If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably seen those gorgeous, colorful macarons in bakery windows or maybe even in your favorite Instagram feed and thought, “Oh, those are so fancy!” I mean, who wouldn’t love those little bite-sized French pastries, right? But let’s face it—macarons can be a bit pricey when you get them from a high-end bakery or even a chain store. So, when I heard that Aldi might sell macarons, you can imagine how my curiosity was piqued.
The question is—Do Aldi sell macarons? And more importantly, are they worth picking up on your next grocery run?
I’m here to break it down for you: the price, the flavor, and whether you’re getting the real deal or something that’ll make you regret your purchase.
Let’s dive in and find out if Aldi is the hidden gem for macarons, or if you should stick with the traditional bakeries.
What Are Macarons, Anyway?
Before we dive into Aldi’s version of macarons, let’s start with a quick refresher on what exactly these little cookies are. You know, in case you’re thinking, “Wait, aren’t they just expensive cookies?”
Macarons are a French confection made from egg whites, almond flour, and sugar. These delicate treats are usually filled with buttercream, ganache, or jam, sandwiched between two almond meringue shells. They’re light, crispy on the outside, and chewy on the inside, with a smooth, sweet filling.
Macarons come in every color imaginable, often flavored with things like pistachio, raspberry, vanilla, chocolate, or salted caramel. If you’ve ever had one, you know they’re a little bite of heaven, but also a bit of a luxury.
If you’re interested in making your own macarons at home, check out this simple guide on how to make pink macarons.
So, Does Aldi Sell Macarons?
Good news! Yes, Aldi does sell macarons. They’ve been stocking them in their freezer section, typically under their private label “Specially Selected,” which is their premium line of products. And let me tell you, the prices are significantly lower than what you’d pay at a traditional French bakery.
Aldi’s frozen macarons come in a variety of flavors, and they’re usually sold in small packages with around 6 to 12 macarons in each box. While the exact flavors may vary depending on the season or store location, you can generally expect to see a few of the classic favorites like:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Raspberry
- Salted Caramel
- Pistachio
And, if you’re lucky, you might even find some seasonal flavors pop up around the holidays or special events, like pumpkin spice in the fall.
Aldi’s macarons aren’t fresh-made in-store (because they’re frozen), but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re any less delicious. But… are they as good as the ones from a high-end bakery? Let’s dig into that.
Are Aldi’s Macarons Any Good?
Here’s the thing. Aldi has a pretty solid reputation for offering affordable alternatives to higher-end brands, and their macarons are no exception.
The Taste Test
In my opinion (and I’m definitely no professional food critic), Aldi’s macarons are a pretty decent substitute if you’re craving something sweet and fancy without breaking the bank. I’ve tried them a few times, and here’s what I’ve found:
- Texture: The texture is really close to the traditional macaron you’d find at a bakery. They’re a bit crispy on the outside, but the insides are soft and chewy. Not exactly like a homemade one, but good enough for the price.
- Flavor: The flavors are tasty, and while they might not be as bold as what you’d get from an artisanal bakery, they’re still delicious. The vanilla, for instance, is sweet and smooth, while the raspberry flavor is tangy and fruity.
- Filling: The filling isn’t overly heavy or too sweet, which is nice because it lets the almond flavor of the shell shine through. Some of the flavors (like pistachio and salted caramel) have a good balance of sweetness and richness.
What About the Price?
Aldi’s macarons are incredibly affordable compared to what you’d pay at a traditional bakery. Typically, you’re looking at around $4 to $6 for a box of about 6 macarons. Depending on where you live, a similar box from a French patisserie could easily cost you $15 or more. So, yeah, it’s a pretty solid deal.
The Convenience Factor
Another perk of Aldi’s macarons is that they’re frozen. This means you can keep a box in your freezer and enjoy them anytime you want! They thaw out pretty quickly, and you can even speed up the process by leaving them on the counter for 15 minutes before serving. No need to make a special trip to a fancy bakery—you can get your macaron fix on the go.
How Do Aldi’s Macarons Compare to Other Store-Bought Brands?
