Supermarket Sleuths: The $5 Aldi dinner solution for struggling families

It isn't often a supermarket special will stop me in my tracks, but that's exactly what happened this week when I visited my local Aldi.

The store has a section just to the left after we enter where they have extra special grocery bargains.

Normally this is in the form of treats like biscuits, lollies and chocolates or something more random, like dill pickle jars.

But this week, they had an affordable dinner solution. I just couldn't believe the price, and knew I had to share it for Supermarket Sleuths.

READ MORE: 'Really weird' ingredient Jamie Oliver uses in 'favourite' dish

Aldi is known for its affordable groceries, but it isn't always the cheapest when it comes to branded products like the one I found.

It is typically the company's own brands that save customers the most.

Branded product prices are often on par or near to being on par with the major supermarkets, but not this time.

READ MORE: Miranda Kerr reveals 'frustrating' private health battle

Aldi is selling family size packs of Old El Paso Original Taco Shells for just $5.49.

This is a truly incredible price for 18 shells, which in my family serves each of us two tacos and leaves eight for seconds or leftovers the next day.

Coles, Woolworths and IGA have price matched this exact product for $6, making Aldi the cheapest by far.

What I love about tacos is that they are a perfect way to use up leftovers and whatever you have in your fridge and pantry.

You can pretty much use any cooked meats from fish to chicken to steak, then add any veggies you have handy, maybe some beans and legumes, tomatoes, sour cream or Greek yoghurt and whatever cheese you have handy.

View gallery

The cheapest birthday cakes you can buy at the supermarkets

Or, leave out the meat for a vegetarian version.

I love setting up a taco 'station' of sorts, with bowls of filling options for my kids to choose from.

This is perfect for families with different dietary requirements including food sensitivities, intolerances, allergies and preferences.

My daughter is currently eating a gluten-free and dairy-free diet due to stomach problems, and tacos is one of the one rare dinners we can easily share.

Also, has anyone else noticed how expensive gluten-free alternatives are? It's actually insane. I am happy there are so many gluten free alternatives these day and some great dairy-free choices, but seriously – ca-ching!

READ MORE: Every deal worth knowing about in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale

So, saving money wherever I can at the supermarket has become even more important. And this taco dinner will be enough for lunch the next day, which helps us save even more.

Aldi specials sell out quickly, so head there this week and stock up on them if you can.

** This special is subject to region and availability.