I'm a chef who shops at my UK Aldi and spends $100. Here are 12 things I like to buy there.

The Specially Selected bake-at-home baguettes are brilliant for making sandwiches or garlic bread. I also use them to make canapes for events or for fridge-raid brunches. They're long-lasting and freezable so they're ideal for stocking up on.

I usually bake the baguettes in the oven or air fryer, either whole or sliced to top with anything from roast beef and horseradish to goat cheese and balsamic glaze.

A two-pack of baguettes is £1.25, or about $1.60.

The Emporium full-fat soft cheese, which is similar to cream cheese, is a staple in my house.

I'll use it as a spread on toast with smoked salmon or pesto or mixed with some chili sauce to make a dip for crackers. I also love incorporating soft cheese into tomato-based pasta sauces and risotto to add a creamy element. 

For a snack, I like stuffing halved dates with soft cheese, baking for 10 minutes, and drizzling with honey and thyme leaves. It tastes like you've put far more effort in than you actually have. 

A tub of Emporium soft cheese costs 99 pence, or $1.25.

The Specially Selected rhubarb yogurts are incredibly thick, rich, and luxurious. I'll either have them as a bit of a treat at breakfast or I'll put them in a smoothie to add sweetness if I don't have much fruit in the house. 

A pack of four rhubarb yogurts is £1.80, or $2.25.

The Pantry ready-rolled puff pastry is another go-to in my fridge. It lasts a long time and can be used in sweet and savory dishes.

I typically use it to make chicken and mushroom pies, tarts with spring greens and cheese, cherry pies, and pear tarte tatins.

A pack of pre-rolled puff pastry is £1.09, or $1.40.

I love picking up dairy products at Aldi and I think the Specially Selected west country butter is particularly spectacular. It contains salt crystals that add an interesting crunch to every bite. 

I'll use the west country butter to make extra-special scrambled eggs or salted caramel or slice it up for a cheese board. But to be honest, it's best thickly spread on toast or a crumpet and eaten as is.

The Specially Selected salted butter costs £2.20, or $2.75.

Aldi has great deals on fresh produce but if I'm heading to the chain, I'm all about the cupboard and snack sections, especially Choceur products.

This Choceur bar is made with smooth and creamy milk chocolate and crunchy salted-pretzel pieces. It's a game-changer to the point that I'd even buy the chocolate as a gift for fans of Crunch bars.

I think it's perfect eaten straight from the packet but I'd also recommend chopping it up for an ice-cream topping.

A bar of salted-pretzel chocolate comes in at £1.90, or $2.40.

The Deli jarred artichokes are great to use in pasta salads, homemade pizzas, or spinach dips.

To me, artichokes are definitely an underrated vegetable but I reach for them because they're affordable and really tasty. I've also blended jarred artichokes with sun-dried tomatoes for a tortellini filling.

A jar of The Deli jarred artichokes costs £1.30, or $1.65.

I think the Specially Selected cod loins are well-priced and generously portioned. I use them to make crispy fish tacos, curries, or baked cod in tomato sauce.

The cod loins are also good when roasted with a pesto crumb or baked in a parcel with new potatoes, garlic, and lemon. 

Two cod loins cost £4.50, or $5.65.

My approach to cooking at home is very much "chuck it in and see what we end up with," and having a solid supply of sauces and condiments helps me figure out where I want a meal to end up. 

I typically use The Foodie Market peanut butter to make satay dipping sauces, massaman curries, and cake frosting. I also love using crunchy peanut butter with jam and toast, bonus points if it's on a bagel. It lasts ages, is full of healthy protein and fats, and, according to its label, has no unnecessary extras.

An over 2-pound tub comes in at £4, or $5.

I love the Specially Selected rigatoni because the grooves are absolutely perfect for gripping rich sauces like beef or mushroom ragù.

I like to pair this pasta with spicy sausage and bell pepper or slow-cooked aubergine sauces with heaps of freshly grated Parmesan and black pepper. 

A packet costs £1.50, or $1.90.

From what I've seen, the Four Seasons frozen fruit at Aldi is pretty cheap and nutritious, perfect to use in crumbles, cakes, and smoothies. The fruit can also serve as a base for a speedy chia jam in the microwave.

I like to buy the Four Seasons summer fruits, blueberries, and mango chunks. I've found that all of these mixes are delicious in smoothies with banana and kale for a vitamin hit.

A bag of frozen berries costs £1.50, or $1.90.

Most of Aldi's wine selection is cheap and cheerful so you can't really go wrong. I almost always steer toward the Castellore pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc options.

I use wine for poaching pears or making pan sauces like saltimbocca or just drinking on weeknights or special occasions.

Castellore pinot grigio costs £4.50, or $5.65.

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