The $4 Aldi Frozen Hash Browns A McDonald’s Employee Say Are 'Almost Identical': Season's Choice

We’ve all experienced those moments when a sudden craving for a favorite fast food delight strikes, but the thought of braving the drive-thru or breaking the bank leaves us feeling hesitant—especially with fast food inflation on the rise. Fortunately, the aisles of grocery stores are teeming with hidden gems that offer great alternatives to our beloved fast food favorites. From crispy chicken sandwiches to savory baked goods, there’s a dupe for nearly every craving waiting to be discovered in the freezer section.

One such elusive delight is McDonald’s iconic hash browns—a crispy, golden indulgence that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of breakfast enthusiasts worldwide. But what if you could recreate that irresistible crunch in the comfort of your own kitchen, without the need for a morning pilgrimage to the nearest golden arches? Thanks to former McDonald’s corporate chef Mike Haracz, the quest for the perfect hash brown dupe just got a whole lot easier—all you need to do is stop at Aldi.

McDonald’s Hash Brown Dupe At Aldi

In a recent TikTok revelation, Haracz sheds light on the surprisingly close match found in Aldi’s hash browns—a budget-friendly option that promises to deliver the same satisfying crunch and savory flavor as its fast food counterpart.

“I’m a former McDonald’s corporate chef, and I have answers for you,” Haracz begins his TikTok, addressing the inquiries flooding his inbox about where to find McDonald’s-style hash browns. With McDonald’s boasting its own proprietary recipe and formula, the quest for a comparable alternative seemed daunting. However, after diligent research, Haracz unveils the surprising solution: Aldi’s Season’s Choice hash browns.

“Remember, McDonald’s is so big that they have their own recipe, their own formula,” Haracz explains. “But there are quite a few that are almost identical to McDonald’s hash browns because they’re one of the most popular.” His investigation into ingredients and nutritional information led him to the revelation that Aldi’s hash browns closely mirror the taste and texture of the beloved McDonald’s version.

But what about that elusive beef flavor that elevates McDonald's hash browns to a league of their own? Haracz acknowledges this distinctive element but reassures viewers that even if they don't have access to an oil-soluble beef flavor, Aldi's hash browns are virtually indistinguishable when cooked at home. "It's gonna be almost identical. Give it a try," Haracz encourages.

The comments section of Haracz's TikTok video is ablaze with enthusiasm from satisfied customers who have already discovered the magic of Aldi's hash browns. "I love Aldi hashbrown patties. I cook them in the air fryer, so good!" one commenter exclaims. Another adds, "Yeah, better than paying almost $3 each at the drive-thru."

From Trader Joe's to Walmart, users also shared their experiences with various alternatives, highlighting the convenience and affordability of enjoying McDonald's-style hash browns at home. "Trader Joe’s has a similar version and they’re very good!" one commenter shared. "To me, the ones from Aldi and Walmart are very close," echoes another.

With Aldi's Season's Choice hash browns priced at just $4, the prospect of recreating the McDonald's experience in the comfort of your own kitchen has never been more enticing. So why not skip the drive-thru and embark on a culinary adventure with Aldi's budget-friendly option? Embrace the convenience and savings without sacrificing the taste of your favorite fast-food indulgence.

READ MORE: Aldi Fans Say They’ll ‘Have Chick-fil-A At Home’ This Weekend Thanks To These Copycat Chicken And Waffles Fries