The 5 Foods I Never Buy from Aldi’s Produce Section

Aldi is a terrific grocery store for budget-minded consumers—it's affordable and diverse in its selection of products. Plus, Aldi partnered with DoorDash for its program, Summer of DashPass, which helps you save even more money on purchases all season long. However, to be fair, it’s definitely not the best grocery store to shop at for fresh fruits and vegetables. “The produce section at Aldi tends to receive more negative feedback than other stores,” says registered dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD. 

That being said, Aldi’s low prices on produce are unbeatable, and if you’re monitoring your grocery budget carefully to cut back on spending, then buying produce from Aldi can be beneficial. Although it can "lack variety in produce, and it may not have certain foods you’d be able to find at larger chain grocery stores, like purple cauliflower or jackfruit,” Best explains. And, it can even be challenging to find certain produce staples. “The more commonly used produce items are often low in stock and not restocked quickly,” Best notes. So, it’s not unlikely for the store to be sold out of popular, common produce items on any day you show up. 

“The quality of produce can also be questionable at times, from mealy apples to overripe avocados, and produce from Aldi often spoils faster than if it were from a different grocery store (especially larger chain stores). Plus, there are a few notable items found in the produce section at Aldi that are among the worst items to buy from Aldi, in general. 

These are the five foods you shouldn't buy from Aldi's produce section. 

Berries

If you can’t resist fresh berries, especially in the summer when they’re in season, you should probably shop for them at a different grocery store. “Berries at Aldi are often criticized for their short shelf life and occasional lack of freshness,” Best says. You can always maximize the freshness of berries by storing them in the refrigerator and being mindful of time, so that you eat them all within a few days before they grow mold and spoil. 

“Instead, consider purchasing whole fruits, like apples or oranges, which tend to have a longer shelf life,” Best suggests. Plus, it’s easier to check for signs of spoilage, pests and insects, and any other signs of poor quality on these types of produce when you’re shopping and in the store. 

Avocados

There’s been some negative feedback about the avocados from Aldi. “Some customers have reported that Aldi's avocados are often underripe, while others say they may spoil too quickly,” Best says. Either way, there seems to be an issue, as a consensus, which makes them less desirable. 

If you have your heart set on avocado and can’t go to another store, inspect the fruit carefully in the store to try and find the best one. “To find a ripe avocado, gently squeeze it in your hand—it should yield slightly to pressure,” Best says. “If you buy unripe avocados, store them at room temperature and in a paper bag with a banana or apple, so they’ll ripen faster,” Best recommends. 

Lettuce

Bagged leafy greens can be a tough item for any grocery store to get right, since sometimes the bag can be excessively moist, causing the greens to spoil sooner. “Aldi's bagged lettuce has received mixed reviews, and some customers find it to be wilted and lacking in freshness,” Best says. 

“Instead, opt for whole heads of lettuce, such as romaine or iceberg, which are easier to store properly for an extended shelf-life. “To keep lettuce crisp and fresh for longer, wash and dry it thoroughly, and then store the dry lettuce leaves in a breathable bag or container, which you can keep cold and in the refrigerator,” Best says.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are also among the worst types of produce to buy from Aldi. “While Aldi offers tomatoes at competitive prices, some shoppers find the quality to be inconsistent, with occasional issues, such as overripeness or a mealy texture,” Best says. It’s a good idea to buy tomatoes from a different grocery store if you’re looking for top-notch quality, as opposed to a price cut. 

However, if you do want to buy tomatoes from Aldi, make sure to inspect them in the store before checking out. “Choose tomatoes that are firm and plump and have a smooth skin and vibrant color,” Best explains. And, store them correctly at home to avoid early spoilage as best as possible. “Store them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to allow them to ripen fully,” Best says.

Citrus Fruits

Aldi’s citrus fruits haven’t received too many positive reviews, so you might want to skip them. “While Aldi's citrus fruits are generally affordable, some customers have reported that they can be dry or lack flavor,” Best explains. Of course, you can still try and find a nice orange or grapefruit that looks juicy and teeming with flavor. “When selecting citrus fruits, choose ones that feel heavy for their size, as the added weight is often an indication of being juicier,” Best notes. 

At home, stash them in the fridge to help them last longer. “To maintain freshness, store citrus fruits in the refrigerator, but once you’re ready to eat them, let them sit out for a bit at room temperature first, which helps ensure the greatest flavor,” Best says.