Tell me about shopping at Lidl's ...

Plumpud_3

We usually go once a week, if not, at least once a fortnight. The bulk of our shopping comes from Lidl and Aldi, with top up shopping from Tesco or Sainsbury's.

There are a number of products that we specifically like from Lidl. Hovis Granary bread, 53p a loaf instead of a minimum of 90p elsewhere (except when on 'special'). Their cheddar and stilton cheese is nice. Their bacon, sliced ham and sausages are good too.

As a vegetarian, you would have to check the labels, as nothing is marked with a 'V'. They do have very good quality fruit and veg (not organic), which is often half price. When it is not on special offer it is still usually cheaper than elsewhere.

We also have their instant decaf coffee, and I'm quite fussy about coffee.

I would say give Lidl a chance. I was put off the first time I went and didn't buy anything, but I was glad I went back. Look beyond the austere surroundings and the 'naff' packaging of the products and you should save a few quid.

JayneH_3

Lambrusco! You'll be saying you like Blue Nun next LOL

;D ;D ;D

poppet

I go to Lidl for the main bulk - and then asda and my local butcher for the rest.

*Take your own bags*

*dont try and pack the bags whilst the food comes off the converyr belt* - you wont be quick enough - the cashiers are like greased lighting!
load it straight inot your trolley and once youve paid you can go over to the counter usually provided by the door and pack your bags there, or pack them out by the car.

You'll need a pound for a trolley

Over the years ive sussed out whats nice in Lidl and what isnt- the list is huge but a few itesm to look out for:

Holly leaf butter is cheaper in lidl than in asda - its exactly the same butter.

Lidl chablis is very nice 5.60 odd per bottle compared to 7.29 in asda.

The premium bacon
The fruit and veg (all half price at the moment) advacado, mango, grapes, lovely on the vine tomatos, aubergene, carrots with the green bits still attached like theyve just been dug up, pots of growing herbs, basil and such like)
The complete dried dog food and cat food is ok
the loo roll (the strange looking rolls with the small flowers on)
The cleaning products/clothes and sprays and stuff
bin bags and tissues and packs of paper napkins
vintage cheddar
kids fromage frais
orange juice and apple juice (the 100% juice variety rather than the one marked Apple juice "drink")

small cartons of orange juice (much cheaper than asda)

olive oil
tins of chopped tomatos and bottles of pasata
nice big boxes of pasta

the cereal is ok - my children like the choco flakes and choco crispies and they sell weetabix too but not sure of the price comparism.

the bread is good as are the part baked rolls and ciabatta, tea ckaes and crumpets and croissents

i tend to check out the lidl website and look for the dates the non food "specialS" are coming out and time my visits around then as many of the non food items are so reasonable that they sell out quickly.

happy shopping
p

catznine

Lidl's cherry jam is worth making the trip for alone!
It is definately worth a visit before Christmas, as has been said before, I spent some of my childhood in Germany and relive many happy memories of Christmas in Germany just by walking up and down the sweetie aisles in Lidl! Oh and yes putting far too much chocolate marzipan and gingerbread into my trolley!!

I didn't think much of the tinned tomatoes though, too much skin still on them but perhaps I was just unlucky. The showergels, soaps etc also very good.

condyk

We also have their instant decaf coffee, and I'm quite fussy about coffee.

Now that's what I call a contradiction in terms ... 'instant' AND 'decaf' AND 'fussy about coffee' in a single sentence ;-)

Seriously, I will report back on the Lidl espresso coffee (100% arabica apparently!) which looks promising.

silverlady_2

I like shopplng in Lidl, I find it very good value, except when I take hubby, then it costs me a fortune.
You can get their special offers by email.

Norman-B

Don't shop there if you are in a hurry!!!!!!

rammy007

THEIR SHERRY IS NICE ESPECIALLY THE PALE CREAM

Chriswil

The best thing is their parmesan cheese. You can buy a huge block for a couple of pounds and grate your own when you need it. No more paying £4 for a tub of 'Italian hard cheese' when you can buy the real stuff for far less!

Chris

Js_Other_Half

I second the recommendation about the luxury museli... - read the ingredients.

(Also, on a more feminine note, their panty liners are good quality and very good value)