Good and bad buys from Aldi and Lidl

A._Badger

Doc_N wrote: »

Well put.

In fact that applies to pretty much everything Aldi and Lidl sell - it's pretty much the same stuff as all the other supermarkets, but at much lower prices because they operate much more efficiently and at much lower profit margins.

I realise you are a member of the Alldi fan club, but that isn't quite accurate, is it?

One of the keys to Aldi's success (I linked to a Telegraph article about it a while ago) is that it greatly restricts the number of lines it carries, thus saving money which allows it to undercut the rivals who carry far more lines.

So the customer gets less choice but better prices. That's not 'efficiency', it's a different business model.

As for its profits - who really knows? It's a private company so the ground rules are different.

Doc_N

A._Badger wrote: »

I realise you are a member of the Alldi fan club, but that isn't quite accurate, is it?

One of the keys to Aldi's success (I linked to a Telegraph article about it a while ago) is that it greatly restricts the number of lines it carries, thus saving money which allows it to undercut the rivals who carry far more lines.

So the customer gets less choice but better prices. That's not 'efficiency', it's a different business model.

As for its profits - who really knows? It's a private company so the ground rules are different.

I make no secret of the fact that I am a big fan of Aldi, but my post referred also to Lidl, of which I am just as big a fan.

Not sure why you think the post's inaccurate, though; I said that they operate more efficiently than the main supermarkets, and that's for a number of reasons - including, of course, the limited number of lines. In my book that counts as efficiency, along with reduced levels of customer service, coins in trolleys, efficient use of staff etc etc etc.

We don't know their profits - but we do know that they operate on lower margins, which is what I said.

Doc_N

Had to share this, having just tried some for the first time:

https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/fresh-bakery/bakery/breakfast-bakes/breakfast-bakes-product-detail-page/ps/p/mini-chinois/

"Individually wrapped, this is the ideal treat for a snack on the go, lunch box, etc. A brioche filled with Patisserie Cream. Available in 2 flavours: Patisserie cream and Raisins or Patisserie Cream and Chocolate Chips." - £1.29

Made in France, and stunningly good. The raisin ones, anyway - not sure that they'd work with chocolate chips.

Ken68

Doc_N wrote: »

Had to share this, having just tried some for the first time:

https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/fresh-bakery/bakery/breakfast-bakes/breakfast-bakes-product-detail-page/ps/p/mini-chinois/

"Individually wrapped, this is the ideal treat for a snack on the go, lunch box, etc. A brioche filled with Patisserie Cream. Available in 2 flavours: Patisserie cream and Raisins or Patisserie Cream and Chocolate Chips." - £1.29

Made in France, and stunningly good. The raisin ones, anyway - not sure that they'd work with chocolate chips.

And you a Doctor !!!! Tch Tch

Nada666

A._Badger wrote: »

I realise you are a member of the Alldi fan club, but that isn't quite accurate, is it?

One of the keys to Aldi's success (I linked to a Telegraph article about it a while ago) is that it greatly restricts the number of lines it carries, thus saving money which allows it to undercut the rivals who carry far more lines.

So the customer gets less choice but better prices. That's not 'efficiency', it's a different business model.

As for its profits - who really knows? It's a private company so the ground rules are different.

Yawn. Next thing they'll be whining about parking fines.

minimad1970

Doc_N wrote: »

Had to share this, having just tried some for the first time:

https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/fresh-bakery/bakery/breakfast-bakes/breakfast-bakes-product-detail-page/ps/p/mini-chinois/

"Individually wrapped, this is the ideal treat for a snack on the go, lunch box, etc. A brioche filled with Patisserie Cream. Available in 2 flavours: Patisserie cream and Raisins or Patisserie Cream and Chocolate Chips." - £1.29

Made in France, and stunningly good. The raisin ones, anyway - not sure that they'd work with chocolate chips.

Unfortunately for my waistline the chocolate chip ones are really nice too

System

3radical wrote: »

Hi, good helpful thread this.

I'm going to do my first Aldi shop next week. Can anyone say what their jarred herbs and spices are like please? Ta.

Just do the most popular 6-7 of each. So if you want something out of the ordinarily, forget it.

They have stopped doing garlic granules.

storytime

Feral_Moon wrote: »

Just like any other jarred herbs and spices.

But cheaper!

meritaten

you can never tell with Aldi whether they have 'permanently stopped' doing lines.
I thought they had stopped doing the tubs of Sea Salt so was buying a grinderful from Home Bargains for £1.99 - now Aldi are having them back in (a tub without grinder) for 89p. I will be stocking up!!!!!!!!!! I hate table salt and love sea salt and already have a couple of grinders I can refill!

I came on here to say the lamb shoulder chops (in mint glaze) were absolutely gorgeous!

VfM4meplse

A. Badger puzzles me a bit. Doesn't seem to like Aldi yet often posts on this thread?

I'd love to try the brioche, sounds delish but daren't go down that route...!

Back to the topic - any comments on Aldi strawberries? Need some good ones, have been disappointed with Lidl's (tasteless, last time I bought was Mothers Day weekend), could go for Sainsbos it M&S but are Aldi's worth a try? Popping in for some gladioli in the morning, also got some excellent plants last week and am hoping to repeat tomorrow.