YouTuber Just Deano tested 11 Aldi alternatives to popular branded foods and found five that were better, calling the results “shocking.” The challenge compared items like Cheerios, Mars bars, and Pringles against Aldi's versions, focusing on taste and value.
Cheerios vs Hoops: Brand Wins
Deano bought Cheerios from Iceland for £3.50 and Aldi's Hoops Multigrain for 79p. He said the Cheerios were “beautiful” and “very very sweet,” while the Hoops were “nowhere near as sweet” and “very very bland.” He concluded: “Nestle wins.”
Mars vs Titan: Aldi Wins
For chocolate, Deano compared a four-pack of Mars from Aldi for £1.89 with Aldi's Titan bars at £1.45 for six. He said they tasted “absolutely identical” but gave the win to Titan due to value, stating: “Titan miles better there.”
Lurpak vs Nordpak: Aldi Wins
Deano tested Lurpak butter from Tesco at £4.75 against Aldi's Nordpak at £2.18. He found the taste “identical” and chose Nordpak as the winner because it was half the price.
Monster vs Dark Thunder: Aldi Wins
He compared a can of Monster Energy at £1.75 with Aldi's Dark Thunder at 89p. Both were 500ml and the same flavour. Deano said they were “basically the same thing” and wouldn't pay nearly twice the price, so Dark Thunder won.
Pringles vs Stackz: Brand Wins
Deano bought salt and vinegar Pringles for £1.85 from B&M and Stackz from Aldi for £1.19. He preferred the Pringles for their stronger flavour, noting they can be found cheaper elsewhere, so Pringles won.
Dr Pepper vs Professor Peppy: Aldi Wins
He compared a 2-litre bottle of Dr Pepper at £1.69 with Aldi's Professor Peppy zero sugar at 49p. Deano preferred Professor Peppy, saying Aldi's pop dupes are “just as good if not better.”
Penguin vs Seal Bars: Brand Wins
Penguin bars cost £1 while Aldi's Seal Bars were slightly more. Deano said there wasn't much difference, but Penguin won because of the dad joke on the wrapper and nicer chocolate, and it was cheaper.
Fridge Raiders vs Snackin Chicken: Brand Wins
Fridge Raiders cost 95p versus Aldi's Snackin Chicken at 40p. Despite the price difference, Deano preferred Fridge Raiders, calling them “elite stuff,” so they won.
Super Noodles vs Bramwells: Brand Wins
Bachelors Super Noodles chicken flavour cost £1.20 from Sainsbury's, while Aldi's Bramwells Express Instant Noodles were 39p. Deano much preferred the taste of the Bachelors, so they won.
Pot Noodle vs Mega Snack Noodles: Aldi Wins
He compared Pot Noodle Bombay Bad Boy with Aldi's Bramwells Express Mega Snack Noodles Mumbai Mad Boy. He said the Mumbai Mad Boy had better flavour, so it won.
Freddo vs Deeno: Brand Wins in Tiebreaker
The challenge ended 5-5, so Deano settled it with a Freddo versus Deeno tiebreaker. He bought a four-pack of Freddo from B&M for £1 (25p each) and compared them to Aldi's Deeno bars. He found the Deeno had a bitter taste and preferred the Freddo, saying: “I think I’d pay the Freddo.” The originals won 6-5.
Deano concluded: “So, to sum up, the originals are the best and the dupes, well, they are just that. However, in some cases, those dupes, save yourselves some pennies. And in others, well, unfortunately, you just got to pay for that brand name because it’s just nicer.”
