Aldi Review: Three Quick Hits - And A Miss!

Here are three Aldi products I've tried recently and LIKED, and one I didn't...

First, the three "Hits":

Baker's Corner Baking Mix

 If you use Bisquick® baking mix, I think you'll be happy with this Baker's Corner Baking Mix. As far as I can tell, it's exactly the same product and can be used for anything that you'd use Biscquick® for. I've used it to make both pancackes and biscuits, and they both turned out just fine.

Friendly Farms Greek Nonfat Yogurt

Greek style yogurt has become increasingly popular in the US lately, and I was very happy to see Aldi come out with their version. Greek yogurt is a little more tart and thicker than most typical yogurts - and it has a LOT more protein. The Friendly Farms Greek Yogurt is a fine alternative to higher-priced yogurts you'll find in other stores, and the plain variety is particularly useful in recipes!

Grandessa Jalapeño Hot Salsa

There was a commenter last week (good morning skirnirh!) who asked me if I had ever tried or reviewed the Grandessa fresh salsa. I buy this salsa all the time, it's one of my favorite items - I don't know why I didn't review it for you sooner! There are several varieties available, but the Jalapeño is my favorite. To me it really does taste like the salsa you'd find at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant. It's fresh and full of flavor. It does pack a bit of heat, so if you don't care for the hot stuff, try the Mild or Sweet Onion styles. They're all good, but I prefer the Grandessa Hot Jalapeño variety - you'll find it in the refrigerated case.

*** Plus I just learned how to type that letter N with the little squiggly thing on top - how cool is THAT???


And now, for the one "Miss":

Beaumont House Blend Coffee

What is it about Aldi's Beaumont coffee? You've seen me review the Beaumont Pumpkin Spice Coffee here, and the Beaumont Donut Store Coffee here. I LOVED the Donut Store coffee, and didn't care for the Pumpkin Spice.

How can the Donut Store coffee be so good, and the Beaumont House Blend Coffee be so bad? I don't get it! When you open a bag of coffee, you expect to be greeted with a rich coffee aroma, but this stuff doesn't smell like coffee at all. I don't know if it's been poorly roasted, or poorly handled, or just plain old, but it doesn't smell right to me. And unfortunately, it tastes just like it smells.

With the rich, full-flavored Donut Store Coffee sitting on the shelf right next to this House Blend Coffee, there's no reason in the world to choose the House Blend.

Thank goodness for the Aldi "Double Guarantee" - I got my money back with no hassle at all. But I let them keep the coffee, I didn't want it replaced.

So, there you go - three keepers and one dud. Have you picked up something at Aldi you loved, or maybe hated? Does your experience match mine, or do you have a different opinion? As always, feel free to let me know in the comments!

-Jeff the Aldi Shopper