I'm an ALDI Super Shopper and These Are My 5 Favorite Thanksgiving Finds

Getting ready for Thanksgiving can be nerve-wracking. The very first time my husband and I hosted Thanksgiving for his family, he didn’t finish remodeling the kitchen until THE DAY BEFORE.

Even if you're not in the middle of remodeling your kitchen, Thanksgiving is still a stressful time, but it's much less anxiety-inducing if you shop at ALDI. I know this because it's the primary grocery where I shop for my family. Here are five of my favorite holiday finds that will make your holiday preparations a lot easier.

1. Intermingle Dark Red Blend

Intermingle Dark Red Blend is probably my favorite red wine that ALDI sells, and I’ve tried a lot of them. It costs less than $8, and it's a good stand-in if you like Apothic Red Blend, but it’s much cheaper. If it were summer, I’d call this a patio pounder because it goes down so smoothly. It’s bright, has lots of juicy, fruity aromas, and pairs nicely with turkey. You can even add a few glugs to the gravy, too.

2. Bake Shop Pumpkin Pie

I adore pumpkin pie, and when I don't feel like making it myself, ALDI's Bake Shop Pumpkin Pie is a nice substitute. The eight-inch crust is flaky, the pumpkin pie is mildly spiced, and it’s a perfect palette for whipped cream.

3. Friendly Farms Holiday Egg Nog

Argue with me if you want to, but egg nog season starts at Thanksgiving or slightly before in my house. And right now, egg nog is back in season at ALDI. A tradition in my family is that after Thanksgiving is over, we decorate the Christmas tree while sipping egg nog and snacking on leftover sweets. ALDI’s Friendly Farms Holiday Egg Nog only costs $3.09 for 32 ounces, and ALDI also sells an Almond Nog if you are dairy intolerant.

4. Southern Grove Chopped Pecans

My sister makes a decadent bourbon pecan chocolate chip pie, and she always gets her pecans at ALDI. I don’t think you can find any nuts cheaper at other grocery stores. An eight-ounce bag of Southern Grove Chopped Pecans only costs $4.19, and that’s a steal. I use them not only in pies, but also my granny’s rum balls and—my husband's favorite—chocolate chip cookies.

5. Simply Nature Organic French Fried Onions

I make my green bean and mushroom casserole from scratch with fresh green beans, heavy cream, and mushroom broth, but I top it the traditional way: with fried onions. There’s just something about that crunch and oniony goodness that makes a green bean casserole perfect.

ALDI sells three different types of fried onions. Chef’s Cupboard French Fried Onions cost just $1.79 per container, and they’re included in the $47 Thanksgiving bundle ALDI is offering this year. However, my favorite is Simply Nature's Organic French Fried Onions, which sell for $3.39. ALDI also sells a gluten-free version of the latter.