Aldi has earned a cult following for its low prices, weekly surprises, and affordable alternatives to big-name brands. Whether you are stocking up on snacks, pantry staples, or frozen meals, chances are you have tossed a few Aldi copycats into your cart. While many of these budget-friendly products impress with both flavor and value, not every dupe lives up to the hype. According to dedicated fans on Reddit, some Aldi knockoffs just do not measure up to the originals. If you are wondering which items to skip on your next shopping trip, here are the copycat products Aldi shoppers say are not worth the savings.
Millville Crispy Oats Cereal Falls Flat
Compared to: Cheerios
Millville Crispy Oats is Aldi’s take on the classic Cheerios breakfast cereal. Though it comes in both original and honey nut versions, shoppers say it does not live up to the real thing. One Redditor described it as tasting like “machine parts,” while another said it had a metallic aftertaste. Even those who wanted to like it called it an acquired taste. If breakfast matters in your daily routine, you might want to stick with the original name brand here.
Aldi has become a fan favorite among budget-conscious shoppers for good reason. The German discount chain is known for its low prices, quirky seasonal goods, and the ever-popular “Aisle of Shame.” It has built a loyal following by offering affordable alternatives to name brands, often creating lookalikes that win big on price and performance. However, not every copycat product hits the mark.
Members of the r/Aldi subreddit regularly share their favorite finds, but they also don’t hold back when a product disappoints. Below is a list of copycat items that Aldi fans say fall short, despite the brand’s usually reliable reputation.
Savoritz Cheese Crackers Miss the Mark
Compared to: Cheez-It
Aldi’s Savoritz Baked Cheese Crackers try to imitate the cheesy crunch of Cheez-It, but according to several shoppers, they come off more like plain crackers than a flavorful snack. Many Reddit users said the product lacked a strong cheese flavor and had a dry texture that made it feel off. One commenter even said their family now calls them “Its” without the Cheez, and others admitted to throwing the snack straight into the trash. While some still enjoy them for the price, the overall consensus leans toward disappointment.
Read More: 12 Aldi Foods Shoppers Say Don’t Taste the Same Anymore
L’oven Fresh Bagels Lack the Bakery Touch
Compared to: Thomas’ Bagels
Aldi’s L’oven Fresh Bagels are intended to be a wallet-friendly substitute for the well-known Thomas’ Bagels, but many fans of the r/Aldi community say they are not even close. Several users noted the bagels were soft, dense, and lacked the firm texture that makes a good bagel great. One thread bluntly titled “Aldi bagels are terrible and I’m tired of pretending they aren’t” summed up the general feeling. Some even called them “rolls with holes” instead of proper bagels. Though convenient, these bagels appear to be a letdown for bagel lovers.
Berryhill Hazelnut Spread Fails to Impress
Compared to: Nutella
Nutella has a global fanbase, so any attempt to replicate it will be judged closely. Aldi’s Berryhill Hazelnut Spread is cheaper, but that may be where the benefits end. Reviewers said the taste was too sweet and had a synthetic chocolate flavor with a bad aftertaste. One shopper reported, “It was so bad I came searching for a post about it because I knew I couldn’t be the only one.” While some still use it as a budget option, Nutella loyalists are likely to be disappointed.
Confetti Brownies Miss the Nostalgia
Compared to: Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies
The Baker’s Treat Confetti Brownies aim to spark nostalgia for Little Debbie’s iconic Cosmic Brownies. But instead of reminding people of childhood treats, these Aldi knockoffs left many disappointed. Several Reddit users described the brownies as tasting artificial, with one calling them “truly awful” and another noting a plastic-like aftertaste. A few even labeled them as one of Aldi’s worst offerings. If you’re chasing childhood memories, you may want to keep looking.
Cheese Club Macaroni and Cheese Stirs Up Controversy
Compare to: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Cheese Club Macaroni and Cheese is Aldi’s version of the famous Kraft blue box. While some shoppers eat it regularly without complaint, others say the taste is off. A few reviewers found the flavor strange and unappealing, with one writing, “We don’t go near Cheese Club.” Some loyalists to name-brand mac and cheese reported switching to other store brands like Meijer or Walmart for better quality. The response to this product is mixed, but if you’re used to Kraft, the Aldi version may not satisfy.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Leaves Shoppers Cold
Compared to: Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ready-to-heat soups are supposed to make weeknights easier, but Aldi’s Specially Selected Broccoli & Cheddar Soup missed the mark for many customers. This soup was expected to be a dupe for Panera Bread’s creamy version, but it did not deliver. One shopper described it as “a swing and a miss,” while others admitted to tossing it out after one taste. While the idea was convenient, the execution fell short. A few users recommended trying a homemade version instead, like the Allrecipes copycat recipe for Panera’s soup.
Read More: Hidden Aldi Gems That Shoppers Can’t Get Enough Of
Not All Aldi Products Are Hits
Taste is subjective, and what does not work for one shopper may be a weekly must-have for another. Reddit threads on r/Aldi show just how divided opinions can be. Some shoppers enjoy these items purely for the savings, while others refuse to buy them again after one bite. In the world of grocery store alternatives, it is a reminder that not every low-cost copycat wins the battle of flavor or texture.
Trust Your Taste Buds
Aldi offers many excellent products that hold up against expensive brands. However, a few of its copycat items do not live up to the originals. Shoppers continue to share their honest reviews online, making it easier to separate the gems from the letdowns. If any of your favorites made this list, it does not mean you have bad taste. It simply proves that with food, personal preference reigns supreme.
Disclaimer: This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
