Whether Aldi sells tartar sauce or not is a common question that many shoppers have when perusing the aisles of this popular discount grocery chain. As a leading budget-friendly retailer, Aldi aims to offer quality products at low prices. However, with a focus on keeping costs down, Aldi stores have a smaller selection compared to traditional supermarkets. This leads shoppers to wonder exactly what condiments and pantry staples they can expect to find on Aldi’s shelves. By looking at the typical Aldi inventory, store brands, seasonal items, and consumer reports, we can get a clear answer on the availability of tartar sauce at Aldi.
Quick Answer
Yes, Aldi does sell tartar sauce – but with a few caveats. Tartar sauce can usually be found at Aldi stores as a seasonal item during warmer months when seafood sales increase. It may be stocked as a store-brand product under the Park Street Deli label. However, it is not a guaranteed year-round staple at Aldi like ketchup or mayonnaise. The availability of tartar sauce will depend on location and season.
Typical Condiment Offerings at Aldi
To understand the likelihood of finding tartar sauce at Aldi, it helps to look at the bigger picture of Aldi’s typical condiment and salad dressing selections. As a discount grocer, Aldi aims to provide quality pantry basics at low prices. However, they do not try to match the vast assortment of a traditional supermarket across all categories. For condiments and salad dressings, you can usually expect to find these consistent options at Aldi:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Relish
- Hot sauce
- Barbecue sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Italian dressing
- Thousand Island dressing
- Oil and vinegar
This covers most standard American condiment flavors. But specialty condiments like tartar sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or horseradish sauce appear more sporadically based on seasonal demand.
Aldi Store Brand Offerings
Most of Aldi’s products are available under Aldi’s own exclusive brands, rather than national brands. When it comes to condiments, Aldi’s core store brands include:
- Park Street Deli – Mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressings
- Burman’s – Ketchup, mustard, relish, hot sauce
- Simply Nature – Organic condiments and dressings
- Priano – Premium pasta sauces
Tartar sauce is sometimes available under the Park Street Deli brand at certain Aldi locations. But again, it is not a guaranteed year-round offering. Shoppers are more likely to find staples like mayonnaise and mustard under the flagship brands.
Seasonal Condiments at Aldi
Aldi rotates through seasonal inventory emphasizing key flavors and ingredients by time of year. For example:
- Summer – Salad dressings, barbecue sauce, seafood seasonings
- Fall – Mustard, cranberry sauce
- Winter – Cocktail sauce, gravy, seasoning blends
- Spring – Lighter dressings, sweet and sour sauce
As a seafood-centric condiment, tartar sauce fits squarely in the summer season at Aldi. Demand for tartar sauce peaks between May and August when seafood consumption rises. Aldi stocks tartar sauce during these months to complement summer seafood offerings. Once peak grilling season ends, tartar sauce goes away.
Consumer Reports on Aldi Tartar Sauce
Reviews from actual Aldi shoppers confirm the seasonal appearance of tartar sauce at Aldi stores:
- “I’ve bought Aldi tartar sauce for summer seafood dishes. It’s found by the other refrigerated salad dressings and condiments.”
- “My local Aldi carries it in the summer only. I stock up because I use it year round for fish.”
- “It can be hard to find during winter. I wish they had it all the time.”
While there are some reports of tartar sauce sightings outside of summer, the consensus is that warm weather months are the safest bet. Local inventory also varies by region and store volume.
Checking Tartar Sauce Availability at Your Local Aldi
The best way to determine current tartar sauce availability at your location is to directly check with your local Aldi store. You can either call the store or speak with a manager in person. Some tips when inquiring:
- Ask if they currently have any Park Street Deli tartar sauce in stock.
- If not, ask when it is usually available as a seasonal item.
- They may be able to tell you expected delivery dates.
- You can also request they notify you when they get a shipment.
This will provide the most up-to-date information for your specific store compared to general product lists. Keep in mind that availability can vary across different stores in a region.
Purchasing Tartar Sauce from Aldi
If your Aldi does have tartar sauce in stock, here are some tips for purchasing:
- Check expiration dates and pick furthest out.
- Inspect container for damage or signs of spoilage.
- If buying for future use, store unopened in refrigerator up to 3 months.
- Open jar can be kept refrigerated for up to 6 months.
- For maximum shelf life, freeze extra unopened jars.
- Thaw frozen tartar sauce overnight in fridge before using.
Aldi’s tartar sauce generally costs between $1.49 – $1.89 for a 16oz jar. This is significantly cheaper than national brand alternatives. Buying multiple jars when available allows enjoying quality tartar sauce at Aldi’s low prices year-round.
Alternatives at Aldi If Tartar Sauce Unavailable
If you strike out finding tartar sauce during your Aldi trip, check out these potential substitutes available year-round:
| Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Whisk in dill, diced pickles, lemon juice, and seasonings to replicate tartar flavor. |
| Burman’s sandwich spread | Has relish flavor good for seafood, but slightly different tang than traditional tartar sauce. |
| Burman’s horseradish mustard | Pairs well with fish for a kick of heat and vinegar notes. |
| Park Street Deli dill dip | Mix with mayo and lemon for close texture and flavor to tartar sauce. |
A homemade tartar sauce substitute can also be whipped up with common pantry ingredients. In a pinch, these alternatives get the job done!
Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
When tartar sauce is not available at Aldi, making it at home is an easy option. This homemade tartar sauce recipe mimics the flavor of the store-bought version:
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon diced pimento stuffed green olives
- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- Store homemade tartar sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
This easy 5 minute recipe makes about 1 cup tartar sauce for just pennies using common ingredients. Feel free to tweak flavors to your taste preferences – add more pickles for tang or cayenne pepper for a kick.
Conclusion
Tartar sauce can be found at Aldi stores during peak seafood seasons in the summer months. But it is not a guaranteed year-round product. Call your local store directly to check current availability if tartar sauce is a must-have for you. Be prepared by stocking up when you see it or keeping ingredients on hand to whip up a quick homemade version. With some preparation, you can enjoy quality tartar sauce all season long, even from the Aldi aisles!