This “Delicious” $3 Aldi Canned Staple Is Keeping Me Running During the Holidays

December always feels like a sprint — holiday parties, work deadlines, travel, all contributing to the nonstop swirl of seasonal chaos. During the busiest month of the year, I often find myself without the bandwidth to even think about planning my next meal. Enter: Deutsche Küche Fall Harvest Vegetable Soup.

I first discovered this soon-to-be Aldi staple on a hectic afternoon before my company holiday party. I needed something light to hold me over before the hors d’oeuvres later that night. I wandered into the soup section and grabbed it on a whim, hoping for something simple and comforting. I found both in this unassuming can of soup.

“Deutsche Küche,” which translates to “German Cuisine Soup,” truly earns its name. The Fall Harvest blend delivers a distinctly European-style mix of cozy flavors and hearty vegetables — the kind of depth most canned soups rarely even attempt, let alone achieve. The tender vegetables and thin spaghetti noodles gave me a rush of nostalgia and won me over immediately.

The savory broth is rich and comforting, with a splash of tomato paste that adds body without weighing it down. Each spoonful is packed with vegetables: carrots, peas, peppers, onions, green beans, tomatoes, lentils, even white cabbage and leeks you don’t often see in canned soup. It’s surprisingly nourishing, too.

I warm the soup on the stovetop in a nontoxic ceramic pot, let it gently simmer for five minutes, and pour it into my go-to “girl lunch” bowl. A few finishing touches make all the difference: freshly cracked pepper, mineral-rich sea salt, and, on days when I want to elevate things, a sprig of basil or thyme for a fresh finish that brings the dish to life. 

Looking to make it a meal? When I want something a bit more substantial, I’ll toss in a handful of rotisserie chicken for a protein boost. For an effortless vegetarian option, I pair this soup with a slice of lightly buttered sourdough. And if I have an extra minute, I’ll throw together a simple baby gem salad with lemon juice, olive oil, and flaky sea salt. It’s crisp and bright, and brings a subtle French-bistro feel to the whole meal.

Find it in stores: Deutsche Küche Fall Harvest Vegetable Soup, $2.75 for 28 ounces at Aldi

What’s your favorite Aldi canned soup? Tell us about it in the comments below.