Grocery shopping has become a full on sport to me over the past few years. I could spend hours in the aisles, fascinated as I read the ingredient list of countless products, hunting for the best deals, matching quality with affordability. However, I know not everyone has the time (or desire)to spend hours doing the deep digging. (What can I say, we all nerd out differently...)
As a health coach, accessibility and affordability are at the top of my priority list when it comes to choosing healthy options. And where is the starting point for making healthier choices? For most of us, it starts in the grocery aisle.
Living in a rural area, healthy and organic options can be hard to come by. That is why I actually love shopping at Aldi's! Aldi's carries a surprising variety of organic AND affordable products I cannot find at my typical small town grocer, and the prices are much better than other larger chain grocery stores; you just need to know what to look for!
That is why I have compiled a list of all my fav Aldi's go-tos. So if you have an Aldi's in your town, listen up! Today I'm rounding up my top Aldi's picks.
A few tips to keep in mind before we start:
1. Go in with a plan: Before leaving the house, take inventory of your kitchen and make a list of what needs to be restocked. Come up with a few meal plans for the week and make a list. Shopping with a list cuts back on food waste and helps you stick to a budget!
2. Do not shop hungry: I repeat do not shop hungry! You are so much more likely to grab sugary snacks NOT on your list when you go in with crazy cravings. If you are hungry, grab a snack to keep in the car so you have something waiting for you at the end of your trip.
Check out this Meal Prepping Tips and Tricks post for more ways to plan ahead!
First up....the snack aisle! That's right. If you frequent Aldi's often, you'll notice that the snack aisle is the FIRST aisle you walk through. Coincidence? I think not...Placing the snack aisle at the front of the store is a strategic way the store gets YOU to fill your cart extra junk you DON'T need.
Here are my top snack choices:
Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate is the perfect after dinner snack. It is lower in sugar than milk chocolate, and I especially love this brand because it comes with individually wrapped pieces, making it an easy on the go treat. Shop for dark chocolate that is 70% cacao or higher.
Sometimes you just need a crunch. These chips are gluten free and the ingredient lists are simple and easy to understand. Perfect if your having friends over, or need an occasional snack.
Aldi's has a wide selection of acceptable cooking oils. My favs to grab here are extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and ghee (or clarified butter). Investing in a high quality oil will reduce your body's exposure to free radicals and inflammation.
Aldi's has a great organic apple cider vinegar. Always look for ACV that contains the mother strain for full benefits.
Chia seeds and flax seeds should be an essential for everyone's pantry. They are high in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are very versatile, and easily affordable.
Many granola brands are full of added sugars and rancid oils; for that reason I always suggest you make your own at home. But for those times when you need a quick fix, the Simply Nature Superfood granola is a decent option. It uses coconut oil instead of canola or vegetable oils, and the ingredient list is relatively clean. I buy this as an occasional treat for myself, not every time I shop, but it is so delicious.
Now on to dairy...it is important to find organic dairy options, as this will determine the type of diet the cow was fed. Grass fed cows (pasture raised), produce a stronger ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s, creating less inflammation in the body; whereas conventional dairy from factory farm cows are raised on grain, creating more inflammation in their bodies, leading to inflammation in yours. Aldi's has by far the most affordable option of organic butter I have seen. It's about $4.00 for 4 sticks, but it's worth the investment if you cook with butter on a regular basis like I do.
It's also important to find an organic full fat, unsweetened yogurt. Low fat yogurts are full of added sugars, especially the flavored kind. This plain full fat yogurt is an absolute must in my weekly shopping.
The same is true for eggs. Organic eggs are much more nutritious than conventional. Aldi's by far has the most affordable option in my area (besides farm fresh of course).
Although Aldi's produce is not the best, they do have a growing organic section. To find out which produce you should prioritize buying organic, check out the Environmental Working Group's Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen list. Each year they test which foods are the most and least contaminated with pesticides and herbicides to create more awareness around organic shopping. I understand it can be tough to buy all organic on a budget, so these lists should help you get clear about what to prioritize! I actually buy my avocados from Aldi's; they are very affordable and on the Clean Fifteen list!
Goat cheese is in the specialty section of Aldi's! I love adding it to salads.
You can also find kombucha in the specialty section. They always have different brands, and I love trying all the different flavors.
Having a party? This guac is my favorite snacking go-to. It's a great option for hosting, or just a Sunday afternoon snack.
Aldi's also contains a few varieties of organic meat. I buy organic beef and chicken breasts from here.
I always pick up a few bags of frozen fruit for smoothies. Frozen fruit is cheaper, more nutritious, and creates a smoother texture.
Speaking of smoothies, this coconut water makes a regular appearance in my smoothie routine. Coconut water is full of electrolytes, making it a very hydrating and replenishing addition to your diet.
There are night's that just call for a frozen pizza, am I right?! I like to keep one in the freezer for those last minute late night meals. This Simply Nature roasted veggie pizza is always my go to.
Aldi's carries a lot of organic grains and pastas as well. My favorite grain to cook with is quinoa, but they also carry gluten free and organic pastas if that's more your jam.
Canned beans are great to stock up on for easy meals. I add black beans to salads, soups, and dips all the time! I also have a great chocolate black bean brownie recipe you check out here.
Bone broth is full of the protein collagen, great for your hair, skin, nails, and joints. I like to buy it in bulk once the winter months come, so I always have it handy when making soups and stews.
Can you believe Aldi's has that many options when it comes to eating healthy? I can get almost all my grocery needs in one trip, all for under $100.
And if you enjoyed this, check out more tips for How to Eat Healthy on a Budget here!
What did you think of this list? Anything surprise you? Did I leave anything out? Let me know in the comments below!