I've been writing about food for over 10 years. Here are my 12 favorite things to buy at Aldi.

Pickling at home is super easy but that doesn't mean we have time to do it. A jar of The Deli pickled pink onions is a fridge staple for me and I wouldn't want to be without them.

I use them all the time in salads, as a garnish for almost anything, on burgers and for a pop of color on tacos. I also used them to spruce up a grilled cheese.

A 340-gram jar of picked pink onions costs about 1.50 euros or about $1.67.

Tinned or jarred artichokes can often be pricey but I've found that's not the case at Aldi.

They're ideal for an emergency antipasti board with some olives, cheese, and charcuterie. I also drain and rinse them, and put them on white pizza with sliced cooked potato, garlic cream, and mozzarella. 

A 280-gram jar of artichokes costs just over 1 euro. 

Possible health benefits aside, apple cider vinegar is everywhere these days and it has a lot to offer the home cook. It's great for pickling vegetables, adding to marinades or salad dressings, and mixing into a cocktail.

It's a versatile product that can be used in any recipe that requires a vinegar or acid, just bear in mind that although it's sour and vinegary, it's slightly sweeter than other vinegar types. 

A 500-milliliter bottle of Specially Selected unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar costs just under 3 euros. 

If there's a summer dessert that's quicker to prepare than ice cream in waffle cones then I've yet to discover it. These waffle cones from Aldi are the perfect vessel for ice cream.

Or, if the occasion calls for something a little fancier than ice cream, waffle cones are perfect for making homemade cannoli cones. Just whip together cream cheese, heavy cream, ricotta, and icing sugar with a little cinnamon and chocolate chips. Pipe the mixture into the cones and serve. It's obviously not authentic but that doesn't make it less delicious. 

I've gotten 10 waffle cones for about 1 euro. 

I know capers aren't that difficult to come by, nor are they an unusual product, but they can be pretty expensive. Jars of capers that I see in other supermarkets cost at least twice the price of The Deli ones from Aldi. 

I use capers to add a briny hit to smoked salmon, tartare sauce, tuna salad, and more. 

A 198-gram jar of capers costs 1.70 euros. 

I have to admit that I'm a bit finicky when it comes to crackers. Given my deep love for cheese, finding the perfect cracker is a challenge.

The Savour Bakes crackers have passed my test. The salted Italian crackers are the perfect size for a one-bite snack. They are crunchy, not too thick (or thin), and the plain salty flavor means they never take away from the main event — the cheese. 

A 250-gram pack of Savour Bakes Italian crackers costs 2.50 euros.

The 250-gram bag of the Foodie Market mix lasts for ages and has a myriad of uses. I usually toast the seeds in the oven and keep them in a jar to sprinkle on salads or add to Greek yogurt or oatmeal.

Sometimes I blitz the seeds with nuts and spices to make dukkah, a condiment that's great on any Middle Eastern dish. I also make a sweeter version of dukkah that works well with yogurt or fruit and I often give jars of it as gifts.

A 250-gram bag of this seed mix costs us about 1 euro. 

Nuts can get expensive but I've found the whole almonds from Aldi are great value. They come raw so I usually roast them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes and keep a jar at hand for snacking or to add to the dukkah I mentioned earlier.

Sometimes I roast almonds in a little salty water and toss them in extra-virgin olive oil while warm. These roasted almonds are great when guests call and I usually serve them with olives and chips alongside pre-dinner drinks. 

A 200-gram bag of whole almonds in Aldi costs 2 euros. 

I'm a big fan of dark chocolate and there are a few reasons I love the Moser Roth range from Aldi. First off, I think it's great the large bar actually contains five small, individually wrapped bars.

I also love the variety of flavors available, although my two favorites are the bars with orange and almond or the ones with dark chocolate and sea salt. 

Lastly, I love that the Moser Roth range comes in a variety of cocoa strengths (up to 85% cocoa) to cater to every level of sweet tooth. 

A bar of Moser Roth chocolate costs just under 2 euros. 

I appreciate that this Specially Selected balsamic vinegar from Aldi actually contains grape must, an integral part of a decent balsamic vinegar.

It has complex, medium-sweet flavor and is best used as a finishing condiment or a marinade. It can also be served with fruit and cheese. 

A 250-milliliter bottle of this Specially Selected balsamic vinegar costs 3.30 euros. 

Prunes don't have the greatest reputation but these dried ones from Aldi are so versatile and I use them in many dishes.

They're great in the savory French dish of pork au pruneaux but my favorite way to eat prunes is to simmer them in a red-wine simple syrup until they are almost toffee-like and then serve them with vanilla mascarpone. Stunning. 

A 500-gram bag of dried prunes costs 3 euros. 

I'm a sucker for all things fizzy and Aldi has some great options, like the Dominion fizzy pineapple gummies. The watermelon version of these candies are pretty good, too.

A 120-gram pack of these luxury gummy candies costs 1.70 euros.

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