Why You Should Start Getting Your Organic Food From Aldi

Aldi is a grocery store that is unique unto itself. Patrons equipped with their own bags and always at least one quarter have flocked to the food store with a steadily growing enthusiasm in recent years. Some even say that Aldi has developed a cult following. Some of Aldi's charm comes from the fact that they primarily carry their own private-label brands, such as Barissimo (coffee), Choceur (chocolate) and Goldhen (eggs). It also doesn't hurt that their cheese selection is so impressive and widely varied. Beyond food items, they also carry household goods, seasonal items, clothing, alcohol and much more. According to Supermarket News, Aldi currently has 2,000 stores in 36 states and is still looking to expand in the near future. Once viewed as more of a budget-friendly store, the chain has recently grown in size, products and clientele, and now might be looking to corner the market on organic foods. Here's what you need to know about Aldi's organic options.

In a 2018 interview with New Hope Network, CEO Jason Hart said Aldi had "doubled its sales volume over the last five years and expects to double it again over the next five years." The same piece also noted there was a "40% increase in fresh products — including organic items," which has clearly helped to strengthen the brand and attract more consumers looking to primarily purchase organic. In 2017, we noted that "Aldi has been making a big push to make their foods healthier, and ... increased their organic offerings in 2014, at the same time they were advertising they could save their customers 25% on those items." Once viewed as a store that only carried a limited amount of items, these changes have helped position Aldi as a one-stop shopping locale, especially for those focused on organic food.

Since then, Aldi has continued to foster their organic items, and in a 2019 survey by Progressive Grocer, many of their "Aldi 2019 Fan Favorite" offerings were organic — ranging from chicken broth and spices to hummus and tortilla chips. For those looking to purchase organic and not break the bank, Aldi makes quite a strong case. 

Aldi also abides by many standards to ensure the highest quality — IHR Magazine noted in 2019 that Aldi says it explicitly won't sell products containing eight types of pesticides. They are also "expanding their organic food brands, [removing] certified synthetic colors ... and partially hydrogenated oils, and [ensuring that there are] no artificial growth hormones" in the majority of their dairy products. Furthermore, Dana McMahan reported for NBC News in 2019 that organic foods were "around half of what we were used to paying at other large retailers," putting into perspective just how appealing Aldi's organic options can be. 

As always, do your due diligence prior to grocery shopping to ensure you're making the best choices for both your body and your wallet. With so many options, choosing the store you're going to visit can be overwhelming. While there are lots of exciting picks, Aldi's organic products are one of many facets that have helped increase the chain's popularity. No matter where you decide to go — happy shopping!