9 Aldi-Brand Products That Are Better Than 'The Real Thing’

Dupes aren't just for handbags and sneakers. Grocery stores stock items that look curiously like brand-name favorites and often price them at a fraction of the cost. It's a way to have your peanut butter and save room for your favorite cookies, too.

Aldi prices are already notoriously low and loved. However, savvy shoppers save even more by opting for Aldi-brand versions of some popular name-brand products. The best part? Many say that the Aldi versions are as good as—or better than—the originals.

A recent Reddit thread shed light on which Aldi-brand products could beat the "real things" in a food fight.

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"Which items do you like better than the brand name?" asked u/Pretzolio in the Aldi subreddit. "[I'm] looking to switch some things to save some money and avoid going to other stores."

Redditors responded in droves. It got a little controversial at times, but we're here for it.

Related: The New Costco Snack That’s 'Dangerous to Have Around the House'

9 Aldi-Brand Groceries That Are Just As Good As (or Better Than) the Orginals

1. Cereals

The original poster (OP) shared the Aldi-brand product they consider a hidden gem.

"My recent discovery is the shredded wheat cereal," OP wrote. "Their frosting is way more generous than Mini Wheats, and they taste just as good if not better."

Another Aldi fan chimed in with their favorite cereal aisle finds at Aldi.

"Marshmallows and Stars cereal (Lucky Charms)," the person said. "This is my husband’s favorite! I really love their fruit loops. Both are definitely better than the name brand, in my opinion."

Reminder: You are never too old to have sweet, colorful and fruity cereal in the morning.

2. Baking Chocolate

Don't look now, but holiday cookie season is fast approaching. If you have an Aldi fan in your life, the secret to their famously delicious baked goods may be a trip to Aldi.

"I would take Aldi's chocolates over most name-brand chocolates," wrote one person.

"Agreed. Their chocolate chips are so decadent and make the best cookies," said another.

"The dark chocolate chunks are decadent." wrote a third.

3. Peanut Butter Cups

Word to the wise: If you see Aldi-brand peanut butter cups in someone's treat bowl on Halloween, grab it and taste test it with the inevitable Reese's you (or your kid) will bring home. Reddit's bet? Aldi-brand peanut butter cups are gonna be the winner.

"Their peanut butter cups are far superior to Reese's," one Redditor declared.

"No comparison. Reese's [is[ salty overly sweet, vaguely peanut-flavored sawdust," wrote another.

I feel personally attacked, but the person made a valid case for trying Aldi's.

"Aldi's...actually taste like you would expect with decent chocolate [and] actual peanut butter without a crazy amount of sugar/salt and chocolate liqueur as one of the top ingredients," the poster said. "They remind me a bit of Peanut Butter Meltaways from a local chocolate chain."

4. Peanut Butter

Aldi's peanut butter cups are a slam dunk with fans. The actual Aldi-brand peanut butter had Redditors split. Some swear it's way better than peanut butter name brands like Jif.

"I think their peanut butter is better tasting than Jif, and half the price," offered one, who added that they loved pairing it with Aldi's strawberry jam.

"Aldi's has a very slight sweetness that I love," agreed a fan. "It's great for spooning right out of the jar."

Others pushed back (diplomatically).

"I’m obsessed with Jif," said one. "Aldi is ok, but it’s not Jif."

"Jif is the best," concurred another. "I really like all peanut butter, but Jif has this sweet aftertaste a little like chocolate peanut butter where it's great to eat all by itself."

Still, a seasoned unofficial Aldi taste tester is Team Aldi.

"I swear that I have taste-tested Aldi products, using the 'name brand' ones that are in identical containers, and the Aldi version is often better," the person said. "This is true of peanut butter for sure."

You'll have to try for yourself.

5. Girl Scout Cookie Dupes

Here's where things got real.

"All of their Girl Scout cookies are better," raved a (rather bold) fan.

Though it sounds like a hot take, Redditors piled on praise for Aldi Girl Scout Cookie dupes.

"The Tagalong dupes are 1000 [times] better than actual Tagalongs," raved a poster. "The chocolate cookie just makes it next level."

"Same with the Samoas — they're incredible," another Redditor responded.

"OMG, the Thin Mints too, but I can’t find them anymore," said someone else.

"You should try [the Thin Mints] frozen," the person suggested. "They are great."

Related: Rao's Fans Sound Off About Potential Changes to Their Beloved Pasta Sauce

6. Pasta Sauce

The Internet is still in a tizzy about the news that Campbell's bought Rao's Pasta Sauce. Potential solution? Head to Aldi.

"[I] can't believe no one has mentioned the Specially Selected Marinara Sauce," wrote a Redditor. "It's a Rao's dupe and very, very good. It's the only pre-made pasta sauce I buy."

"[I] totally agree, and I used to NEVER use jarred sauce," replied a convert.

7. Ketchup

Whether you're hosting a late-summer BBQ or early-football-season tailgate, condiments are a must. Don't sleep on Simply Nature's Organic Tomato Ketchup, an Aldi brand.

"I'm usually Heinz-only, but the organic ketchup is great," raved a commenter.

"Their organic ketchup is 10/10," a poster replied. "I don’t usually get organic, but didn’t want the extra sugar in my ketchup, and I love this one."

8. Tortilla Chips

When craving something crunchy, tortilla chips are an obvious choice. Specifically, Aldi-brand Simply Nature Organic Multigrain Tortilla Chips

"They have a Simply Nature chip multigrain tortilla chips that are so good," spilled one. "They are our favorite chip now."

"I love the multigrain chips — my favorite," said another.

9. Cheese Curls

Chester Cheetah, take a lap. Clancy's Cheese Curls has your number.

"Clancy’s “Cheetos” is much better," said one.

"Can confirm," agreed another. "[I] got back from Aldi run just now and gave the 4-year-old a cup of Clancy's 'Cheetos,' and tried them myself. They ARE better than the Cheetos brand!"

Anyone with a pre-school-aged child knows those kids don't hold back. So, consider a 4-year-old's opinion golden.