The Real Reason Aldi Is Adding 44 New Ingredients to Its Off-Limits List

In the last decade or so, we’ve seen a significant shift in what our foods are made of. Customers and regulating bodies alike have increasingly come to understand that additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors may no longer have a place in our modern food landscape, due to a combination of safety concerns and the perception that these ingredients give food about its quality. The last year has seen conversations around ingredients get way louder, and so far in 2026, we’ve seen brands like Hershey’s and Little Debbie pledge to revise their recipes to focus on natural ingredients. 

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Now, Aldi’s doing the same, by cutting a massive 44 ingredients from its private label products by the end of 2027. The reason it’s doing so? For its food quality. Here’s what you need to know.

The Great Ingredient Cull at Aldi

Aldi announced its decision to remove 44 ingredients from its private label products last week in an official statement, in which it stated that it would be removing select artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, and preservatives from its items. It decided to do so, said its chief commercial officer Scott Patton, after listening to its shoppers. “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,” Patton said. 

In a FAQ section at the bottom of the statement, the brand further stated that “evolving our ingredient standards is one more way we deliver the quality, affordable food assortment our shoppers expect.” It also reassured customers that the quality or consistency of its items wouldn’t change following the removal of these ingredients, and that said quality remains one of its top priorities. 

It’s also worth reiterating that this move by Aldi is part of a broader move by food companies and retailers to examine their ingredient lists, which is prompted by regulatory pressure from the likes of the HHS and FDA. These bodies have previously announced measures to phase out petroleum-based artificial dyes from foods in the next few years, which has prompted a broader reckoning with other ingredients.

So, What’s Being Phased Out?

44 ingredients is a lot of ingredients, but Aldi has listed all of them on its website. Amongst the ingredients being axed from its foods are the preservatives potassium nitrate and potassium nitrite, Olestra (which is a fat substitute), and Simplesse, a whey protein concentrate. These ingredients join the ones Aldi previously removed from its products in 2015, which include a bunch of artificial food dyes and monosodium glutamate. 

Aldi’s generally pretty open about the progress of its targets, so we can expect more news and updates on this move as time goes on. We’ll also be waiting to see how many other retailers follow suit.