Aldi Australia shoppers are celebrating the return of a $5 frozen potato product, a popular item that had previously disappeared from store shelves. The mini potato scallops, also known as potato cakes or fritters, are now back, offering a budget-friendly alternative to takeaway fish and chips.
Eliza, who manages the Bargain Homewares social media account, highlighted the value of the Aldi product, telling the Daily Mail that a bag typically contains 15 to 20 mini scallops for $5. This price point is significantly lower than those offered by competitors like Woolworths and Coles, where similar products can cost over $7 for a 500g bag.
The return of the affordable freezer staple comes amid increased consumer focus on grocery expenses and a growing interest in cost-effective meal options. Aldi's rotating product selection sometimes leads to the temporary removal of popular items, creating anticipation for their eventual reappearance.
Eliza praised the convenience and versatility of the Aldi potato scallops, noting that they achieve a crispy texture when cooked in an oven or air fryer, offering a healthier preparation method than deep-frying. She suggested keeping a bag in the freezer for easy additions to weeknight meals, proposing they could replace standard potato sides like chips or mashed potatoes. For more adventurous serving options, she even suggested using them as a base for canapés with toppings such as crème fraîche or caviar.
In a TikTok video announcing the product's return, Eliza noted that she typically cooks them for 15 to 20 minutes until they are crispy. Many shoppers expressed their relief and happiness at the product's comeback, with several commenting on how much they had missed it. "Yay, they are back! These are my favourite. I was so sad when they stopped stocking them," one shopper wrote.
The reappearance of the potato scallops also reignites a common Australian debate regarding the correct terminology, with "potato scallop" prevalent in New South Wales, "potato cake" favored in Victoria, and "potato fritter" more common in South Australia. While the Aldi product offers home cooks a cost-effective option, it consists of smaller frozen scallops rather than the larger, ready-to-eat portions found at traditional takeaway establishments.