Aldi is a popular grocery store chain known for its low prices and wide selection of store brand items. In recent years, Aldi has expanded its offerings to include more organic, gluten-free, plant-based, and allergy-friendly options. This article will explore whether Aldi’s carries dairy-free products for those with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or who follow a vegan diet.
What is meant by “dairy-free”?
Dairy-free refers to foods and products that do not contain milk or any milk derivatives. This includes obvious dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and butter. It also includes ingredients like whey, casein, lactose, or cream. A dairy-free diet completely eliminates all forms of dairy.
People choose to eat dairy-free for different reasons:
- Milk allergy – An immune system reaction to the proteins in milk. Can cause hives, upset stomach, or life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Lactose intolerance – An inability to digest lactose sugars in milk. Causes gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Vegan diet – Vegans avoid animal products, including dairy, for ethical/moral reasons.
Those with a dairy allergy or intolerance must be very careful to avoid even small amounts of milk derivatives in packaged foods and when dining out. Vegans also aim to completely remove dairy from their diets.
Does Aldi offer dairy-free grocery items?
The short answer is yes, Aldi does carry some dairy-free options:
- Plant-based milks – Aldi has coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk under its Friendly Farms brand.
- Plant-based creams/yogurts – Coconut milk yogurt, cashewgurt, almond milk creamer.
- Vegan cheese – Aldi occasionally carries vegan cheese slices and shredded cheeses.
- Vegan ice cream – Aldi has launched vegan desserts under the Sundae Shoppe label.
- Vegan butter – Their Countryside Creamery brand has a vegan butter spread.
- Other staples – Salad dressings, bread, cereal, pasta, rice, plant oils, fruits/veggies are naturally dairy-free.
While selection is still limited compared to traditional dairy products, Aldi does offer plant-based alternatives for most common diary categories like milk, yogurt, ice cream, and cheese. They continue to expand their vegan offerings each year.
Are all Aldi store brand products dairy-free?
No, you cannot assume that all Aldi branded products are automatically dairy-free. Examples include:
- Baked goods – Many Aldi breads, cookies, and muffins contain milk and whey.
- Snack foods – Some flavored crackers and potato chips have milk ingredients.
- Meal items – The refrigerated and frozen meals often contain cheese, milk, butter, etc.
- Chocolate – Most Aldi chocolates have milk fat in the ingredients.
- Condiments – Some salad dressings, dips, mayo, cream cheese contain dairy.
So while Aldi is adding more plant-based options, the majority of their inventory still contains dairy. Vegans and those with milk allergies must read ingredient labels carefully. Callouts like “nondairy” or “dairy-free” on the packaging signal it is safe.
What dairy-free brands are available?
In addition to its exclusive brands, Aldi carries some name-brand dairy-free products:
- Silk – Soy milk and almond milk
- So Delicious – Vegan ice creams and yogurts
- Daiya – Vegan cheese shreds
- Earth Balance – Vegan buttery spreads
- Enjoy Life – Allergy-friendly baked goods
- Amy’s Kitchen – Vegan frozen meals
- Alter Eco – Vegan chocolate
- GO VEGGIE – Vegan cheese slices
Vegans will be happy to find their favorite brands at Aldi locations. Those with food allergies can also look for popular free-from brands carried at Aldi.
What about Aldi’s LiveGfree gluten-free range?
Aldi’s LiveGfree brand offers a range of gluten-free products, including:
- Bread
- Bagels
- Pasta
- Pizza crust
- Cookies
- Snack bars
However, it is important to note that gluten-free does not necessarily mean dairy-free. In fact, many of LiveGfree’s items contain milk derivatives:
- Whey protein
- Buttermilk
- Natural flavors (may come from dairy)
So those with milk allergies or on a vegan diet should not assume the LiveGfree products are safe just because they are labeled gluten-free. Check the ingredients list for milk, whey, casein etc. A product can be gluten-free while still containing milk.
Tips for finding dairy-free at Aldi
Here are some tips to make identifying dairy-free foods easier when shopping at Aldi:
- Check allergen statements – FDA guidelines require listing of major allergens like milk. This helps quickly identify dairy-containing products.
- Search online – Scout ahead online to see dairy-free finds spotted at your local Aldi store.
- Read thoroughly – Don’t just glance; read all ingredients to catch hidden milk derivatives like whey.
- Look for certified labels – Vegan and non-GMO project certified items are dairy-free.
- Ask about new items – Quiz store employees about potential dairy-free options found in new product displays.
With some sleuthing and asking questions, those seeking dairy-free foods can navigate Aldi successfully. Just stick to whole fruits, vegetables, grains, plant-based milk and meat alternatives to stay safe. And remember to thoroughly read the ingredient list on EVERY packaged product, even if labeled as vegan or dairy-free. Manufacturing processes change and mistakes can happen.
