Aldi’s shelves are stacked this week, and I couldn’t be more excited. You’ll find freezer-aisle cult favorites that are hard to track down, a bakery loaf that disappears fast, and a sweet frozen treat. There’s also a budget kitchen gadget, plus a big wave of cozy, sparkly holiday decor, gifts, and tableware. Grab your cart and a cup of coffee, because this haul is worth the trip.
1. Kirkwood Spicy Chicken Patties – $4.99
These frozen Kirkwood Spicy Chicken Patties come in a 23.8 oz bag and work out to $0.21 per oz. The listed features are zero cholesterol and trans fat-free.
You might have to hunt for these, because they’re easy to miss in the freezer aisle. The heat divides people. Some of you will call them mild, others will say your mouth is on fire, and the spice may have been toned down a bit over time. The texture is the honest criticism. It’s pressed, processed chicken, and one person found it off-putting. If you don’t try to make it fancy, it’s a nostalgic fast-food-style sandwich for about five bucks.
Takeaway: Buy two bags if you spot them, since they’re hard to find, and keep the mayo handy in case the heat surprises you.
2. Specially Selected Croissant Toast – $6.59
Specially Selected Croissant Toast is a 15 oz bakery loaf, sold as a croissant loaf. It’s a thick-cut, buttery bread.
This is the loaf that makes bagels and English muffins feel boring. It’s rich and flaky, and it’s wonderful toasted with butter and cinnamon sugar. It’s also excellent as French toast. The only real gripe is that it sells out, so you may find only one loaf left or none. At $6.59 it’s a splurge for bread, but it’s worth it.
Takeaway: Grab it the moment you see it, because it sells out, and use it for breakfast sandwiches.
3. Aldi Chocolate Brownie Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches – $4.99
These Sundae Shoppe Brownie Crisps S’mores-style ice cream sandwiches come in a 13.52 fl oz box. They put coffee ice cream between brownie-style cookies.
If you love coffee and chocolate together, this is your freezer find. The coffee flavor is strong and the chocolate cake is fudgy. Some shoppers say they beat the similar Trader Joe’s version. The downside is that they’re so popular they may be out of stock, and the coffee flavor won’t suit you if you want something mild.
Takeaway: If you’re a coffee-and-chocolate fan, buy several boxes, because they may not last.
4. Ambiano Classic Stand Mixer – $49.99
The Ambiano Classic Stand Mixer is a cream-colored stand mixer sold as a single unit.
At $50 for a 5-quart mixer, the price is great, but be realistic about what it can do. It handles frosting, whipped cream, soft cookie dough, and even meatloaf. It struggles with stiff, dense doughs, and some people compare its strength to a tabletop hand mixer. It’s a decent placeholder if you can’t afford a KitchenAid. If you bake a lot, a used or discounted KitchenAid is the better buy.
Takeaway: Buy it for light holiday baking, and keep the box and warranty paperwork.
5. Merry Moments Festive Reindeer Crystal Accent Rug – $7.99
This Merry Moments crystal accent rug has a festive reindeer design and measures 20×34.
The design is whimsical enough that you might expect it to cost much more. It’s a light accent piece, so it suits an entryway or a spot in front of the sink better than heavy foot traffic. For $7.99, it’s an easy way to add holiday charm.
Takeaway: Put it by the front door or in the kitchen for a cheap seasonal touch.
6. Merry Moments Bow Holiday Ultra Cozy Knit Throw – $14.99
This Merry Moments Bow Holiday Ultra Cozy Knit Throw is a holiday throw with a bow design. It’s sold as one piece.
It has a boutique look for the price, and you can get the cozy feel for $14.99. If you want something to drape over the couch for the season, it’s an easy buy. I’d call it more of a decor piece than a heavy winter blanket.
Takeaway: It’s a good pick for a couch accent or a small gift.
7. Merry Moments Flocked Holiday Wreath with Green Bow – $19.99
This Merry Moments Flocked Holiday Wreath has a green bow. It’s sold as one wreath.
