Benton’s Chocolate Chip Almond Flour Cookie – Keto-Friendly or Carb Trap?
If you’ve been browsing the snack aisle at Aldi, chances are you’ve seen Benton’s chocolate chip almond flour cookie staring back at you with a tempting “gluten-free” and “low-carb” label. But here’s the real question: Are these cookies actually keto? Or are they just another cleverly marketed treat loaded with hidden carbs?
This article dives deep into the nutrition, ingredients, and taste profile of Benton’s almond flour cookies to help you decide whether they’re safe for a low-carb lifestyle or better left on the shelf. We’ll also explore keto-friendly cookie alternatives, ingredient breakdowns, and how these compare to homemade options.
👉 Don’t miss our collection of fast and easy keto dessert recipes if you’re looking for guaranteed keto-compliant sweets.
Overview of Benton’s Chocolate Chip Almond Flour Cookie
What Is Benton’s Almond Flour Cookie from Aldi?
Benton’s almond flour cookies are a private-label snack sold exclusively at Aldi, typically stocked in the specialty foods or gluten-free section. These cookies come in several flavors, but the chocolate chip version is by far the most popular.
Marketed as gluten-free and made with almond flour, they instantly catch the eye of anyone following low-carb or keto lifestyles. The packaging promises indulgence without guilt — but should you trust the label?
You can typically find them priced between $2.99–$3.49 per bag, making them one of the most budget-friendly “health-conscious” cookies on the market.
Why This Low-Carb Almond Flour Cookie Is So Popular
There’s a growing demand for snacks that feel indulgent but don’t derail a diet. Here’s why Benton’s has caught attention in the keto space:
- Almond flour base: A known low-carb, gluten-free baking alternative
- Chocolate chip flavor: Classic and satisfying for sweet cravings
- Shelf-stable: Convenient for on-the-go keto snacking
- Affordable: Cheaper than niche keto-branded cookies
They’ve gained traction through keto Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Aldi fan blogs — but the real test lies in their macros and ingredient integrity.
👉 Learn more about gluten-free desserts that work with or without keto in mind.
Is Benton’s Almond Flour Cookie Really Keto?
Understanding Keto Standards in Store-Bought Cookies
Here’s a crucial distinction: keto-friendly doesn’t always mean strict keto-approved. Many packaged foods are labeled “keto” because they’re lower in carbs than traditional alternatives — but that doesn’t mean they’re free of blood sugar-spiking ingredients.
Benton’s almond flour cookies fall into a gray area. They contain fewer carbs than classic cookies and use almond flour instead of wheat flour. However, the ingredients also include tapioca starch and cane sugar, which are not typically accepted on a clean keto diet.
So, are they keto? If you follow a dirty or lazy keto approach and stay within your net carb limit, maybe. But if you’re strict, they probably won’t pass the test.
Carbs in Benton’s Chocolate Chip Almond Flour Cookie
Net Carbs in Aldi’s Keto Cookie Explained
Let’s break it down by the numbers (based on the most recent package data):
| Nutrient (Per 1 Cookie) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Net Carbs | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Calories | 90 |
With 7g net carbs per cookie, you can see how quickly these could push you over your daily carb limit, especially if you eat more than one (and let’s be honest, who stops at one?).
👉 For safer indulgences, explore our fast and easy keto dessert recipes.
Are Almond Flour Cookies Keto-Friendly?
Keto Benefits of Almond Flour Cookies
Almond flour is a staple in the keto world. It’s low in net carbs, gluten-free, and high in healthy fats. When homemade almond flour cookies are done right, they can be:
- Under 2g net carbs per serving
- Grain-free and sugar-free
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Perfectly chewy or crisp
When Almond Flour Cookies Don’t Stay Keto
Packaged almond flour cookies often include sneaky ingredients like:
- Tapioca starch
- Cane sugar or brown rice syrup
- Potato starch
- Maltodextrin
These bump up the carb count and affect blood sugar — making the cookie look keto but not act keto in your body.
👉 Looking for inspiration? Try these keto almond butter dessert recipes instead.
Benton’s Almond Flour Cookie Ingredients Breakdown
What’s Inside Aldi’s Chocolate Chip Almond Flour Cookie?
Here’s what you’ll typically find on the label:
- Almond flour
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (contain cane sugar)
- Coconut oil
- Tapioca starch
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
While almond flour and coconut oil are keto-friendly, the chocolate chips and starch are not. The use of tapioca starch and added sugar moves this cookie out of clean keto territory.
