Maintaining a plant-based diet is easier than ever. Nowadays, there are plenty of grocery store chains you can shop at if you're vegan, and Aldi and Trader Joe's are two of the best. But which one is better? Each has its own unique advantage. Tasting Table asked two certified registered dietitians their take on this hotly contested rivalry.
According to Lena Bakovic, MS, RD, CNSC, and author at VNutrition, "you can't go wrong with either store if you're eating plant-based." The difference, she explains, often comes down to how you shop. You may prefer to cook from scratch at home to save a few bucks, in which case you should always buy your pantry staples at Aldi.
On the other hand, you may live a busy lifestyle and appreciate a quick and easy plant-based frozen dinner. That's where Trader Joe's has you covered. Kat Benson, a certified registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics at VNutrition, agreed with Bakovic, noting that "it's less that one is objectively better and more that they serve slightly different needs."
Why Aldi works well for plant-based shoppers
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If you're on a budget and prefer to meal prep using fresh, whole-food ingredients, Aldi has got Trader Joe's beat. It's just one of many things Aldi does better than Trader Joe's. "Aldi often has more of the ingredient side of things, where people can find options like grains, beans, frozen vegetables, and other staples," stated Kat Benson. Whether you're assembling a loaded grain bowl, cooking up a stir-fry, or making an Instant Pot chili, Aldi's canned, frozen, and fresh staples are often cheaper than Trader Joe's, helping you make healthy and balanced meals without the markup.
Lena Bakovic described Aldi as "that dependable friend who always has your back when you're on a budget." Some of her favourite items at Aldi include dried and canned beans and lentils, as they have a long shelf life. She's also partial to rolled and quick oats for a quick, tasty breakfast, as well as frozen mixed veggies when you can't be bothered with kitchen prep but still need extra fibre and nutrients. Benson agrees that these basic ingredients "make it easy to put together bowls, soups, or grain-based meals without needing a lot of specialty products." And that's where Aldi falls short.
You won't find many specialty items, such as meat or seafood substitutes, vegan cheeses, or prepared plant-based foods at Aldi. Sure, they have a few, but the selection is much more limited than Trader Joe's. On the bright side, though, you have full control over what you eat compared to relying on ultra-processed plant-based meats that may not be the best choice day in and day out. However, if you don't have the time to prep ingredients, Aldi's selection may feel limited.
Why Trader Joe's appeals to vegan shoppers
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While Aldi is the reliable friend who's got you covered on basics, Trader Joe's "is more like the adventurous foodie friend who always has something new and interesting to share," said Lena Bakovic. You'll find a range of "meat and cheese alternatives, flavoured tofu, ready-to-eat vegan meals, and produce you probably won't see anywhere else," she added. Benson concurred that the convenience factor is a big reason why Trader Joe's is so popular. Whether you work long hours or are wrangling a gaggle of kids, it's hard to deny the allure of an easy weeknight dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes. It's almost like getting a bit of your life back when shopping at Trader Joe's.
At Trader Joe's, Bakovic told Tasting Table that she loves the frozen cauliflower rice and pre-made salads, which make meal prep a cinch. She also recommends the vegan cheeses, dairy-free desserts, and specialty yogurts that feel indulgent and fun to eat. Some of our favourite vegan snacks at Trader Joe's include the Passion Fruit Sorbet, Jerk-Style Plantain Chips, and Crunchy Curls. Benson swears by Trader Joe's snack bars, such as the PB&J Bar — which she says are great before workouts, since they provide a quick and easy energy boost. Trader Joe's abundance of fun, pre-packaged, and plant-based entrées and snacks has a downside, though.
From the higher markup for ready-to-eat foods to the concerning number of recalls on items like frozen foods and salad kits — and the fact that some vegetarian and vegan items get discontinued — Trader Joe's isn't all it's cracked up to be. Still, despite these negatives, it's one of the best grocery stores for plant-based items. If you have an Aldi and Trader Joe's nearby, shop at both for a balance of affordable staples and indulgent, prepared foods and snacks.