If you want a frosted look without a big spend, this is a nice one for your front door. It’s the priciest decor item here, but it looks more expensive than it is. Seasonal decor tends to sell out, so don’t wait too long.
Takeaway: Get it early, before the Christmas rush clears the shelves.
8. Merry Moments Christmas Serving Platter with Tree Decal – $9.99
This Merry Moments Christmas Serving Platter is a ceramic piece with a tree decal. It’s sold as one platter.
The retro look gives it a nostalgic feel, and for $9.99 it’s a good deal for hosting. You’ll likely use it for cookies or appetizers. It’s a seasonal piece, so you might only use it once a year, but it’s still fun.
Takeaway: It’s a good pick for cookie exchanges and holiday parties.
9. Lego Snowman Ornaments (168-Piece Set) – $12.99
This Lego set has 168 pieces and builds two snowman figures.
It’s a cheap way to get a Lego build for $12.99, and the finished snowmen work as ornaments. You’ll want to set aside some time to build them. It’s a good stocking stuffer for kids or adults who like to build, though the 168 pieces are easy to lose if you’re not careful.
Takeaway: It’s a good stocking stuffer for Lego fans.
10. Crofton Green Tree Marble and Acacia Wood Charcuterie Board – $9.99
This Crofton board is made of marble and acacia wood and has a green tree design.
The mix of materials looks nice and it costs only $9.99. You’ll like it for a holiday cheese spread. The board is small, so it’s better for a few people than a big party.
Takeaway: Use it for a small holiday cheese board, or give it as a host gift.
11. Merry Moments Green Novelty Tree Christmas Mug – $3.99
This Merry Moments mug is a 3D novelty mug shaped like a green Christmas tree.
It’s a fun mug for your morning coffee or hot cocoa. At $3.99, it’s an easy buy, and you might want a few to give as gifts. It’s silly, but it makes mornings a bit more festive.
Takeaway: Pick up a few for cheap gifts or a cocoa bar.
12. Merry Moments Present Holiday Measuring Cups – $5.99
These Merry Moments measuring cups are shaped like presents and are sold as one set.
They’re cute and useful for holiday baking. At $5.99, you’ll likely enjoy them more for the look than for any special function. They’d also make a nice small gift for a baker.
Takeaway: Give them to a baker, or use them yourself for holiday cookies.
13. Merry Moments Novelty LED Holiday Candles – $9.99
This Merry Moments set has 3 LED holiday candles with a snowy tree design. They’re reusable and mess-free.
They look like pricier candles at a fraction of the cost. You’ll like that there’s no wax or flame, so they’re safe around kids and pets. The trade-off is that they won’t smell like anything, so add a scented candle if you want fragrance.
Takeaway: They’re a safe choice for mantels and windowsills.
14. Disney Holiday Backpacks – $16.99
These Disney holiday backpacks, including a Mickey and friends design, are part of the brand-new items that arrived this week.
They’re a fun gift for a Disney fan. Prices vary by listing, and $16.99 is a fair price for a character backpack. They’re limited-time items that move quickly, so if you see one you like, grab it.
Takeaway: Buy one early as a gift, since limited-time finds go fast.
15. Aldi Slow-Cooker Carnitas Meal – under $5
This is a slow-cooker carnitas meal built around Aldi’s carnitas pork. It’s a budget dinner that feeds a family and leaves leftovers.
You’ll love how little work it takes. Put chopped onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker, add about a cup of broth, and set the pork on top. Cook it low for 8 hours. Shred it, then broil it for 5 minutes so the edges crisp up. Don’t skip that step, because it makes the pork much better.
Takeaway: This is a good pick for busy weeknights, and you can use the leftovers for tacos the next day.
16. Aldi 5-Foot Pre-Lit Flocked Christmas Tree – $39
This is a 5-foot pre-lit flocked Christmas tree, a small size that suits apartments and dorms.
Flocked trees are rare at this price, which is the appeal. Some of you will find it looks like a large wire brush up close, though. It will be better on a table, with ornaments to hide that. Cheap and cheerful is the point, and it’s best for small spaces.
