6 Best New ALDI Foods to Buy, Dietitians Say
New year, new foods on grocery store shelves! We know how it goes in January—we're looking for fresh starts to get the year going the right way, and that means making sure we're eating healthy…or at least healthier than we were in December.
But guess what? Eating this way doesn't have to be boring, not delicious, or expensive. In fact, low-cost grocery chain ALDI has a number of tasty, healthy, and cheap items on shelves this month that are even approved by nutrition experts. If you have an ALDI in your area, these are some finds you need to grab the next time you're in the store.
Related: The Best Aldi Foods of 2021
Power Up Antioxidant Trail Mix
There's a lot to love about this new ALDI trail mix, including all the delicious components that make it up. It's full of raisins, dark chocolate, walnuts, blueberries, pecans, and cranberries for a salty sweet snack.
"Trail mix made with heart healthy nuts and antioxidant-rich dried fruits is a healthy on-the-go snack that can not only help fuel your day, but also help prevent chronic disease such as heart disease and diabetes," says Ashley Larsen, RDN, owner of Ashley Larsen Nutrition in California. "Daily intake of heart healthy nuts such as walnuts have been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels."
Nutritionist Rania Batayneh, MPH, author of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, The One One One Diet, suggests eating this trail mix with some plain Greek yogurt after a workout for a filling snack that's also good for you.
Season's Choice Avocado Chunks
The Season's Choice Avocado Chunks are an item that has come and gone here and there from ALDI shelves but is back for January. They make adding avocado to your diet easier than ever. They're frozen and already ready to go, which is perfect for people in a hurry.
"Avocado is one of my favorite smoothie ingredients because it adds creaminess, healthy fats, and staying power," says Kacie Barnes, MCN, RDN, owner of Mama Knows Nutrition. "I would make smoothie freezer packs with frozen avocado chunks, frozen cherries, and frozen banana slices to keep on hand and blend up with your favorite milk."
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Califia Farms Cinnamon Roll Oat Creamer
The beauty of Califia's new-to-ALDI creamer is that it's a lower-sugar option that's dairy free if you need it. It's so flavorful and a cozy addition to your coffee for the winter months.
"You can skip your sugar-loaded latte run and opt to use this healthy and tasty coffee creamer at home," Larsen says. "It has the flavors you're craving, but it contains healthy plant-based ingredients and is low in sugar and fat. With only 25 calories and three grams of sugar per tablespoon, this coffee creamer is something you can enjoy daily as part of a well-balanced diet."
Barnes warns, though, to be careful of how much you're using. Because it's lower in sugar, she says it can be easy to use more than a serving to get the sweetness level you're looking for, which may defeat the purpose of a low-sugar option in the first place.
SuckerPunch Gourmet Spicy Garlic Pickles
Pickles are a great low-calorie snack that'll give you something to crunch on that's also flavorful. They also make a great companion to a ton of meals. In short, they're incredibly versatile.
Barnes says, "If you're into bold flavors without adding a ton of calories, this is a way you can do it!"
Related: One Major Side Effect of Eating Pickles, Say Experts
Beyond Meat Plant-Based Meatballs
Meat substitutes are all the rage and are enjoyed by vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike (because sometimes you just want something a little different!). Beyond Meat's meatballs now available at ALDI give you a way to have a meat-free pasta dish or sandwich.
"These meatballs are a great alternative to meat or turkey options as they are also cholesterol free," Batayneh says. "Plant-based with 19 grams of protein in each serving, they actually make for a nice portable protein, and of course, the classic spaghetti and meatballs.'
Birch Benders Keto Pancake Mix
When you first go keto, it can be hard to figure out exactly what you should eat to maintain the right fat content and carb content. It can also feel like you're giving up some of your favorite foods to follow this diet, but there are ways to feel like you're indulging while also sticking to the plan—this pancake mix is one of those ways.
"Almond flour is the first ingredient, which results in a higher-fat (8 grams/serving) instant pancake compared to the 1.5 grams in traditional brands," Batayneh says. But, she warns, also make sure you're watching the sugar alcohols, especially in shelf-stable foods such as this one!
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