Aldi today: ‘do not eat’ snack alert, U.S. taco kit recall, early Black Friday rollout, and new-store openings

Aldi begins November with a flurry of headlines on both sides of the Atlantic: a “do not eat” warning for a UK confectionery item over potential peanut contamination, a U.S. recall of Casa Mamita Soft Taco Dinner Kits because of undeclared milk, and confirmation that early Black Friday Specialbuys are going live ahead of the holiday rush. Here’s what shoppers need to know right now.

UK: chocolate snack pulled over peanut risk

Aldi has recalled a chocolate candy sold in the UK—marketed as a crisp-coated chocolate bite—after tests indicated it may contain peanuts that aren’t declared on the label. The chain is advising customers with a peanut allergy to not eat the product and to return it to any Aldi for a full refund, no receipt needed.

What to do if you bought it (UK):

• If you have a peanut allergy, do not consume the item.

• Seal and return to any store for a refund.

• Check household candy bowls and lunchboxes; the snacks often circulate outside original packaging during parties.

Allergy note: Even small traces of peanut can trigger serious reactions. If symptoms appear after consumption, seek medical advice promptly.

U.S.: Casa Mamita Soft Taco Dinner Kits recalled for undeclared milk

In the United States, a supplier-led notification has triggered a recall of certain Casa Mamita Soft Taco Dinner Kits because milk may be present but not listed on the ingredient panel. The action follows routine checks and is framed as a precaution; affected kits were distributed through select regions.

What to do if you bought it (U.S.):

• Do not prepare or eat the kit if you have a milk allergy.

• Dispose of it safely or return to your local store for a refund.

• If guests have dairy allergies, double-check pantry stock before taco night.

Heads-up: Recalls can be expanded if lot tracing turns up additional batches. Keep an eye on in-store notices and register-app banners for the latest codes.

Early Black Friday: Specialbuys dropping ahead of schedule

Aldi’s November playbook includes an early Black Friday wave of Specialbuys—rolling out weeks before the holiday weekend. Expect kitchen electrics (yes, air fryers), small tech, beauty tools, and toy doorbusters to rotate through middle aisles with limited quantities per store.

Smart shopper tips:

• Know drop days: New Specialbuys typically land mid-week and on weekends; popular items sell out fast.

• Set alerts in the app: Push notifications can ping when stock lands at your closest store.

• Check return windows: Seasonal tech and toys usually carry the standard policy, but packaging and accessories must be intact.

Expansion drumbeat: more openings and conversions

Store growth continues to be an Aldi constant. In the U.S., the grocer is adding locations and converting acquired sites on a rolling basis, with grand opening calendars listing fresh stores in multiple states. In the UK and Ireland, new-store lists are likewise active, signaling a steady march into underserved pockets and commuter corridors.

Why this matters:

• Price competition intensifies in new trade areas as rivals counter with their own promotions.

• Fresh-department capacity expands, important for shoppers who prioritize produce and chilled ranges.

• Click-and-collect coverage improves where offered, tightening delivery radiuses.

Recalls 101: how Aldi handles them

• Speed over spin: Supplier alerts typically trigger same-day point-of-sale notices and site updates with refund guidance.

• Refund first, receipt optional: Shoppers are generally refunded without a receipt on recalled items.

• Allergen prominence: Recalls involving undeclared allergens (peanut, milk, soy, shellfish, etc.) get priority signage and broad messaging because risks are acute, not cosmetic.

What shoppers should do today

1. Scan your snacks and taco kits. If they match the descriptions above and you or a family member has the relevant allergy, do not consume—return for a refund.

2. Update your list for early deals. If a Specialbuy is a must-have gift, plan an early store run or app check on drop days.

3. Watch the fine print. If you shop for someone with allergies, verify labels—holiday packaging and limited editions sometimes differ from year-round versions.

The bigger picture

Between fast-moving recalls, front-loaded holiday promos, and ongoing expansion, Aldi’s November headline is intensity: frequent updates, quick pivots, and an aggressive value pitch. For most customers, the practical steps are simple—return the flagged items, shop early for marquee deals, and keep an eye on local opening lists for a potentially closer store.

• UK: A chocolate candy is recalled—do not eat if you have a peanut allergy; return for a refund.

• U.S.: Casa Mamita Soft Taco Dinner Kits are recalled for undeclared milk—return or discard if dairy is an issue.

• Everywhere: Early Black Friday is live in waves; new stores are coming online. Shoppers who stay alert can protect their households and still bag the season’s best value plays.