10 Frozen Foods You Should Always Buy At Aldi
Aldi is a German-based grocery store chain with a growing international fan base. It has over 10,000 stores located across the world, including 2,000 in the United States. In 2022, the supermarket said it planned to accelerate its American growth even further by opening an additional 150 stores in the states, according to Business Insider. The company continued this fast expansion track in 2023, as it has already opened at least three grocery stores in January alone, per Winsight Grocery Business. All of this growth means that there will be more people shopping at Aldi for the first time.
With not only low prices but exclusive brands, Aldi shoppers have grown an attachment to the chain's various items. Some of the most beloved Aldi products – according to shoppers — are the greek yogurt, sparkling water, white cheddar cheese, gluten-free pancake mix, and street corn dips. But many of the chain's most celebrated goods are found in the frozen food section.
Frozen food is not to be slept on. While it's not as fresh as buying all of the ingredients from the produce aisle, it can be more nutritious than canned food, per UCLA Health. Plus, it's usually more convenient and affordable than making everything from scratch. At Aldi, you can find most of every type of food in frozen form. There is meat, seafood, vegan products, fruit, dessert, and vegetables within the frozen aisles. To find out what frozen foods you should always buy at Aldi, read on.
1. Mama Cozzi's Pizza
Aldi fans can't get enough of its Mama Cozzi's pizza. These pizzas can also be found in the deli section of the store, but the frozen section comes with the assurance that your pizza will last longer, allowing you to have a near-instant meal on hand. While there are several varieties of frozen Italian pies sold at Aldi, Mama Cozzi's are the star of the show.
All pies come with their delicious thin crust, helping to ensure that your pizza stays crisp in the oven. These pizzas also come with various toppings. If you like meat, you can try the combo pizza (complete with pepperoni and sausage toppings), the four-meat pizza (with beef, sausage, pepperoni, and Canadian bacon), or the pepperoni pizza. If you prefer something more simple, Mama Cozzi's comes in the form of a plain cheese pizza as well.
On Reddit, users celebrated this delicious frozen pizza series sold at Aldi. "The $2 dollar Mama Cozzi's frozen thin crust is serviceable for the price, I'd buy it again," said one person. Another fan of the pizza added, "Sometimes a really cheap frozen pizza really hits the spot." "These are a staple in my house, but with added spices and extra cheese. An easy dinner when life is busy," shared another Aldi shopper. "We add fresh thinly sliced basil & crushed red pepper flakes. A frozen pizza can be jazzed any number of ways and made for dinner in a pinch," said another Mama Cozzi's supporter.
2. Earth Grown Vegan Meatballs
Aldi's vegan meatballs are a great alternative protein for those that are looking for a meat-free meal. Since they are frozen, you can easily heat them and add them to any dish that needs a slightly more filling or protein-packed element — but without the animal cruelty.
These meatless meatballs are made by the exclusive Aldi brand Earth Grown, and they come in two varieties. The Classic Meatless Meatballs are made with soy protein, parsley, and garlic. This more toned-down version makes them suitable for dishes like a vegan meatball sandwich as the product's packaging indicates. The Zesty Italian Meatless Meatballs variety are made with soy protein, basil, onion, herbs, and garlic. This combination of flavors might make them more suited for use in pasta dishes, like spaghetti and meatballs, of course.
On the food review website abillion, Aldi shoppers seconded our recommendation of this frozen product. "I really love these meatballs. They have really good seasoning and flavor," wrote one reviewer. "Great addition to tomato sauce and vegan cheese. Easy to cook up and fun to spice," shared another person. "Hearty texture that holds up well even if sitting in sauce for a long time. I cook them in the air fryer first, then add to sauce to simmer. Found at Aldi," said yet another fan.
3. Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets
The Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets are probably the most famous Aldi product. These frozen goodies are so popular that they have their own Facebook group with over 24,000 passionate members. The fan base has even given the product the nickname "red bag chicken." Supporters say this item tastes a bit like Chick-fil-A, which is a massive seal of approval. Due to the coveted status of Chick-fil-A's chicken sandwiches and nuggets, even coming close to the quality of this fast food chain is exciting. Detractors note that the Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets are not the healthiest out there. However, it could be something to enjoy on occasion as a treat.
On the product's packaging, Aldi describes this product as "fully cooked breaded chicken breast with rib meat." On the Aldi website, the supermarket boasts that this chicken is made without steroids or hormones. This is not unique because no chicken raised in the United States is allowed to receive hormones or steroids (via the National Chicken Council). However, as Consumer Reports explains, this also doesn't mean the chicken is organic, either. But this all goes to show that nutritional content is not what brings Aldi fans coming back for more. "Red bag chicken" is famous for its taste after all.
