5 Produce Items I Avoid at Aldi

Aldi is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious shoppers, offering affordable prices and a wide variety of products. With their partnership with DoorDash for the Summer of DashPass program, you can save even more on deliveries. However, when it comes to fresh produce, Aldi isn't always the top pick. The store's produce section tends to get more negative reviews compared to other grocers, according to registered dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD.

Despite the mixed feedback, Aldi's prices on produce are hard to beat, making it a great option for those looking to save. However, you might find some limitations in variety, as Aldi may not carry specialty items like purple cauliflower or jackfruit, as Best mentions. Additionally, popular produce can be in short supply and often remains out of stock longer than expected, especially in high-demand seasons.

Produce quality at Aldi can also be inconsistent, with some items like apples and avocados being prone to over-ripeness or poor texture. In fact, produce from Aldi sometimes spoils more quickly than what you might find at other grocery stores, especially larger chains. There are certain items in their produce section that often rank among the worst to buy, according to experts.

Here are the five produce items you should skip when shopping at Aldi.

Berries

If fresh berries are your weakness, especially during the summer months when they’re in peak season, you might want to shop elsewhere. According to Best, Aldi’s berries often receive criticism for their short shelf life and occasional lack of freshness. To make them last longer, you can store them in the fridge and consume them within a few days before they start to spoil.

Best suggests opting for whole fruits like apples or oranges instead, as they typically have a longer shelf life. These fruits are also easier to inspect for any signs of damage, spoilage, or pests, giving you more control over quality while you shop.

Avocados

Aldi's avocados have received mixed reviews. Some customers report that they are often underripe, while others complain that they spoil too quickly. This inconsistency has led to a general consensus that makes them a less appealing option for many shoppers.

If you're set on buying avocado but can't go to another store, take extra care when selecting them. Best recommends gently squeezing the fruit in your hand; it should give slightly to pressure when ripe. If you find unripe avocados, store them at room temperature in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed up the ripening process.

Lettuce

Bagged leafy greens can be tricky to get right, as moisture in the bag can cause them to spoil quickly. According to Best, Aldi's bagged lettuce often gets mixed reviews, with some customers reporting it to be wilted and lacking in freshness.

Instead of bagged lettuce, try whole heads like romaine or iceberg, which tend to last longer when stored properly. Best suggests washing and drying the leaves thoroughly, then storing them in a breathable bag or container in the fridge to maintain their crispness for a longer period.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are among the less favorable produce options at Aldi. While their prices are competitive, some customers report inconsistencies in quality, such as overripeness or a mealy texture, according to Best. If you prioritize quality over price, it may be worth considering a different store for tomatoes.

If you do decide to buy tomatoes from Aldi, inspect them carefully before purchasing. Look for firm, plump tomatoes with smooth skin and vibrant color, as Best suggests. Additionally, store them correctly at home by keeping them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to ensure they ripen properly.

Citrus Fruits

Aldi's citrus fruits tend to have mixed reviews, so they might not always be your best bet. Best notes that while affordable, some citrus fruits from Aldi can be dry or lacking in flavor. If you're in the market for flavorful fruits, focus on those that appear juicy and vibrant. When picking citrus, choose fruits that feel heavy for their size, which usually indicates more juice.

To prolong the freshness of citrus fruits, store them in the fridge. However, for the best taste, let them sit out at room temperature before eating, as Best recommends, to ensure maximum flavor.