Shopping Gluten Free at Aldi

Looking to save money on your gluten free groceries? Aldi has quite a few gluten free offerings, including their own gluten free product line, called LiveGFree. Read my article to learn more about Aldi’s gluten free offerings.

When Did Aldi Start Offering Gluten Free Products?

Aldi launched the LiveGfree product line in spring of 2018. New Aldi’s gluten free products have ebbed and flowed over the years. In addition, each year, they stock their shelves will “Special Buys” or “Aldi Finds” that make us run to the store in excitement.

Are Aldi and Trader Joe’s the Same Company?

No. As I explain in my post about Trader Joe’s, People often (incorrectly) assume Trader Joe’s and Aldi have the same parent company. The two businesses were separately owned by two German brothers. Originally the brothers jointly owned Aldi in Germany. However, after a difference of opinion, they amicably split the company into Aldi Sud and Aldi Nord.

Aldi Nord acquired the Trader Joe’s chain that started in California. Aldi Sud operates the Aldi locations in the United States. Confusing?  The Kitchn further explains the Aldi and Trader Joe’s connection, for those who want to dig deeper. However, like Trader Joe’s , Aldi relies on separate manufacturers to make their products, placed in Aldi packaging. The practice is often called “private label.”

Does Aldi Have a Gluten Free Section?

Years ago, Aldi did have a separate gluten free endcap. However, that no longer exists. Gluten Free products at Aldi are now spread throughout the store.

Does Aldi Label Their Gluten Free Products?

Aldi gluten free products bear their own labeling. However, not all products that are gluten free may bear that label. Also, while Aldi offers a gluten free product line, LiveGFree, they sell other gluten free products that are not part of the LiveGFree line.

ALDI knows that a lot of our customers have special dietary needs and are looking for clear, easy–to-understand ingredient information on the products we sell. The best way to be certain a product is gluten-free is to look for products with the certified gluten-free seal, like our exclusive liveGfree product line. All of the products in our liveGfree line are required to be certified by an approved organization that verifies each product’s levels of gluten is less than 10 parts per million.

From the Aldi FAQ

I emailed Aldi asking for further clarification about their products that have a gluten free label, but are not part of their LiveGFree product line. Below is the (very prompt!) reply they sent me.

Thank you for contacting us.

ALDI knows a lot of our customers have special dietary needs and are looking for clear, easy-to-understand ingredient information on the products we sell. The best way to be certain a product is gluten-free is to look for a gluten-free seal on the packaging. ALDI products with a gluten-free symbol not included in the liveGfree product line must meet FDA regulations by containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

What Gluten Free Certifications Does Aldi Use?

Additionally, all products within our liveGfree line are certified by an approved organization that ensures less than 10 parts per million of gluten is present within the finished product which exceeds the FDA’s regulations. liveGfree products are certified by one of the following three independent certifying bodies which is listed on the packaging:

• The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) (Gluten Intolerance Group)
• Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) (Beyond Celiac)
• Celiac Sprue Association (CSA) (It is now called the National Celiac Association.)

What About “May Contains” Statements?

Please note, if a product is labeled as gluten free but has a “may contain wheat” statement on the ingredients label, this means the product does not contain wheat, but wheat is present in the manufacturing facility. The “May Contain” statement is not required by law; however, the FDA requires strict allergen control programs to prevent cross contact for the top 8 allergens, which includes wheat.

To help you determine if other products contain gluten, look at the ingredients list and the “contains statement,” located under the ingredients list. In many cases, the list will specifically state whether the product is “gluten free.”

Does Aldi Sell Name Brand Products?

Yes, they sell quite a few name brand products. While many are “Aldi Finds,” some name brand products are available all the time. For instance I can buy Crest toothpaste and Dawn Dish soap there. My most frequent brand name purchase is my Lifeway Kefir.

Does Aldi Take Manufacturer’s Coupons?

No, they do not. Aldi takes great pride in their low prices. They often run sales, which you can find on their website. Aldi shelves now have digital price tags. Tags with a red background are sale prices.

What Other Things Should I Know About Shopping Gluten Free at Aldi?

First, know that you’ll have to use a quarter to retrieve a shopping cart. It will be returned to you when you return your cart. Secondly, know that Aldi is a large store. They aren’t multiple brands of products. For example, you won’t be able to choose between multiple brands of butter. There is simply Aldi’s house brand of butter. It really makes shopping faster and easier, IMO.

