12 Aldi Lunch Buddies Snacks Ranked From Least to Most Delicious

Finding the best Lunch Buddies snacks at Aldi can feel like a mini adventure because the line has a little bit of everything, from fruit cups to applesauce to pudding and gummies. Some of them are clear winners that deserve a permanent spot in your cart, while others taste more like a school lunch trade item you’d happily swap away. To make things easier, we ranked a mix of their most popular snacks from least tasty to most delicious, taking into account both flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re packing lunches, stocking the pantry, or just looking for something quick to grab, this rundown will help you know what’s worth it and what you can skip.

12. Lunch Buddies Fruit Flavored Strawberry Snacks

These gummy-style snacks look cute in their strawberry shapes, but the flavor is a letdown. They taste faintly sweet with a powdery finish, missing the vibrant fruity punch you’d expect. The texture is unusually soft instead of chewy, which makes them less satisfying to eat. You do get a little vitamin C, but the experience isn’t enough to keep them on your regular shopping list. Other Lunch Buddies gummies are far better if you want something fun for a lunchbox.

11. Lunch Buddies Peaches in Strawberry Gel

Peach and strawberry sound like a fun pairing, but this fruit cup leaves a lot to be desired. The peaches tend to be overly soft, and the strawberry gel has a syrupy taste that overpowers rather than complements. While you do get a small amount of calcium and fiber, it doesn’t make up for the strange flavor. The texture contrast feels off as well, creating a snack that doesn’t hit the mark. If you want fruit cups from Aldi, there are much tastier and more refreshing options to reach for.

10. Lunch Buddies Strawberry Applesauce

The bright red color of this applesauce looks exciting, but the flavor doesn’t match the promise. It tastes almost identical to plain applesauce, with very little noticeable strawberry. Nutrition-wise, each cup gives you fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, which is helpful for a snack on the go. Still, if you’re specifically craving strawberry, you’ll be left wanting more. At this point, you may as well stick with the original applesauce, which is more satisfying.

9. Lunch Buddies Mixed Fruit in Black Cherry Gel

Among all the fruit-and-gel combos, this one is slightly better but still not a winner. The fruit pieces inside are soggy and lack freshness, while the black cherry gel is heavy with artificial flavor. On the label, it offers small amounts of fiber, calcium, and potassium, which is nice but doesn’t change the taste issue. Eating one feels more like candy than fruit, which may not appeal if you’re trying to balance sweetness with nutrition. You’re better off grabbing one of their juice-packed cups instead.

8. Lunch Buddies Tropical Fruit in 100% Fruit Juice

Packed with pineapple, papaya, and cherries, these cups look appealing and bring in some variety. They provide fiber, potassium, and a little iron, which is a nice nutritional bump compared to other options. The taste is decent but leans syrupy, even though the label says it’s 100% juice. If you enjoy sweeter fruit mixes, you might like these, but they’re not the most refreshing choice. It’s an okay option to keep for variety, though not one of the very best.

7. Lunch Buddies Dino and Dragon Fruit Snacks

These gummy packs score points for presentation, especially with kids who love the dinosaur and dragon shapes. They’re soft, chewy, and have a mild fruity taste that’s pleasant, though not as flavorful as other gummy options. A pouch gives you a gram of protein and a nice boost of vitamin C, which makes them slightly more worthwhile. There is a light powdery aftertaste, but it doesn’t ruin the overall experience. For themed snacks, they’re fun to keep around, but they don’t top the list.

6. Lunch Buddies Cherry Mixed Fruit in 100% Fruit Juice

Cherry mixed fruit cups are a staple, and this version from Aldi holds up well. The fruit pieces taste fresh enough, and the juice doesn’t feel overly heavy or syrupy. Small amounts of calcium and potassium make it a little more worthwhile as a lunchbox side. It’s simple, classic, and dependable, which explains why it’s a favorite for many families. While not the most exciting snack, it’s one that will always get eaten.

5. Lunch Buddies Vanilla Pudding Cups

These pudding cups deliver a creamy vanilla flavor that’s surprisingly satisfying for the price. The texture is smooth and rich, similar to what you’d get from more expensive brands. Each serving adds calcium, potassium, and a little protein, which is a plus for a sweet snack. They’re great to keep in the fridge for a quick dessert after lunch or dinner. If you like pudding, you’ll find these are every bit as good as bigger-name options.

4. Lunch Buddies Cinnamon Applesauce

Cinnamon applesauce is often hit or miss, but Aldi’s version nails it with a warm spice flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple base. Each cup gives you fiber, potassium, and a full day’s worth of vitamin C, making it one of the more nutritious snacks on the shelf. The smooth texture makes it easy to enjoy, and the cinnamon adds just the right amount of coziness. It feels like something you’d want on a chilly afternoon with a sandwich or toast. This is one applesauce flavor worth keeping stocked.

3. Lunch Buddies Pineapple Tidbits in 100% Fruit Juice

These pineapple cups pack a tangy punch with crisp fruit pieces that taste juicy and refreshing. They provide a nice bit of fiber and are perfect for adding a tropical note to your lunch. The juice is slightly thick, but the flavor makes up for it. Whether eaten straight from the cup or tossed into yogurt, they’re versatile and easy to enjoy. For anyone who loves pineapple, these are a reliable choice.

2. Lunch Buddies Mandarin Oranges in 100% Fruit Juice

Usually ranked first, the mandarin oranges still deserve a high spot thanks to their refreshing taste and excellent nutrition. They’re packed in fruit juice instead of syrup, so the flavor is balanced without being too heavy. Each cup provides calcium, potassium, iron, and a full day’s vitamin C, which makes them a strong contender in the Lunch Buddies lineup. The oranges are soft without turning mushy, which is exactly what makes them a fan favorite. They’re hard to beat, though one other snack edged them out this time.

1. Lunch Buddies Chocolate Pudding Cups

Chocolate takes the crown this time because these pudding cups manage to be both indulgent and surprisingly nutritious. They provide calcium, iron, potassium, and even a gram of protein in every serving. The texture is creamy and rich, while the chocolate flavor feels comforting and nostalgic. They taste just as good as name-brand pudding but cost a fraction of the price. If you’re looking for a snack that doubles as a dessert, this is the clear winner.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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