"Promptly drove back to Aldi and bought another bag. I'm a changed man. I'm never going to Chick-fil-A again," wrote one fan who purchased the chicken. Keep in mind, this item sells out often. If you want to get your hands on it, get to Aldi early.
4. Seafood
If you're a pescatarian, you can get your fix easily in Aldi's freezer aisles. There are so many kinds of frozen seafood options available. There is shrimp, scallops, flounder, tilapia, imitation crab, cod, salmon, mussels, and tuna. Having a bag or two of these frozen seafood items will add freshness and nutrition to any last-minute meal. Some of them even come prepared with seasonings that take even more of the work off of your shoulders.
One of the most popular frozen seafood items is Aldi's Specially Selected Mussels. For a more simple version, you can purchase the natural version of Specially Selected Mussels. This item comes with mussels with fewer additional flavorings. But if you want seafood with more of a punch, there are options for you as well. There is an additional variety of mussels that have already been packaged with a pre-made sauce that adds layers of flavor. The fish come in garlic butter or tomato garlic sauce. Consider yourself lucky if you can get your hands on a bag of those because they are popular.
People also love Aldi's Specially Selected Ahi Tuna Steaks. "I make poke bowls with these and they're great," said one Reddit fan. "They're a staple in my freezer. They taste good, and being individually wrapped keep really well and are super easy for solo servings," shared another Aldi shopper. It's not the fanciest seafood out there, but people love the versatility and affordability of it.
5. Whole & Simple Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Aldi's Chicken quinoa bowls are another standout frozen food. These instant meal bowls come from the brand's Whole & Simple exclusive brand of products. If you like protein and nutrient-dense dishes, macro bowls, or meals made for one person, this is the Aldi frozen food for you.
This item comes in two varieties: The Mediterranean Style Chicken Quinoa Bowl comes with added ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, brown rice, red bell peppers, and spinach. Meanwhile, the Southwestern Style Chicken Quinoa Bowl is made with sweet potatoes, brown rice, black beans, bell peppers, and corn. These recipes provide a well-rounded meal of protein, grains, and vegetables — even if all of those items are initially frozen.
The website Aldi Reviewer sampled the Mediterranean Style Chicken Quinoa Bowl and described the product as packed with grains and vegetables, but light on chicken. The flavor was also subdued, aside from some scattered hints of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. The reviewer liked both bowls but was more complimentary towards the Southwestern Style Chicken Quinoa Bowl. On Reddit, a user echoed this sentiment, praising the bowls. "Very flavorful, plenty of chicken and veggies. Just the right amount of heat. I'm hoping they have them again," they wrote.
6. My/Mochi Ice Cream
One especially delicious Aldi dessert is My/Mochi's Mochi Ice Cream. It consists of ice cream coated in a layer of sweet rice dough. If you're unfamiliar with mochi, but like eating ice cream or chewy treats, you must give this a try. It's like a new take on the ice cream sandwich that's a wonderful way to end a meal. The price of one package of My/Mochi at Aldi is $4.97, at the time of publication. This means purchasing My/Mochi at Aldi is cheaper than through Amazon, where you'll likely pay at least $7 per package.
Per Aldi, the My/Mochi available in-store comes in three flavors. There is a cookies and cream flavor, in which the ice cream is described as cookie-flavored, with additional cookie pieces. The other two varieties come in the form of mango and strawberry mochi ice cream. In all of these versions, both the interior and exterior offer two kinds of flavored sweetness.
On the review website Influenster, people were quick to rave about My/Mochi. "The mochi is really thick and has a great consistency, and the ice cream is wonderfully creamy in a way that is addictive. Other brands often have a very thin layer of mochi that I don't find as satisfying," one person wrote of the mango flavor. "They are extremely good, and taste a lot like the ones you eat in a Japanese restaurant! I have been a fan ever since," another reviewer said of the strawberry flavor.
7. Season's Choice Frozen Fruit
If you are a smoothie maker, fruit is something that you need in your fridge. Having several bags of various fruits allows you to quickly whip up a healthy drink at a moment's notice. Plus, you don't have to worry about using up your fruit in an entirely efficient manner. You can prepare for emergency smoothie-making situations in Aldi's freezer aisle.
The section has various types of bagged frozen fruit, and all come from the Aldi discount brand Season's Choice. You can buy individual fruits like blueberries, strawberries, pineapples, or mangoes. Aldi shoppers can also purchase mixed bags of fruit like the Season's Choice Berry Medley (with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries), the Season's Choice Mixed Fruit Blend (with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches), or the Season's Choice Tropical Blend (with pineapple, mango, strawberries, and papaya).