The plant-based burgers are high in protein and feature the thin, easy-to-fry silhouette of classic smashed patties
Aldi UK just brought back its popular vegan smashed pork burgers.
In addition to the Plant Menu No Pork Smashed Patties, the budget supermarket has also launched a new version: No Chicken & Black Pepper Smashed Patties.
Both Aldi products feature the thin profile of classic smashed burgers, and develop a crisp, caramelized crust and enhanced flavour when cooked. They are designed to be eaten two at a time, as in a traditional double sausage muffin or breakfast burger.
Aldi's smashed burger patties are £1.99 per box - Media Credit: Liam Pritchett
The No Pork burgers feature 5.5g of protein and 80 calories per patty, or 11g of protein and 160 calories per two-patty portion. The No Chicken burgers contain 6g of protein and 87 calories per patty, or 12g of protein and 174 calories per portion.
Writing in the Vegan UK group on Reddit, one user said, “Myself and my girlfriend really enjoyed both of them. The ‘sausage’ ones with some cheese and ketchup felt like a McMuffin. Will be buying them again.” Another wrote, “They’re bloody lovely.”
The smashed pork and chicken burgers have an RRP of £1.99 per 4-pack, and both flavours are gluten-free. They are available now at Aldi stores nationwide.
Vegan croissants, pepperoni pizza, and demand for high-protein options
Liam PritchettThe smashed burger patties are just the latest vegan products from Aldi UK
Aldi first introduced the No Pork Smashed Patties in January 2024 as part of its biggest-ever Veganuary range, alongside vegan corn dogs and pain-au-chocolat.
The supermarket recently brought back its Carlos Takeaway vegan “Pepper-Noni” and “BBQ No Chick’n” frozen pizzas. Both feature coconut-oil cheese, tomato sauce, and a stonebaked base, and are topped with either vegan pepperoni or chicken.
Earlier this year, Tesco reported plant-based food growth “for the first time in years,” citing demand for high-protein ingredients like tofu, seitan, and tempeh, in particular. The company also cited a 12 percent increase in sales over the 12 months.
Aldi's "Pepper-noni" pizza is one of the last vegan pepperoni pizzas still available in supermarkets
The vegan pepperoni pizza is finally back at Aldi stores in the UK.
The budget supermarket’s “Pepper-Noni” frozen pizza features coconut-oil cheese, tomato sauce, a stonebaked base, and vegan pepperoni slices.
Aldi typically brings back the pizza in the new year to coincide withVeganuary.
In addition to Pepper-Noni, Aldi has also brought back its “BBQ No Chick’n” pizza, topped with plant-based chicken, peppers, and red onions. Both products are produced and sold under Aldi’s private label “Carlos Takeaway” brand.
The pizzas are available now from Aldi’s frozen food aisle at an RRP of £1.99.
Media Credit: Aldi UK
Affordable and ‘pleasant’
Writing in the Vegan UK group on Reddit, some users were critical of the distribution of toppings on the two pizzas, but others praised their affordability. One described the pepperoni as “pleasant” and the tomato sauce as “the star of the show.”
Aldi’s full vegan pizza line-up previously included a vegan margherita as well, but only the pepperoni and chicken varieties have been spotted on shelves so far.
Food blogger Vegan Womble shared photos of all three pizzas on Instagram when they returned to stores at the end of 2024. Underneath, one commenter wrote, “These are some of the best vegan pizzas I’ve tried,” while another added, “Aldi UK please keep them around after Veganuary this time!”
‘Big up Aldi for backing the underdog’
In January, Aldi sold more than 120,000 of One Planet Pizza’s Margherita Sourdough “Pizzetta” mini pizzas in just two weeks during a Veganuary collaboration.
“Big up Aldi for backing the underdog,” wrote Hill on LinkedIn. “Not Dr Oetker, not Goodfellas, not Chicago Town. But a 100% plant-based challenger brand!”
Aldi also brought back its fan-favourite vegan croissants and launched several new products during Veganuary 2026, including a Salted Caramel Choc Spread and three flavours of Ben & Jerry’s-style dairy-free ice cream.
