I tried 12 of Aldi's summer foods and drinks, and there are only 2 I wouldn't buy again

I tried 12 of Aldi's summer foods and drinks, and there are only 2 I wouldn't buy again
  • I tried seasonal products available at Aldi this summer and decided which ones I'd buy again.

  • The flavored potato chips and citrusy cookie thins were some of my favorite items.

  • I don't think I'd buy the white Stilton cheese or the Mediterranean-style chicken patties again.

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This lemon bow-tie pasta salad was one of the best premade pasta salads I've ever tried.

container of aldi-brand lemon bowtie pasta salad
I was a huge fan of this flavorful side. Katie Kelly for Insider

Pasta salad is essential to my summer diet.

Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight side dish, or you're in charge of bringing something to a barbecue, save yourself some time and pick this up at Aldi.

The lemon-pesto combination was so refreshing, and the overall flavor was outstanding.

I'm normally adamant about making my own pesto, but I would happily eat this one any day of the week.

If lemon and pesto aren't you're thing, it also comes in other flavors, like Mediterranean orzo, caprese, and zesty rotini.

Verdict: I highly recommend this product.

These Cuban-sandwich chips are unlike any flavor I've ever had, and I'm obsessed.

hand holding a chip outside of a bag of aldi cuban sandwhich flavored chips
These are my new favorite chips. Katie Kelly for Insider

These flavored chips are sweet and savory with a hint of pickle.

Cuban sandwiches have a lot of flavors going on all at once, and Aldi managed to get them all into one bite.

They're kettle-cooked, so they're a bit thicker and sturdier than a normal potato chip, which I also love.

These would be the perfect companion to any barbecue spread.

Verdict: I couldn't recommend these chips more. I've made everyone who comes to my house try them.

Similar to the Cuban-flavored chips, the Nashville hot-chicken chips looked super interesting.

hand holding chip in front of bag of aldi nashville hot chicken chips
These chips have a bit of a kick to them. Katie Kelly for Insider

These tasted exactly like Jay's Hot Stuff chips in the best way. If you like spicy, these are the perfect chips for you.

I tried these first and really liked them. But, then I tried the Cuban flavor and loved them even more. If I had to pick between them, I'd go with Cuban-sandwich-flavored ones.

But these would still be a perfect addition to any summer barbecue.

Verdict: These are so good and so flavorful for a potato chip. But know that they do pack some spice.

I had to try Aldi's seasonal cheese selection, which I featured on a charcuterie board.

colorful charcuterie board featuring aldi cheeses, crackers, meats, and veggies
There was only one cheese I didn't like. Katie Kelly for Insider

I tried the white Stilton with blueberries, mango-chili goat cheese, cherry goat cheese, and marinated mozzarella pearls.

The cherry goat cheese was my favorite by far. It was sweet, but it still went perfectly with a slice of prosciutto.

I think it would be perfect for an appetizer board or even a dessert board. I can't wait to try it with a piece of dark chocolate.

My second favorite was the marinated mozzarella pearls. These are such a classic and never disappoint.

They would be perfect in a homemade caprese salad, pasta salad, or on a charcuterie board.

My third favorite was the mango-chili goat cheese, which definitely packed a spice. If you don't do spicy, you wouldn't like this cheese, but if you're a fan, I couldn't recommend it more.

I liked pairing this with prosciutto because the fattiness of the meat balanced out the spicy flavors really well.

The only cheese I didn't like was the white Stilton with blueberries.

I thought the texture was off — it felt more like vegan, nut-based cheese — and it was chalky.

Verdict: I highly recommend the cherry goat cheese, marinated mozzarella pearls, and mango-chili goat cheese. But I wouldn't buy the white Stilton with blueberries again.

I also added this dill dip to my charcuterie board.

hand holding container of aldi dill dip
It tasted homemade. Katie Kelly for Insider

Dill dip is one of my favorite summer snacks.

It's perfect for dipping by the pool, adding to an appetizer board, or even dressing a salad.

I think it's pretty easy to make at home, but this store-bought version from Aldi is full of flavor. It's just as good as my homemade recipe.

Verdict: Save yourself some time and buy this dip on your next Aldi run.

I already love the store's cookie thins, so I was excited to try the summery flavors.

hand holding key lime cookie thin in front of pack (left) land holding lemon cookie thin in front of pack (right)
Both flavors were delicious. Katie Kelly for Insider

I tried the key lime- and lemon-flavored cookie thins, and they did not disappoint. They're the perfect summer cookie.

They've fused together the right amount of citrus flavor with butter and sugar, and they're so thin and crispy.

They would make perfect mini ice-cream sandwiches, and I'm also planning on crumbling them over a bowl of ice cream.

Verdict: You need these key-lime and lemon cookie thins in your life. They're the perfect, light summer dessert.

I had to try the Pearsecco because I love a good dry cider in the summer.

hand holding can of aldi brand pearsecco cider
This wasn't too sweet. Katie Kelly for Insider

This Pearsecco cider is so crisp and light. It would be perfect for sipping by the pool.

It tastes like a dry sparkling white wine mixed with a hint of fresh pear juice.

I've truly never had a cider quite like it, and it definitely doesn't resemble Aldi's traditional Wicked Grove cider because it's far less sweet.

Whenever I'm having a wine night but don't really feel like drinking wine, this will be the perfect in-between drink.

Verdict: If you like dry cocktails and dry prosecco, you'll probably love this cider. It's the perfect not-too-sweet, fruity summer drink.

I love making burger bowls in the summer, so I knew I had to try the Mediterranean-style chicken patties.

colorful burger bowl featuring an aldi mediterranean chicken pattie
The flavor was sort of bland. Katie Kelly for Insider

The patties come frozen with parchment paper in between, so it's easy to make just one or the whole batch.

They're full of red onions, roasted red peppers, spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, and spices.

I wish there was more spice and flavor. When I tried this burger on its own, it was pretty bland.

I decided to make a Greek-inspired burger bowl, and the flavors of all the added veggies, feta cheese, hummus, and dressing really overpowered the chicken patty.

Verdict: I'd pass on these next time. The lack of flavor was disappointing.

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