Aldi’s Fall Delights: A Journey Through Seasonal Sensations
The Ultimate Aldi Fall Food Review I Tried 16 Delicious Treats and Can't Wait to Stock Up Again!
Tried 16 of Aldi’s fall foods, would repurchase most.
Aldi has stocked its shelves with autumnal products for fall and I tried a bunch of them. – Paige Bennett
Aldi, the ultimate playground for food enthusiasts, always surprises its customers with fun and quirky new items. When fall arrives, this supermarket chain truly outdoes itself by bringing out the big guns with an array of pumpkin, apple, maple, and squash products. Intrigued by the promise of autumnal flavors, I embarked on a culinary adventure, tasting all that Aldi had to offer. Let’s dive into this pumpkin-infused paradise and see which gems I would gladly buy again.
The Curious Case of Pumpkin Risotto
The Season’s Choice pumpkin-spelt risotto is frozen. – Paige Bennett
Let’s start with a taste of Italy in the form of pumpkin risotto. As a risotto lover, I was thrilled to find a convenient frozen option. The Season’s Choice pumpkin risotto swaps out the traditional rice for spelt, an ancient grain that brings a delightful twist to the dish. The package instructions suggested a seven-minute cooking time, but it took me twice as long to achieve that perfect al dente texture. A touch of salt and some grated cheese elevated the flavors, turning this slightly bland dish into a piping hot bowl of comfort.
The Butternut-Squash Twist
The Season’s Choice risotto contains butternut squash and rice. – Paige Bennett
Continuing our risotto journey, let’s explore the Season’s Choice butternut-squash risotto. Made with rice instead of spelt, this alternative risotto option promises the same veggie goodness. Although I enjoyed this version, the spelt stole the show with its chewier texture. However, it’s all a matter of personal preference, and both options will satisfy any risotto lover’s cravings.
Heavenly Caramel Corn
I rarely eat popcorn, but I loved the Specially Selected caramel corn. – Paige Bennett
Time for a sweet treat! Specially Selected’s pumpkin-cheesecake-drizzled caramel corn is an absolute must-try for any snack lover. This delectable combination of caramel-coated popcorn with a pumpkin cheesecake drizzle is a match made in snack heaven. The texture of the popcorn is perfectly light and crispy, with just the right amount of sweetness. And let’s be honest, I may or may not have devoured multiple servings while watching my favorite fall films. Who knew I could fall in love with popcorn?
The Quest for Pumpkin-Infused Yogurt
Greek yogurt is high in protein. – Paige Bennett
Next on the list is a fall twist on a breakfast staple: the Friendly Farms pumpkin-pie Greek yogurt. As a yogurt enthusiast, I was excited to try out this pumpkin-pie-flavored delight. However, I must admit, the taste of the actual pumpkin was barely present. The tanginess of the Greek yogurt overpowered the faint pumpkin flavor, leaving me craving a touch more sweetness. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup, along with a sprinkle of granola, could have elevated this yogurt to pumpkin-infused perfection.
Apple Chips: A Bag Full of Surprises
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Clancy’s apple chips. – Paige Bennett
Now, let’s crunch our way through Clancy’s apple chips. As a devoted fresh apple connoisseur, I was skeptical about trying apple chips. However, these bite-sized delights pleasantly surprised me. The chips, dusted with cinnamon, provided the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy. Although I wished the bag wasn’t mostly filled with nitrogen gas to keep the chips fresh, the taste made up for the lack of quantity. Whether enjoyed on their own or dipped in a dessert sauce, these apple chips are a delightful fall snack.
Pumpkin-Spice Yogurt Pretzels: A Twist on a Classic
Clancy’s pretzels are covered in pumpkin-spice yogurt. – Paige Bennett
Let’s take a playful detour with Clancy’s pumpkin-spice yogurt pretzels. These pretzels, covered in a light-orange, pumpkin-flavored yogurt coating, bring a whole new dimension to snack time. Previous encounters with pumpkin-spice pretzels had left me disappointed, as they often tasted too sweet or excessively artificial. However, Aldi’s version struck the perfect balance between sweet and salty. The mild pumpkin-spice flavor dances gracefully with the crunchy pretzel, offering a unique taste sensation that leaves you craving more.
Benton’s Apple-Cider-Doughnut Creme Cookies: A Bitter Disappointment
Benton’s apple-cider-doughnut creme cookies sounded amazing. – Paige Bennett
On our journey, we encounter a tragic culinary mishap: Benton’s apple-cider-doughnut creme cookies. With flavors reminiscent of apple cider and doughnuts, my hopes were high for these treats. Unfortunately, the reality fell short of my expectations. The overpowering sweetness and artificial taste left a bitter aftertaste. As much as I wanted to embrace this combination of fall favorites, this is one snack I won’t be going back for.
