The $2.50 Aldi Product My Husband Always Adds To Our Grocery List

One of the many pleasures of grocery shopping is coming home with an unexpected treat. Whether a limited-edition flavor of Goldfish or a new barbecue sauce, a bright spot in your basket or cart can greatly improve your entire errand-running experience. It’s part of what makes those center aisles of Aldi (also known as the Aldi Finds aisles) so fun to explore. In the past, I’ve come home with everything from Cuban sandwich-flavored chips to potted houseplants.

My Favorite Hidden Gem

But one of my all-time favorite hidden gems at Aldi is their Nature’s Nectar Coconut Water. Though it’s a year-round item, it always feels like a bit of a treat to bring home, especially in the summertime. In a world of a million water options—sparkling, flavored, and about a zillion combinations of the two—my husband and I have a special place in our hearts (and our refrigerator) for coconut water. I grew up visiting family in Malaysia where drinking coconut water straight from the fruit is a daily occurrence. Once I introduced my husband to the practice, he became hooked—and our house’s obsession with coconut water was born.

Unfortunately, just-harvested coconuts are a little harder to find in Alabama than Southeast Asia, so we have to settle for coconut water that comes in cans, cartons, and bottles. And even more unfortunately, coconut water can get mighty pricey. A 16.9-ounce carton of Vita Coco runs about $2.69, while brands like Harmless Harvest will set you back nearly $5 for just one 16-ounce bottle. You can’t put a price on happiness, but you can put one on coconut water, and for us, those are just a little steep.  

It's A Budget-Friendly Pick

We do most of our grocery shopping at Aldi, so when we stumbled upon their coconut water during one of our weekly runs, we immediately threw a couple cartons in our cart. Since then, it’s been a staple in our household. Though it’s not quite as good as other more expensive brands, its budget-friendly price tag of $2.50 for 33.8 ounces more than makes up for any loss in flavor. Aldi’s version is made of 100% pure coconut water from Brazilian coconuts. It’s not too sweet and is supremely refreshing on a hot summer day, providing that tiny taste of the tropics that I so often crave.

A Refreshing Pick-Me-Up

Each 8-ounce serving only has 35 calories, so it’s got the health box ticked. And with no added sugar, plus electrolytes like potassium that are great for hydration, it’s a great alternative to sugary sports drinks. My husband and I love to drink it right out of the carton, but it’s also great mixed into smoothies, cocktails, and even iced coffee. Next time you need a little mid-afternoon pick-me-up, I recommend putting down the coffee or soda and picking up Aldi’s Nature’s Nectar Coconut Water.