Anyone out there who regularly purchases food for kids – especially organic, healthy food – can tell you that grocery bills add up quick, even if the child you’re feeding is picky. I can only imagine how parents of teenagers feel when they stock up on food every week! When it comes to feeding Chase, we try to keep his diet well-rounded and full of fruits and veggies, healthy fats and protein. Of course this is easier said than done and while we’d ideally get greens in his belly a heck of a lot more frequently than we do, I’ve adopted a slightly more relaxed attitude about his eating because stressing out about it doesn’t do anything to improve his appetite and there’s definitely no forcing a toddler to eat if they aren’t interested.
That being said, Chase has developed some food and snack time favorites and there are certain foods I find myself purchasing for him on repeat. Ever since we began shopping at ALDI regularly, I feel like I am constantly discovering a new healthy snack for Chase that is both affordable and made with simple and often organic ingredients. We purchase a lot of our organic fruits and vegetables at ALDI in addition to their grass fed organic beef (another Chase fav!) but for today’s post, I wanted to share a roundup of five ALDI-specific foods Chase loves. (I can also vouch for the tastiness of all of these snacks… yes, even the pouches!)
Toddler Favorites from ALDI
- Clancy’s Original Veggie Straws
I first purchased these veggie straws when I saw another toddler snacking on them in the cart at ALDI as his mother shopped. Of course Chase saw this snack action happening and immediately pointed at the veggie straws in the toddler’s hands and said, “Blease! Blease!” (His version of “please” still begins with a “b.”) Naturally the veggie straws made it into our cart because I’m a sucker and if something with the word “veggie” on it even remotely interests Chase, I’m going to try it! And just like that, a love affair was born. The veggie straws are crunchy, salty and very tasty and pack well in a small Ziploc bag (they don’t crush as easily as other crackers). Though we treat them like chips (so they’re more of a “treat” snack), they’re definitely a favorite when we bring them out!
- SimplyNature Cashew Butter
Proceed with caution around this cashew butter because you will want to eat the whole jar in one sitting! Chase saw me snacking on a spoonful of the cashew butter a few weeks ago and seemed interested, so I made him a cashew butter and jelly sandwich. He absolutely inhaled it! I am always looking for ways to get Chase to eat more foods that contain healthy fats and this nut butter is one of his new favorites. In addition to sandwiches, he loves using it as a dip for apple and pear slices.
- Elevation Pure & Simple Apple Pie Bars
The Elevation Pure & Simple bars first attracted my attention thanks to their simple ingredient list. These bars remind me of energy bites I make for Chase that he loves (mainly dates, nuts and spices) and the apple pie flavor is his (and my!) favorite. They’re easy to throw into my bag at the last minute and work well as a delicious source of energy when Chase is hungry and we’re out and about.
- SimplyNature Organic Shells & White Cheddar
The SimplyNature Organic Shells & White Cheddar pasta is a hit with our picky little eater! I can often sneak riced cauliflower into the dish at the last minute which makes me happy since anytime I can get veggies in Chase’s belly, it feels like a small victory. I’m not going to lie, Ryan and I love this mac and cheese, too!
- Little Journey Organic Food Pouches
I love these pouches so much not only for the sheer convenience (organic fruits and veggies on the go!) but also the price. They come in a variety of flavors including Pear Apple Spinach, Apple Banana Strawberry Yogurt (Chase’s favorite), Apple Carrot, and Banana Apricot Apple Rice. I always have a pouch of some kind in my bag and Chase is a big fan of the Little Journey flavors!
ALDI Giveaway
And just in case you didn’t have the chance to enter the ALDI giveaway last week, you still have time to win a $250 gift card to ALDI!
To enter this giveaway, simply use the widget below and click here to find your local ALDI. A winner will be randomly selected first thing next Friday morning!
Good luck!
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I just love Aldi for the whole family. Most of the simply nature products have very simple and short ingredient lists and I feel good about feeding my two small children. I haven’t tried their pouches yet, but as the rival varieties close in on $2 a piece I will be trying soon! Thanks for more great ideas!
I really need to go here for inspiration for my 18 month old! I’m always looking for new foods to try with her.
Now that it’s summer I love to go to Aldi for ingredients for drinks on the patio! Kalimotxos are my favorite! Use equal parts $2.99 Winking Owl Cabernet Sauvignon, Coca Cola (not diet) and a squirt of fresh lime! Super cheap and so good!
I remember as a kid taking the cart back to the cart holder and receiving a quarter – and I thought that was the coolest thing ever when I was that young!
I am a frequent ALDI shopper! I love it! They have the organize sweet potato chips that are a staple in our house for treats and lunches! With a new little one (6 months) I am finding myself looking more and more at the ingredients and love that ALDI has been able to offer organic produce and other items. I have not seen this cashew peanut butter, but will definitely be checking it out when I go this weekend!
I LOVE Aldi, and I’ve been shopping there for years! And I love that they are constantly adding new, delicious, things!
