3 min read
Key Points
Aldi has opened its first Midtown Manhattan store as part of its nationwide expansion plans.Standout private-label products on the shelf include hot honey goat cheese, cotton candy grapes, protein soda, and Dubai chocolate multi-layer gelato.The retailer’s famous Aldi Finds aisle adds around 100 new limited-time products every Wednesday.
Aldi has officially arrived in Midtown Manhattan.
The discount grocer recently opened its first Midtown location at 312 W. 42nd St., bringing its famously low prices and private-label-heavy assortment to one of New York City’s busiest neighborhoods. The opening is part of Aldi’s aggressive expansion plans, with the retailer aiming to open roughly 180 stores annually as it continues growing across the country.
I recently toured the new location to learn what sets Aldi apart from traditional grocery stores and, more importantly, to find out which products are actually worth tossing into your cart.
Steven Morea
One of the most surprising things I learned is that roughly 90% of the products sold at Aldi are private label. In fact, the company has intentionally reduced the number of brands it carries over the years, allowing it to focus on a smaller assortment of products. While a traditional grocery store may stock upward of 30,000 to 40,000 SKUs, Aldi carries closer to 2,000.
According to the company, every item has to earn its spot on the shelf.
Steven Morea
You’ll notice many products are labeled with “An Aldi Original,” a designation that lets shoppers know the item is exclusive to Aldi stores.
Of course, all of that is interesting. What I really wanted to know was what I should buy.
Hot Honey Goat Cheese
Steven Morea
This was one of the standout products from the entire tour.
The cheese is incredibly creamy, with just enough honey sweetness before the heat kicks in. It’s the kind of product that instantly upgrades a cheese board and may even disappear before guests arrive.
Aldi currently carries more than 150 cheeses, including roughly 50 gourmet varieties, and this is exactly the kind of item that explains why the category has become such a draw for shoppers.
Sourdough Bread
Steven Morea
If you’re only going to buy one loaf of bread at Aldi, make it this one.
The retailer told us sourdough is currently its top-selling bread, and after trying it, I understand why. It has the chewy interior and crisp crust you’d expect from a much more expensive bakery loaf.
Cotton Candy Grapes
Steven Morea
I know these aren’t new. I also know that every time I see Cotton Candy Grapes, I buy them. Aldi says it’s the only retailer in the country to consistently carry the wildly popular fruit, and they’re every bit as sweet and addictive as their name suggests. And in frozen form, they’re the ultimate summer snack.
Protein Soda
Steven Morea
Protein soda has become one of the hottest trends in the beverage aisle, but paying $5 for a single can can get old very quickly.
Aldi’s private-label version offers a much more affordable entry point for shoppers who are protein-curious but not necessarily looking to spend specialty beverage prices every time they want a soda.
Dubai Chocolate Multi-Layer Gelato
Steven Morea
At this point, I’ve accepted that Dubai chocolate isn’t going anywhere (not that I’m complaining).
Aldi’s Dubai Chocolate Multi-Layer Gelato takes inspiration from the viral flavor trend and transforms it into a frozen dessert. Rich chocolate, layered textures, and plenty of indulgence make this one an easy addition to any shopping list.
Don’t Skip The Aldi Finds Aisle
Perhaps the most unique Aldi experience of all is the Aldi Finds aisle.
Every Wednesday, the retailer drops around 100 limited-time seasonal products spanning both food and non-food categories. It’s entirely possible to walk into the store for milk and eggs and leave with a new kitchen gadget, patio furniture, or an inflatable pool float.
The new Midtown store may be Aldi’s latest New York opening, but after seeing the products firsthand, it’s easy to understand why the retailer continues to attract such a devoted following. Sometimes fewer choices really do make shopping easier, especially when the choices are this good.