Almond milk has become an increasingly popular plant-based milk alternative in recent years. Known for its nutty flavor and health benefits, almond milk can be used as a substitue for cow’s milk in drinks, cereals, smoothies, and more.
With various brands and options available, many shoppers are turning to affordable grocery chains like Aldi to purchase almond milk. So what types of almond milk does Aldi offer to meet consumer demand?
Types of Almond Milk At Aldi
Aldi carries a small but solid selection of almond milk options under its Simply Nature brand. Here are the main types available:
Original Almond Milk
Aldi’s most basic almond milk option is its original or unflavored almond milk. Sold in a 59-fluid ounce carton, this almond milk contains filtered water and just 2 ingredients – almonds and sea salt.
With no added sugars or preservatives, Aldi’s original almond milk has a creamy, nutty taste perfect for drinking straight or using in recipes. It’s also non-GMO verified and free from common allergens like soy and gluten.
Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
For those who want a hint of flavor without the added sugar, Aldi carries unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Also sold in the 59-fluid ounce size, this option combines non-GMO almonds with vanilla bean specks and sea salt.
The dash of vanilla adds warmth without sweetness, making this milk ideal for your morning coffee or latte. It can also add flavor to overnight oats, chia pudding, or other dishes.
Almondmilk Yogurt Alternatives
Capitalizing on the growing popularity of dairy-free yogurts, Aldi now offers almondmilk yogurt alternatives under its Earth Grown brand.
Currently available in three flavors – strawberry, vanilla, and mixed berry – these plant-based yogurts use almond milk as the base along with fruit purees and cultures.
Aldi’s almondmilk yogurts have a creamy, spoonable texture reminiscent of Greek yogurt. Each 5.3 ounce cup is also certified vegan and gluten-free.
Shelf-Stable Almond Milk
While refrigerated is best for freshness, Aldi does carry a shelf-stable almond milk for convenience.
Available in the original unsweetened and vanilla flavors, the shelf-stable milks come in an 8-fluid ounce Tetra Pak carton that does not require refrigeration until opening.
The smaller single-serve size and portability of the packaging makes this almond milk ideal for lunch boxes, travel, or storage as a backup in your pantry.
Almond Milk Nutrition & Benefits
What makes almond milk so popular? For starters, it’s nutritionally superior to cow’s milk in many ways. Here’s a quick look at some of the top health perks offered by almond milk:
- It’s naturally lactose-free making it safe for those with dairy sensitivities
- Contains no cholesterol or saturated fat
- Rich in Vitamin E – an antioxidant that supports immune and heart health
- Excellent source of calcium and vitamin D for bone health
- Low glycemic index is beneficial for diabetes management
- May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
- Often enriched with nutrients like iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus
- Contains monounsaturated fats that may promote weight loss
- Creamy texture without dairy makes it ideal for smoothies, cream soups, coffee drinks and more!
On average, an 8-fluid ounce glass of almond milk contains just 60 calories and 2.5g fat compared to around 100 calories and 5g of fat in 2% dairy milk. So you get a lighter, nutritious beverage that works well for low calorie diets.
How Aldi Almond Milk Compares
Aldi focuses on keeping prices low, which means its almond milk options are very budget-friendly compared to other major brands:
- Aldi Simply Nature Original Almond Milk 59 oz – $2.59
- Silk Original Almond Milk 59 oz – $3.69
- Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk 32 oz – $2.99
- Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almond Milk 32 oz – $2.39
As you can see, Aldi’s pricing beats out the competition per ounce in most cases. And while the brand names may offer various flavor, calcium, protein, or barista blends, Aldi keeps it simple with just original and unsweetened vanilla. The no-fuss options still deliver on quality and health benefits for a fraction of the price.
Tips for Using Aldi Almond Milk
Here are some quick tips for using and storing the almond milk from Aldi to get the most out of each carton:
- Give cartons a good shake before pouring – separation is natural
- When frothing for coffee drinks, an electric frother works better than steam wands
- Opt for shelf-stable milk for back up or taking on-the-go
- Refrigerate after opening and use within 7-10 days for best quality
- Look for vitamin and mineral enrichment if using for meal replacement
- Stir milk into oatmeal, smoothies, etc rather than pouring to distribute nutrients
- Freeze extra milk in ice cube trays for adding to blended drinks later
Following these simple guidelines, Aldi’s almond milk options will stay fresh and usable in all your favorite recipes.
Future Outlook & Predictions
Almond milk shows no signs of decreasing in popularity anytime soon. As more consumers seek out plant-based, lactose-free options, almond milk provides nutrition and creaminess cow’s milk cannot. And grocery chains like Aldi will likely continue expanding their non-dairy selections to meet rising demand.
In the near future, Aldi may add more flavors like chocolate or vanilla bean to appeal to coffee drinkers. Additional almondmilk yogurt varieties could also arrive on shelves, possible in vanilla chai or mixed berry.
And with oat milk trailing closely behind almond milk in growth, Aldi may even launch an oat milk line under its Simply Nature brand.
No matter what new non-dairy products come down the pipeline, Aldi will stay committed providing quality almond milk at an affordable cost to promote healthy choices. For the eco-conscious, budget-friendly shopper, Aldi’s almond milk options check all the boxes.
The Bottom Line
With original, unsweetened vanilla, and almondmilk yogurt alternatives, Aldi offers nutritious and wallet-friendly almond milk products.
Their Simpy Nature milks deliver on the creamy flavor and wholesome nutrition consumers want at prices that beat the name brand choices.
So for those seeking affordable non-dairy milk that doesn’t compromise on quality or health benefits, Aldi has the solution shoppers are looking for.