The best thing about Aldi (other than the legendary house brands) is that shoppers can pop in and out in 15 minutes. It’s now going to be even easier to make that mid-week grocery run, thanks to Aldi’s $5B remodel.
The store layouts have been redesigned to add extra refrigerators, making room for more fresh, organic and ready-to-eat products!
The Best New Aldi Products
Thanks to the remodel, Aldi will be increasing its fresh food selection by 40 percent. The product rollout has already started at some Aldi locations, and will keep going through 2019.
Here’s our play-by-play of what to look for in each department:
Bakery
- More baked goods, like white and whole wheat pita breads, sourdough loaves and gluten-free bagels
- Pains au Chocolate brioche, which should make amazing French toast
Produce
- More organic fruits and vegetables
- Expanded produce selection, including zucchini noodles and ready-to-eat sliced fruit, like pineapple and watermelon
- Fresh salad bowls
Dairy
- More milk alternatives, like organic almond milk and coconut milk
- Beverages including strawberry kefir, a yogurt drink that’s loaded with probiotics
- Fancy European cheeses for your next cheese board, like Gruyere and Emmentaler
- Expanded grab-and-go snacks, including single-serve guac and organic hummus
Meat
- More fresh organic meat, including NeverAny! chicken breasts (here’s why Aldi meat is such a bargain)
- New vegetarian options, like kale and quinoa crunch burgers and chickenless tenders
- More easy-to-prep meal starters, like marinated chicken
20 percent of products in every Aldi store will be new compared to last year, so this isn’t a complete list. To see what’s new at your location, look for the bright blue shelf tags. You can’t miss ‘em!
Psst… This is what our staff dietitian likes to buy at Aldi.
When Will My Aldi Be Remodeled?
Aldi is about halfway through its remodel plan, so there’s a good chance your store is already lookin’ fresh. They want to remodel all existing locations and add 700 more locations by the end of 2022!
We’ve heard that half of Aldi stores are staying open through the remodel, but the other half will have to close for 4 weeks. Not everything will be different, though. Don’t forget to bring your quarter!
Quick Meal Ideas for Busy Days
Ham & Swiss Baked Penne
As a kid I loved to the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Quick Chili Mac
This combines my chili recipe with a pasta dish I make. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
Potato Kielbasa Skillet
No need to hunt through kielbasa recipes, this smoky take steals the show as a hearty home-style, all-in-one meal. It's especially perfect on those cold late fall and early winter nights. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cinnamon-Apple Pork Chops
When I found these pork chops and apples recipe online years ago, it quickly became a favorite. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand, and the one-pan cleanup is a bonus. —Christina Price, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Steak & Mushroom Stroganoff
This homey recipe of steak and egg noodles in a creamy sauce is just like what we had at my gran's house when we'd visit. It's one of my favorite "memory meals," as I call them. —Janelle Shank, Omaha, Nebraska
Sweet & Tangy Salmon with Green Beans
I'm always up for new ways to cook salmon. In this dish, a sweet sauce gives the fish and green beans some down-home barbecue tang. Even our kids love it. —Aliesha Caldwell, Robersonville, North Carolina
Sweet BBQ Meatballs
These sauced-up meatballs have big Asian flair. If your family likes sweet-and-sour chicken, this beefy version is bound to hit the spot. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce forms a crispy shell that's full of possibilities, depending on what's in your fridge. Swap shrimp for cooked chicken, pork or tofu. Mix in any veggies you want: carrots, broccoli, snow peas and chopped zucchini are all fantastic add-ins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Italian Sausage with Artichokes and Feta
To impress the guests, we serve Italian sausage and artichoke hearts with pasta. It tastes like a gourmet masterpiece and also works with rice or potatoes. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Turkey Focaccia Club
My family thinks this sandwich is pure heaven, thanks to the cranberry-pecan mayo. It's so good, I'm asked to make it all year long. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Best-Ever Potato Soup
You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Weeknight Pasta Squiggles
This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It's low on ingredients, easy to prep and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes it a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas
Glazed Smoked Chops with Pears
