What Aldi Foods Are High in Protein?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a significant portion of the population doesn't meet their daily protein requirements. Finding nutrient-dense, high-protein options can be a challenge, but budget-friendly supermarket Aldi offers a surprisingly wide selection of what Aldi foods are high in protein for every dietary need.

Quick Summary

This article outlines numerous high-protein options available at Aldi, categorizing them into fresh meats, dairy, plant-based alternatives, and convenience snacks to help shoppers build a protein-rich diet.

Key Points

Fresh Meat & Seafood: Aldi offers affordable, high-protein sources like lean chicken breast, ground turkey, and salmon fillets.
Dairy Delights: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and ultra-filtered milk provide excellent protein for snacks or meal additions.
Plant-Based Power: Vegetarians and vegans can find great options in Aldi's Earth Grown line, including tofu and meatless alternatives.
Convenient Snacks: Look for Elevation protein bars, beef sticks, and protein granola for quick, on-the-go fuel.
Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Aldi makes it easy and affordable to create a diverse, high-protein diet by offering a variety of choices across different food groups.

Lean Meat, Poultry, and Seafood

Aldi is renowned for its affordable and high-quality meat department, making it one of the simplest places to find excellent sources of protein.

Fresh and Frozen Poultry

Chicken Breast Fillets: A lean and versatile staple, often available in large, budget-friendly packs.
99% Lean Ground Turkey: An exceptionally low-fat, high-protein option perfect for chili, turkey burgers, or meatloaf.
Rotisserie Chicken: For an easy, pre-cooked option, Aldi's rotisserie chicken provides a quick and affordable protein source for salads, sandwiches, or meals.

Red Meat

Lean Ground Beef (93/7): An excellent choice for burgers and tacos, offering a good balance of flavor and low fat content.
Pork Loin Medallions: This often-overlooked cut is very lean and high in protein, making it an affordable alternative to chicken breast.
Sirloin Steak: Available at a competitive price, sirloin is a lean cut ideal for grilling or pan-searing.

Fish and Seafood

Fresh or Frozen Salmon Fillets: Salmon is not only high in protein but also a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Canned Tuna: A budget-friendly, pantry-stable protein that works well in salads or wraps.
Frozen Cooked Shrimp: A convenient, low-fat seafood protein that is easy to add to stir-fries or pasta dishes.

Dairy and Eggs

Aldi's refrigerated sections are loaded with affordable dairy options that pack a serious protein punch.

Yogurt and Cottage Cheese

Friendly Farms Greek Yogurt: The non-fat Greek yogurt is a standout, offering a thick, creamy texture and a very high protein content per serving.
Friendly Farms Cottage Cheese: Another dairy champion, this low-fat cheese is a versatile snack or meal addition, delivering an impressive amount of protein.
Protein Puddings: For a dessert-like treat that still meets nutritional goals, look for Aldi's own-brand protein puddings, which typically contain around 20 grams of protein per pot.

Milk and Cheese

Friendly Farms Ultra-Filtered Milk: This milk has higher protein and lower sugar content than regular milk, making it a great choice for shakes or coffee.
Eggs and Egg Whites: A classic protein source, eggs are sold in various sizes and quantities. Egg whites offer a lean, cholesterol-free alternative.
String Cheese or Block Cheese: While higher in fat, cheese is a convenient protein boost for snacks or meals.

Plant-Based Protein

For vegetarians and vegans, Aldi has an expanding 'Earth Grown' and 'Plant Menu' range that includes numerous high-protein products.

Soy and Legumes

Organic Extra-Firm Tofu: A super-versatile, high-protein plant source that absorbs flavors effectively and is perfect for frying or grilling.
Earth Grown Meatless Meatballs or Mince: These meat alternatives can provide a similar protein content to their meat counterparts.
Canned Lentils and Chickpeas: These pantry staples are incredibly affordable and can be used to add protein to soups, curries, and salads.