Are the Ingredients Clean Enough for Keto?
There are no artificial preservatives, which is good. However, even a small amount of added sugar disqualifies it from strict keto standards.
👉 For cleaner baking, explore our gluten-free dessert recipes that also respect keto values.
Benton’s Cookie Taste and Texture Review
Consumer Reviews and Popularity
Most Aldi fans love the taste: “buttery,” “crunchy,” and “just like regular cookies” are common praises. They definitely satisfy a sweet tooth and are great for those easing into low-carb eating.
However, the sweetness and texture come at a cost — namely, those 7g net carbs per bite-sized cookie.
Comparing to Homemade Keto Cookies
Homemade cookies with almond flour, erythritol, and sugar-free chocolate chips often clock in at 1–2g net carbs per cookie, with no added sugar or starch. They may be slightly less shelf-stable, but they’re way more keto-friendly.
Comparing Benton’s to Other Keto Cookie Brands
How Benton’s Almond Flour Cookie Stacks Up
| Brand | Net Carbs (per cookie) | Sweeteners Used | Keto Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benton’s (Aldi) | 7g | Cane sugar | ⚠️ Borderline |
| HighKey | 1–2g | Erythritol, stevia | ✅ Very Keto |
| Catalina Crunch | 3–4g | Allulose, monk fruit | ✅ Keto-friendly |
Keto Cookie Brands vs. Aldi’s Low-Carb Option
While Benton’s is more affordable, HighKey and Catalina Crunch deliver better macros and cleaner ingredients for serious keto dieters. If you’re not strictly keto, Benton’s may be an acceptable treat in moderation.
Should You Eat Benton’s Almond Flour Cookie on Keto?
Dirty Keto or Clean Keto: Where Does Benton’s Fit?
If you’re doing:
- Lazy keto (just watching carbs): Yes, one cookie fits
- Moderate low-carb: Yes, in small portions
- Clean/strict keto: No — due to sugar and starch
When This Cookie Might Be Worth the Carbs
Benton’s cookies fall into “dirty keto”. They may not kick you out of ketosis immediately, but long-term consumption may hinder results — especially if your goal is blood sugar control, inflammation reduction, or weight loss.
Keto Cookie Alternatives to Benton’s Chocolate Chip
Best Homemade Almond Flour Keto Cookies
Make your own almond flour cookies using:
- Almond flour
- Erythritol or monk fruit
- Sugar-free chocolate chips
- Butter or coconut oil
- Egg and vanilla extract
These can easily be kept under 2g net carbs per cookie.
Better Store-Bought Low-Carb Cookies Than Benton’s
Top picks:
- HighKey Mini Cookies – 1g net carbs
- Lenny & Larry’s Keto Cookie – 3g net carbs
- SuperFat Cookies – great taste, clean label
👉 Try our keto diet banana bread recipe for a low-carb baked good with real comfort factor.
👉 Looking for fruity options? Don’t miss this healthy apple crumble that fits both keto and gluten-free diets
FAQ – Benton’s Chocolate Chip Almond Flour Cookie
Are Benton’s almond flour cookies keto?
Technically no. While lower in carbs than standard cookies, they contain added sugar and starch, which aren’t suitable for strict keto diets.
How many carbs are in Benton’s chocolate chip cookies?
Each cookie contains 8g total carbs, 1g fiber, and 4g sugar — resulting in 7g net carbs per cookie.
Are almond flour cookies keto?
Yes — when made without sugar or starch. Homemade almond flour cookies using keto sweeteners are ideal for clean low-carb diets.
What are the ingredients in Aldi’s Benton cookies?
Main ingredients include almond flour, semi-sweet chocolate chips (with sugar), coconut oil, tapioca starch, baking soda, and vanilla. They’re gluten-free but not keto-ideal.
Conclusion
Benton’s chocolate chip almond flour cookies walk the line between keto-lite and carb-conscious. They’re gluten-free and lower in carbs than traditional cookies, but the presence of added sugar and tapioca starch makes them questionable for strict keto followers.
If you’re doing lazy keto or simply watching carbs, one cookie may fit your macros. But if you want to stay clean keto, you’re better off baking your own or choosing keto-specific brands.
👉 For guilt-free indulgence, explore our easy keto desserts and stick to sweets that nourish — not sabotage — your goals.