From vegetable-rich alternative proteins, to chicken nuggets, to cheesecakes, these are the biggest launches of the month so far
These are some of the biggest food launches of Veganuary 2026.
According to Veganuary, over a third of British people are planning to buy plant-based food this month. Around 25.8 million people participated in Veganuary last year, and more than 80 percent reported at the time that they were planning to make eating plant-based a permanent lifestyle change.
This year, brands are once again rushing to roll out new plant-based products. Wendy Matthews, the CEO of Veganuary, noted that participating in the celebration “gives businesses an exciting opportunity to tap into this exciting market,” and for them to cater to ethically minded shoppers and “changing consumer habits.”
The biggest vegan food launches of Veganuary 2026
From Aldi’s fan-favorite croissants to La Vie’s Pepperami-style Salami Sticks, there’s sure to be something for everyone in the list below. Whether you have signed up for Veganuary’s 31-day challenge for the first time, are returning after a successful Veganuary 2025, or just trying to eat a more plant-rich diet, here are the biggest new launches so far. (Looking for inspo? Check out these simple Veganuary recipes.)
Aldi launches new pies, snacks, and chocolate spread
Aldi’s Plant Menu croissants and pains au chocolat are back in stock for 2026, as are its popular dairy-free Snickers and Mars-style Racer and Titan choc ices.
The budget supermarket has also rolled out vegan ice cream in three flavours (Caramelized Biscuit, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Choc Chip Cookie Dough), two of its own vegan Pepperami-style salami snacking sticks, No Lamb and Mint Pies, Mushroom, Garlic, and Herb Vegetable Popcorn Bites, and caramel chocolate spread.
Plant Menu Vegetable Popcorn Bites and No Chicken Pieces are also available, as are Plant Menu Vegetable Burgers and Tempeh Pieces. The Plant Menu cheese alternatives are back, too, including Not’zarella, Greek Style, and Italian Style.
Aldi’s Plant Menu croissants and pains au chocolat cost £2.09 for a bag of 8, while the vegan chocolate spread has an RRP of £1.69 per jar. Racer and Titan ice cream bars have an RRP of £1.99 for three, and popcorn bites are £1.99 per 225g pack.
Oreo introduces Creme Egg cookies
OreoWill you try the Creme Egg Oreos?
Creme Egg-flavoured Oreos may have begun as an April Fool’s Joke, but the real deal officially arrived in UK supermarkets earlier this month.
They combine classic Oreo sandwich biscuits with a white and yellow fondant filling to replicate Cadbury’s Creme Eggs in taste and appearance. While the flavour dropped in Veganuary, it is also the first vegan treat of Easter 2026.
Nikita Yadav, the brand manager for Oreo at Mondelēz International, the cookie brand’s parent company, said, “We are always on the lookout for playful collaborations, and what could be better than teaming up our iconic black and white cookie with one of the nation’s favourite Easter treats – the Creme Egg.”
A pack of 16 Creme Egg Oreos costs £1.50, and the cookies are available now.
M&S launches new dairy-free coconut kefir, vegan meat, and dairy-free yoghurts
M&SKefir is a fermented milk drink, and this version is made with coconut
M&S has rolled out Sweet and Spicy Pulled Mushrooms, frozen meatballs, No Beef mince, and No Chicken pieces. The new range also includes a new creamy almond spread, strawberry-flavoured yogurt, and a coconut-based kefir.
“Our Plant Kitchen Creamy Coconut Kefir is a refreshing way to start your day. This creamy vegan drink is enriched with live cultures,” wrote the company on its website.
The M&S coconut kefir has an RRP of £3.75 on Ocado, while the meatballs, chicken pieces, pulled mushrooms, and mince cost £4 to £5 pounds each.
Goodfella’s introduces vegan ‘New York Style’ garlic bread
Goodfella'sGoodfella’s new product combines a stonebaked pizza base topped with garlic oil
Frozen pizza brand Goodfella’s has a new “New York Style” garlic bread.
