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Does Aldi Carry Low-Fat Cheese? Brands, Options, and Availability

3 min read

With more and more people watching their fat intake, the question of whether affordable grocers offer healthy options is common. A frequent query among health-conscious shoppers is: Does Aldi carry low-fat cheese?

Quick Summary

Aldi stores provide various low-fat dairy products under their exclusive brands. Shoppers will find choices across several cheese types such as shredded, sliced, and spreadable.

Key Points

  • Availability: Aldi typically stocks reduced-fat cheese options.

  • Key Brands: Look for Aldi's private labels, Happy Farms and Friendly Farms.

  • Variety: Options include 2% milk shredded cheeses, sliced singles, and low-fat cottage cheese.

  • Healthier Option: Neufchatel cheese is a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese.

  • Labeling: Always check labels for terms like "reduced fat" or "2% milk."

In This Article

Aldi is known for its budget-friendly prices. Consumers focused on nutrition may wonder if the discount grocer offers healthy options, particularly in dairy. The answer is yes, Aldi does carry a selection of low-fat and reduced-fat cheeses, primarily through its private labels such as Happy Farms, Friendly Farms, and sometimes Simply Nature.

Understanding Aldi's Cheese Brands

Aldi mainly sells store brands to keep prices low. Their key dairy brands include:

  • Happy Farms: This is the most common cheese brand, offering options from blocks to shredded and sliced varieties, including reduced-fat selections.
  • Friendly Farms: This brand focuses on general dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese, with low-fat alternatives available.
  • Simply Nature: Aldi’s organic and non-GMO line often includes healthier cheese options, like part-skim mozzarella.

Specific Low-Fat Cheese Products at Aldi

Consumers aiming to reduce fat intake have several reliable choices across cheese types:

Reduced-Fat Shredded Cheeses

Aldi typically has reduced-fat versions of popular shredded cheeses clearly marked as made with 2% milk. They are suitable for tacos, casseroles, or salads.

  • Happy Farms Shredded 2% Milk Mexican Style Cheese Blend: A popular mix of reduced-fat cheeses, ideal for Tex-Mex dishes.
  • Happy Farms Shredded 2% Milk Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A choice for those who want cheddar flavor with less fat.

Reduced-Fat Sliced and Block Cheeses

Aldi offers sliced options for sandwiches and snacks:

  • Happy Farms 2% Milk Reduced Fat American Cheese Singles: These slices have less fat than their full-fat counterparts, often with about 33% less fat.

Lower-Fat Spreads and Specialty Cheeses

Aldi provides lower-fat alternatives for cheese spreads:

  • Friendly Farms Low Fat Small Curd Cottage Cheese: Made with 1% milkfat, this is a high-protein, low-fat choice.
  • Happy Farms Neufchatel Cheese: This spreadable cheese is similar to cream cheese but has one-third less fat, making it a healthier option for bagels or recipes.

Comparison Table: Aldi Low-Fat Options vs. Regular

Here is a comparison of nutritional profiles found at Aldi (values may vary):

Product Type Aldi Reduced-Fat Option (e.g., Happy Farms 2%) Typical Full-Fat Equivalent Key Difference
American Singles ~45-60 calories, 2-3g fat ~80-90 calories, 6-7g fat Significantly lower fat.
Shredded Cheddar ~90 calories, 6g fat (per 1/4 cup) ~110 calories, 9g fat (per 1/4 cup) About 33% less fat.
Cottage Cheese ~90 calories, 1g fat (per 1/2 cup) ~120 calories, 4-5g fat (per 1/2 cup) Much lower milkfat percentage.
Cream Cheese Spread Neufchatel (1/3 less fat) Full-fat Cream Cheese Significantly reduced saturated fat.

Tips for Finding and Choosing Low-Fat Cheese at Aldi

Read the Label Carefully

Check the nutritional label and ingredients list. Look for terms like "reduced fat," "low-fat," "part-skim," or "made with 2% milk" since Aldi rotates inventory. The UK stores, for example, have an "Emporium Light" range.

Look for Private Label Names

Focus on Aldi's house brands, as national low-fat brands are not usually available.

Check the "Aldi Finds" Aisle

Occasionally, "Aldi Finds" include healthy or reduced-fat dairy products not available year-round.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Does Aldi carry low-fat cheese?"—yes, it does. Aldi offers a selection of reduced-fat cheeses under its brands, such as Happy Farms and Friendly Farms. Shoppers can find budget-friendly, healthier alternatives, such as 2% milk shredded blends, reduced-fat American singles, and 1% cottage cheese during their regular shopping trips.

For more information on the nutritional value of cheese and how it fits into a healthy diet, you can check out the USDA's FoodData Central Database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aldi sells low-fat cheese under its exclusive brands. Happy Farms (shredded and sliced 2% milk cheese) and Friendly Farms (low-fat cottage cheese) are the most notable.

Yes, Aldi typically carries a part-skim or low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, often under the Happy Farms or Simply Nature organic labels, which is a lower-fat option.

Yes, Aldi's Happy Farms Neufchatel cheese is a reduced-fat product containing roughly one-third less fat than traditional full-fat cream cheese.

While low-fat (reduced fat) options are common, truly fat-free cheese products are not consistently available in US Aldi stores.

Simply Nature is primarily an organic brand, so while some products, like the organic part-skim mozzarella, are lower in fat, the brand is not exclusively low-fat. Check the specific product label.

Yes, Aldi offers Happy Farms 2% Milk Reduced Fat American Cheese Singles, a lower-fat option for sandwiches.

Aldi's reduced-fat cheeses (made with 2% milk) typically have at least 25% to 33% less fat than their full-fat counterparts, depending on the product type.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.