Digital Media Centre

KICKSTART THE NEW YEAR WITH ALDI’S AWARD-WINNING VEGANUARY STAPLES

FreeFrom Retailer of the Year stock plant-based alternatives that are packed full of flavour without the hefty price tag

This January, GO ALL ALDI for affordable, incredible quality groceries for all the family. Why not try something new this year? ALDI welcomes you to embrace a plant-based lifestyle with its extensive and budget-friendly vegan range. Discover how going vegan not only benefits your well-being but also proves to be a pocket-friendly choice this new year.

From tasty meat alternatives, dairy-free milks and yoghurts to fresh legumes and pantry essentials you’ll find it all in 161 ALDI stores nationwide. As the Gluten Free Retailer of the Year at the 2023, ALDI has an incredible range of FreeFrom Food Award winning products including 44 product wins across multiple FreeFrom categories.

Fuel your body with wholesome protein alternatives that are as delicious as they are nutritious. ALDI offers a diverse range of plant-powered options, including the hearty Plant Menu No Chicken Peri Pieces €2.29 (240g), for those craving a wrap or a taco – perfectly topped off with the Plant Menu Coconut Oil Alternative To Cheddar Slices €2.39 (180g). Dive into the protein-rich world of the Plant Menu No Chicken Kiev’s €2.79 (280g), providing a satisfying and budget-friendly dinner solution. Having the whole family over for a Sunday dinner? ALDI’s Thanks Plants Nomoooo Burgers €3.49 (260g) are going to be your new saving grace. Complete the dish with a colourful range of fresh vegetables.

ALDI also has plenty of dairy-free alternatives available in store. Why not try Actileaf Unsweetened Soya UHT Drink €0.89 (1l) and Actileaf Sweetened Soya UHT Drink €0.89 (1l), for a tasty milk substitute. Add a tropical twist to your dishes with the Actileaf Coconut Drink €1.29 (1l), a great store cupboard ingredient for cooking or to cool and mellow spicy curries. The trendiest blend of the bunch, Actileaf Barista Oat Drink €1.49 (1l) is a creamy, lightly flavoured addition to coffee, tea, cereal, or a homemade smoothie.

For those craving a savoury and convenient snack, don’t miss out on the Plant Menu No Pork Sausage Rolls €1.69 (400g) or Plant Menu Vegetable Fingers €2.49 (453g), a delicious addition to your plant-based journey. Indulge in the Let’s Party Indian Snack Selection €2.49 (160g) – a versatile option perfect for adding a savoury twist to your meals.

Complement your fridge with the Actileaf Blueberry Soya Pot €1.39 (500g), a delightful blend of nutty and fruity goodness. Perfect on its own or paired with other treats like The Foodie Market Smooth Peanut Butter €2.85 (470g). A protein-rich spread available in all 161 ALDI stories nationwide – Ideal for elevating the flavour of smoothies, sandwiches, and more. 

For dipping pleasures, explore the delightful range of The Deli Houmous €1.29 (200g) in Caramelized Onion, Red Pepper, Moroccan, or Sweet Chilli flavours. Craving something unique? Consider ALDI’s Specially Selected Spicy Smashed Avocados €1.69 (150g) – this flavourful option is ideal accompaniment to your morning toast or your favourite Mexican inspired recipes.

To celebrate Veganuary, ALDI has prepared a simple vegan recipe for you to try at home. See below how to make a delicious plant-based Pesto Pasta, perfect for an easy midweek meal.

Vegan Pesto Pasta

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 Nature’s Pick Loose Lemon €0.45, juiced
• 100g Four Seasons Frozen Peas €0.75
• 20g The Foodie Market Sunflower Seeds €0.99
• 25g Nature’s Pick Fresh Basil €0.99
• 80g Foodie Market Seed Mix €0.99
• 2 Nature’s Pick Garlic Cloves €0.99 (200g pack)
• 100g Four Seasons Kale €1.19
• 100g Nature’s Pick Baby Spinach Leaves €1.39
• 100g Nature’s Pick Asparagus Tips €1.39
• 1 x 500g pack Everyday Essentials Penne Pasta €0.59
• 50g Foodie Market Pine Nuts €1.45
• 1 Nature’s Pick Onion €1.19 (1kg)

Method:

1. To make the pesto, take all the leaves and stems off the basil (should yield approx. 25g) and roughly chop. Peel the garlic and roughly chop.
2. Put the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, 100ml olive oil and lemon juice into a food processor and blend.
3. Peel and finely chop the onion – sauté in the remaining oil in a large frying pan for a few minutes on a low heat.
4. Chop the asparagus into small pieces and add to the pan, along with the kale. Cook gently for 5/8 minutes until the kale starts to wilt, add the frozen peas and the spinach, season with some salt and black pepper, then cook for another 6/8 minutes.
5. Cook the pasta in boiling water as per directions on the pack for about 12 minutes. Drain the pasta well. Then put the pasta into a large, warmed bowl, add the pesto and the cooked vegetables and mix well.
6. Serve alongside seeds to sprinkle and enjoy!

ALDI continues to be at the forefront of providing accessible, affordable, and flavourful vegan alternatives. Explore the diverse range of plant-based options available at your nearest ALDI store and make every meal a celebration of good health and great taste. For more information and amazing vegan and vegetarian recipes, visit www.aldi.ie/c/recipes.

See below for a full list of vegan-friendly products available in 161 ALDI stores nationwide now:

• Four Seasons Chickpeas €0.43 (400g)
• Bramwells Couscous €0.49 (100g) Choose from Spice Infusion, Roasted Veg, Sundried Tomato and Garlic or Lemon and Coriander.
• Four Seasons Mixed Beans €0.62 (400g)
• Four Seasons Black Beans €0.85 (390g)
• Four Seasons Green Lentils €0.85 (390g)
• Actileaf Soya UHT Drink €0.89 (1L) Choose from Sweetened or Unsweetened.
• Four Seasons Taco Mixed Beans €0.99 (395g)
• The Deli Houmous €1.29 (200g) Choose from Caramelised Onion, Red Pepper, Moroccan or Sweet Chilli.
• Actileaf Blueberry Soya Pot €1.39 (500g) Choose from Blueberry, Natural or Vanilla.
• Moser Roth Vegan Classic Cocoa Bar €1.39 (100g) Choose from Milk, Dark or Blonde.
• Good Grains French Inspired Lentils €1.49 (250g)
• Actileaf Barista Oat Drink €1.49 (1L)
• Let’s Party Indian Snack Selection €1.49 (384g)
• Grandessa 100% Pure Squeezy Honey €1.69 (454g)
• Plant Menu No Pork Sausage Rolls €1.69 (400g)
• Specially Selected Smashed Avocados €1.69 (150g) Choose from Classic or Spicy.
• Specially Selected Mexican Style Bean Soup €1.79 (400g)
• Plant Menu Coconut Oil Alternative to Cheddar Slices €2.39 (180g)
• Plant Menu No Chicken Pieces €2.49 (200g)
• Plant Menu Vegetable Fingers €2.49 (453g)
• Plant Menu No Chicken Kiev’s €2.79 (280g)
• The Foodie Market Peanut Butter €2.85 (470g) Choose from Crunchy or Smooth.
• Thanks Plants Nomoooo Burgers €3.49 (260g)