Belmont’s Pumpkin Bundt Cake: A Sweet Surprise
Belmont’s pumpkin Bundt cake does not include the pictured icing. – Paige Bennett
Let’s move on to a fall dessert delight: Belmont’s pumpkin Bundt cake. The packaging leaves a bit to be desired, as the picture promises a sumptuous icing that is, unfortunately, not included. However, looks can be deceiving, and this cake packs a flavorful punch. Moist, soft, and pumpkin-infused, it satisfies all your autumn cravings. The only downside? The chewy pecans scattered throughout the cake. While some may enjoy the nutty addition, I personally prefer a nut-free experience.
Benton’s Maple Bundt Cake: A Sweet Victory
I was intrigued by Benton’s maple Bundt cake. – Paige Bennett
Continuing our sweet adventure, let’s savor Benton’s maple Bundt cake. Like its pumpkin-flavored cousin, this cake arrives in all its maple glory. Lighter in color and texture, it boasts a unique moistness that sets it apart from other cakes. The maple flavor shines through, satisfying those with a sweet tooth while still delivering a hint of that delightful autumn aura. Served plain or adorned with a scoop of ice cream, this cake is guaranteed to make you fall head over heels.
Sundae Shoppe Pumpkin-Spice Ice Cream: A Creamy Dream
The Sundae Shoppe pumpkin-spice ice cream didn’t need any add-ins. – Paige Bennett
Now, it’s time to cool down our taste buds with the Sundae Shoppe pumpkin-spice ice cream. Although it may appear simple and unassuming in its packaging, this frozen treat is anything but ordinary. Velvety smoothness, a harmonious blend of spices, and just the right amount of sweetness make every scoop a delight. What truly sets this ice cream apart is its remarkable texture. Unlike other pints that harden into impenetrable blocks, this pumpkin-spice delight remains smooth and scoopable, making it a dream to enjoy. Who needs chunky add-ins when you have perfection in a pint?
Reggano Fall-Shaped Pasta: A Feast for the Eyes
Reggano’s fall pasta contains shapes like pumpkins and leaves. – Paige Bennett
Let’s end our culinary exploration with a touch of whimsy: Reggano fall-shaped pasta. This package of pasta brings the colors and charm of autumn straight to your plate with noodles shaped like pumpkins, leaves, and other seasonal delights. Aside from being visually appealing, the pasta itself is a delight to cook. While the green leaves hold their shape admirably, the pumpkin-shaped noodles bring a playful touch to any dish. Although these noodles taste like standard pasta, they’re a surefire way to infuse your mealtime with a dash of fall spirit.
Nature’s Nectar Sparkling Pumpkin-Spice Apple Cider: The Perfect Autumn Refresher
Each pack comes with four Nature’s Nectar pumpkin-spice apple ciders. – Paige Bennett
Let’s wash down our fall feast with a refreshing sip of Nature’s Nectar sparkling pumpkin-spice apple cider. This non-alcoholic alternative to beer or hard cider brings the flavors of pumpkin and spice to your celebrations. Served in elegantly designed glass bottles, this cider imparts the essence of fall. Despite not being as bubbly as anticipated, it offers a delightful blend of cinnamon apple sauce flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to your seasonal gatherings.
The Bake Shop Apple-Cider Doughnuts: Fall’s Greatest Mystery
I wish The Bake Shop apple-cider doughnuts were more moist. – Paige Bennett
Lastly, we come to The Bake Shop apple-cider doughnuts, a quintessential fall treat. The promise of apple-cider-infused doughnuts conjured images of warm spices and moist, indulgent bites. However, reality didn’t quite live up to the dream. While the flavor of these doughnuts was undeniably sweet and enjoyable, the texture left something to be desired. The lack of moistness left them a touch dry, making each bite a slightly disappointing experience. Nevertheless, when paired with a piping hot cup of apple cider or a dunk in a robust cup of coffee, these doughnuts become a delightful fall affair.
In conclusion, Aldi’s fall offerings have their highs and lows, but the overall experience is a journey worth embarking on. From risotto to flavored whipped toppings, caramel corn to pumpkin-spice ice cream, Aldi brings the flavors of autumn to your table. So, the next time you find yourself in the aisles of this whimsical supermarket, don’t hesitate to grab a few fall favorites and indulge in the magic of the season.