Takeaway: It’s best for a dorm or apartment, so cover it with ornaments and ribbon.
17. Merry Moments Red Toile Holiday Pillow – $9.99
This Merry Moments pillow has a vintage-inspired red toile print with ruffle trim.
It has a classic look, and you’ll find the ruffle trim adds a nice touch for the price. At $9.99, it’s an easy pick if you want to refresh your couch for the season. I’d only grab it if you like the traditional style, since it’s very much a Christmas look.
Takeaway: It’s a cheap way to make your couch look festive.
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1. Specially Selected Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives – $2.99
These are meaty olives stuffed with blue cheese, and they come in a 7 oz jar. No further official ingredient or feature details were provided.
If you love sharp, funky cheese against salty brine, you’ll adore these. They’re meaty, salty and packed with a generous amount of cheese. Be warned that some jars can have cheese that turns firm and a bit dry, so blue cheese skeptics should stay away. The garlic and feta versions have loyal fans too, but for me this is the jar to beat.
Takeaway: Buy a jar for your next cocktail night, and grab a second one because they vanish fast.
2. Bake Shop Pumpkin Sliced Loaf Cake – $4.29
This is a pumpkin loaf cake that comes pre-sliced, with eight slices per box. No further official ingredient details were provided, and the label notes it may contain milk and tree nuts from shared equipment.
This is a bakery classic done right. It’s soft and moist, with real pumpkin flavor, and it’s sweet without going overboard. The spice is noticeable but never bossy. Even people who say they don’t like pumpkin spice tend to love it. If you have a dairy or nut allergy, read that label carefully.
Takeaway: Grab two boxes, since one won’t last the weekend.
3. Tides Pinot Noir – $12.99
This Sonoma Coast pinot noir is described as having a smooth, rich flavor profile. It has 13.9% ABV and notes of cherry, raspberry, strawberry and subtle spice. The ingredients are pinot noir grapes and sulfites, and the bottle is 750 ml.
You’ll find this smooth and medium-bodied, with juicy red fruit and none of the harshness cheap reds can have. It isn’t a super complex wine, but at this price that’s fine. It’s an easy bottle to bring to a dinner party. You might even think it cost twice as much.
Takeaway: Keep a couple of bottles on hand as your go-to budget red for dinner parties.
4. Benton’s Fudge Cookies – $3.05
These are Benton’s duplex sandwich creme cookies in a 25 oz package. No further official ingredient details were provided.
These are a classic sandwich cookie that tastes like the name-brand version you grew up with. If you’re expecting a rich caramel-coconut cookie like a Samoa, they won’t scratch that itch. They’re a good big bag for the price, great for snacking, and I’d happily buy them again. Just don’t expect fancy.
Takeaway: Buy these for lunchboxes and a budget cookie fix, not as a copycat of a specific Girl Scout cookie.
5. Aldi Beignets – $3.99
Aldi’s Beignets To Go! are made in France with non-GMO ingredients. Each one is an individually wrapped, brioche-style round of dough with a pudding-like chocolate filling in the center. The package is 9.5 oz.
These aren’t New Orleans beignets, so don’t expect powdered sugar or a crispy shell. Think of them as a soft, chocolate-filled French-style donut, and they’re really good that way. The dough is tender and the little size is just right. If you want the Café Du Monde experience, you’ll be let down. If you’re open-minded, you might eat half the bag.
Takeaway: Go in expecting a filled donut instead of a New Orleans beignet and you’ll be happy.
6. Sage Derby Cheese – $4.49
This is the Freaky Franken Sage Derby cheese, a 7 oz Halloween-themed cheese. It’s a mottled green cheese whose color comes from dried sage and natural coloring.
It looks spooky, but it tastes tame. It’s mild and lightly herby, with a creamy, almost Colby Jack feel and just a hint of sage. If you like the peppery, piney flavor of sage, you’ll love it. It also shreds beautifully. It only shows up around Halloween, so don’t wait.
