The Best Aldi Finds for $1 or Less

Aldi has a reputation for being one of the most budget-friendly grocery stores around, and with good reason. The chain regularly provides the most value compared to other options, and what it lacks in coupons and sales, it makes up for in everyday great pricing. 

Even with grocery prices on the rise across the country, Aldi has managed to keep things pretty reasonable. In fact, you can still find plenty of items for a dollar or less, and you might be surprised at how versatile some of them are.

The Top 11 Dollar Products to Buy From Aldi

Herb Bunches

A bunch of herbs is a great way to add flavor to a meal quickly, but cilantro and parsley at most stores usually cost a dollar or more. Meanwhile, fresh herbs at your local Aldi typically cost between 79 and 89 cents, making them an excellent bargain.

Great Northern Beans

Beans are versatile, easy to use, and packed full of nutrients. Aldi’s Great Northern Beans are less than a dollar per can at just 89 cents, and can be used in several recipes. One Reddit commenter suggests sautéing them with onions and garlic, then adding coconut milk or cream along with some of Aldi’s red pesto and spinach for a quick and easy dinner.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are some of the most versatile legumes around, packed with protein, fiber, and other nutrients. For less than a dollar a can at Aldi, you can turn them into a base for hummus and vegan desserts, roast them into a crunchy snack, or use them in any number of chickpea-inspired recipes. 

Energy Drinks

Technically, Aldi’s Red Thunder energy drinks cost $3.95 for a 4-pack, but that comes out to just under a dollar per can. According to several Reddit users, these “taste exactly like Red Bull,” but cost less than half the price of an actual Red Bull can.

Oyster Crackers

Aldi’s oyster crackers add texture to soups and stews, and at under a dollar, they’re a bargain treat. One Reddit commenter points out, “For a toddler allergic to dairy, these are gold.” You can even use these to scoop up tasty dips and spreads.

Sparkling Water

Flavored sparkling water is a great treat if you’re shopping for a sugar-free alternative to sodas or juice. Aldi’s PurAqua Flavored Sparkling Water comes in at 69 to 89 cents for a liter (depending on your store), and has flavors like strawberry, key lime, and peach. 

Canned Tuna

Aldi’s Northern Catch tuna is a fan favorite, with many pointing out that it’s a great source of protein. You can make plenty of recipes with canned tuna, add it to a sandwich, or just mix some salt and spices into it for a quick and healthy snack—the possibilities are endless.

Flavored Yogurt

Aldi’s Friendly Farms’ yogurts are generally well worth your money. The little cups of flavored yogurt come in flavors like blueberry, peach, and strawberry banana, and are perfect for a work or school lunch. Clocking in at just 65 cents a pack, they make a great and healthy dessert or snack. Pro tip: If you find flavored yogurt just a little too sweet, mix in some Greek yogurt to balance out the taste and add some extra protein. 

Chopped Green Chiles

Aldi’s Pueblo Lindo Chopped Green Chiles pack a punch for less than a dollar. One happy customer noted that they used them on “everything from eggs, to soup. to [Asian] dishes, to burgers, to queso and chips, and of course tacos.” They even outdid homegrown, roasted green chiles—there can’t be a better endorsement of these chiles than that.

Cheese Club Mac and Cheese

It might not be the well-known (and beloved) Kraft Mac & Cheese, but at 65 cents, Aldi’s Cheese Club Mac and Cheese packs a lot of flavor for the price. One Reddit commenter even prefers it to Kraft or Velveeta, pointing out that it tastes “sharper.”

Pizza Dough Balls

Depending on your store, you might have to wait for a sale for the Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough to dip under a dollar. If you’re lucky, though, your store may sell these for 89 cents at full price, and you can use them as a base for so much more than just pizza. However, if you love pizza but don’t want to spend time making the dough from scratch, grab one of these and whip up your favorite pizza recipe. They even have a jalapeño pizza dough for added spice.