Fans of Aldi's frozen fruit celebrated the supermarket's products on Reddit. "Hands down the best for smoothies. I end up finding this maybe once a month at my Aldi. ...I have started grabbing two now," said one person. "I like to add it to a glass of wine. Keeps it cold like ice without watering it down, and adds a little sweetness," wrote another fan. "We use this blend daily, usually mixed with the tropical blend, plus a banana & spinach added. So seedy but also super tasty," shared one other megafan of Aldi's frozen fruit selection.
8. Fusia Asian Inspirations Chicken
Trader Joe's is not the only supermarket chain with high-quality frozen orange chicken. Aldi also sells it as well. The supermarket has two types of Asian-inspired frozen chicken products sold by the brand Fusia Asian Inspirations. These products allow you to create a meal similar to the one you'd get by ordering Chinese takeout, but using only the ingredients in your freezer. It may not taste the same, but you will also save money in doing so.
Aldi's Fusia Asian Inspirations come in two different varieties. The Mandarin Orange Chicken variety tastes a little like Trader Joe's frozen orange chicken or even Panda Express's beloved version. Then, there is General Tso's flavor of the Aldi product. While the chicken will have a similar texture in each variety, the sauce will not be the same. Per Greatist, General Tso's chicken tastes spicier and less tangy than orange chicken.
The blog À La Aldi reviewed both chicken products, giving us a run-down of their taste. The website described the Mandarin Orange Chicken as sweeter than usual, and they missed the hint of spice and tang that is expected from orange chicken. However, À La Aldi still called the chicken one of their favorite products from the supermarket chain. When reviewing the General Tso version, this blog appreciated the punch of flavor that was lacking from the orange chicken. Both were satisfactory, but if you like spice, go with the latter product.
9. Season's Choice Frozen Vegetables
Stocking up on vegetables can be as useful as stocking up on frozen fruit. You can't make a smoothie with vegetables, but you can make something similar. Throw a few handfuls of carrots, peas, broccoli, and cauliflower into a pan and you have the beginnings of stir-fry. You can also use ingredients like these to make a delicious soup, curry, veggie-filled pasta, and casserole among other recipes. It may not sound the freshest, but having frozen vegetables on hand can save you on a night when you're not making it to the grocery store.
Even if you only like one vegetable, you might be able to find it in Aldi's freezer aisle. There are frozen green beans, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, peas, corn, butternut squash, spinach, and broccoli. You can purchase cauliflower that is in its typical form, or cauliflower that's been divided into rice-sized bits. Then, there are a handful of vegetable blends to try out. Aldi's Season's Choice Steamable California Medley comes with broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, while the Season's Choice Steamable Asian Medley includes broccoli, carrots, and baby corn. Finally, the Season's Choice Broccoli Stir Fry is made with broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas. These mixes are intentionally made with vegetables that freeze well, ensuring you won't have mushy ingredients when they are defrosted.
On the review website abillion, Aldi shoppers celebrated the store's Steamed Broccoli Stir Fry. "A shoutout to this Aldi product. So reasonably priced and veggies are a must as a side dish," wrote one person.
10. Belmont Cheesecake
If you're more into pies or cakes than ice cream, there is something for you too in Aldi's freezer aisle. The international supermarket chain sells frozen cheesecake; a dessert that consists of a sweet, cream cheese-filled base that sits atop a graham cracker crust. The cheesecake, made by the brand Belmont, comes in packages containing two slices each.
The Belmont Cheesecake Twin Packs come in three varieties: Strawberry (regular cheesecake laced with red ribbons of real strawberry fruit puree), Turtle (regular cheesecake topped with chocolate, caramel, and pecans), and New York-Style Cheesecake. The latter type refers to the type you are most likely already familiar with if you live in the United States. A New York-style cheesecake is identified for its rich filling, graham cracker crust, and occasional toppings of cherries or strawberries. Aldi's version doesn't have a fruit topping, allowing shoppers to focus on the creamy and tangy flavor at the dessert's heart.
As expected, Aldi shoppers rave about these frozen cheesecake slices. "The Belmont cheesecake is so freaking good. I'm not a cheesecake person, but the 2-serving containers are perfect and taste fantastic," wrote one fan. "Normally I think cheesecake is too tangy and overpowering, but this cheesecake is well-balanced and perfectly sweetened," said another person. "It really is so good! My mom and I decided it was as good as, if not better than the stuff from the Cheesecake Factory. Now I wish I'd bought some when I was at Aldi yesterday," shared another positive reviewer.