it’s always my first stop when spring party invitations start rolling in — whether I’m grabbing frozen hash brown potatoes and bakery-fresh cinnamon rolls for family brunches, or hot dogs and halloumi cheese for those first backyard cookouts. This spring, the one item I’m bringing to every party is a bag of Mariquitas Classic Plantain Chips. Here’s why you should too.

What’s So Great About Mariquitas Classic Plantain Chips?

The best part of a party’s spread are always the appetizers. Bowls of crunchy chips are my first stop — especially when there are a variety of dips to choose from. Mariquitas Classic Plantain Chips are the perfect party snack because they are lightly salted and crunchy. Plus, these chips, which are made from unripe or green plantains, a tropical fruit that resembles a banana, are sturdy enough to stand up to the heartiest dips. They are savory, toasty, and among the best plantain chips we’ve tried at The Kitchn. Aldi sells both the original and lime flavors, and if you don’t have an Aldi nearby, you can pick them up online.

Credit: Patty Catalano

What’s the Best Way to Serve Mariquitas Classic Plantain Chips?

Mariquitas Classic Plantain Chips can be eaten on their own, of course, or served with your favorite dip. Bean dips like cowboy caviar and za’atar-roasted veggie and bean dip are a complement to the thick plantain chips. If you prefer a creamy dip, why not pair them with guacamole made with garlic and onions or a creamy corn dip?

Dips aren’t the only way to enjoy these plantain chips. Crush them over hearty dinner salads or tangy slaws in lieu of croutons. You can even use them as a base for easy, cheesy beef nachos. 

Find it in stores: Mariquitas Classic Plantain Chips, $1.99 for 4.5 to 5 ounces

What Aldi grocery are you picking up for spring parties? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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