Aldi is expanding its ingredient standards by removing an additional 44 ingredients from its private label food, vitamin and supplement products, including select artificial preservatives, colors, flavors and sweeteners.
The move brings the grocer’s restricted ingredient list from 13 to 57 by December 2027. It builds on Aldi’s removal of certified synthetic colors from all Aldi-exclusive products more than a decade ago, a step that made it one of the first national grocers to do so.
Building on a legacy
More than a decade ago, Aldi removed 13 ingredients and became one of the first national grocers to remove certified synthetic colors from its exclusive products in 2015. For 50 years, shoppers have trusted Aldi for its quality, on-trend private label products at low prices.
The changes build on that legacy as Aldi further strengthens its standards across its private label portfolio. Every Aldi-exclusive product must meet the company’s rigorous sourcing, testing and ingredient standards.
Driven by customer feedback
Scott Patton, chief commercial officer at Aldi, said the decision reflects direct input from shoppers.
“At the heart of our private label products is a commitment to listening to our customers and continually improving the products they bring into their homes,” Patton said.
“Based directly on customer feedback, we are proud to take meaningful steps to make it even easier for families to fill their carts with confidence by delivering simpler ingredients while continuing to provide the quality and value they expect from Aldi.”
What’s being removed
The 44 new ingredients slated for removal include acesulfame K, advantame, anisole, aluminum sodium sulfate, azodicarbonamide, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, bromated flour, butylparaben, calcium bromate, calcium propionate, calcium sorbate, canthaxanthin, cyclamates, synthetic diacetyl and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate.
Also on the list are ficin, lactylated esters of mono and diglycerides, lye, methylparaben, morpholine, neotame, olestra, phthalates, potassium aluminum sulfate, potassium benzoate, potassium bisulfite, potassium bromate, potassium metabisulphite, potassium nitrate, potassium nitrite, propylene oxide, propylparaben and Simplesse.
Rounding out the list are sodium aluminum phosphate acidic, sodium ferrocyanide, sodium hydroxide, sodium propionate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearyl tartrate, sucroglycerides, talc, titanium dioxide and toluene.
The ingredients will no longer be permitted in any ALDI private label food product, either as a direct ingredient or as part of a composite ingredient.
Previously removed ingredients
Aldi has already removed brominated vegetable oil, FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF), FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigotine), FD&C Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF), FD&C Red No. 2 (Amaranth, Citrus red), FD&C Red No. 3 (Erythrosine), FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura red AC), FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine) and FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset yellow FCF).
Also previously removed are monosodium glutamate, Orange B, partially hydrogenated oils and synthetic trans fatty acid.
Rollout and transparency
Reformulated products will roll out in phases between now and December 2027. As changes are completed, updated ingredient information will be reflected directly on packaging, giving shoppers continued transparency into what’s in their cart.
The company said formalizing the updated list ensures consistent standards across every category and provides its suppliers with clear expectations well ahead of the December 2027 deadline.
Quality and price commitments
Aldi said it is working closely with supplier partners to ensure reformulations meet its quality benchmarks. The company continuously evaluates its products, tasting them up to five times annually, to ensure they meet or beat the quality of pricier national brands.
“As always, we remain dedicated to offering our shoppers quality products at the lowest possible prices,” the company said. “By working closely with suppliers to find efficiencies across our supply chain and store operations, we will continue to create savings that we pass back to customers.”
[RELATED: Acosta Group Study: Shoppers Worried About Artificial Ingredients In Food]