My husband would eat pork chops every day if he could. Luckily, they're good all sorts of ways, including with pears. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Grandma's Swedish Meatballs
My mother made these hearty meatballs when we were growing up, and now my kids love them, too. My daughter likes to help shake the meatballs in flour. —Karin Ness, Big Lake, Minnesota
Lemon Shrimp Linguine
I like recipes with elegant taste and easy technique like this lemony shrimp pasta. Bring on the Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. —Patty Walker, West Des Moines, Iowa
Pizza Potato Toppers
Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it's an economical treat as well. I don't know of a more satisfying way to stretch a half pound of meat! —Sheila Friedrich, Antelope, Montana
15-Minute Meat Loaf
I combined a few great-tasting meat loaf recipes to create this flavorful version, which my husband loves. And because it's made in the microwave, the entree is perfect for busy nights. —Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska
Apple & Sweet Potato Quinoa
When feeding three hungry boys, I rely on quick, filling and tasty meals. The guys aren’t big quinoa fans, but the sweet potatoes and apples won them over. —Cheryl Beadle, Plymouth, Michigan
Quick Shrimp Creole
My mother made shrimp Creole when I was growing up, so I’ve carried on the family tradition. For extra kick, pass the Louisiana hot sauce. —Gina Norton, Wonder Lake, IL
Smoked Pork Chops & Pierogies Dinner
My husband often lobbies for smoked pork chops with pierogies. Balsamic vinegar gives it a sweet and sour touch, which works for ham steak, too. —Barbara Peabody, Green Valley, Arizona
Chili Dog Pizza
My girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Honey-Lemon Chicken Enchiladas
Honey, lemon and chili flavors blend wonderfully in enchiladas. My family devours this dish, so I also use the chicken filling for soft tacos with toppings. —Kristi Moak, Gilbert, Arizona
Dressed-Up Meatballs
Frozen meatballs and a jar of sweet-and-sour sauce make this microwave meal a last-minute lifesaver when racing against the clock. The flavorful sauce is dressed up with a hint of garlic and nicely coats the colorful mixture of meatballs, carrots, green pepper and onion. —Ivy Eresmas, Dade City, Florida
Zucchini Ham Frittata
This frittata is so quick to make--it cooks in the microwave in just minutes! Add a red pepper garnish for a colorful look. —Mildred Fox, Fostoria, Ohio
Garlic Toast Pizzas
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Ranchero Supper
This hearty dish is quick and easy to fix after a busy workday. We like to use hickory and bacon baked beans and serve it with fruit or a green salad for a complete meal. —Karen Roberts, Lawrence, Kansas
Quick Tomato Soup
My family often requests my sweet homemade tomato soup on cold days. It's great with a sandwich and nearly as quick to fix as the canned variety. —Jane Ward, Churchville, Maryland
Favorite Meat Loaf Cups
My family enjoys meat loaf, but sometimes I can't spare the hour or more it takes to bake in the traditional shape. A quick alternative is to divide the meat mixture into muffin cups for individual servings that are ready in less than 30 minutes. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
This mildly cheesy cauliflower soup is a favorite of mine. I make it often in summer, although it's good anytime. —Karen Brown, West Lafayette, Ohio
Spinach Ravioli Bake
This entree is unbelievably simple to prepare yet tastes delicious. The fact that you use frozen ravioli—straight from the bag without boiling or thawing—saves so much time.—Susan Kehl, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Tortilla Chicken Bean Soup
Tasty toppings jazz up this no-fuss soup that has Mexican flair. The recipe for this sure-to-please soup was given to me by a friend. I make it often for company, and everyone asks for the recipe. You can substitute pinto beans in red chili sauce for the regular pinto beans and cumin called for in the recipe. —Michelle Larson, Greentown, Indiana
Baked Cheddar Eggs & Potatoes
I love making breakfast egg recipes for dinner, especially this combo with potatoes and cheese that's started in a skillet on the stovetop and then popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona
Sausage and Egg Pizza
I love breakfast pizza, but not all the fat and calories that go along with it. My lighter version gives you a big energy boost whether you eat it at brunch, dinner or somewhere in between. —Vicki Meyers, Castalia, Ohio
Cheesy Sausage Potatoes
For a satisfying brunch, try some sausage and potatoes! I never have to worry about leftovers with these tasty potatoes—everyone loves them and the pan is always empty. You can also serve these as a side dish at Sunday supper or for potlucks. —Linda Hill, Marseilles, Illinois
The post Your Aldi Is About to Get a Makeover. Here’s Why! appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lara Eucalano