I do most of my shopping at Aldi but always buy one thing at Waitrose - worth every penny

I do most of my shopping at Aldi but always buy one thing at Waitrose - worth every pennyIt's such a simple kitchen staple, but it's definitely worth spending a little bit of extra money on.CommentsWhat's OnopinionNicola Roy Spare Time writer 04:04, 01 Jun 2026View 3 ImagesI'm an Aldi lover through and through, but there's certain things worth the extra cash elsewhere(Image: Geography Photos, Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) The price of the weekly grocery shop is sadly climbing as time passes. Our money simply don't stretch as far as it once did, particularly when it comes to food shopping. ‌ So, like numerous others, I've been doing the bulk of my supermarket shopping at Aldi in recent years. I've lately discovered it offers the best value, even when compared to Lidl, and the produce quality is impressive. However, there are particular items that justify spending slightly more money on, and this is when a visit to Waitrose is necessary. ‌ As much as I'd like to do my entire weekly grocery haul at places like Waitrose or Marks and Spencer, I simply can't trust myself to do so. While the cost of basic essentials isn't too different from other supermarkets, the treats and premium ranges are too tempting to ignore. ‌ But when you discover a product you adore and use regularly, it's certainly worthwhile. And for me, that item is flaky sea salt - specifically the Maldon variety. It's an essential kitchen ingredient and something I reach for daily, and while it costs more than your standard salt grinder, the flavour is superior. View 3 ImagesOnce you try Maldon, you'll never go back(Image: Nicola Roy) ‌ It may seem odd, because salt is salt, but Maldon is distinctive. It's a gourmet sea salt harvested in the UK town of Maldon, Essex, described as the 'ultimate finishing salt' that's perfect for adding a savoury crunch to all of your favourite meals. What sets it apart is that rather than grains, Maldon salt comes in irregular little shapes, and delivers a milder salty taste than other table salts due to its minimal processing. The water used to produce this salt is extracted from the Blackwater Estuary during spring tides, undergoes filtration and is then heated in large pans. Then, as evaporation occurs, the salt crystals develop on the surface. Unlike conventional salt which forms cubes, Maldon crystals create distinctive pyramid structures, which are so satisfying to pinch and crumble between your fingers as you scatter it over dishes. ‌ Another thing that makes Maldon distinctive - and justifies the cost - is that it doesn't simply dissolve on your tongue when you sample it. The delicate fragments have such an impact that really lingers. View 3 ImagesThe salt works perfectly on both savoury and sweet dishes(Image: Nicola Roy) While you can use it for basic cooking tasks, such as seasoning pasta water or enhancing soups, stews and curries, it truly shines when used as a final flourish. ‌ Scattering the flakes on scrambled eggs, salmon, salads and even chocolate chip cookies lends a tremendous flavour without that artificial aftertaste that other salts can occasionally have. Beyond its excellent taste, there's no denying that the packaging looks stunning too, and immediately enhances your kitchen shelves or cupboard. It's a genuinely premium staple, and you can absolutely detect the quality difference, which is why it's worth the additional expense in my view. Sadly, Aldi has yet to release a budget alternative to Maldon, meaning it must be bought from other supermarkets when stocks run low. Most recently I got it from Waitrose for £3, though it's also available at Asda for £2.84 or Sainsbury's for £2.85. Article continues belowOnce you've given it a try, there's truly no returning to ordinary salt, and your cooking will reach new heights of flavour.