I know, I know—you’re probably wondering: “Okay, but how do Aldi’s macarons stack up against other store-bought macarons, like the ones from Costco, Trader Joe’s, or even the ones at Whole Foods?”
Here’s the breakdown:
Aldi vs. Costco
Costco has its own frozen macarons under the brand name La Maison or Gourmet Bakery. In terms of flavor, they are very similar to Aldi’s, but Costco’s macarons tend to be larger in size. However, Costco’s prices are usually higher—around $15 for a box of 20 macarons.
So, while Costco’s macarons are cheaper per piece, Aldi’s smaller box and lower price might make more sense if you’re just looking to satisfy a smaller craving without having to commit to a huge box of macarons.
Aldi vs. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s also has frozen macarons, and honestly, they’re a bit hit-or-miss. Some people love them, while others think they’re too sugary. Aldi’s macarons are a bit more refined in flavor, especially when it comes to the filling-to-shell ratio. Plus, at Aldi, you’re likely to find more flavor variety at a lower price point.
Aldi vs. Whole Foods
Whole Foods offers high-end macarons made by artisan brands like Clementine Bakery or Miette Patisserie. These macarons are undeniably delicious, but they’ll set you back around $2 to $3 per macaron—definitely a premium product. Aldi’s version might not be quite as fancy, but they’re still a great alternative for anyone who wants to indulge without the premium price tag.
Tips for Enjoying Aldi Macarons Like a Pro
Okay, now that you know all about Aldi’s macarons, let me drop some quick tips to make sure you enjoy them to the fullest:
- Thaw Them Right: You don’t need to microwave them! Just leave them out for about 10 to 15 minutes to let them soften and become that perfect chewy texture.
- Pair Them with Coffee or Tea: Macarons and coffee are basically a match made in heaven. Try pairing your macarons with a cup of strong espresso or a nice hot tea. It’ll take the experience to another level (even if you’re in your sweatpants).
- Serve Them at Parties: Impress your guests with these frozen delights at your next gathering. Put them on a nice plate, and no one will guess they’re from Aldi!
- Keep Them in the Freezer: They’re frozen, so you can store them for a while. If you don’t finish them all in one sitting (not judging if you do), just pop them back in the freezer, and they’ll be ready for your next sweet craving.
Are Aldi’s Macarons Worth Buying?
Alright, so we’ve covered the basics about whether Aldi sells macarons, but let’s talk about whether these little treats are really worth picking up. I mean, you’re not exactly going to spend a fortune on them, but the real question is—do they satisfy that craving for something sweet and fancy?
In my opinion, Aldi’s macarons are definitely a steal. When you consider the price and the fact that you’re getting a decent-quality product, they make for an awesome treat. While they’re not going to be exactly like the ones from a Parisian patisserie, they’re a pretty solid option when you’re looking for something that feels fancy but doesn’t come with the hefty price tag. If you’re someone who loves a sweet bite of French indulgence but doesn’t want to blow your budget, Aldi’s macarons hit the spot.
But if you’re a die-hard macaron lover or a connoisseur of fine French pastries, you might notice a slight difference in texture or flavor compared to the authentic ones. Still, these little cookies have enough charm to keep me coming back for more.
Aldi’s Macarons for Special Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a birthday celebration, or even just a casual get-together with friends, Aldi’s macarons can be a game-changer. Honestly, no one will guess that these fancy little cookies came from the frozen section of a discount grocery store.
I’ve served Aldi’s macarons at a couple of small gatherings, and every time, they’ve been a hit. People love the colors, they’re always surprised by the variety of flavors, and they’re just the right amount of sweet to round off a meal. Plus, you don’t have to worry about ordering from an expensive bakery or making them from scratch (because let’s face it, making macarons from scratch is hard).
So, if you’ve got a special occasion coming up, skip the high-end bakery and grab a box of Aldi’s macarons. They look great on a dessert table and will save you some serious dough!
The Convenience of Aldi’s Macarons: Why I Keep Going Back
Another reason I always grab a box (or two) of Aldi’s macarons is for the sheer convenience. You can keep them stocked in your freezer, and whenever the mood strikes—boom, you’ve got a sweet, delicate treat ready to go.
