Aldi has released an alcoholic lemon drink set to rival one of Australia’s most popular beverages.
Solo’s Hard Rated has been around for three years, and in that short time, it has become a dominating force in the Ready-To-Drink (RTD) category, even reaching the number one spot in sales.
But the low-cost supermarket confirmed to Yahoo Lifestyle that a much cheaper option has landed on its shelves, and it could massively shake up the competition.
Priced at $14.99 for a four-pack – or $3.75 per can – the drink offers a budget-friendly option for shoppers after a refreshing, fruity tipple.
(Getty/TikTok @russ.eats)
“With warmer weather just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better, giving Australians a fresh new way to raise a glass and enjoy the season ahead,” a spokesperson for the supermarket said.
Storm Brewing Co.’s Alcoholic Hard Lemon landed in late July, and they’re only $14.99 for a four-pack, or $3.75 per can.
Comparatively, a four-pack of Hard Rated at Dan Murphy’s will set you back $23.95, or you can buy them individually for $7.99 each.
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Both contain 4.5 per cent alcohol, but Storm Brewing’s option has 7 per cent lemon juice compared to Solo’s 2.5 per cent.
Hard Rated became such a tour de force in the RTD category as it took a drink that was already beloved by Aussies across the country and simply had alcohol added to it.
Steve Donohue, ex-chief executive of Endeavour Group, which owns Dan Murphy’s, told the Sydney Morning Herald in 2024 that customers couldn’t get enough of it.
Aldi is turning up the competition against Solo after releasing a similar version of the brand’s Hard Rated.
(Aldi/Getty/Dan Murphy’s)
“People are loving anything that is refreshing, and lemon flavour is one of the most refreshing drinks out there,” he said.
Solo has released several flavours since its debut in 2023, including Lemon Lime, Orange Passionfruit, and Orange.
What does Aldi’s version of Hard Rated taste like?
Product reviewer Russell Stuart, better known as Russ Eats, described Aldi’s beverage as an “absolute bargain” and rated it 9.5 out of 10 for flavour.
“You can definitely taste more lemon juice [than Hard Rated], and it’s slightly more carbonated. $3.75 for a can is phenomenal,” he said in a video.
“They are a bit late — I do wish this came out a year and a half ago, then I’d be a little more excited, as I’m over lemon.”
Some viewers said they had “no idea” the product even existed until watching Russ’ video.
On the other hand, customers who had tried it said it was “better” than Hard Rated.
“In this economy, Aldi has a winner,” one wrote.
The product is unavailable in Aldi stores in Queensland and South Australia due to strict state liquor licensing laws.
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