Best Things at Aldi This Year, Dietitian and Personal Trainer Couple | Invesloan.com

• I’m a dietitian and my husband is a personal trainer, and we loved shopping at Aldi this year.
• Frozen berries, Greek yogurt, beans, and salad kits have made it into our cart all year.
• I’ve also been loving the store’s pickled beets, artichoke hearts, and sardines.

As the year is wrapping up, I’m looking back at some of my favorite things I got at Aldi this year.

I’m a registered dietitian and my partner is a personal trainer, so we prioritize buying healthy and convenient foods that support our mind, body, and soul.

Luckily, the budget grocer stocks plenty of versatile products that can be used in a number of ways across all four seasons.

Here are my top end-of-the-year Aldi picks for 2024.

One of my favorite snacks this year was mini sweet peppers

The NatureSweet mini sweet peppers are great snacks or appetizers — especially when they’re stuffed with cream cheese and roasted.

It’s a sneaky (and tasty) way to add fiber to the menu during your upcoming Christmas party or end-of-year social gatherings.

The sweetness of the peppers isn’t overwhelming, but it’s just enough to make me want more.

I think breadcrumbs are underutilized

I love Aldi’s breadcrumbs. I typically buy the Italian and original flavors.

Breadcrumbs are great when you crave a satisfying crunch — but with less frying and more fiber per serving.

I use them to quickly add an extra layer of flavor to chicken, green tomatoes, and meatballs.

(Let’s get the brand/label here)

When I need a quick meal, I turn to Earth Grown’s plant-based burrito bowls

Toward the end of the year, when things are more hectic, I always find myself reaching for convenient meals.

Aldi’s plant-based Southwest burrito bowls have a nice balance of protein, vegetables, and fiber, and they only take 60 seconds to prepare.

The bowl can also be used as a filling for tacos and burritos.

Don’t underestimate a good marinara sauce

If you’re looking for a dipping sauce that’s lower in fat but still full of flavor, Aldi’s marinara is great.

I like to use it for breadsticks, cheese sticks, and meatballs — especially at holiday parties.

(Can we ask which one(s)? Specially Selected? Simply Nature? Any certain flavor? They sell a range of sauces from a few of their labels.)

I always have a few cans of Dakota’s Pride beans on hand

My husband and I like to keep four to five different types of beans in our pantry.

They come in handy when we’ve had a long day and don’t want to cook because they’re packed with nutrients and make quick bowls, stews, and soups.

We like to rinse them off before preparing to reduce the sodium a little.

Sliced beets are a nostalgic find for me

When I first saw sliced pickled beets in Aldi, I wanted to call my family because I remember eating them all the time growing up.

They’re great for charcuterie boards and can add extra flavor to so many meals.

Plus, the natural probiotics found in pickled beets are great for the gut.

Aldi’s frozen berry medley is up there with my favorite products of the year

We love the combination of sweet and tart flavors in the Season’s Choice berry medley.

Berries, which contain vitamin C, support healthy skin and can strengthen the heart by lowering blood pressure.

I use this to make quick holiday pies, easy morning smoothies, and naturally sweet bowls of oatmeal.

Artichoke hearts are low in fat and high in fiber

Artichokes are a staple ingredient in the dips we like to make on the weekend. They pack a nice dose of fiber, and they’re naturally low in fat and sodium.

I like to save the juice from the jar to use for marinades.

The Little Salad Bar kits get us through the week

The Little Salad Bar kits at Aldi have been a game changer for us. They’re our new go-to side dish.

No one likes to eat the same bland salad of lettuce, cucumber, and tomato every day. These make it easy to switch it up with very minimal effort.

Many of the included dressings have some good fats and complement the veggies and toppings perfectly.

Sardines are packed with nutrients

Some people turn their noses at sardines. However, they’re one of the most accessible and affordable ways to get your daily dose of omega-3s.

Omega-3s are fatty acids that are essential for heart health, so I always pick up a few tins of sardines. My husband eventually got used to the smell.

Yogurt is a staple in our fridge

I think my favorite grocery item at Aldi is the Friendly Farms Greek yogurt.

The price is great compared to other stores near us, and the variety of flavors allows us to mix and match each week.

Greek yogurt is a great source of lean protein. Plus, both my husband and I have a family history of diabetes, and some studies suggest that eating 2 cups of yogurt a week can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Click to keep reading Aldi diaries like this one.