Aldi is known for having some of the lowest prices on groceries, provided by their private and store-brand products. The retailer helps households stretch their budgets and their tummies. However, these deals are not without a trade-off, as customers often must settle for off-name brands that may not square up to their more popular, nationally known brands. To help you save money (or your stomach) on your next trip to Aldi, here are 10 products you should leave on the shelf.
Paper Products
Most families use paper towels and toilet paper regularly. They are essential to any household and always need replenishing, so the aim is to get the most for the least amount. While saving money is great, some customers have reported that Aldi’s paper products—paper towels and toilet paper—aren’t great, claiming they are thin and tear easily. These unhappy customers might tell you the quality isn’t worth the savings. If you’re looking for quality toilet paper, you may want to look elsewhere or at least make sure you wash your hands.
Chicken
Many households make chicken for dinner, either baking it in the oven or roasting it on the stovetop. Some Aldi shoppers have reported that the store’s raw chicken breasts are tough to chew and stringy. Another shopper described its taste as “woody.” In addition to these accounts, reports of food poisoning have surfaced, and in the past, their chicken has been recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. Although other stores may charge higher prices, another grocery store may be the better option if you are worried about the risk of buying a bad bird.
Produce
Every grocery shopper prefers fresh, ripe, and delicious fruits and vegetables. Some customers have reported that Aldi’s produce can be overripe, bruised, or moldy. They describe their produce selection as “hit or miss.” Shoppers want to buy consistently high-quality products; anything else would be frustrating. These dissatisfied customers suggest you buy your produce from another retailer.
Brand-Name Goods
Aldi has low prices because most of their products are private brands and not popular national brands. While most of the items on this list have been selected for their poor quality, some customers say you shouldn’t buy certain products for a different reason. They say you shouldn’t buy brand-name products from Aldi since it often offers cheaper alternatives. Buying brand-name goods defeats the purpose of shopping at Aldi—you won’t save as much money. However, some customers claim the off-brand items don’t taste as good as their more well-known counterparts.
Soda
Aldi sells Summit brand sodas that attempt to replicate big brand-name sodas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. While their soda may be cheaper than the real thing, some customers complain that it doesn’t taste as good. Unhappy cola drinkers have described the Aldi brand as “syrupy” with a “strange aftertaste.” Consider shopping elsewhere for your soda if your taste buds crave big brand-name beverages.
Cat Litter
Some people are willing to go above and beyond for their pets, and if you are one of them, perhaps you shouldn’t get your cat litter from Aldi. Disgruntled cat owners have reported that Aldi’s Heart to Tail cat litter doesn’t hold up against the more prominent brands. They describe the product as dusty, with poor odor control and clumping issues. Some customers might want to spend a little more for better quality.
Deodorant
Deodorant is an essential item in every household, but some customers will tell you not to buy it from Aldi. The grocery store sells big-name deodorants such as Secret, Dove, and Old Spice; however, its selection is limited. It doesn’t sell store-brand alternatives at optimal prices. That said, customers have advised shoppers to get their deodorant elsewhere. Wherever you decide, please do so for our nose’s sake.
Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes are another household essential, but some customers recommend buying them elsewhere. According to accounts, the bristles either wear out quickly or are too soft for optimal cleaning. Customers have also mentioned that other stores may offer sales and coupons—unlike Aldi, which doesn’t accept coupons or have a loyalty rewards program. We encourage our readers to find a toothbrush that works for them.
Yogurt
Aldi has a limited selection of yogurt and primarily sells their store-brand variety. Some customers have stated that the Friendly Farms yogurt, by Aldi’s dairy brand, can be thin, watery, musky, or sour, creating an inconsistent product. Poor selection and unpredictable quality may convince shoppers to avoid Aldi’s yogurt. Some customers find that other larger retailers have a more diverse selection of flavors and brands, and through sales and coupons, you can get quality yogurt at a reasonably low price.
Graham Crackers
A few disgruntled customers report that Aldi’s graham crackers are subpar. They claim they’re bland and taste much like the box they came in. Another criticism is their soggy texture. Like with other products on this list, customers point out that the graham crackers can vary in quality from store to store. Shoppers want reliable, crunchy graham crackers. Picking up some Smores for the camping trip? Maybe shop somewhere other than Aldi just to be safe.