The product features a stonebaked pizza base topped with garlic oil. Goodfella’s New York Style Garlic Bread is certified as vegetarian, not vegan, due to the risk of milk contamination; however, the product itself contains no animal ingredients, making it “accidentally” vegan. (Always check the ingredients before purchase.)
The Goodfella’s New York Style Garlic Bread has an RRP of £2.50 per 327g product at Sainsbury’s, but is £2 with a Nectar card.
Juicy Marbles rolls out new high-protein ‘Umami’ burger
Juicy Marbles, a plant-based brand best known for its hyper-realistic meat products, has launched the new Umami Burger, made with Koji barley, quinoa, flax, miso, and seitan. Each patty contains 22g of protein, and Juicy Marbles has described the recipe as bridging the gap between whole meat cuts and whole ingredients.
“Umami Burger meets all the Juicy Marbles criteria for nutrition, versatility, taste, and texture,” said Tilen Travnik, the CEO of Juicy Marbles. “It has the nutritional benefits we demand of our other cuts, pairs deliciously with tons of cuisines, and is a cinch to prepare. It’s kind of incredible how much you can achieve with such simple ingredients.”
The Juicy Marbles Umami Burger is available now at Tesco at an RRP of £4.95 for a two-pack of 100 patties. (Though this is down to £3.95 for January.)
Beyond MeatThe plant-based meat company has relaunched its chicken tenders with an updated recipe
Beyond Meat announced the launch of its updated Beyond Tenders back in December, and the chicken-style product is available now in both Tesco and Sainsbury’s. The brand described the vegan chicken tenders as “golden and crunchy on the outside yet irresistibly juicy on the inside,” and as a good source of protein.
Beyond Meat’s Beyond Tenders are available for an RRP of £3.00 per box.
Better Nature introduces Peri Peri-flavoured tempeh
Better NatureAccording to Better Nature, its tempeh contains more protein per pack than a chicken breast
Plant-based brand Better Nature said that it extended its tempeh range to include this new Peri Peri flavour in order to “give chicken the night off.”
According to Better Nature, its tempeh products contain more protein per pack than a chicken breast (44g) and are also “naturally packed” with iron and fibre. The brand has also redesigned its packaging for a “more natural” look and feel.
CEO and co-founder Elin Roberts said, “With Nando’s fuelling the UK’s appetite for Peri Peri, our new Peri Peri Tempeh is tapping into the chicken shop boom, targeting meat-eaters who want more from their mealtimes,” and described the tempeh as “brilliantly supercharged.”
Better Nature’s Peri Peri-flavoured tempeh is available at Tesco for £3 per 220g pack.
Allplants adds new tofu and tempeh lines
AllplantsAlong with Tofu Goujons, Allplants added a new Sweet Potato & Black Bean burger
Allplants added new tofu and tempeh lines to its roster for Veganuary 2026, including Golden Lentil tempeh, Pea & Herb tempeh, and Spinach & Peas Tofu Goujons. The brand has also added a Sweet Potato & Black Bean “Protein Veggie Burger,” with 7g of protein per patty.
The Allplants tempeh products have an RRP of £3 per 180g pack, while the goujons and the burger cost £3.50 per pack. The whole range is available now at Tesco.
GRUBBY announces new recipes for Veganuary
GRUBBYGRUBBY’s Veganuary 2026 recipes include a tofu pad med mamuang and spicy chickpea chile verde
Plant-based meal kit delivery company has once again announced an expanded recipe roster for Veganuary. The new Global Flavours range features regionally-inspired dishes such as jerk tofu, coconut rice and pineapple salsa, sticky Thai tofu pad med mamuang, and a spicy chickpea chile verde with pulled mushrooms.
GRUBBY’s Veganuary menu also includes 10 recipes from BOSH! founders Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, including crispy tempeh tacos with peanut and sesame salsa, tofu curry udon noodles, chipotle meaty mushroom tacos, and many more.
“Veganuary is unsurprisingly one of the biggest moments in our calendar, and this year we’re going bigger than ever as an official sponsor of this year’s campaign,” said Martin Holden-White, the founder of GRUBBY. “We know people want vibrant plant-packed dishes that are nutritionally balanced, as well as being quick, easy, and fun to cook – our January menu delivers exactly that.”
