The Aldi pantry list that makes holiday baking cheaper

Holiday baking gets expensive fast if you’re grabbing name brands at the last minute. One of the easiest ways to keep costs down is to build a solid pantry from Aldi ahead of time. You’re not lowering your standards—you’re just stocking the basics where they’re cheaper so you’re not paying full price in a rush.

Stock up on flour and sugar first

Flour and sugar are the backbone of almost everything you’ll bake. Aldi’s all-purpose flour and basic white and brown sugar usually cost less than big-name bags somewhere else, and you won’t notice a difference in your cookies or cakes. Grab enough for all your “must-bake” recipes plus a little extra for last-minute school parties or neighbor plates.

Don’t skip baking powder, soda, and salt

Leavening isn’t exciting, but it’s what keeps your baked goods from turning into bricks. Baking powder, baking soda, and plain salt are usually cheaper at Aldi, and they last a long time. Toss a fresh box of baking soda in your cart every season—old stuff can lose its oomph, and then you’re wondering why your muffins won’t rise.

Get your oils, butter, and shortening in one place

You’ll use more butter and oil in November and December than almost any other time of year. Aldi’s store-brand butter, vegetable oil, and sometimes even baking sticks/shortening are usually noticeably cheaper. Grab extra when you see a good price and stash butter in the freezer so you’re not paying holiday markups when shelves start to look bare.

Build a stash of chocolate and chips

Chocolate chips, white chips, peanut butter chips, and baking cocoa can really add up if you’re buying them at full price somewhere else. Aldi’s versions bake just as well for most home recipes—cookies, brownies, fudge, and bark. If you know your family loves anything with chocolate, keep a couple of bags on hand. You’ll use them.

Pick up nuts and dried fruit where they’re cheaper

Pecans, walnuts, almonds, and dried cranberries or raisins show up in a lot of holiday recipes. Those bags can be painful at some stores. Aldi’s nut and dried fruit section is usually friendlier on the wallet. If whole nuts are pricey, look for chopped or pieces—they bake the same and often cost less per ounce.

Don’t forget spices and extracts

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla are the quiet stars of holiday baking. Name-brand spices and pure vanilla at big-box stores can blow half your budget. At Aldi, you can pick up the basics for less. If you can swing it, grab real vanilla extract for flavor and a small bottle of imitation for things like big batches of frosting where it matters less.

Grab your “building blocks” for easy treats

Cake mixes, brownie mixes, quick bread mixes, and refrigerated dough are great for filling in gaps when you’re short on time. Aldi’s mixes can be dressed up with chocolate chips, nuts, or a simple glaze and suddenly look more homemade. Keeping a few in the pantry means you’re not scrambling for a complicated recipe every time something pops up.

Keep the add-ons in mind

Powdered sugar, cream cheese, and evaporated or sweetened condensed milk are the behind-the-scenes players in frostings, fudge, and cheesecakes. Aldi almost always has them, and they’re cheaper than many other places. Toss a few cans and extra bricks of cream cheese in your cart early so you’re not hunting later.