Takeaway: Pick one up now if you see it, because it’s seasonal and may already be sold out.
7. Aldi Irish Butter
This is Countryside Creamery pure salted Irish butter, sold in an 8 oz block. Irish butter is required to have at least 82% butterfat, which makes it richer and softer than typical American butter.
You’ll taste the difference on toast, where it’s rich and silky. At 55 cents an ounce, it’s pricier per ounce than bulk options at warehouse clubs, but it’s easy to grab on a regular trip. It’s only salted, so bakers who want unsalted butter are out of luck. For spreading, I think it’s a lovely upgrade.
Takeaway: Buy it for everyday spreading, and look elsewhere if you need unsalted butter for baking.
8. Seasons Choice Sweet Potato Casserole – $4.99
This is a heat-and-eat holiday side dish in a 22 oz package. No further official ingredient details were provided.
This returning holiday side is a fan obsession, and some call it their kryptonite. It saves you a ton of time when you’re cooking a big meal. If you’re hosting, it takes one dish off your to-do list. It’s expected to sell out, so don’t wait around.
Takeaway: Buy it early, because it tends to sell out before the holidays.
9. Aldi Pumpkin Spice and Apple Cinnamon Yogurt-Covered Pretzels
These are seasonal yogurt-covered pretzels in two flavors, pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon. No further official details were provided, so all I can say is that they’re a fall snack.
I wanted to love these, but I can’t. The yogurt coating is great, firm but silky and melty. The flavors miss the mark, though. The pumpkin spice leans heavily on clove and nutmeg, and the apple tastes artificial, a bit like a fruity cereal. The salt on the pretzels can also hit harshly. You might still try a bag at this price, but don’t expect a crowd-pleaser.
Takeaway: Only buy these if you’re a die-hard fall flavor fan, and expect them to be hit or miss.
10. Aldi Fan-Favorite Pizzas (Test Run Winners)
These are viral Aldi pizzas that are heading to shelves after a successful test run. No further official details, ingredients or sizes were provided.
I can’t give you a taste verdict yet, but the buzz is a good sign. If a pizza survives a test run and fans demand it, it’s worth a look. If you love frozen pizza night, you might want to grab one when it lands. Just don’t expect to know exactly what you’re getting until you try it.
Takeaway: Watch the freezer aisle and grab one early before they sell out.
11. Kitchen Sink Trail Mix (Brookie Flavor)
This is the beloved Southern Grove Kitchen Sink trail mix, back with a new brookie flavor. No further official ingredient or size details were provided, though the product listing shows an 8 oz size.
If you like cookie-and-brownie flavors in your snack mix, this sounds like a fun twist. I’d expect it to lean sweet, so it’s more dessert than hiking fuel. Fans of the original should give it a try, but I can’t say yet if it beats the classic.
Takeaway: Grab a bag if you love the original, and share it, because it’s sweet.
12. Aldi Cheese Spaetzle – $4.99
This is Deutsche Küche cheese spaetzle, a German-style dish that makes a quick dinner. No further official ingredient or size details were provided.
It’s a cozy, comforting dinner that’s easy to keep buying. It’s cheesy and satisfying, and it’s best when you dress it up a bit. Shoppers add mushroom gravy or a squeeze of lemon, and both ideas sound great. On its own it’s a simple dish, so you might want to build a plate around it.
Takeaway: Buy it during German week and add a sauce or side to make it a full meal.
13. Aldi Fresh Tomato and Feta Soup – $3.25
This is Park Street Deli tomato and feta soup, a refrigerated soup sold in a 16 oz tub. It has simple ingredients and no added sugars.
If you want a quick weeknight shortcut, this is a handy one. No added sugar is a plus, since tomato soups can taste candy-sweet. Feta should add a pleasant tang. One tub is a bit small for a hungry crowd, so you might need two. I’d keep one in the fridge for busy nights.
Takeaway: Keep a tub in your fridge for a fast lunch or dinner, and buy two if you’re feeding more than two people.
