Does Aldi Have Fresh Herbs? A Complete Guide to Finding Herbs at Aldi

Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor and aroma to dishes without adding extra fat, calories or sodium. Popular herbs like basil cilantro and parsley can elevate simple meals by providing a burst of freshness. But can you find fresh herbs at discount grocery stores like Aldi?

I investigated whether Aldi sells fresh herbs and compiled a guide with tips for finding the best herbs at Aldi. Keep reading to learn about the herb selection, varieties carried, when to shop for the freshest herbs and how to make them last

Overview of Fresh Herbs at Aldi

In general, the fresh herb selection at Aldi is more limited compared to regular supermarkets. You’ll mostly find basics like parsley, cilantro and dill. More delicate herbs like tarragon and chives are harder to come by.

However, Aldi does offer fresh herbs – just in smaller quantities and less variety than a traditional grocer. They carry both packaged cut herbs and potted herb plants.

Cut Herbs at Aldi

The main place to find fresh cut herbs at Aldi is the produce section near the other vegetables. They sell the following cut herbs:

• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Basil (occasionally)

The cut herb bunches come pre-packaged in small plastic containers. Aldi has both curly and Italian flat-leaf parsley varieties.

The quality of the cut herbs is decent, but the quantities are small. The parsley and cilantro bunches contain around 0.35 oz. A regular grocery store sells them in 0.5 oz or larger bunches.

I’ve found the packaged cut herbs from Aldi don’t last as long as ones from the farmer’s market. But for a quick weeknight dinner, they work well enough!

Potted Herb Plants at Aldi

A great fresh herb option at Aldi is buying a potted herb plant instead of cut herbs. They offer a larger selection of herb plants:

• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Parsley
• Chives

The herb plants come in 3-inch or 10-inch size pots. Go for the bigger pots for established plants ready to harvest. The smaller pots work well if you want to nurture the herbs longer before taking cuttings.

Aldi gets shipments of herb plants in spring and early summer. Look for them displayed in the fresh produce section or center aisle displays.

I love keeping potted herbs like thyme and oregano on my kitchen windowsill. Then I can snip off leaves as needed to flavor soups, pastas, meats and more.

When to Find the Best Fresh Herbs at Aldi

Timing your herb purchases from Aldi right results in the best quality. Try to shop for herbs:

• In the morning when deliveries are fresh
• At the start of the week
• In peak spring and summer seasons

Avoid buying herbs on weekends when deliveries are less frequent. Herbs that sit too long tend to wilt and lose flavor.

For cut herbs, carefully inspect the bunches and choose ones with vibrant color and no spotting or yellowing. The leaves should look perky, not limp.

When buying potted plants, check the soil is slightly moist and the plant looks healthy. Avoid any leggy or flowering plants that signal overmaturity.

Storing Fresh Herbs from Aldi

To maximize shelf life of fresh Aldi herbs:

• Rinse before storage to remove dirt and bacteria
• Gently wrap in paper towels inside a zip top bag
• Store cut herbs loosely bundled so air circulates
• Keep potted plants in a sunny spot and water sparingly

With proper storage, most herbs from Aldi will last 5-7 days. More delicate herbs like cilantro and basil may only stay fresh for 2-3 days.

For potted plants, move them outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F. Continue harvesting through fall before bringing pots inside for winter.

So while the selection is limited compared to traditional grocers, you can find fresh herbs at Aldi. Follow these tips to pick the best quality herbs and make them last. Check back often as Aldi’s stock is always changing!

Other Notable Fresh Produce at Aldi

Beyond herbs, what other fresh produce does Aldi offer? Here are some of my favorite fresh finds at Aldi:

Tanimura & Antle Boston Lettuce

I often see bagged greens at Aldi that are already wilting. But I haven’t had issues with this greenhouse-grown Boston lettuce from the California company Tanimura & Antle. It’s fresh, mildly flavored, vibrantly green, and perfect for any sandwich. A 5 oz container was $2.89 at my local Aldi, though prices vary.

Simply Nature Organic Thyme

I love having fresh thyme on hand to add flavor to dishes. Aldi’s Simply Nature organic thyme in 0.75 oz containers is almost always in stock. At only $1.69, it’s affordable, flavorful and lasts me a couple weeks.

I Love Produce Ginger Root

I add fresh ginger to stir fries and baked goods for extra flavor. Aldi’s ginger root is just as good as from a more expensive store. Each 8 oz bag stays fresh for weeks and has a nice spicy taste. It’s currently $1.99 at my local Aldi.

Freshire Farms Zucchini

Onions and zucchini are common, but Aldi’s Freshire Farms brand makes a great one. The tight packaging protects the delicate green skin. And the zucchini tastes mildly sweet and pairs well with many flavors. It was $1.45 per pound at my Aldi.