Good and bad buys from Aldi and Lidl

Gonzo1987

OH is really impressed with the Lidl Simple wholemeal loaf. Wished I'd stocked up on them.

I've had their porridge oats this week, and v. impressed.

Simply diet lemonade, perfect for me.

Gonzo1987

Does lidl stock any non dairy milks ? I looked on my last trip but couldn't see any. There is a bigger store a bit further from me, but not worth the trek if they don't do them.

Doc_N

After many years shopping in the UK and abroad at Aldi and Lidl (Netto never really was in the same league, even outside the UK) I'm still struggling really to see the point of this thread.

Aldi and Lidl sell pretty much the same things that all the other supermarkets sell. They're mostly (apart from things like the high quality continental cheeses and meats) made in the UK, in exactly the same processing plants that supply all the other supermarkets.

The only difference is the price, and the name on the packet. Aldi and Lidl can sell at around 30% less than the likes of Tesco because there are far fewer items, no frills and very little in the way of customer service.

We don't have threads for good and bad buys at Tesco, Asda etc - Aldi and Lidl are in reality no different, and threads like this just reinforce the totally false impression that they're somehow inferior!

happy35

yes Lidl stocks soya milk, think it is 59p and is in the fridge

I buy this and find it fine, it is thicker the Alpro light but tastes ok no horrible after taste etc

chalkie99

Doc_N wrote: »

After many years shopping in the UK and abroad at Aldi and Lidl (Netto never really was in the same league, even outside the UK) I'm still struggling really to see the point of this thread.

Aldi and Lidl sell pretty much the same things that all the other supermarkets sell. They're mostly (apart from things like the high quality continental cheeses and meats) made in the UK, in exactly the same processing plants that supply all the other supermarkets.

The only difference is the price, and the name on the packet. Aldi and Lidl can sell at around 30% less than the likes of Tesco because there are far fewer items, no frills and very little in the way of customer service.

We don't have threads for good and bad buys at Tesco, Asda etc - Aldi and Lidl are in reality no different, and threads like this just reinforce the totally false impression that they're somehow inferior!

Aldi and Lidl sell pretty much the same things that all the other supermarkets sell.

Not really. They sell a less varied range but it comprises many things not sold by the "majors".

exactly the same processing plants that supply all the other supermarkets

If you watched the TV program on this a few weeks ago (with Greg Wallace) you would have seen that the processing plants while supplying different supermarkets use each retailers own recipes. They are not necessarily the same.

very little in the way of customer service

Can't say I have ever noticed any customer service at Tesco. The staff at ours are always to busy chatting to each other Give me the speedy Aldi service any day.

We don't have threads for good and bad buys at Tesco, Asda etc

Not true - here's a couple to get you started - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/778637 Sainsbury's Basics good/bad items - over 1800 posts.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3348070 What are the best and worst basics/value/smartprice own brand products out there? - Over 500 posts.

I find this thread useful as do many others.

Doc_N

chalkie99 wrote: »

Not true - here's a couple to get you started - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/778637 Sainsbury's Basics good/bad items - over 1800 posts.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3348070 What are the best and worst basics/value/smartprice own brand products out there? - Over 500 posts.

I find this thread useful as do many others.

I'm afraid you're missing the point. The threads you refer to relate to 'value' lines. The whole point about Aldi and Lidl is that whilst their prices are in line with the value lines, the quality is in line with the brands or the first line own brands.

Comparing Aldi and Lidl with value lines does them a disservice.

maman

Doc_N wrote: »

Comparing Aldi and Lidl with value lines does them a disservice.

I have to disagree.


Many posters read this thread to find out what is recommended at Aldi/Lidl as they've yet to take the plunge. So those us that already shop there are paying Lidl and Aldi the compliment of recommending them. It's a similar premise to helping posters become more mse by giving tips on which basics are perfectly acceptable.

VfM4meplse

Doc_N wrote: »

Comparing Aldi and Lidl with value lines does them a disservice.

It probably does, in terms of qualities, but if it results in increased footfall and sales and for Lidl / Aldi, isn't it a moot point?

catz77

We do our weekly shop at Aldi. Favourites include croissants, bran breakfast cereal, chocolate digestives, fig rolls, breaded ham, milk, real orange juice, best ice cream, frozen peas. Although we buy their fruit and veg you have to check them for mold, damage etc and even then they are often not the best. When we come across a Lidl we stock up on their instant Columbian coffee (everyone comments how nice it is) and 10kg bags of Basmati rice; their meat and veg are also pretty good, better than Aldi's.

madvixen

I've been doing my weekly shop at Lidl for a month now and I love it (this from a girl who lived on "Finest", "Taste the Difference" etc)
I'm yet to find a product that I really dislike.