A Deep Dive into Aldi's Fruit Pastille Recipe
Fruit pastilles are a popular sweet, and consumers are increasingly interested in their ingredients due to dietary and ethical considerations. Aldi's Dominion brand Fruit Pastilles are notable for their recipe which omits animal-derived gelatine, making them suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Core Sweeteners and Texture Agents
Aldi Fruit Pastilles get their sweet taste and chewy texture from sugar, glucose syrups, and starches. Maize starch and modified potato starch are used to create the chewiness without needing gelatin.
- Sugar: Primary sweetener.
- Glucose Syrup: Controls sweetness and texture.
- Maize Starch: Thickener and gelling agent for chewiness.
- Modified Potato Starch: Works with maize starch for texture.
- Glucose-Fructose Syrup: Secondary sweetener.
Fruit Extracts and Natural Flavorings
The fruity flavor comes from a blend of fruit extracts and natural flavorings, avoiding synthetic additives. Various concentrated fruit and plant extracts provide vibrant and authentic taste for each color.
- Fruit and Plant Extracts: Includes black carrot, turmeric, spirulina, safflower, radish, lemon, blueberry, apple, and blackcurrant concentrates.
- Flavourings: Enhance the natural fruit flavors.
Acidulants and Natural Colors
Acids contribute to the tangy taste and balance the sweetness. Natural fruit and plant extracts are also used for vibrant colors, aligning with the brand's natural approach.
- Acids: Citric acid, malic acid, and lactic acid provide tanginess.
- Fruit and Plant Extracts: Also serve as natural coloring agents.
Aldi's Fruit Pastilles vs. Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles: A Comparison
Comparing Aldi's pastilles to Rowntree's reveals some key differences in ingredients and characteristics.
| Feature | Aldi Dominion Fruit Pastilles | Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles (Modern) |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan/Vegetarian | Yes. | Yes. |
| Gelatine | No. | No. |
| Texture | Reportedly slightly softer. | Described as more chewy by some. |
| Artificial Additives | No artificial colours or flavourings. | No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. |
| Price | Generally more affordable. | Higher price point. |
What are the ingredients in Aldi Fruit Pastilles?
Aldi Fruit Pastilles feature a vegan-friendly, starch-based recipe using natural fruit and plant extracts for flavor and color. The blend of acids balances the sweetness, offering an affordable and inclusive option. A detailed list of ingredients can be found at {Link: Open Food Facts https://uk-cy.openfoodfacts.org/gynnyrch/4088600541617/fruit-pastilles-aldi}. Coeliac UK provides information on other suitable products at Aldi.