The Unexpected Ingredient Aldi Bans from Its Products

We adore Aldi for so many reasons—its affordable store-brand alternatives, unique finds, exciting monthly treasures, and the distinct vibe of the store. But did you know Aldi also upholds strict quality standards? Since 2015, the retailer has banned several ingredients to maintain those high standards.

Some of the ingredients Aldi has eliminated include Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), partially hydrogenated oils, and one ingredient we never expected. We didn’t believe it until we checked Aldi products at home—none of them contain artificial food dyes. So, how did Aldi get rid of synthetic colors, and why did they do it?

Why Aldi Banned Synthetic Food Dyes

It’s important to note that Aldi still uses food coloring in its products, but only from natural plant sources—not synthetic ones. Here’s why that difference matters.

Artificial food dyes and colorants are among the most debated food additives around. While we won’t dive too deep into the controversies, some studies suggest a possible link between artificial colors and ADHD in children, others warn of potential connections to obesity or even carcinogens.

In fact, some states have even considered banning certain synthetic dyes that are commonly used in many well-known foods. Despite this, the FDA still maintains that synthetic food colorants are "safe when used according to FDA guidelines."

Yet, Aldi made the decision to eliminate these dyes back in 2015, "responding to customer demand." According to their website, this change came after consumers expressed a desire for more natural, plant-derived food colorings. But what does that really mean? Where are these alternative dyes sourced from?

What Are Plant-Based Food Colorings Made From?

If you take a closer look, you’ll find that many foods naturally contain vibrant pigments. Ingredients like turmeric, paprika, and a variety of fruit and vegetable juices are used as natural colorants. A few years ago, scientists even figured out how to create blue food coloring from red cabbage (ironically).

In a recent viral TikTok post, a shopper decided to test whether Aldi was truly following through with its synthetic dye ban. To their surprise, Aldi was indeed keeping its promise. They also discovered that many products which would normally contain artificial red dyes—like cheese curls, fruit snacks, and nacho-flavored chips—were now using Annatto extract instead.

What Exactly is Annatto Extract?

Annatto extract is a natural food coloring and flavor enhancer derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. These seeds have a vibrant orange-red color, making them a perfect choice for natural food dyes. The pigment comes from carotenoids, the same compounds that give carrots, pumpkins, salmon, and even autumn leaves their rich hues.

This extract is also a key ingredient in South and Central American cuisines, and goes by several names including achiote, achiotillo, bija, urucum, and atsuete.

Annatto became popular as a food coloring because it's completely natural and doesn't alter the flavor of the food. If you start reading ingredient labels, you'll find it in everything from cheddar cheese and boxed macaroni to ice cream and cookies.

It's easy to understand why Aldi chose Annatto as a natural coloring option when reformulating its products. The company states that since 2015, it has been working diligently to remove banned ingredients, all while maintaining "the same high quality and taste that shoppers expect from ALDI’s exclusive brands."