BATAVIA, Ill. – Aldi Inc. is introducing Healthier Checklanes in select stores. The discount grocery chain will stock single-serve nuts and trail mixes, dried fruits and granola bars at checkout instead of chocolates and candies. The company plans to roll out the program to its nearly 1,500 stores by the end of the year.
“By introducing Healthier Checklanes and through a number of other initiatives, we are doing our part to remove temptation at checkout and stocking stores with even more nutritious options,” said Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi. “At Aldi, we truly care about our customers, and we’re responding with guilt-free checkout zones and increased food options they can feel good about.”
Beyond changes at the checkout, Aldi is taking other steps to broaden its better-for-you offerings. The company said it has eliminated certified synthetic colors, partially hydrogenated oils and added MSG from its exclusive food brands, which comprise more than 90 percent of products sold in Aldi’s stores. In addition to offering milk free of artificial growth hormones, Aldi said its yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese will be made with milk that has no artificial growth hormones.
Additionally, the company said it is expanding its selection of fresh and organic meat and produce, adding more gluten-free products under the liveGfree brand, and adding more products free of more than 125 artificial ingredients under the SimplyNature brand. Other initiatives include highlighting nutritional facts on the front of exclusive brand food packages and partnering with registered dietitians to provide tips, recipes and meal-planning ideas for shoppers.
