Why Aldi Should Always Be Your First Stop For Fresh Fruit

Aldi's produce has gotten a bad rap over the years. Many people on the internet say never to buy fresh fruit and vegetables there (via Reddit). But why? WiseBread has stated in the past that Aldi's produce doesn't last as long as fresh fruit and veggies from other grocery store chains. 

However, according to a Business Insider article from 2017, Aldi planned on taking steps to address one of its reported produce issues with more stable refrigeration temperatures. Many years have passed since then, and Aldi has taken major steps to improve the quality and longevity of its produce. In fact, Reader's Digest states that produce is among the 15 things you should always buy at Aldi.

So, what makes Aldi produce suddenly so great? From Aldi's low prices to its freshly stocked products, you may want to make Aldi your one-stop shop for fresh fruit if you haven't already.

There are several reasons you'll want to start filling your cart with Aldi fruit, the first being that Aldi produce is restocked daily. Unlike some stores, which may leave produce sitting out for days, Aldi has fresh produce delivered daily and restocks shelves accordingly. Aldi's website states that not only is its fruit delivered on a daily basis, but each week you also can find a new selection of Aldi Finds, which are limited-time products at a reduced price. This includes fresh, seasonal fruit.

That said, you'll also be getting a bang for your buck, as Aldi is dedicated to providing quality products at a fraction of the cost. Although Aldi may not have a diverse selection of fruit options all year round, you can count on there always being fresh and affordable seasonal fruit in stock. 

Aldi hasn't just stepped up its game in terms of providing fresh and juicy fruit, but it now offers organic options, too. When CNBC compared how much it costs to buy organic food at Aldi, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Walmart in 2019, Aldi was found to be the winner. It sold 15 out of the 19 organic items the outlet was looking for and provided the best value at the best price.

Although Aldi is praised for its fresh produce and low prices, you'll still want to use common sense when selecting your produce, just like at any grocery store. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the first step to protecting you and your family from contaminated produce is to first and foremost examine the product before buying it and ensure it's not bruised or damaged.

The FDA also states that when buying packaged produce, such as salad or pre-cut fruit, be sure it's refrigerated or on ice. After checkout, bag your fresh fruits and veggies separately from raw meat to prevent any contamination.

Finally, upon returning home, wash and store your vegetables properly so they will not only stay fresher for longer but will be ready for use once you take them out of the refrigerator. Healthline states that the best cleaning method is to use plain, cool water to remove harmful residue from produce and then dry it thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel.