What a Registered Dietitian Purchases at Aldi on a $75 Weekly Budget

      Grocery shopping is a chore that I genuinely enjoy, possibly due to my role as a registered dietitian or simply my personality. When I stroll through the aisles, I feel motivated to whip up nutritious meals that satisfy my cravings without compromising taste. I began shopping at Aldi during college when managing my budget was crucial, and even now, as an adult, Aldi remains my primary grocery destination because it allows me to get everything I need while staying within my budget.

      My weekly grocery budget varies based on what items I need to replenish. At Aldi, I aim to gather all my essentials for the week for under $75, giving me some flexibility to splurge on specialty items from another store without overspending. Below is a rundown of my typical Aldi shopping list while sticking to a $75 budget.

      1. Protein Bars ($4.49)

      I consider Elevation Maxx bars to be a budget-friendly alternative to RX bars, which I also enjoy. I've sampled all three flavors available at Aldi, and they never let me down. These bars are regulars on my shopping list because they are easy to toss into my work bag for a high-protein snack later.

      2. Avocado Oil ($6.59)

      Avocado oil is a fundamental item in my kitchen, used for frying eggs, sautéing veggies, and even for baking. It has a high smoke point, allowing cooking at temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit without burning, which makes it extremely versatile. I admit it can be pricey, so I ensure to include it in my Aldi list whenever I'm running low.

      3. Peanut Butter ($4.85)

      Aldi’s Simply Nature line boasts a range of affordable organic products. When selecting nut butters, I prefer those with minimal ingredients, and Aldi’s Simply Nature organic peanut butter meets that criterion.

      4. Greek Yogurt ($3.35)

      I believe plain Greek yogurt is often underrated. While it might not be appealing to everyone on its own, I love adding fruit and granola to sweeten it for an afternoon snack. Besides yogurt parfaits, it’s also great for baking, as a sour cream substitute, or as an added protein boost in smoothies. I always keep it stocked in my fridge.

      5. Spinach ($1.55)

      As for smoothies, Aldi's bagged spinach is another must-have for me. I believe in adding extra vegetables to my meals whenever possible, and having pre-washed spinach makes it simple. I like to toss handfuls into smoothies or mix them into an egg scramble.

      6. Salad Kit ($3.29)

      I appreciate having convenient options at home to ease meal preparation stress. Salad kits are excellent for a quick weeknight meal or a hassle-free lunch option. I’m not picky with the various flavors Aldi provides, but lately, I have been favoring the sunflower chopped salad kit, which includes crunchy edamame, sunflower seeds, and quinoa.

      7. Mini Avocados ($3.25)

      I must confess, while Aldi's produce prices are great, the quality can vary. However, their avocados are consistently good. Like many millennials, I enjoy avocado toast for breakfast, so I usually grab a bag of mini avocados for the week.

      8. Sprouted Bread ($4.09)

      Avocado toast requires the perfect bread, and my current preference is this sprouted seven-grain bread. It's slightly pricier than some alternatives, and since I don’t use it very quickly, I freeze the loaf after purchasing for longer preservation.

      9. Kombucha ($3.58)

      Kombucha is a fizzy, fermented tea drink. Its fermentation process means it contains beneficial bacteria, much like yogurt, which can promote gut health. This particular brand and flavor is my favorite, so I typically buy one or two bottles to enjoy with meals.

      10. Hummus ($2.85)

      Frequent Aldi shoppers likely know about their wide range of dips. While I've tried many options, I always return to hummus. My preferred flavor is roasted red pepper, which I buy for a quick snack to dip with carrots, bell peppers, or crackers.

      11. Tikka Masala Sauce ($3.55)

      A simple dinner I love consists of chickpeas, leftover vegetables, rice, and this sauce. For an easy weeknight meal, I sauté the chickpeas and vegetables, then add this sauce and serve it over rice. It’s straightforward yet delicious, allowing me to save on takeout from my favorite Indian restaurant.

      12. Brown Rice ($3.85)

      Aldi is fantastic for stocking pantry staples, especially quick-to-cook grains. I usually alternate between quinoa, brown rice, and jasmine rice for my meals. This week, I opted for basmati brown rice to pair with different dishes.

      13. Chicken Sausage ($3.19)

      Let’s face it: some days you just lack the energy to cook meat, or like me, you might forget to defrost