Nuts and Seeds

Nut Butters: Look for varieties made with 100% nuts and no added sugar or oil for a pure protein source.
Almonds and Peanuts: These nuts offer both protein and healthy fats, perfect for a quick snack.

Comparison of Aldi High-Protein Dairy Options


Product	Protein per Serving	Primary Benefit	Best For	Note
Friendly Farms Greek Yogurt	~15g (Non-fat)	High protein, low fat, probiotic benefits	Breakfast bowls, snacks, dips	Plain is best for controlling sugar intake
Friendly Farms Cottage Cheese	~13g (Low-fat)	Slow-digesting protein for fullness	Savory snacks, toast, mixed with fruit	Slow digestion keeps you full longer
Protein Puddings	~20g	Sweet treat with high protein	Dessert, post-workout	Comes in various flavors
Ultra-Filtered Milk	14g (per cup)	Lower in sugar than regular milk	Shakes, cereal, drinking	Lactose-free option available

Convenience Snacks and Supplements

For those on the go, Aldi offers a range of pre-packaged protein options.

Elevation Protein Bars and Shakes: The 'Elevation' brand offers a variety of bars and shakes designed for fitness enthusiasts, with some bars providing up to 20 grams of protein.
Beef Sticks: Country Archer Beef Sticks are individually packaged, portable, and deliver a solid protein punch for a quick, savory snack.
Protein Powder: Aldi periodically stocks its own brand of whey protein powder, offering a more affordable alternative to national brands for making smoothies and shakes.
Protein Granola: Check the cereal aisle for high-protein granola, which is a great topping for yogurt or a crunchy snack.

How to Build a High-Protein Aldi Shopping List

Creating a protein-rich diet from Aldi's selection is easy. Start with foundational items like fresh chicken breast or ground beef for main meals. Supplement your week with dairy options like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for snacks or breakfast. For plant-based alternatives, stock up on canned lentils, tofu, or the Earth Grown products. For convenience, keep an eye on the protein bars and shakes from the Elevation brand. With a bit of planning, you can fill your cart with high-protein foods that won't strain your budget.

For more detailed nutritional information, you can always check the labels on Aldi products or consult resources like the USDA's FoodData Central.

Conclusion

Aldi provides an impressive and ever-expanding range of high-protein foods at an accessible price point, catering to meat-eaters, pescatarians, and plant-based diets alike. By focusing on fresh meats, versatile dairy products, convenient snacks, and plant-based alternatives, shoppers can easily find what Aldi foods are high in protein to support their nutritional goals without compromising their budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Aldi often carries its own brand of whey protein powder, called Activ Max or Elevation, which is a very cost-effective alternative to more expensive national brands. Availability may vary, so check for Specialbuys or in the health and wellness aisle.

Aldi's Elevation brand protein bars and energy bars offer a significant protein boost, with some options providing 18-20 grams per bar. While they can be a great protein source, checking the nutritional label for sugar and fat content is always a good idea, as with any packaged snack.

Absolutely. Aldi has expanded its plant-based offerings under the 'Earth Grown' and 'Plant Menu' labels. You can find affordable tofu, meatless meatballs, meat-free mince, and canned lentils and chickpeas, all of which are excellent sources of plant-based protein.

Friendly Farms Non-fat Greek Yogurt and Aldi's own-brand protein puddings are typically among the highest protein dairy products. The Friendly Farms Ultra-Filtered Milk also offers a higher protein content per serving compared to regular milk.

Yes, Aldi's meat department is well-regarded for its quality and value, making it an excellent place to find high-protein, lean cuts. Options like chicken breast, lean ground turkey, and pork loin medallions are consistently good protein sources.

For a quick snack, Country Archer Beef Sticks or a pot of Friendly Farms Greek Yogurt are excellent choices. Pre-cooked options like rotisserie chicken or hard-boiled eggs are also convenient for on-the-go protein.

Yes, Aldi sometimes carries specialty items like chickpea pasta, which offers a much higher protein content than traditional pasta. Check the 'Healthy Living' section or seasonal 'Aldi Finds' for these products.