The $4.89 ALDI Find Is Worth Every Penny

When I first saw jars of pineapple spears in coconut water at ALDI, I immediately thought, “What a clever idea!” Instead of syrup or pineapple juice, the fruit is canned in lightly sweetened coconut water. Pineapple and coconuts grow in the same places and are a classic flavor combination, so it’s a natural pairing.

And for $4.89, it’s a bargain, considering that Kroger has a very similar product for $8.

Why I Love ALDI’s Pineapple Spears in Coconut Water

The combination of pineapple and coconut brings back lovely memories for me. A long-ago trip to Jamaica that involved piña coladas on the beach always comes to mind when I smell the fragrance of the two together.

As much as I love pineapple, I’m not always up for gambling on whether that pricey fresh pineapple will be a good one and then doing the work of peeling and chopping. Canned pineapple is handy, but it can taste tinny from the packaging.

So when I saw pineapple in a jar, I knew it wouldn’t have any off flavors. I can even see the fruit through the glass, and just a whiff of the pineapple spears in coconut water reminds me of sunny days and relaxation.

Instead of pineapple submerged in juice or sugary syrup, these are bathed in lightly sweetened coconut water. Coconut water has become a popular drink in recent years because it’s naturally sweet and has electrolytes to replenish after a workout. I like that it’s an alternative to sodas and energy drinks, and you can also cook with it by adding it to soups or dressings.

How I Use ALDI’s Pineapple Spears in Coconut Water

Here are some of my favorite ways to use this product:

• Eat Them Plain: The spears are great for eating with your fingers, so keep a jar in the refrigerator as a snack. If you’re looking for a quick bite for the kids, a few pineapple spears with grapes and sliced apples are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Blend Them Into a Drink: This pineapple is great in a smoothie, and you can even use the coconut water in the blend. For a heartier drink, add yogurt or coconut milk, and protein powder if you like it. Blender cocktails like piña coladas or pineapple mojitos also come together fast with these coconut-infused spears. The spears make a pretty garnish on the side of the glass, too. 
• Fruit Salads and Salsas: In summer, I default to fruit salads on hot days. For a light salad, tossing the chopped spears with bananas and berries and dressing it with the coconut water from the jar is plenty delicious, or stir in some yogurt or mayo for a creamy fruit salad. I also like to toss together easy fruity salsas—just dice the pineapple, add some chopped jalapeño, lime, and cilantro for an easy topping for grilled fish or meats, or a dip for chips.
• Cook With It: Many dishes like sweet and sour pork and Hawaiian chicken feature pineapple, and when you swap in this product, you’ll get a little hint of coconut, too.
• Bake With It: Pineapple shines in baked goods, whether it’s a classic pineapple cake or an old-fashioned pineapple crisp. The hint of coconut will add a delectable tropical twist.
  

_{To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.}