Where to go for my first "budget" food shop

jonny2510

In an effort to cut outgoing costs, I've decided to try one of the cheaper supermarket chains LIDL, ALDI or NETTO for my next weekly shop.

What I was wondering is, where would people recommend I try first / which generally offers the best quality food?

The reason I mention it, is Martin's article states the products can be a bit "hit and miss", and I don't want to get a rubbish shop, and then go straight back to shopping at Tesco.

Whilst it's not "true money saving", I really don't want the hassle of going to multiple stores to do the weekly food shop, and so was wondering if one of the above three is a better all rounder than the others.

I'd really appreciate it if people could let me know their opinions of where would be best to try first, and why?

I realise it's all a matter of personal opinion, but I'm really interested to hear yours!

cattie

Netto do some branded stuff as well as unknown makes, so does give a greater choice in this respect.

I've tried both Aldi & Lidl & prefer Lidl of the 2 I think as most of the items I've tried have been good & the prices keen.

nanokitten

Aldi is good for stuff like cheese and also does a range with nice packaging a bit like tesco finest (which is comforting for a first timer) and everyting I've had of this range is pretty good. also good for seasonal things like easter / xmas chocs etc.

good luck with your money saving project!

pnq06

I recently tried Aldi and I have to say that I was far from impressed at the prices- I found it cheaper to go to places like farm foods and heron mixed with a bit of tesco's..

Its all about personal preference though so maybe try all 3 over the coming weeks... Best of Luck

lipglossbutterfly

Of the 3 i prefer Lidl though I'm not really a fan of any. I USED to find that Asda's own brand things were cheaper but as everything as practically doubled lately I may be giving Lidl another try.

I just can't sem to do a 'full shop' at those places though. Am I the only one?

I think I might take the kids for a day out browsing ALL the supermarkets in my area again as with the prices rising I need a new 'knowledge' (and they need to see where all my money is going and why its only days trips this half term and not a holiday!)

Helen819

lipglossbutterfly wrote: »

Of the 3 i prefer Lidl though I'm not really a fan of any. I USED to find that Asda's own brand things were cheaper but as everything as practically doubled lately I may be giving Lidl another try.

I just can't sem to do a 'full shop' at those places though. Am I the only one?

I think I might take the kids for a day out browsing ALL the supermarkets in my area again as with the prices rising I need a new 'knowledge' (and they need to see where all my money is going and why its only days trips this half term and not a holiday!)

I thought i was the only one who cannot seem to do a full shop at the "cheaper" stores.lol.
I find that i still need the branded things like t-bags,sugar(as i find aldi sugar revolting).
Cannot abide anything with tomato sauce in it from lidl,or aldi.
Ive used netto quite a lot,as you do get branded things,but ive personnaly found that when it come to actually fingding thing to eat for tea,their own makes are lacking in flavour.
You are saving maybe a few pence here and there on the branded things much more if they are on offer,but i still come away thinking i havnt got the best deals for my budget.(also the staff at our netto are the rudest people ive ever met in my life,so ive stopped going.)

I think ive found the best way to save on shopping is to make a list of the teas for the week (sit the kids down,and get them to suggest the things they want,as its no good doing this then putting it on the table and they saying we not eating that,it does work as i do it with my 3 and 7 yr old.)
Then still go to one of the main stores with the list and just buy in what you need,also a little treat for the kids,as they having to cut down to.

I used to buy very expensive things even for the kids pudding,but ive found that with even the basic ice-cream,and some flavouring they are just as happy as if ive spent 3 pound a pud on them.

Poppycat

I have never been able to do a full shop at Aldi dont have lidl.

Some Aldi stuff is great its the lack of choice that is the problem

Pollycat

I can't do a full shop at any of the budget stores either.

My crazy cat has just decided he lurves the Aldi Vitacat Supreme cat food (chunks not the mushy supermeat).
As it's 34p (I think) per tin and looks at least as good as the Felix chunks he's been eating (at £3.13 for 6 tins unless on special offer), I'm certainly not going to argue with him and it's worth just calling there on our way out to Tesco and stocking up (he's a 'tin-a-day' guy).
I also like their lentil & smoked bacon tinned soup.

Sometimes the veg in Aldi looks OK, but other times it's downright yukky.
Last Friday was one of those days:
bags of peppers that were rotting, same with some cucumbers and the brocolli was yellow and looked as though it had been there for weeks.

eevie

I think the general feeling is that a "full shop" can't be done at these cheaper stores. It is also a bit of trial & error with what you buy. You have to be prepared to go to them buy what you can then go to a regular supermarket to get the rest. Obviously this would depend on location of supermarkets whether this would be a viable option. We are lucky to have a Lidl very close and then an Aldi next to the local Morrisons, so it's easy for me to do all 3. Lidl is excellent for fresh veg & fruit the quality and freshness is often superior to the supermarkets, their choice is excellent; apart from potatoes. The fresh meat is also very good quality, the cooked meats are far better than morrisons. I tend not to buy much packet or tinned stuff, but the biscuits & chocolate are also good from both Lidl & Aldi. Aldi do great meatballs and I always buy the fresh orange from there, Aldi also have some good local cheeses and good frozen fish eg trout, sea bass.

think ive found the best way to save on shopping is to make a list of the teas for the week (sit the kids down,and get them to suggest the things they want,as its no good doing this then putting it on the table and they saying we not eating that,it does work as i do it with my 3 and 7 yr old.)

This is a great idea. I have been doing this for a few years now, it really saves on waste and also you can plan a healthy diet with plenty of variety. When I do my shopping list I know what I will will try to get from from Lidl, Aldi before going to the main supermarket.

beyond_skint

It depends on individual stores.
I prefer Aldis.
It's not inferior at all, after all, germans make better cars, beer, wine and tennis players!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have just tried aldis shampoo it's fab and at 79p I'm quids in.- Even if "I'm worthless" for those of you who saw mock the week :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I go there first and then get the rest at asda or tescos. But I am relying on those stores less and less

jennyd1975

Aldi and Lidl by me it pretty good, I get most store cupboard essentials in there that aren't brand essential e.g Cooking Oil, flour, Sugar, Rinse Aid, milk, kitchen roll then pick up any branded goods that are on offer. I love the cheese and german hams and salamis in there and the local one by me has just started a fairly decent range of fresh bread!

I have also subscribed to there mailing lists so each week I get to know what their specials are - this summer I picked up a load of cycling gear in there - these tend to be one off offers so you have to get in quick!

I then tend to look keep an eye out in the bigger chains for deals on washing powder, coffee etc so I can get better brands and stock up whilst they are on offer!