How Fresh Are Aldi's Fruits & Vegetables?

Aldi has built a reputation on being a budget-friendly grocer with a minimalist design and deep discounts. But when it comes to produce, there's a rumor that Aldi's fruits and vegetables are not fresh. While it's understandable that produce quality may vary by store and season, some shoppers question the freshness of the produce here because of inconsistencies between stores and a low price tag. So does that mean you should avoid blueberries and carrots?

Aldi operates on a limited-assortment model, which means fewer items per store. That leads to products, including produce, moving fast. This is a good thing for fresh foods, which means there's less time for them to sit around and go bad. According to Aldi's website, its produce is grown locally and stocked daily.

It's understandable that the low price tag gives the impression of being lower quality. Also, the Aldi produce section can be smaller than what you'd find at other grocers. Less variety might paint the picture that fruits and veggies aren't the grocer's strong suit, but that's simply the design of the brand. That said, some frustrated shoppers have reported less-than-ideal experiences when they've purchased produce and brought it home, and they choose to avoid Aldi's produce section altogether.

The general sentiment regarding Aldi's produce is that it's inconsistent. Sometimes it's a great deal for what you buy, other times it's disappointing. Some shoppers on Reddit feel as if the quality varies by store. Shoppers have reported buying unappealing and disappointing produce, like mealy apples, browning and rotting vegetables, and wilted lettuce, while others say that the produce doesn't seem to last as long as in other grocery stores. That said, Reddit users have a bone to pick with other grocers' produce, too, like Costco and Trader Joe's. The reality is, as a perishable item, bad produce can come from any grocer.

If you're worried about produce quality at your local Aldi, avoid the most sensitive produce that is prone to damage and spoiling faster. This might include items like lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, and berries. You shouldn't avoid the produce section completely, as Aldi has some hidden gems for a great price that are worth snagging.

Wherever you're shopping, it's always good practice to check produce thoroughly before you buy. Look for expiration dates on lettuce bags, examine berries for mold, and soft spots on apples and oranges. Take note of any red flags, like fruit flies or moldy produce sitting amongst displays. It can also help to check specific Aldi store locations for reviews about the produce before heading there