Shoppers question sudden disappearance of much-loved sauce: 'Deleted from it's core range'

There's nothing quite like the sinking feeling of reaching for your favourite product on the supermarket shelf, only to find an empty space where it used to live.

For countless ALDI shoppers across Australia, that heartbreak became all too real when they discovered their beloved Colway Spicy Barbecue Sauce had quietly disappeared from stores.

If you've been wandering the condiment aisles with growing frustration, wondering where on earth your go-to sauce has gone, you're not alone.

The mystery has sparked passionate discussions on social media, with devoted fans pleading for answers and even threatening to start petitions to bring back their pantry staple.

The disappearing act that broke hearts

ALDI Australia has confirmed that the popular Colway Spicy BBQ Sauce has been 'deleted from its core range', leaving disappointed shoppers scrambling for alternatives.

The sauce, which had developed a devoted following among budget-conscious families, simply vanished from shelves without fanfare or warning.

The discovery sparked a flurry of activity on social media's ALDI Australia thread, where one shopper lamented: 'Does anyone know what happened to the spicy BBQ sauce they had in ALDI? It looks like they don't sell it anymore or something, as I've been looking for a while and it is sooo good!'

The response was immediate and passionate. Fellow shoppers chimed in with their own tales of fruitless searches, with some reporting they'd been hunting for the sauce for months. One parent shared the family impact: 'My kids loved this sauce and we went through a bottle every couple of weeks. So disappointed.'

Why ALDI discontinues the products we love

Understanding why ALDI discontinues popular items requires a peek behind the curtain of their unique business model.

ALDI's commitment to 'bringing you the lowest prices on a wide range of high-quality products' means they operate quite differently from traditional supermarkets.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, ALDI introduces new Special Buys, which can include anything from televisions to garden equipment.

This constant rotation system helps keep costs low and shelves fresh, but it also means beloved products can disappear to make room for new offerings.

The efficiency-focused approach extends beyond Special Buys. ALDI has stated that supply chain pressures and inflation mean their top focus is delivering the best priced groceries to Australians, maintaining their price gap of over 15 per cent compared to competitors.

What made Colway Spicy BBQ Sauce special

The discontinued sauce wasn't just another condiment—it had developed a genuine cult following. At just 43 calories per tablespoon (20ml), it offered a flavourful kick without the guilt, making it particularly appealing to health-conscious shoppers.

Colway products, ALDI's house brand, are made from at least 96 per cent Australian ingredients, which resonated with shoppers wanting to support local producers. ALDI has been praised for perfecting their sauce formulas, with some reviewers calling their Colway branded sauces 'hands down the best available on regular supermarket shelves'.

Finding alternatives and solutions

While the official word is disappointing, resourceful shoppers have already started sharing solutions. One clever social media user developed a DIY version: 'I have found that if you put a teaspoon of chilli powder into their normal BBQ sauce, you can get pretty close to the original spicy BBQ sauce. Simply add one teaspoon of chilli powder and shake and roll and shake the bottle.'

ALDI has also suggested some alternatives currently available in their stores, including Asia Green Garden Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce and Asia Green Garden Sriracha Mayonnaise Sauce, both priced at $3.79.

For those willing to venture beyond ALDI, regular Colway BBQ Sauce (500ml) is still available at some specialty stores for around $3.30, though you'd need to add your own spice.

There's still hope for a comeback

Before you despair completely, there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon. An ALDI spokesperson noted that 'when there are known fan favourites, you never know when they may make a comeback in ALDI's Special Buys program'.

This isn't just corporate speak—ALDI has a history of listening to customer feedback. The passionate response on social media, complete with calls for petitions, demonstrates the kind of customer loyalty that companies notice.

Smart shopping strategies to avoid future heartbreak

Experienced ALDI shoppers have learned to navigate the ever-changing product landscape with a few clever strategies. Special Buys are often very popular and get snapped up quickly, so staying updated with the latest ALDI catalogue is essential.

When you find a product you love, especially if it's not part of their core permanent range, consider stocking up. ALDI's range of products is subject to change, and in some cases product information may differ from what's available at your nearest store.

The key is staying flexible while building relationships with products you can count on. Keep trying new things from ALDI's rotating selection, but don't put all your condiment eggs in one basket.