I'm about to take you on a sweet journey through Aldi's frozen dessert aisle, a section that has become my happy place. As a former pastry chef, I know my desserts, and Aldi has some real gems hidden in its freezer section. But let's be honest, not every frozen treat is created equal, and some can be a real letdown. So, let's dive in and uncover the best and worst of Aldi's frozen desserts, with my personal insights and opinions sprinkled throughout.
The Sweet Side of Aldi
Aldi's frozen dessert aisle is a treasure trove for dessert lovers. From cheesecakes to macarons and pecan pies, there's something for every sweet tooth. And the best part? Many of these treats are incredibly affordable, offering a budget-friendly way to indulge.
Buy: Specially Selected Assorted Chocolate Macarons
These macarons are a game-changer. With four delicious flavors, each with a pronounced taste, these macarons are a step above the rest. The thin, delicate shells and sweet, chewy interior make for a perfect bite. And at $0.42 each, they're a steal compared to fancy macaron shops. A true find, in my opinion.
Buy: Belmont Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Twin Packs
Making cheesecake at home can be a hassle, so these twin packs are a godsend. The strawberry swirl cheesecake is a delight, with a bright, fruity flavor and a contrast of textures. It's an excellent value at $1.99, and a must-have for cheesecake lovers. I'd say it's a great option to keep in the freezer for those unexpected cravings.
Buy: Belmont New York Style Cheesecake Twin Packs
A classic New York-style cheesecake is always a good idea, and Belmont's version doesn't disappoint. The creamy, smooth filling and the perfect graham crust make for a rich, decadent treat. It's a convenient and affordable way to satisfy your sweet tooth, and I'd recommend it over the Turtle Cheesecake any day.
Buy: Village Piemaker Mini Pecan Pies
These mini pecan pies are a rich, delicious treat. With a deep brown sugar flavor and loads of chopped pecans, they're a pecan pie lover's dream. The flaky, buttery crust is exceptional, and it's a dessert that needs no frills. Just warm it up and enjoy!
Buy: FatBoy Cookies n' Cream Ice Cream Sandwiches
FatBoy ice cream sandwiches bring back nostalgic memories. With a perfect balance of rich, smooth cookies n' cream ice cream and soft, fudgy cookies, these sandwiches are a treat. And at $0.90 each, they're a great value. A spot-on recreation of a childhood favorite, these sandwiches are a must-try.
Buy: Specially Selected Mini Cream Puffs
These mini cream puffs are a real standout. Filled with a luxurious, smooth cream, they're a perfect bite-sized treat. The sweetness is just right, and the texture is spot-on. I'd proudly serve these at a party, and they're a clear favorite for my family. A true dessert gem, in my book.
Buy: Specially Selected Caramel Apple Blossoms
These frozen pastries are a cross between a dumpling and a pie, and they're a real treat. With a buttery, flaky pastry and a generous filling of apples and caramel, they're a delicious, rustic dessert. At $1 each, they're an incredible value, and I'd highly recommend giving them a try.
Buy: Specially Selected Apple Berry Blossoms
Similar to the Caramel Apple Blossoms, these Apple Berry Blossoms are a vibrant, flavorful treat. With layers of apples, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, each bite is a burst of flavor. The pastry is perfect, and the crystallized sugar adds a lovely crunch. A homemade-style treat, these blossoms are a definite buy.
Buy: Season's Choice Bananas and Strawberries Covered in Dark Chocolate
For a more nutrient-dense treat, these chocolate-covered fruits are a great option. The bananas and strawberries are coated in a light, flavorful dark chocolate, offering a satisfying, sweet bite. They're a convenient, no-prep snack, and a perfect way to indulge in a healthier dessert.
The Not-So-Sweet Side
While Aldi has some fantastic frozen desserts, not everything is a winner. Here are some treats that might not live up to your expectations.
Skip: Mama Cozzi's Pizza Cookie - Double Chocolate
This pizza cookie had potential, but it fell flat. The cookie was dense, chewy, and gummy, and it lacked the proper baking. The only good part was the outer edge. A disappointing treat, it tasted more like a gluten-free cookie, and not in a good way.
Skip: Belmont Turtle Cheesecake Twin Packs
The Turtle Cheesecake was a letdown, especially considering the indulgent toppings. The chocolate chips and caramel lacked depth of flavor, and the pecans were stale. The crust was good, but the overall flavor was dull. I'd suggest passing on this one.
Skip: Belmont Mini Cheesecake Bites
These mini versions of the cheesecakes lack the flavor and charm of the full-size slices. The strawberry puree is more of a drizzle, and the New York-style and Turtle Cheesecake flavors are forgettable. While budget-friendly, they don't deliver on taste.
Skip: Sundae Shoppe Vanilla Caramel and Vanilla Fudge Sundae Cones
These sundae cones have a delicious cone, but the fillings and ice cream leave much to be desired. The fillings are overly sweet and lack flavor, and the ice cream is unusually soft. While kids might enjoy them, I'd suggest opting for a better-tasting option.
Skip: Sundae Shoppe Mochi - Cookies and Cream, Mango, and Strawberry
Aldi's mochi has some issues. The excessive starchy coating is a turn-off, and the soft mochi skin and ice cream filling don't deliver the classic mochi texture. The rice flour wrapping is also imperfect. I'd recommend passing on these mochi flavors.
Skip: Specially Selected Mini Éclairs
After loving the Mini Cream Puffs, I had high hopes for these éclairs, but they fell short. The Bavarian cream filling was bland and runny, and there wasn't enough of it. The shapes were also inconsistent. A disappointing dessert, I'd suggest avoiding these.
Final Thoughts
Aldi's frozen dessert aisle is a treasure trove for dessert lovers, offering a range of affordable, tasty treats. From the delicious macarons and cheesecakes to the pecan pies and ice cream sandwiches, there's something for everyone. However, not every dessert is a winner, and some might leave you disappointed. So, choose wisely, and you'll be rewarded with some truly delightful frozen treats.
Personally, I think Aldi has done a fantastic job with its frozen dessert offerings, and I'm excited to see what new treats they bring to the aisle next.