Unlike fresh macarons that have a limited shelf life, Aldi’s frozen versions are perfect for busy people who want to enjoy a fancy snack without the stress. Whether you’ve got unexpected guests or just want something sweet while binge-watching your favorite show (I mean, who doesn’t want to feel fancy on the couch?), Aldi’s macarons make life just a little easier.
Do Aldi’s Macarons Come in Other Flavors?
You might be wondering, “Are Aldi’s macarons just basic flavors, or do they offer something unique?” The answer is yes—they offer seasonal and unique options. Depending on the time of year, you might find flavors like pumpkin spice in the fall or lemon zest in the spring.
These seasonal flavors are a nice way to mix things up if you’ve been enjoying the classics like vanilla and raspberry. So, keep your eyes peeled for new and limited-edition flavors! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try different combinations—chocolate and raspberry together? Yes, please!
Do Aldi’s Macarons Have a Long Shelf Life?
Since Aldi’s macarons come frozen, they do have a pretty good shelf life, especially compared to fresh ones. You can store them in your freezer for a few months, and they’ll stay in top shape. Just follow the instructions on the box, and you’ll be ready to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
The good thing about these frozen macarons is that they won’t go bad too quickly. In fact, they last better than fresh macarons, which can dry out or get soggy after just a couple of days. So, if you have a box in your freezer and forget about it for a month, no worries! They’ll still taste as good as the day you bought them.
Can You Make Aldi’s Macarons More ‘Homemade’?
If you love to “make things your own,” you’ll be happy to know you can easily customize Aldi’s macarons. Add a glaze, sprinkle toppings for a birthday, or create a macaron tower—it’s easier than you think!pect!
With a bit of creativity, you can take Aldi’s macarons from good to great. Try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit like strawberries. Or, you can get fancy with a little drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Honestly, with the base already being so good, it’s like building a house on a strong foundation.
The Verdict: Are Aldi’s Macarons the Real Deal?
Here’s a shortened version with shorter sentences:
So, what’s the final word on whether Aldi sells macarons worth trying? In short—yes! They may not win “authenticity” awards like French macarons, but Aldi’s are a great mix of quality, affordability, and convenience. If you’ve wondered, “Do Aldi sell macarons?” the answer is definitely yes. You can find a variety of flavors that won’t break the bank. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a macaron fan, Aldi’s macarons are a sweet treat with no sticker shock!
So, the next time you’re at Aldi, make sure to swing by the freezer section and grab a box. You’ll be in for a treat that’s delicious, budget-friendly, and fancy enough to impress anyone who might be around to sample them.
FAQs
They taste pretty great! While they might not have the same richness as high-end bakery macarons, Aldi’s frozen versions are light, chewy, and flavorful with a smooth filling. They’re definitely worth trying if you’re craving macarons without the hefty price tag.
A box of Aldi macarons typically costs between $4 and $6, depending on your location and the store. This is way cheaper than most bakery options.
Technically, yes, you can eat them frozen, but I highly recommend letting them thaw for about 10 to 15 minutes to get the best texture and flavor.
Yes, Aldi’s macarons are typically made with almond flour, so they’re naturally gluten-free. However, if you have a serious allergy, always check the packaging for any cross-contamination warnings.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the answer to “Do Aldi sell macarons?” is a clear yes—and for good reason. While they may not come from famous Parisian bakeries, Aldi’s macarons are a great choice for something sweet, fancy, and budget-friendly.
For those asking, “Do Aldi sell macarons?”, they may not be as fresh as those from high-end bakeries, but Aldi’s macarons are still a great value. They offer a variety of flavors and are easy to store in your freezer for later. Whether you’re craving a quick treat or something for a party, these macarons impress without breaking the bank.
If you’ve never tried them, I say go ahead and grab a box (or two). They may surprise you, and who knows? They might just become your new favorite frozen indulgence from Aldi. So, next time you’re in the store and wondering, “Do Aldi sell macarons?” now you know the answer—and the delicious truth behind it!