This German-based discount grocery chain expanded to the US in 1976 and since then, has slowly gained a cult-following thanks to its innovative, house-brand products and affordable prices. Now with over 60 locations in California and more plant-based options than ever before, this store has us getting in on the craze and filling our carts with these 21 vegan goods.
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How Aldi is innovating vegan food
Much like Trader Joe’s, Aldi offers a plethora of private-label goods under its Earth Grown label that are exclusive to its chain of grocery stores. Think veggie burgers, hot dogs, meatless meatballs, vegetable pot stickers, and eggplant ravioli, just to name a few.
The chain’s UK locations were among the first to tap into 2019’s vegan chicken craze with the launch of its private-label meatless line, which included products such as No Chicken Burgers alongside Mae’s Kitchen Vegan No Sausage Rolls and No Beef Burgers. “The launch of our new vegan range is in response to our growing, ethically inspired customer base looking for delicious alternatives to meat, and is another example of our ongoing commitment to cater [to] all diets at everyday low prices,” said Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi. And just this summer, the brand launched its own frozen, ready-to-heat version of chicken and waffles, again staying on trend with similar launches from brands as big as Eggos and Alpha Foods.
They are also at the forefront of the vegan seafood trend with the European launch of German brand BettaF!sh’s vegan “tunah” spread made from a blend of fava beans and ocean-grown seaweed. Its vegan tuna sandwiches launched at 4,000 ALDI stores last year, bringing consumers a more sustainable option to traditional seafood.
What’s vegan at Aldi?
Don’t miss these 21 vegan products on your next grocery run.
@bigboxvegan/Instagram
1 Plant-Based Southwest Chik’n Burrito
These frozen, savory, vegan, meatless chicken burritos are filled with melty vegan mozzarella, black beans, fire-roasted corn, and peppers in an enchilada sauce. Stock up for super easy weeknight meals!
@bigboxvegan/Instagram
2 Teriyaki Chickenless Bites
Protein-packed battered vegan chicken is dressed in a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce for an effortless addition to rice bowls, wraps, and appetizer platters.
@lazzyvegan/Instagram
3 Ciabatta breadsticks
Accidentally vegan breadsticks? We’re so here for that, Aldi. Choose between herbaceous basil and parsley or savory garlic and parsley to dip in zesty marinara for the perfect side to your pasta dinner.
@veganlifebyellyn/Instagram
4 Vegan ravioli
Toss these ready-to-go vegan raviolis in fresh, bright pesto for a quick weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy your craving for Italian food. Our tip? Sprinkle liberally with Violife vegan parm for the ultimate pasta night meal.
@aldifavoritefinds/Instagram
5 Vegan ice cream bars
Dipped in chocolate and covered with roasted peanuts, caramelized sugar, or raspberry crunchy coatings, these make the perfect end-of-the-night sweet bites.
@aldiusa/Instagram
6Oat milk ice cream pints
These pints of oat milk-based ice creams are so delicious. Even better? Turn them into sundaes with dairy-free hot fudge and whipped cream.
@aldi.mademedoit/Instagram
7 Boba Bam Instant Boba Packs
These totally vegan, at-home, brown sugar-flavored boba packs take just a minute to prepare and even come with a giant, boba-sized straw to get that classic experience at home.
@aldiusa/Instagram
8Black Bean Chipotle Burgers
Everyone is making beefy vegan burgers now, but sometimes we just crave a good old black bean patty. These simple, fiber-packed, lightly spiced patties do the trick.
@aldiforpresident/Instagram
9 Vegan cheeses
From feta to bleu cheese to parm, this bargain-friendly grocer has a wide selction of dairy-free goodness. Pile on top of homemade pizzas, stuff them inside gooey quesadillas, and layer them into mile-high dips. However you eat them, these vegan cheeses are a staple.
@detroitvegantwins/Instagram
10 Vegan chocolate cake
Deliciously fudgy, rich Belgian chocolate cake is just one grocery trip away. Pair this with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a perfect dessert!
@thefoodduo/Instagram
11 Vegetable potstickers
Fry these delicious little pockets and serve as an appetizer at your next dinner party, or toss them into a bowl with rice, avocado, and cabbage for a quick weekday meal. They take only 10 minutes to transform from frozen blocks to golden brown and ready-to-eat.
Aldi USA
12 Vegan cheese sticks
Choose between mozzarella or cheddar breaded cheese sticks as a quick meal or midnight snack. Our personal favorite? Air fry them to perfection and then layer into a sub sandwich.
@jolola13/Instagram
13 Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl
This easy, heat-and-eat bowl made with seitan-based chicken, broccoli, peppers, and onions is given a burst of flavor thanks to the sticky sweet sauce.
@theamazingaldi/Instagram
14Falafel
When you’re rushing to pull a meal together, keep the hangries away with these easy and tasty heat-and-eat falafel balls. The garlic and herb or original are all delicious over salads, tossed in wraps, or simply dipped in hummus.
@bigboxvegan/Instagram
15 Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies
These accidentally-vegan cookies are so delicious and reminscent of cult-favorite Girl Scout Cookies.
@bigboxvegan/Instagram
16 Taco Bell chips
This mega-popular-with-millennials fast-food chain debuted tortilla chips in their signature sauce flavors (Classic, Mild, and Fire) and now you can snag them on your next trip to Aldi.
@aldiusa/Instagram
17 Plant-Based Chik’n & Waffle Sandwiches
Meatless, crispy, breaded chicken patties are layered between two golden maple-flavored waffles for a plant-based take on the brunch favorite. Pop them in your air-fryer for a quick and easy breakfast with a punch of flavor.
@bigboxvegan/Instagram
18 Accidentally vegan fruit strudels
Find these accidentally vegan treats in the freezer section. The flaky German pastries are filled with sweet and tart fruit and heat up quickly in the oven.
@aldiusa/Instagram
19 Meat-Free General Tso’s Chicken Bowl
Green and red bell peppers, carrots, fiery red chilies, vegan chicken strips, and spicy and savory General Tso’s sauce makes this heat-and-eat meal a definite must-try.
@addictedtoaldi/Instagram
20 Rise Oat Milk Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
Pop a few cans of these oat milk cold brew nitro lattes in the fridge for an easy, grab-and-go caffeine fix come morning.
pocketcampsara/Reddit
21 Meatless Meatballs
Available in two classic flavors, these meat-free meatballs are perfect for the ultimate meatball sub. Load up with marinara sauce, dairy-free mozarella slices, and plant-based parmesan for a filling vegan sub.
For more vegan shopping guides, read:
Sarah McLaughlin (@sarahmclaughlin) is the New Products Editor at VegNews and is always on the search for the newest innovations in plant-based food.
