12 Aldi Meats You Should Think Twice About Before Buying
Aldi is known for its affordable groceries with no compromise on variety. However, not all products placed on the shelves are what you would want in terms of quality. Among the meat options, a few have been questioned on flavor, texture, or value.
While Aldi is great in many areas, there are those that may make you regret having purchased them. Before filling your trolley, here’s what you should know about those products that are not worth the hype.
Kirkwood Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings
Kirkwood Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings are one of those appetizers that sound good on the surface but generally don’t deliver on flavor or texture. The seasoning sometimes takes on a too-salt taste that masks any good chicken flavor.
Consumers complained of inconsistent quality batches from the company, as several were more breading than meat. The wings themselves run a little smaller in size, other than similar options. Also, it follows that reheating them will not always produce crisp results; they come out soggy and not at all appetizing.
Parkview Cheddar Bratwurst
Parkview Cheddar Bratwurst has an overindulgent sound to it, though the truth is usually the opposite. The cheese inside can come off as extremely artificial, overwhelming the flavors of the bratwurst. The texture of the sausages can sometimes be super greasy.
Customers say these sausages do not cook very evenly, causing the cheese to leak out before the brat reaches a decent temperature. The brats also have more sodium than one would imagine, which makes them less suitable for anyone looking to cut down on salt.
Lunch Mate Honey Ham
Lunch Mate Honey Ham may be a quick fix for sandwiches, but it is a pretty questionable quality. The ham has a rubbery texture that gives the impression of processed meat and is less appealing. The flavor of its honey glaze is very sweet at times, which may not work well with savory dishes.
The packaging is too watery, some customers have commented, suggesting a poor curing process of the meat. The product also has a comparatively shorter shelf life to other cold cuts and will spoil more quickly if not consumed quickly.
Appleton Farms Spiral-Sliced Ham
Appleton Farms Spiral-Sliced Ham looks like the centerpiece of a holiday, yet it can underwhelm diners. The packet glaze that comes with this spiral ham is overly sweet and masks the natural flavor of the ham.
Some reviewers reported uneven cooking, where certain parts turned out dry while others were tough. The slices might be thicker than expected, making portioning and serving more difficult. Besides that, the fat content seems a bit higher in some cuts, leading to an imbalanced bite.
Season’s Choice Breaded Chicken Breast
Although it may seem like a convenient and versatile addition to any meal, this breaded chicken breast does not always live up to expectations. The breading often separates from the meat during cooking, leaving a strange texture.
Many found the chicken inside to be dry and flavorless, making it unappealing. There are also frequent complaints about inconsistent portion sizes, where some pieces are too small to use as a main dish. Additionally, the breading contains additives that may not align with healthier dietary preferences.
Simply Nature Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef
Simply Nature Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef may sound healthy and premium, but there are notable drawbacks. Some shoppers have observed that the beef has a higher fat content than expected, which undermines its grass-fed label. Cooking this meat can result in excessive grease, making cleanup a hassle.
It also tends to have a gamier taste, which might not appeal to everyone. While organic certification is a plus, the price point is higher than competing grass-fed beef products that offer better consistency.
Kirkwood Frozen Chicken Tenderloins
Kirkwood Frozen Chicken Tenderloins are convenient but not really that good. Most of the time, they contain ice crystals in them, which makes the chicken come out soggy and not as flavorful when cooked. People have also complained about the meat being stringy, which makes using it in recipes not as pleasant.
There is also a problem with injected saline solutions to make the weight and sodium artificially higher. This product saves time but sacrifices quality in the process.
Never Any Uncured Bacon
Never Any Uncured Bacon markets itself as a much healthier option, yet it never truly lives up to expectations. It is inconsistent in thickness when sliced, which results in uneven cooking. Consumers felt that it had a very strong and less appealing aftertaste compared to the other uncured options.
Upon cooking, the texture sometimes turns out tough and chewy instead of crispy. Lastly, the package size is the smallest compared to competitors and is therefore not cost-effective for frequent use.
Cattlemen’s Ranch Black Angus Patties
Cattlemen’s Ranch Black Angus Patties may market themselves as gourmet burgers, but often disappoint. Patties shrink dramatically upon cooking and lose both size and juiciness. Some find the meat under-seasoned and it requires additional effort to taste better.
Gristle has also been reported from time to time which affects texture. For a Black Angus labeled product, the quality isn’t really worth the price.
Kirkwood Turkey Burgers
Kirkwood Turkey Burgers aim for a healthier burger alternative but often fall short. The patties can have a dry, crumbly texture that makes them less enjoyable. Their flavor is bland, requiring significant seasoning or toppings to make them palatable.
Additionally, they tend to stick to the cooking surface, which can make preparation more frustrating. While convenient, they don’t deliver the same satisfaction as fresh-made turkey burgers.
Appleton Farms Premium Pork Sausage
Appleton Farms Premium Pork Sausage looks great for breakfast but sometimes doesn’t quite deliver. The seasoning is usually too heavy with sage or pepper, which overpowers the flavor of the pork. Sometimes, there is too much grease released from the sausage when it cooks, making a mess.
The texture of the sausages can be rubbery, which detracts from the enjoyment of the meal. Some customers have also reported that the size of the sausages is inconsistent, which makes portioning difficult.
Kirkwood Southern-Style Breaded Chicken Breast
Kirkwood Southern-Style Breaded Chicken Breast is convenient but often a compromise on quality. The breading can be too processed in taste and lacks crispiness as one would want. The chicken itself is more often than not dry, which makes it less satisfying for a meal.
There is also the issue of the use of fillers in the breading, which reduces the overall nutritional value. Being a Southern-style-branded product, it lacks the bold flavor profile that consumers would expect.
