7 Canned Foods at Aldi You Should Never Buy

Not everything in the canned aisle at Aldi is worth tossing in your cart. While some picks are solid for quick meals or pantry stock-ups, a few end up being more disappointing than helpful. Whether it’s the strange texture, off flavor, or just a lack of quality, some of these cans just don’t hold up. It’s one thing to save money, but no one wants to waste it on food that barely tastes good. So before you grab that bargain can thinking it’s a win, here are a few you might want to leave on the shelf.

Dakota’s Pride Maple Baked Beans

Aldi’s Dakota’s Pride Maple Baked Beans sound tempting if you like a sweet twist, but they fall short on flavor and texture. Several shoppers have pointed out that the maple flavor tastes artificial and cloying, with a syrupy aftertaste that overwhelms the beans. The consistency also tends to be too runny, making it difficult to enjoy as a side dish without it turning your plate soggy. Compared to name-brand baked beans like Bush’s, the depth of seasoning just isn’t there. You might find yourself adding extra mustard, onion, or brown sugar to salvage the taste. If you’re after rich, slow-cooked flavor, it’s better to grab something with more reliable quality or just make your own at home.

Happy Harvest Whole Potatoes

These canned whole potatoes may seem like a quick fix, but they often turn out disappointing. Most reviews mention that the texture is oddly rubbery and the flavor is bland, even for a canned item. They don’t hold up well in recipes either, as they tend to fall apart or stay oddly firm in the middle when cooked. If you’re planning to roast, mash, or sauté them, you’re better off starting with fresh potatoes or even frozen pre-cut versions. Some people try rinsing them thoroughly and re-seasoning, but even then, the taste can be dull. They’re cheap, sure, but they’re not worth the trouble if you’re after anything with flavor or decent texture.

Brookdale Sloppy Joe Sauce

Brookdale’s take on sloppy joe sauce is one of Aldi’s more underwhelming canned options. It lacks the richness and bold seasoning that you’d expect from a good sauce, making your sloppy joe taste flat and overly sweet. The tomato base leans heavily into a sugary profile, and there’s not enough tang or spice to balance it out. Compared to a classic like Manwich, it feels watered down and one-dimensional. It might work in a pinch, but most people end up adding ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic powder, or chili flakes just to make it tolerable. If you’re already doctoring it up that much, you might as well make your own from scratch.

Happy Harvest Medium Sweet Peas

While canned peas can sometimes be a pantry staple, Aldi’s Happy Harvest Medium Sweet Peas leave much to be desired. Many buyers report they have a mushy texture that turns unpleasant after heating, making them hard to enjoy as a side dish. The flavor is often described as dull or metallic, likely due to the canning liquid they’re packed in. Draining and rinsing helps a little, but the peas still lack that fresh, sweet snap you’d want. Frozen peas are usually a better choice in terms of both taste and texture. If you’re planning to use peas in a recipe where they need to hold their shape or flavor, these won’t do you any favors.

Brookdale Vienna Sausage

Brookdale’s Vienna Sausage might be one of the most consistently criticized canned meats at Aldi. The sausages are small, soft, and oddly spongy, with a texture that doesn’t appeal to most people. They come packed in a slick, salty liquid that doesn’t help their flavor or appearance. While some folks use them in emergency kits or as a nostalgic snack, the majority of shoppers find the taste underwhelming and overly processed. They’re high in sodium and low in actual meatiness, making them a poor substitute for anything resembling a proper protein. For the same price range, you can find canned chicken or even spam with better consistency and more satisfying flavor.

Campbell’s Chunky Clam Chowder

Yes, it’s a recognizable brand, but Campbell’s Chunky Clam Chowder at Aldi has stirred up some complaints. The texture can be inconsistent, with too many potatoes and not enough clams in each can. Some batches are overly thick while others feel watery, which makes it a gamble every time you open one. People have also noted that the flavor leans heavily on salt rather than the briny, creamy richness you’d want in a clam chowder. While it’s convenient, the quality control seems spotty, and it just doesn’t compare to fresh or even frozen chowder options. For something labeled “chunky,” it’s surprisingly light on the good stuff.

Northern Catch Solid White Tuna

Northern Catch Solid White Tuna might sound like a budget-friendly protein option, but the quality doesn’t always hold up. A number of Aldi shoppers have pointed out that it’s packed with excess water, which waters down the flavor and makes the tuna less firm than you’d expect from something labeled “solid.” It also tends to have a fishy smell and taste that’s stronger than usual, which can be off-putting in sandwiches or salads. The texture isn’t flaky or meaty like you’d find in better-known tuna brands. While it can be usable in casseroles or heavily seasoned dishes, it’s not ideal if tuna is the star of your meal. Spend a little more and you’ll notice the difference right away.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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