For someone who knows too much about the way our food is produced, I am super excited by the news that Aldi is making huge strides to rival Whole Foods and make healthier food available to all at a much lower cost. Step by step, Aldi has begun to challenge the ‘whole paycheck’ way of shopping. Some of the newest additions to the Aldi marketplace are: expanding organic choices; banning a number of pesticides from any products; growing the “Never Any!” line of meat, which have no added antibiotics, hormones or other additives; removed artificial colors, partially hydrogenated oils, and MSG from the private-label products (90% of sales); growing the “Simply Nature” line, which has banned more than 125 synthetic ingredients; and sourcing milk, yogurt, sour cream, cottage and other dairy products free of artificial growth hormones. If you are gluten-free, Aldi is your place to shop! There are lots of great choices there especial the “liveGfree” line, and again, at a fraction of the cost. For those that think Aldi doesn’t offer artisan selections, you are off base. I have found lovely cheeses and crackers, smoked salmon, nice wines and delectable chocolates. I have two Aldi stores within a mile and a half from my home and you probably have one nearby as well. Apparently the company plans to open 500 more stores in the next two years. If you haven’t ventured into an Aldi lately, give them a shot. Just remember two things: bring a quarter to borrow a cart (and you get your quarter back when you return the cart) and bring your own bags (which I hope you do regardless). Happy and healthy shopping!