Dairy-free grocery list at Aldi
Here is a handy dairy-free approved grocery list when shopping at Aldi:
Fruits & Vegetables
All fresh and frozen fruits/veggies at Aldi are dairy-free. Stock up on:
- Bananas, apples, citrus fruit
- Seasonal fresh veggies
- Frozen mixed berries
- Avocados
- Fresh spinach, kale, lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Onions, garlic, ginger
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes
Grains & Baked Goods
Choose gluten-free or whole grain varieties:
- Nature’s Nectar fruit spreads
- LiveGfree gluten-free bread
- Millville Instant Oatmeal
- Simply Nature coconut cashew granola
- Fusia Asian Inspirations rice noodles
- Bake Shop plain bagels
- LiveGfree gluten-free crackers
Plant-Based Milk
- Friendly Farms almond milk
- Friendly Farms coconut milk
- Friendly Farms oat milk
- Silk soy milk
Plant-Based Meats
- Earth Grown vegan burgers
- Earth Grown vegan ground
- Earth Grown vegan sausages
- Earth Grown vegan chicken
Other Dairy-Free Staples
- Canned beans, lentils
- Broths and stocks
- Cooking oils
- Nuts and seeds
- Dried fruit
- Condiments like ketchup, mustard, salsa
- Dairy-free margarine spreads
- Earth Balance buttery spread
This covers basic dairy-free grocery options found at Aldi. There are likely additional specialty products carried depending on location. Browse the aisles carefully and read labels to find dairy-free cookies, snacks, frozen meals and other specialty items.
Dairy-free recipes with Aldi ingredients
Whip up delicious dairy-free meals using budget-friendly ingredients from Aldi:
Berry Almond Milk Smoothie
- 1 Banana
- 1 Cup frozen mixed berries
- 2 Cups almond milk
- 1 Tbsp almond butter
- 1 Tbsp ground flax seed
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Taste and sweeten with maple syrup if desired. Top with fresh berries.
Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Salad:
- 5-6 Cups mixed greens
- 1 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Cup corn
- 1 Avocado, diced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
Dressing:
- 1/4 Cup lime juice
- 1/4 Cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 Jalapeno, diced
- 1 Garlic clove
- 1/4 Cup olive oil
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Blend dressing ingredients. Toss salad with 3-4 Tbsp dressing right before serving.
Veggie Fried Rice
- 2 Cups cooked brown rice
- 1 Cup mixed diced veggies like carrot, onion, pepper, snap peas
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- Dash salt and pepper
Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute. Add veggies and cook 5 minutes. Add rice and tamari; cook 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Is Aldi good for those with food allergies?
Aldi has improved their options for food allergy friendly shopping in recent years:
- New product labels clearly list major food allergens
- More gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free items
- Affordable pricing on specialty diet products
- Increased choices for various diets and preferences like vegan and keto
While Aldi is still limited compared to large chains like Walmart or Kroger, they offer an impressive selection considering their small store size. Highlights include:
Gluten-Free
Aldi has an entire LiveGfree brand dedicated to gluten-free products like snacks, pasta, and baked goods. It is one of the most affordable sources of gluten-free groceries.
Peanut-Free
Those with peanut allergies will find many nut-free options for snacking and school lunches. Brands like Simply Nature and Bake Shop are peanut-free facilities.
Soy-Free
Aldi offers dairy-free and vegan products based on alternate bases like almond, coconut, and oat rather than soy. Their dairy aisles avoid soy.
Egg-Free
Many packaged baked goods at Aldi use egg replacers. And you can make egg-free baked goods at home with their flours, nondairy milk, and vegan butter spread.
Multi-Allergen Free
Some product lines like LiveGfree and Enjoy Life foods are free of several allergens like gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts.
Overall, Aldi provides a nice range of allergen-friendly foods at affordable prices. Ingredients and manufacturing processes can change, so always read labels carefully each time you shop. Contact the corporate office if you have any concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, Aldi does carry some dairy-free options primarily focused on plant-based categories like nondairy milks, cheeses, yogurts, and ice creams. Selection is still limited compared to traditional dairy products, but is consistently improving each year. Shoppers need to carefully read all ingredient labels since most Aldi branded foods still contain milk-based ingredients. Certain diet specific product lines like LiveGfree gluten-free are not necessarily dairy-free. While dairy-free choices are still limited, the foods that are available provide high quality at very affordable pricing for vegans and those with milk allergies. Overall, Aldi provides a decent and improving foundation for a dairy-free grocery shop on a budget.
