Aldi Is Adding New Healthy Foods and Ready-to-Eat Items to Stores Nationwide
Aldi's near-exclusive use of private-label brands has earned this German-based supermarket a reputation as one of the cheapest options for home shoppers. But now Aldi is expanding their lineup to include more healthy foods.
The budget-friendly chain will soon be bringing freshly spiralized veggie noodles, a new line of kombucha drinks, gluten-free breads and bagels, frozen kale and quinoa burgers, and a whole section of certified organic meats to all of their U.S. stores. They are also remodeling current stores to make room for convenient ready-to-eat items—like fresh salads and sliced fruits.
Aldi shoppers will see a 20-percent increase of fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat options, with new products being slowly rolled out to all 1,800 stores currently open by the end of January 2019. The focus on health is just one aspect of Aldi's growth plan over the next few years, as the retailer plans to remodel and expand its store count to 2,500 by the end of 2022.
The retailer has invited Cooking Light to visit their headquarters in Illinois, to view firsthand some of the store changes and taste products soon to be on sale. We'll update this story with photos and more information in a few days.
In the meantime, here are some of the new items Aldi is planning to unveil:
Vegetarian and Vegan Foods
Aldi shoppers are familiar with the Earth Grown line of frozen plant-based products, but the company is expanding the line to include vegan chicken tenders and patties as well as kale and quinoa veggie burgers. As Aldi focuses on introducing meal starters like microwavable quinoa bowls and canned pasta sauce, you can also expect to see meatless sausages and hot dogs, as well.
Want to learn more about ALDI? Read these:
Organic Meats
In the past, Aldi's selection of meats and poultry have sometimes been slim to the point of criticism, but new organic offerings are on the way, including ready-to-cook items like marinated cilantro and lime chicken breasts.
More Produce
Aldi will be adding to its extensive produce section, focusing on fresh veggies and fruit that are partially prepped—such as a selection of pre-spiralized veggie noodles.
Grab-and-Go Snacks
Aldi is known for a superb selection of snack items, but items like single-serve cups of guacamole and hummus make this supermarket even more of a destination outside of a weekly grocery haul. New cold antipasti salads, a selection of gourmet olives, and a whole new line of salsas are things shoppers can look forward to.
Healthy Beverages
One of the newest items to make it into the drink cooler will be Aldi's line of private-label kombucha. You'll even be able to find supercharged dairy items like Aldi's new strawberry kefir.
Better-for-You Breads
The bakery is getting a facelift, too—shoppers will soon see items like whole-wheat pita bread loafs, gluten-free bagels, and fresh-baked sourdough loaves.
Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives
Dairy-free consumers will able to snag Aldi's private-label almond milk, but new products for those looking to avoid dairy are being added, including lactose-free soy milk as well as coconut milk.
