The German chain is a winner all year round, but it has some especially great (and super affordable) late winter options that are perfect to pick up for this celebratory weekend. Aldi adds new items each month and their February line-up is definitely top tier. If you're planning on "staying in" this weekend, having some Aldi mainstays and new products on hand is always a safe bet.
This list adds to Salon Food's growing library of supermarket guides, encompassing all the best products at Trader Joe's, Costco, Aldi and more.
01
Chocolate Dipped Mango
I'm a sucker for dried fruit, I'm an even bigger sucker for chocolate-dipped dried fruit (so much so that it's in my author bio) and I adore mango (which I coincidentally also find to be arguably the single most annoying produce to cut and prepare). So, I would practically tackle my aisle-mates to throw a few bags of this product in my cart.
Non-GMO and vegetarian, this is a perfect sweet snack or light dessert that can be enjoyed at practically any time.
If alcohol is on the menu, remember that simplicity is often key when it comes to entertaining. With the effervescence of hard seltzer and the sweet tartness of a margarita, these margarita-hard seltzers sound like the ideal mash-up so you can focus on enjoying your friends instead of squeezing limes.
This year, the big game falls only two days before Valentine's Day. It's so easy to celebrate both at the same time with a heart-shaped pizza. In addition to garlic and herbs, this super convenient frozen option features not one but five types of cheese.
Buffalo wings are a customary Super Bowl treat. Chips are a customary Super Bowl treat. As a wise sage once asked, "Why can't we have both?"
And in this case: they're fused into one crispy chip of spicy, savory Buffalo-esque flavor. You won't even be able to pay attention to the game once you taste one of these.
Now, there's no marinara or pepperoni in sight here. I'd argue this is actually more of a cookie "cake" or large format cookie, in that this is really just a large cookie that is somewhat reminiscent of the shape of a pizza. Regardless, it's an excellent cookie with just the right amount of chocolate and sweetness.
It's also very lovely to share a large cookie that can be cut into slices. And that's amore, is it not?
06
Cheesecake Factory At Home Pudding Dessert Cups
Cheesecake Factory, the home of the tome-like, encyclopedic menu, is a reliable standard for so many (and for good reason — that whole wheat bread!). Now you can enjoy the joy of the Factory at home with these convenient pudding desserts cups that come in multiple flavors, including creme brulee and cafe mocha.
Gussy them up with some other treats, toppings or candies you have on hand or enjoy them as is. You're sure to enjoy them either way.
07
Greek Spiral Pies (various flavors)
Arguably my favorite item on this list, these Greek Spiral Pies are essentially spanakopita-like products, flaky and rich and terrific — available both with spinach and without.
Pair these with a Greek salad chock-full of feta, olives and fresh herbs and you have a terrific, super-flavorful and generally pretty healthful meal all ready to go.
08
Savory Pretzel Bites
Pretzels are one of the world's best inventions and these bite-size options come with both mustard and cheese dipping sauces.
I'd recommend warming these up, as well as the accompanying cheese sauce, for a restaurant-worthy experience that will take your TV or "big game" watching to the next level — even if your favorite player is doing poorly or your preferred pup has inexplicably wandered off the field.
Michael is a food writer, recipe editor and educator based in his beloved New Jersey. After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, he worked in restaurants, catering and supper clubs before pivoting to food journalism and recipe development. He also holds a BA in psychology and literature from Pace University.
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