Working at Aldi made me choosier about what I bring home. These are the eight frozen foods I still spend my own money on—and why each one continues to earn a place in my shopping cart.
Prices were checked at an ALDI in Elkridge, Maryland on November 13; they vary by store and change with each week’s ad.
1. Kirkwood FP Breaded Breasts 36oz – $14.99
Skip the drive-thru: these breaded fillets are my Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich stand-in for easy solo dinners. They bake in the oven and also work sliced over a salad or turned into quick chicken Parmesan.
Taste: The white meat stays juicy and well seasoned beneath crisp breading. It has enough flavor to eat alone, though it is especially satisfying in a sandwich.
Make It Better: Serve a fillet on a brioche bun with your favorite dipping sauce, or add marinara and cheese for a low-effort dinner.
Parting Thoughts: For fast-food-style comfort at home, these remain one of my most dependable freezer buys.
2. Bremer Potato & Cheddar Pierogies – $2.55
On nights when comfort food wins, these potato-and-cheddar pockets are my inexpensive replacement for Mrs. T’s pierogies. The package holds three servings, making it manageable for one person but still useful when a friend stays for dinner.
Taste: The filling is pillowy, cheesy, and pleasantly substantial. The soft pasta exterior develops a golden, lightly crisp surface when cooked in a pan or air fryer.
Make It Better: Pan-fry them in butter, then add sour cream and caramelized onions; kielbasa turns them into a fuller meal.
Parting Thoughts: Few freezer dinners feel this cozy for $2.55.
3. Season’s Choice Frozen Strawberries – $4.69
My smoothie habit would cost considerably more without a bag of these unsweetened strawberries in the freezer. They also give breakfast bowls, yogurt, oatmeal, and simple desserts an easy burst of fruit.
Taste: Their flavor is bright and naturally sweet-tart rather than syrupy. Used promptly, the berries stay firm enough for smoothies without being overwhelmed by ice crystals.
Make It Better: Let a few berries soften slightly before stirring them into yogurt or oatmeal so their juices flavor the whole bowl.
Parting Thoughts: Anyone who struggles to finish fresh berries will appreciate the flexibility of this $4.69 bag.
4. Breakfast Best Sausage & Gravy Breakfast Bowl – $2.05
Early mornings are where this single-serve microwave bowl earns its keep as my Jimmy Dean sausage gravy bowl alternative. It was useful during early shifts, and I still like having one ready when cooking breakfast feels unrealistic.
Taste: Hearty sausage gravy pulls the potatoes, eggs, and cheese together with savory richness. The finished bowl feels cohesive and satisfying rather than dry or crumbly.
Make It Better: A little extra seasoning wakes it up, while an additional egg makes it more substantial.
Parting Thoughts: At $2.05, it is a practical breakfast backup rather than a fancy brunch.
5. Fusia Asian Inspirations Shrimp & Avocado Rolls – $5.85
A thaw-and-serve lunch that swaps in for grocery store prepared sushi rolls is handy when I want something lighter than another hot entrée. The included soy sauce and wasabi also make the shrimp-and-avocado rolls easy to set out as an appetizer.
Taste: The shrimp and creamy avocado make a surprisingly satisfying pairing, while the rice lands close to prepared grocery sushi. The texture is best after the rolls have thawed fully, when the rice and filling are not mushy.
Make It Better: Thaw only the portion you plan to eat and serve it with the included soy sauce and wasabi.
Parting Thoughts: It will not replace a sushi restaurant, but it is a worthwhile $5.85 lunch to keep on hand.
6. Season’s Choice Frozen Garlic & Herbs Riced Cauliflower – $1.99
Garlic and herbs rescue this riced cauliflower from feeling like a joyless low-carb substitute. I sauté it for a quick side or use it beneath chicken, vegetables, and other bowl toppings when cooking for one.
Taste: The seasoning gives the cauliflower a clear garlicky, herbal flavor that is more interesting than the plain version. Its rice-like pieces stay pleasantly defined as long as they are not overcooked.
Make It Better: Sauté it just until heated through, then pair it with a strongly flavored protein or stir-fry.
Parting Thoughts: Health-minded meal preppers get an unusually useful side for $1.99.
7. Specially Selected Snow Crab Legs
For the occasional dinner that should feel like an event, I bring home these frozen snow crab legs. They are a genuine treat-yourself purchase for a special solo meal, especially when restaurant plans are not appealing.
Taste: The crab meat tastes sweet, briny, and fresh. It is tender rather than rubbery, and the legs are easy to crack.
Make It Better: Steam them on the stovetop with Old Bay and put melted butter alongside for dipping.
Parting Thoughts: Crab lovers should grab them when available and make an ordinary evening feel celebratory.
8. Sundae Shoppe Keto Ice Cream Pints (Peanut Butter Fudge)
Peanut butter fudge is the pint I keep for nights when I want dessert without committing freezer space to a large tub. The smaller format also makes it easy to reserve as a solo treat.
Taste: Peanut butter and fudge bring the rich, sweet flavor needed to satisfy a dessert craving. The texture is notably creamy for a keto-style ice cream.
Make It Better: Keep the pint for an intentional after-dinner treat and portion out only what you want that evening.
Parting Thoughts: Those expecting conventional premium ice cream may notice a difference, but this is a pleasing keto-style option.
