Accidentally Vegan at Aldi

Vegan eating doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. With a few small changes, any meal can be made cruelty free. Whether you’re looking for nutritious food or an epic cheat day. Every supermarket has something to offer. For those on a budget, Aldi is a great place to stock up on your weekly groceries.

Since Veganuary is upon us, why not create some meal plans for the week and see how simple it really it. Here are my picks from this week at Aldi!

First stop, Tea! Aside from my regular breakfast tea, the herbal tea selection in Aldi is pretty good. Their Fruit Infusions tea in Forest Fruits tastes and smells incredible. Although pricier than the other teas, it’s worth it for the flavour. You get 15 loose leaf teabags for €2.49, a great option if you’re trying to cut down on your caffeinated drinks! I imagine it would taste just delicious as an iced tea! Ginger and Lemon, Chamomile, Peppermint and Green Tea are among the other herbal options.

If you’re looking for a cup of hot chocolate for a cosy night in, Aldi have Choc Shot by Sweet Freedom on special at the moment, it retails for €3.99.  It’s available in Plain Chocolate and Spiced Orange, these can be used for drinks, on toast, over ice cream and desserts! Hurry before they’re all gone! Bournville Cocoa powder, also vegan, is available in the baking section.

Let’s move on to the fresh food section. In the Super Six Fruit and Veg section, you’ll find the best offers for less than 50 cent! No excuse for not getting those vitamins in. With an organic section along the wall and a huge variety of fruits and vegetables, this area will most likely make up the majority of your shopping, at a fraction of the price of other retailers.

My weekly essentials are Avocados (Avocado on Toast with salt and pepper… yes, please!) and Sweet Potato. I like to make thin fries and bake them with a sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper on top or cut into chunks and roast with some olive oil. Shredded kale, Bananas, Blueberries, Tomatoes, Onion, Garlic, Lemons, Herbs are must haves for the week. I tend to go for the frozen Mango and Pineapple that is already chopped, great for adding to smoothies. At €1.69 these are a bargain in comparison to other supermarket prices! While Supervalu stock their frozen fruit for over €3.00

If you’re looking for some crisps, the Salt and Vinegar Twists are suitable for vegans, as are the Salted Nachos and both Mild and Spicy Salsa.

Aldi often have vegan items on offer in the baskets down each aisle. Last week these Sweet Potato and Plantain Crisps by Glennans. were available for €1.59. Delicious with no artificial flavours! These Yushoi Snapea Rice Sticks are still on offer. They are available in ‘Lightly Salted’ or ‘Chilli and Lemon’. They taste almost like Crispbread with a hint of pea, but don’t let that put you off, they are moreish! Stocks are limited so get them while you can!

In the baking section, you’ll find nuts and dried fruit! I always stock up on Dates and Almonds. These make good snacks in between meals, satisfying sugar cravings and the need for a little crunch! Pistachios and dried Mango are more favourites of mine and can be found beside the Olive oil! Rivita style crackers are a healthier alternative to cream crackers and can be found here too.

Chia seeds are an important addition to vegetarian and vegans, they provide Omega 3 and extra protein and can be added to breakfast, smoothies or made into a pudding. These located beside the cereals and breakfast toppings.

If you’re looking for a vegan meal for the family, that’s quick, cheap, easy and full of protein. Here are the 4 ingredients I use for vegan spaghetti bolanese. Mushrooms can be added too. Of course you could add quorn or vegan mince too, but this dinner already packs a ton flavour. Dry spaghetti and pastas are usually just wheat and water, let the carb-fest begin!

Quick and Easy Dinner

Of course, we don’t all have time to soak beans and lentils overnight. Kidney Beans can be added to soups to make it extra hearty, at 23 cent a can, they’re a great bulk buy and a pantry staple. A baked potato with beans on top is always a winner if you’re looking for comfort food. The no added sugar baked beans cost just 55 cent. Chick peas can also be found opposite the milk fridges, on top of the freezers! Hummus anyone?

Here’s a tip. Instead of using dairy cream, leave a can of coconut milk in the fridge and when cooled, the coconut water separates and leaves the cream on top. Whisk the cream and eat with fresh strawberries! The coconut water can be added to a smoothie, since it’s full of electrolytes it helps rehydrate after a workout! Win, win and no cows harmed!

I stay clear of most of the fridges, aside from the Del Rio cartons of orange juice. As far as the hygiene section, Kick Start shower gels in Lime, Mint and Raspberry and Vanilla are all vegan aside from the Shea butter and honey one.

I’d love to know your favourite vegan supermarket picks. Let me know in the comments which finds you recommend!