Third, know that many of the items available at Aldi are sold as “Aldi Finds.” These products are available for a short period of time. When they’re gone, they’re gone. PLEASE DON’T HOARD ITEMS. Take only what you need, so that more people are able to try products.

Everyday Aldi’s Gluten Free LiveGFree Products

While some locations may carry certain Aldi’s Gluten Free products, others may not. I chose to share first what I can find in my store all the time. 

Aldi’s Gluten Free Baking Mixes

They carry chocolate, yellow and pancake baking mixes. (Sadly, the recipe I used to make these strawberry shortcakes is no longer on the back of the box!) In addition, they also stock a cornbread mix of which I failed to take a picture! All mixes are free of soy as well!

Snacks and Crackers

One note about these crackers. They do contain oat fiber, although they are certified gluten free through GFCO. Aldi also sells grain free pretzels, that are on an end cap. Aldi recently started selling more grain free and Keto items, and offers almond crackers as well.

Aldi Gluten Free Granola

You’ll find Aldi’s gluten granola stocked near the cereal. I am unaware of whether these are made with purity protocol oats. They are however certified gluten free. They come in three flavors – Raisin Almond , Apple Almond and Cranberry Cashew.

Aldi’s Gluten Free Pasta

For those looking for more whole grains in the pasta, Aldi’s gluten free and organic quinoa blend pastas taste fantastic!

Aldi’s Gluten Free Frozen Section

There are four sections where I find specific LiveGFree items. The first aisle houses the baking mixes and snacks. The second aisle stocks the pasta. The third location to find Aldi’s gluten free products is the freezer section. Gluten free pizza is a must, right? They offer cheese and pepperoni pizzas. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten one. Have you tried them?

Chicken Nuggets. Every (small and big) kid’s favorite! Aldi’s gluten free chicken nuggets are certified gluten free through GFCO.

Bread Aisle

Many swear that Aldi’s gluten bread is their favorite, over any other brand. At $3.99 a loaf, it’s a great deal! It comes in white and whole grain. SOME people report that their stores carry bagels as well. Mine does not.

My store carries the LiveGFree General Tso’s all the time. Personally, the sauce is too spicy for me. Sometimes I buy this and add my homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce instead.

That’s the end of what I would call the “everyday” Aldi’s gluten free finds. However, every May, Aldi releases some fun and exciting products. I’ll start with the biggest draw!

May Gluten Free “Aldi Finds”

Every spring, usually in May, Aldi offers many gluten free “Aldi Finds.” This is in connection with Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Here are just a few of the products that seem to return every year. Miss them when they’re gone? Most Aldi gluten free products are “private label,” meaning another company makes them and they’re sold in Aldi packaging. Read my post on Gluten Free Aldi Finds Alternatives to be able to find these products year round.

Aldi Gluten Free Cheesecake Sampler

Every year people go CRAZY over Aldi’s gluten free cheesecake. Certified gluten free, it includes four separate flavors.

People also become super excited about Aldi’s gluten free General Tso’s Chicken. I saw a shopper by 6 or more bags in a trip! It tastes a bit spicier than my stomach would like, but my non-gf husband LOVED it!

Aldi LiveGFree Frozen Skillet Meals

Aldi’s Gluten Free Skillet meals were new this May. Did you buy any? They are certified gluten free through NSF, which is located in Ann Arbor. Did you read about my visit there? 

Aldi LiveGFree Ravioli

When Aldi’s gluten free line launched 4 years ago, they sold individual frozen ravioli meals. This may they sold a large bag, theoretically big enough to share with someone else. I bought the Spinach and Cheese ravioli. Did you try it?

LiveGFree Empandas

So true story, the other day my husband made lunch. I asked what he was cooking, and he said “empanadas.” I replied, “the Aldi’s gluten free ones in the freezer?” Ironically, no, he had made his from scratch. Which means I get to eat these another day!

Other Seasonal Aldi’s Gluten Free Items

Gluten Free Stuffing and French Fried Onions

I can still find the Aldi’s gluten free stuffing at my store. I think it’s a hold over from Easter. However this, and gluten free French Fried Onions, show up every year around Thanksgiving.

A few other Aldi’s gluten free items I found include Gluten Free Bites (which I’m sure are made by The GFB) and cheese crackers. I also find them on the shelves of my local Aldi at other times of the year. Are there items that your Aldi stocks that mine does not? What are your favorite Aldi’s gluten free finds? Leave me a comment below!