We asked chefs which snacks they never leave Aldi without

Chefs spend their days around food, so when they shop for snacks, they know exactly what to grab. Here’s what lands in their Aldi carts every time.

Key Points

• Professional chefs rely on Aldi for snacks that balance convenience, flavor and practicality.
• Chefs also use some of these snacks as convenience meals or meal shortcuts.
• Their picks represent a mix of fresh, refrigerated and shelf-stable options.

With so many snack options out there, a great snack has to do more than just taste good. It needs to be convenient, satisfying, nutritious and affordable. That’s one of the reasons Aldi has attained such a loyal following. The discount grocery chain is famous for keeping grocery bills reasonable, but many shoppers (including professional chefs) also swear by its quality snacks. At Aldi, food professionals regularly bypass name brands to stock up on reliable, store-brand staples.

We asked three culinary experts to share the budget-friendly, high-quality Aldi snacks they buy on repeat to stay fueled and satisfied. These six chef-approved picks prove you don’t need a specialty grocer or a big budget to snack well.

Southern Grove Hickory Smoked Almonds

“These are probably my most frequent Aldi snack purchase,” says Daniel Janetos, a French-trained chef and hospitality consultant. The hickory smoke-flavored almonds, he says, “have a great crunch, good flavor, healthy fats and enough staying power to actually keep me satisfied between meals.” Janetos says he looks for snacks that keep him going, and these smoky almonds check that box. He eats them straight from the bag when he needs something quick and filling.

His reasoning aligns closely with that of registered dietitian Kat Garcia-Benson, RDN, CSSD, LD, who says foods that provide protein and fiber generally do a better job of keeping you full. “These are great for a salty, crunchy snack with [unsaturated] fats,” she says, adding, “They are perfect for pairing with some kiwi or other fruit!”

Dark Chocolate Bars

Enjoying something sweet can absolutely fit into a balanced diet, especially when you reach for a few squares of high-quality dark chocolate. Chef Erica Wides is a major fan of Aldi’s dark chocolate selection, specifically pointing to the Choceur Smooth Dark Chocolate with Roasted Almonds Bar. “I eat one or two little squares a day, medicinally, of course,” Wides jokes, noting that she appreciates the absence of waxes and fillers. “It’s just high-quality chocolate and almonds.”

Janetos similarly leans on Moser Roth Sea Salt Dark Chocolate to satisfy a desire for something sweet. “A couple squares satisfy [my sweet tooth] without feeling excessive,” Janetos explains. “The quality is surprisingly high for the price point, and the sea salt creates a balanced sweet-salty flavor that keeps me coming back,” he says. 

Garcia-Benson points out there’s a nutritional upside to enjoying dark chocolate, too. A 1-ounce serving of 60%- to 69%-cacao dark chocolate contains 50 milligrams of magnesium. This mineral is involved in muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation and other important processes.

Park Street Deli Classic Chicken Salad with Pita Crackers

When chef Carla Contreras, a 25-year food industry veteran, needs something fast and portable, the ready-made Park Street Deli Classic Chicken Salad is her go-to protein. “It’s delicious and convenient for my very full life,” she says. She packs it alongside Aldi’s Savoritz Sea Salt Sourdough Pita Crackers for an on-the-go combo that works for commuting, picnics, road trips or flights. “I love the combo of protein with a crunchy snack,” says Contreras, who often uses it as part of a snacking plate with smoked salmon, yogurt and English cucumbers, or fresh berries, Cheddar and sliced almonds. “If I don’t have time for a full lunch, the chicken salad, crackers and cucumber slices can be packed and will keep me going through the afternoon,” she says. 

“This is a great, balanced snack,” agrees Garcia-Benson. “Protein and carbohydrates, plus a variety of textures for overall satisfaction.”

Specially Selected Avocado Tomatillo Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Wides calls the Specially Selected Avocado Tomatillo Salsa her favorite Aldi product, period. “It tastes really fresh and is a fraction of the price of other brands,” she says. She typically pairs it with Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips, another staple in her cart. “Their big bags of tortilla chips [are] half the price of supermarkets’, very fresh, crispy and tasty,” she says. 

Wides also treats the salsa as a shortcut ingredient for weeknight cooking, saying “it also makes a great quick sauce for grilled chicken or fish.” 

“Chips and salsa are a classic,” says Garcia-Benson, who makes another suggestion. “Consider also pairing with a little guacamole cup for some healthy fats and more staying power,” she says. It’s a simple way to make the snack more satisfying.

Kiwis

Wides hits the produce section specifically for fresh kiwis, eating two a day to support her digestion, especially during heavy travel periods. “Because I travel internationally a lot … my system gets a little out of whack, and kiwis are great for keeping you, um ... regular,” Wides confesses. “I eat two a day because it was recommended for lowering triglycerides, and also for digestion,” she says. “My triglyceride number went way down, so I believe it!”

Beyond Wides’ experience, kiwis are a solid nutritional pick in general. One medium kiwi fruit contains 64 mg of vitamin C and 2 grams of dietary fiber, making them a nutrient-dense addition to the day.

Wides prefers to peel hers, though she notes that the skin holds extra fiber for those who don’t mind eating it. Garcia-Benson is also a fan. “Kiwis are one of my favorite recommendations, especially for those experiencing constipation,” she says.

Simms Original Grass Fed Beef Sticks

For those long days packed with meetings, travel or running errands, protein-rich snacks can help keep hunger at bay between meals. Rounding out Janetos’ picks is a pocket-size protein snack. “When I’m traveling, working long days or spending time on the road, I gravitate toward protein,” he says. He likes these grass-fed, grass-finished beef sticks because they are portable, convenient and help keep him satisfied longer than other packaged snacks. Garcia-Benson likes them as “an easy grab-and-go protein option” that steps in seamlessly when you need something with a little more staying power. 

One of the 1.15-ounce 100% grass-fed beef sticks provides 10 grams of protein and zero grams of sugar for just 100 calories. For Janetos, a good snack should do more than simply taste good. In his ideal world, a “snack should ... satisfy hunger, contain recognizable ingredients and leave you feeling good afterward.” And these fit the bill.

Our Expert Take

Despite their differing preferences, all three chefs largely agreed on what makes a snack worth buying. Notably, it has to taste good, feel high-quality, satisfy hunger and fit easily into everyday life.

When seeking out your perfect snack, Garcia-Benson encourages you to focus on building satisfying combinations. “At a store like Aldi I’d think in mix-and-match snack combos,” she says. Pairing protein, fiber and produce can help create snacks that feel both satisfying and practical. She also encourages keeping the basics, like strained (Greek-style) yogurt and berries, or cheese with whole-grain crackers, in regular rotation. “Don’t sleep on simple staples,” she says. “They are often cheaper, more filling and easier to use ... in different ways.”

Whether that’s almonds and kiwi, chicken salad with crackers, or chips and salsa with guacamole, the goal is the same: finding snacks that provide both quick and sustainable energy. And judging by these chefs’ carts, Aldi has plenty of options worth shopping for.

Read the original article on EatingWell