A single box that contains two meal kits costs £29 and £7.75 per meal. However, the more meal kits you order per box, the lower the cost of each meal. For example, a box containing five meal kits for two people has an RRP of £57.50 per box, or £5.75 per meal. GRUBBY also offers 25 percent off your first three boxes.
BOSH! launches new vegan ready meals
BOSH!In addition to collaborating with GRUBBY, BOSH! launched new ready meals at Tesco for Veganuary
BOSH! has also extended its range of frozen vegan ready meals to include a “hearty” lasagna made with a vegetable and soy-based ragu, a tofu tikka masala served with a spiced grain medley, and a “comforting veg pie” made with lentils and potatoes.
The brand will also be extending its product range in February to include three new ambient seasonings, Sweet & Smoky BBQ Seasoning, Citrus & Spice Zesty Seasoning, and Rich & Savoury Umami Seasoning.
The seasonings will come to Ocado at an RRP of £4.00 per 120g tub, while the ready meals cost £4.75 each at Tesco and are available now.
Subway rolls out vegan falafel sandwiches
Subway UKCustomers can order the new falafel sub with vegan cheese
Subway is trialling a “smashed falafel” sandwich from January to March, while stocks last. According to the brand, the Smashed Falafel Sub is suitable for vegans and features falafel made with spiced green chickpeas and fresh herbs. Subway told Plant Based News (PBN) that customers can order the sub with vegan cheese.
UK supermarkets start selling Kirsty’s vegan cheesecakes
Sainsbury'sKirsty’s new vegan cheesecakes are available in lemon and raspberry flavours
Sainsbury’s has started selling two new vegan cheesecakes by the free-from brand Kirsty’s. Shoppers can find a 90g two-pack of either Sicilian Lemon or Raspberry Swirl cheesecakes for an RRP of £4.50, or £4 with a Nectar card.
Richmond adds whole foods-based ‘Veggie Tasty’ sausages to range
RichmondRichmond’s Veggie Tasty sausages are packed with vegetables
Richmond has expanded its plant-based meat range to include Veggie Tasty Sausages, made with 42 percent vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, sweetcorn, and peas. According to the brand, the sausages are high in protein, and feature the “iconic seasoning blend” that shoppers associate with Richmond sausages.
The company is targeting health-conscious consumers with the new product, particularly those looking for more natural alternatives to both traditional meat and plant-based meat. Veggie Tasty sausages are available at Asda and other supermarkets for £1.75 per pack.
Meatless Farm introduces new Crispy Nuggets and upgraded ‘Signature Burger’
Meatless FarmMeatless Farm updated its Signature Burger and introduced the new Crispy Nuggets this month
Plant-based meat brand Meatless Farm has introduced a new product for Veganuary 2026, “Crispy Nuggets,” and has reformulated its classic “Signature Burger” to include an improved texture and juicier bite.
“Our focus with these launches was to raise the bar on taste and texture while keeping prices accessible for everyday shoppers. We know consumers want plant-based products that genuinely compete with the best in their category, without having to push into premium price points,” explained Meatless Farm’s head chef.
The Crispy Nuggets have an RRP of £2.95 for a 500g bag, and are available now in Sainsbury’s, while the Signature Burger costs £3.25 for a pack of two at Asda.
Wagamama adds vegan ‘udonara’ and tacos to the menu
Wagamama
One of Wagamama’s Veganuary offerings is a Japanese-Italian fusion take on a classic carbonara that the brand calls the “Udonara.” It combines thick udon noodles with a “rich and creamy sauce,” crispy bacon from THIS and king oyster mushrooms.
The other is the “Tacomama,” which includes crispy open gyoza skins, teriyaki mushrooms, sweet potato and kimchee mash, mixed leaves, vegan mayo, and pomegranate seeds. Wagamama’s prices fluctuate depending on location, but most mains are around £15, though some items are under £10 and others are nearly £20.
