Here's What's Changing At Aldi In 2026

Since it made its stateside debut in 1976, Americans have developed a steady appreciation for the often unconventional approaches of Aldi grocery stores. We've learned to carry a quarter in our pockets for the shopping carts, learned to bring a gaggle of green bags while we shop, and discovered that our relationship with food isn't always about a fancy label but about quality and affordability. As Aldi steps into 2026, shoppers can expect a handful of big changes, including a rapid expansion of storefronts and a brand-new look to the beloved Aldi-exclusive line.

Aldi is already the third-largest grocery store chain by store count in the United States, with approximately 2,600 locations, according to data from ScrapeHero, but the chain has plans for even a couple of hundred more. Between 2024 and 2028, Aldi plans to open 800 storefronts across the country, including new locations in nine different states. The company not only acquired Southeastern Grocers with its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners but also plans to invest over $9 billion in bringing more Aldi locations to fruition, such as the first storefront in Central Manhattan near the Times Square area in 2026. It wouldn't be too outlandish to assume Aldi is about to become as commonplace as Starbucks.

Aldi customers are well aware that the store sells over 90% Aldi-exclusive items — in fact, you'll rarely find name-brand groceries at Aldi — but another big change coming to the grocer in 2026 will see those old-time favorites get an upgrade. According to an official press release, the grocer "is unveiling its largest packaging refresh to date, putting its name on every product, and launching its first-ever namesake brand." The purpose of this refresh is to make it simpler for Aldi shoppers to know they're picking up a store-exclusive brand. As CEO Atty McGrath noted in the press release, the brand upgrade will make it "easier than ever for shoppers to instantly spot the value and quality only ALDI can deliver."

Previous Aldi-exclusive brands such as Clancy's, Simply Nature, and Specially Selected won't be disappearing entirely, but the packaging will now display a clear endorsement from the grocer with either an "Aldi Original" label or a clear Aldi logo printed on the bag. Even the names of certain products will change, such as Aldi's affordable meat options like the chicken breast filets, which will now be called "Red Bag Chicken." Some Aldi shoppers are indifferent about the transition, like one Redditor who pointed out that "as long as product quality stays the same or better, it doesn't matter to me what they call it." Other Aldi shoppers, such as this Reddit user, are looking forward to the change, saying, "Seeing the new designs adds a good 'fun' to the experience."