I LOVE those veggie straws! When I used to nanny the mom would buy them for the little girls and I could easily find myself eating almost the entire bag while I watched their swim lessons out by the pool. They are so addicting and such a great snack for little ones. I love the Annie’s organic shells, but will definitely try these from Aldi next time I’m there!
I love their meats! We always purchase the grass fed beef.
I love Aldi it is one of my favorite stores to shop at!
ALDI is the best! I have to drive a little farther to go to one but it’s sooo worth it.
We love aldi!!
I have never shopped at Aldi before but I used the locator and found one not far from me. I am very excited to try it and will be making my first trip today!
I love going back to Pittsburgh (I moved about 3 hours away a couple years ago) and stocking up at Aldi! I always buy a ton of nuts and trail mixes and bars!
Love Aldi!
Love ALDI! They have done a great job evolving with changing consumer preferences. I remember my Dad taking me there to do the weekly grocery shopping in the early 90s and it was a place that most people had never heard of. Now almost everyone I know shops there.
their dried apple chips are amazing too! maybe chase would like those 🙂
We always forget that there is an Aldi somewhat close to us, but we do love it!
All of those items are great! Love Aldi
I moved recently and was previously a loyal Aldi shopper and now there isn’t one conveniently located. However, one is being built and opening up this fall (I think). I cant wait!
Would love to try these snacks!
Just getting into Aldis, so far so good.
I’ll definitely be checking Aldi out now
I recently discovered Aldi and it is now a weekly stop for me. Love their guacamole, chips and produce!
I was super shocked and impressed when I went to browse and learned how cheap the produce is! I’m a HUGE fan of berries (in general, raspberries especially), and they were nearly half the price compared to other stores. It made my soul happy lol <3
I have been meaning to try the Aldi by my work for a while now. I have heard such great things about the store.
This list sums up all of my niece’s favorite items as well. She loves her “packs” and “crunchies” (Veggie sticks) haha!
I have never been to Aldi and there is one 5 minutes from my house!! I really need to go!!
We also love the veggie straws and pouches. Will need to look for those Elevation bars next time!
I am very fortunate to have several Aldi stores in my area. My husband and I do 90% of our shopping at Aldi. We love the selection and I have even purchased rain boots and jeggings from them. Thank you
We have an ALDI currently being built right around the corner from us. So excited!! Out 14 month old now has a list of things to get! 🙂
Been loving the organic options lately!
I have been dying to try the ALDI in my neighborhood. I go to Target to buy groceries every Saturday, and it definitely adds up quickly. Especially with a husband who eats a Keto diet (meaning I am buying TONS of meat).
Our household is obsessed with the veggie chips!
I love Aldi! Some of my favorites include their hummus, organic fruit, large selection of gluten free items, and trail mix.
We shop at Aldi every week to stock up on staples. They’re prices are unbeatable and I’m impressed by the amount of quality ingredients they use in their products!
This early darn pouches are a necessary evil in our house. It’s the only way my daughter gets veggies. I hate how wasteful the packaging is and the cost. Glad to know where the cheap options are! I tried to make my own pouches but she didn’t like them!
I haven’t shopped at Aldi before, but I saw that a new store is going in near my home, so I look forward to trying it!
I LOVE Aldi. Most of my friends and I shop there 🙂 Great way to save $$
Since being diagnosed with Celiac disease a few years back, my absolute favorite thing about Aldi is how they clearly label all their products as Gluten Free. AND their GF goodies are wayyyy less expensive than at other grocery stores. Win win!
I used to go to Aldi very frequently during college to cut back on grocery bills. We recently moved away from our nearest Aldi but after reading several of your posts it might be time to make the trip back again!
I have recently started shopping at Aldi and I love how much money I save and how many organic options they have!
I didn’t think there was an Aldi near me – turns out there is! Thanks for all of the recommendations, Julie!
A new Aldi is coming to our town this fall! I am really excited to check it out and take advantage of their organic produce!
I’m embarassed to admit that I’ve never tried Aldi, even though there’s one only 1 mile from my house (and another 2 miles from my work). I’d love to give it a try.
I started shopping at my hometown Aldi because as a newlywed, money was tight and I was looking for a way to cut out grocery bill. I learned that Aldi had such cheap (and good!) produce, milk, eggs and chips/crackers. Our grocery bill is so much less than when we used to shop at the big stores. I love it! Thanks for hosting this giveaway! I would love to win!
You have me hooked. I am now going to Aldi during my lunch break:) Thanks so much for the post and sharing your favorites!!
Love Aldi! Thanks for the fun giveaway!
ALDI has become my go to for most of my grocery shopping. My boys eat the same snacks. We have had a similar experience with opening packages in the store especially while trying to keep a 3 year old and 1 year old occupied so I can get in and out quicker!
I LOVE Aldi! They opened a store close to my house and I could not get over how cheap everything is compared to other grocery stores. Love it!
I Love Aldi! Everything is cheap and the produce is great!