Ready for a holiday haul? I taste-tested 12 brand-new Aldi items—some turned out to be instant favorites, while others were clear misses.
Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s truly worth your cash.
1. The Village Pie Maker Mini Pies (Cherry & Pecan)
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Price: $6.69
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The Verdict: 5/5 (Star of the Show)
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Tasting Notes: These were the absolute winners. The crust has a “nice little crumble on top,” and the filling is top-tier. The cherry has a great tang, and the pecan (yes, it’s a nut) is sweet and structurally sound—unlike homemade pies that can get rock hard.
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Quote: “These are the five out of fives that are like… five out of five.”
2. Emporium Selection Baking Brie (Pecan Nuts & Honey)
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Price: $7.49
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The Verdict: 5/5
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Tasting Notes: Comes with a reusable ceramic bowl, which is a huge plus. The method (cut an X, bake, stir, add toppings, bake again) is brilliant and makes it easy to eat. The honey and pecan mix is “melt-in-your-mouth” good.
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Bonus: Easy to prepare and looks fancy for a holiday spread.
3. Priano Chicken Parmesan Bites
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Price: $6.99
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The Verdict: 5/5
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Tasting Notes: Surprisingly flavorful. While they look a bit like standard nuggets, the filling (tomato sauce and mozzarella) actually delivers.
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Tip: Great on their own, but next level if you have extra marinara sauce for dipping.
4. Breakfast Best Pancake Bites (Chocolate & Original)
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Price: $3.29 (approx. 36 count)
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The Verdict: 5/5
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Tasting Notes:
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Chocolate: Delicious enough to eat plain. Perfect for a quick “grab and go” breakfast for kids.
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Original: Tastes exactly as expected—pillowy and soft. Best dipped in syrup.
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5. Breakfast Best Peppermint Mocha Waffles
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Price: $2.49
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The Verdict: 3.5/5
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Tasting Notes: The flavor is subtle—maybe too subtle. It has a “cooling effect” like peppermint but isn’t overwhelmingly sweet. It’s a “fun” novelty item but needs toppings (syrup, whipped cream) to really shine.
6. Brioche Stuffing Mix (Apple & Bacon Flavor)
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Price: $1.49
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The Verdict: -5/5 (DO NOT BUY)
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Tasting Notes: The biggest fail of the week. described as smelling and tasting like “sweet apple garbage.” There was no discernable bacon flavor, just an off-putting artificial taste.
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Warning: “One bite and done. Put the lid on it quick.”
7. Specially Selected Christmas Tree Brioche
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Price: ~$7.49
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Viral Consensus: Hit
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Why it’s trending: Available in Vanilla Cream or Chocolate Chip. It’s shaped like a Christmas tree, making it an instant centerpiece for holiday breakfast. Fans suggest slicing it up for “next-level French Toast.”
8. Winternacht Soft Gingerbread Cookies (Iced or Chocolate)
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Price: ~$3.29
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Viral Consensus: Hit
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Why it’s trending: These are polarizing but cult favorites. They are soft, thick, and authentic German-style cookies (Lebkuchen). The icing cracks satisfyingly when you bite them.
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Note: Some find the wafer bottom odd, but true fans swear by them.
9. Specially Selected Fig & Honey Sourdough Loaf
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Price: ~$2.99
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Viral Consensus: Hit
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Why it’s trending: A perfect savory-sweet balance. Reddit users are obsessing over using this for leftover turkey sandwiches (Turkey + Brie + this bread = magic).
10. Emporium Selection Holiday Shaped Cheeses
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Price: ~$4.49
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Viral Consensus: Hit (mostly for aesthetics)
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Why it’s trending: These come in wax shapes like a Snowman (Caramelized Onion Cheddar) or a Star (Mature Cheddar). They are the #1 item people are buying for charcuterie boards right now because they look great in photos.
11. Southern Grove Winter Trail Mixes
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Price: ~$10.99 (Large Jar)
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Viral Consensus: Hit
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Why it’s trending: Specifically the Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Crème Brûlée flavors. It’s a mix of nuts, yogurt bites, and pretzels. Warning: highly addictive; users report finishing the jar in two days.
12. Specially Selected Honey Sampler Set
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Price: ~$8.99
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Viral Consensus: Hit (Great Gift)
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Why it’s trending: A set of 6 small jars (Orange Blossom, Lavender, etc.). Shoppers are buying these in bulk to break apart for stocking stuffers or to pair with the cheeses mentioned above.
