When Angela Yvonne walked into her local Aldi with just $20 and a plan to eat plant-based for the day, she wasn't just shopping; she was filming the experience.
As the creator behind VeganPopEats, Yvonne set out to show her followers that eating fresh, healthy meals doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Her video, which turned a simple produce haul into a full day of meals, tapped into a growing trend reshaping the way people think about grocery shopping.
Across TikTok and Instagram, creators like Yvonne are transforming low-budget trips into viral content packed with smart strategies, savvy swaps, and, increasingly, a spotlight on fresh produce and how it fits with eating on a budget. Hashtags like #AldiHaul, #BudgetMeals and #ProduceChallenge are fueling a wave of practical inspiration, especially as food prices remain high. The #AldiHaul hashtag alone has appeared in more than 15,400 TikTok posts, collectively earning over 287 million views, according to TikTokHashtags.com.
In a New York Times article, “Aldi's Passionate, Cultlike Following Fuels Its Rapid Expansion Plans,” author Julie Creswell writes, “Aldi's growth is being attributed to the fact that it has tapped into two trends driving American shoppers: discount prices and healthy products.”
By showcasing what's possible with a few dollars and a cart full of produce, with each click and share, influencers are helping shoppers stretch their budgets and eat better.
The Packer spoke with Yvonne to get her take on why Aldi's produce aisle is a great place to shop on a budget. With over 32,000 followers across her social media platforms, plus a PBS series “Vegan Pop Eats” that explores the world of veganism and its impact on food and culture, Yvonne offers a unique perspective on Aldi's viral status.
The Packer: Why do you shop at Aldi for produce?
Angela Yvonne: I started shopping at Aldi because I wanted to show that becoming vegan was not that expensive. I created my series, “I can feed you Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for $20,” after constantly hearing the myth that eating healthily was expensive, especially since health is the only real currency, and misinformation can influence food decisions.
Do you think Aldi makes eating fresh more accessible for your audience? How?
Aldi is one of my favorite places to shop for inexpensive produce. Lidl's, Trader Joe's and local markets and farmers markets have great options too.
Have you noticed more interest in fresh food content since grocery prices started rising?
People are going back to basics, wanting minimum ingredients and fresh food. I see that people are beginning to be more intentional with the foods that they are choosing and becoming more health conscious and incorporating less meat.
How do you balance affordability with nutrition in your weekly meal prep?
I am vegan and rarely purchase processed foods. Processed meats will always be expensive. I live in New York and am very fortunate to have Aldi nearby as well as local markets that are open 24 hours.
Do you think Aldi produce compares well to other grocers in terms of quality and price?
What I love about Aldi is that it is improving every day, and I find new things that are budget-friendly and nutritious.
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