Kitchn and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
Credit: Mara Weinraub
A few weeks ago, I got a sneak preview of a new Aldi location ahead of its official opening. The energy in midtown Manhattan is typically buzzing, and this particular Wednesday (a mere one day ahead of the parade celebrating the Knicks’ historic championship) was no exception.
During the guided tour, I peppered Scott Patton, chief commercial officer at Aldi, with all kinds of questions: What’s the deal with those jumbo blueberries? Does he have a favorite dessert? And, most relevant to this post, what’s the best-selling item in the beloved bread aisle?
Turns out, it’s a $3.49 sourdough loaf. It’s so popular, according to Aldi, that the grocer sells more than 575,000 every single week. That’s a lot of bread.
Credit: Mara Weinraub
Why Aldi Shoppers Buy 575,000 Loaves of Sourdough Every Week
If this sourdough loaf isn’t on your list of the best Aldi groceries yet, it might be time to revise. I have. The Specially Selected Sourdough Round first hit shelves in 2019. Longtime fans might have noticed the recipe has changed slightly since the original launch, and contains three main ingredients: water, flour, and salt — exactly what you’d expect (although the ingredient list still includes yeast, which helps it rise faster).
A $3.49 (on sale!) loaf has a relatively tight crumb and comes with about 16 slices. The ones in the center are large enough to slice in half and serve two or turn into a single sandwich. Naturally, I picked up a loaf before heading out so I could try it for myself — and had slices for breakfast (or lunch) four times that week. (The rest I shared with my family.)
Credit: Mara Weinraub
What’s the Best Way to Enjoy Aldi’s Specially Selected Sourdough Round?
The slices are thin, but sturdy enough to hold all manner of spreads and salads, like a generous spread of really good butter, peanut butter and jelly, and melted cheese topped with chicken salad. The bread is more neutral in flavor than other sourdough loaves I’ve tried, so if you’re looking for that traditional sour tang you might want to skip this one.
Credit: Mara Weinraub
It has a fluffy soft interior, and a delicate crust compared to the sourdough bread I occasionally buy at the local French bakery. It also crisps up nicely when toasted. And because a loaf costs less than $4, I can totally see why people buy so many each month.
Find it in stores: Specially Selected Sourdough Round, $3.49 for 24 ounces at Aldi
Have you tried Aldi’s sourdough round? Tell us about it in the comments.
Further Reading
These Impossibly Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Rival Any Restaurant’s
The Secret to Better Baked Potatoes? Cook Them Like the British Do.
We Tested 4 Famous Chocolate Cake Recipes and Found a Clear Winner