7 of the Worst Aldi Copycats, According to Reddit

There is no shortage of exciting products at Aldi. The European retailer is known for its affordable prices, the “Aisle of Shame,” and, of course, its copycats. From its home goods products to the frozen aisle, and everything in between, Aldi offers shoppers an inexpensive alternative to brand names. Most of the time, we’re singing the praises of Aldi copycats as we love a good deal. But occasionally, despite mimicking some of our favorite products, the Aldi version falls flat. 

Reddit shoppers in the r/Aldi subreddit are constantly sharing their favorite products, deals, and steals week to week—but they’re also sharing what does not work. So, here are some of Aldi’s biggest copycat failures, according to some of the store’s biggest fans. 

Aldi Shoppers Share Which Copycat Items To Avoid

Savoritz Baked Naturally Flavored Cheese Crakers

Compare to: Cheez-Its

The Aldi knockoff of one of the cheesiest snacks is more cracker, less cheese, according to Redditors—and our own Bailey Fink. Out of the many failed Aldi look-alikes, this one has more of a consensus than the others we’ve seen on social media. The cracker just isn’t stacking up. 

Some shoppers threw the snack in the trash, while one Aldi fan said that their family calls the knockoff product just “Its” without the Cheez “because they do not taste like cheese.” One Redditor shared that while it doesn’t taste like the original, they “love the taste of savings.” Another stated that they’re fine with most of the Aldi knockoffs, but “draw the line at whatever these are.” Yikes! 

Reddit recommended alternative: Savoritz Turtle Baked Cheddar Snack Crackers

Millville Crispy Oats Cereal 

Compare to: Cheerios

It’s said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If that’s the case, you may want to skip this breakfast cereal from Aldi. The Millville Crispy Oats Cereal is a copycat of Cheerios (Aldi even stocks the Honey Nut version.) but according to Reddit, there’s really no comparison. One Redditor said the cereal “tastes like machine parts or something, absolutely horrific.” Another called it “an acquired taste” and “vastly inferior to Cheerios.”  We’ll pass on this one. 

Reddit recommended alternative: Millville Frosted Shredded Wheat Cereal 

L’oven Fresh Bagels

Compare to: Thomas’ Bagels

If you’re really into bagels, you’re probably not looking for it down the aisle of any grocery store. But for many of us, store-bought bagels are great in a pinch. The Aldi version, however, falls flat compared to other store brands. Redditor @HerbalAndy created a post in the r/Aldi subreddit with the title “Aldi bagels are terrible and I’m tired of pretending they aren’t.” While there wasn’t a unanimous consensus in the comments, most agreed. Some shoppers call the Aldi bagels “rolls with holes,” and several others claim all grocery store bagels will disappoint. “They are inedible,” said one Reddit reviewer, with another saying the bagels are “sad, mushy circles of bread.”

Reddit recommended alternative: Specially Selected Sourdough Loaf

Baker’s Treat Confetti Brownies

Compare to: Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies 

We know Cosmic Brownies as the nostalgic, sweet treat of childhood, but Redditors say the Aldi copycat is no walk down memory lane. One user shared that they were “truly shocked at how awful [the Confetti Brownies] were.” Others threw it away, with several saying it had a plastic taste. A Cosmic Brownie fan even said the Baker’s Treat Confetti Brownies were the “worst Aldi product I’ve ever tried.”

Reddit recommended alternative: Specially Selected Double Chocolate Brownie Mix 

Cheese Club Macaroni and Cheese

Compare to: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese 

If you’re craving a blue box dinner, you may want to consider the name brand. While Aldi stocks many beloved macaroni and cheese products, the Cheese Club Macaroni and Cheese that mimics Kraft is a bit of a flop, according to several Redditors. One reviewer said, “I really did not like this mac and cheese. It tastes super weird to me.” Another Redditor is sticking to the name brand for this product and shared, “We don’t go near Cheese Club. I’ve found Meijer or Walmart brands are better for us.” This one is a bit controversial, as there are several shoppers who shared that they eat this product weekly.

Reddit recommended alternative: Premium White Cheddar and Black Pepper Macaroni and Cheese

Specially Selected Slow Cooked Broccoli & Cheddar Soup

Compare to: Panera Bread Ready-to-Heat Broccoli Cheddar Soup 

After a long day, we turn to packaged meals for a quick and easy bite—but according to Reddit, we should skip the Specially Selected Slow Cooked Broccoli & Cheddar Soup. “I was hoping it was a Panera dupe, but sadly it was not,” said one Aldi shopper. “A swing and a miss.” Several commenters on this r/Aldi thread mentioned throwing out or composting the soup after trying it. Silver lining? One commenter recommended making the Allrecipes Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup instead! 

Reddit recommended alternative: Panera Bread Ready-to-Heat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Berryhill Hazelnut Spread

Compare to: Nutella 

Turns out, Nutella just can’t be imitated. Fans may be on the search for a cheaper version of the famed hazelnut spread, but according to Reddit, they won’t find it at Aldi. One reviewer thought the spread has “way, way too much sugar.” Another shared that the spread has a “fake chocolate flavor, with a really bad aftertaste.”

“I just optimistically cracked open my new jar of Berryhill and….yikes, that was not good,” said a hopeful shopper. “[It was] so bad I came searching for a post about it because I knew I couldn’t be the only one.” This may be one of the few times we’re sticking with the name brand. 

Reddit recommended alternative: Moser Roth Privat Chocolatiers 

Everyone’s palate is different, so if one of your beloved Aldi items landed on this list, chalk it up to personal preference. What’s on your never-again list might still be topping our weekly haul!