Good and Bad Buys at Lidl and Aldi stores (***Please don't expire***)

Brie

I had a quick trip into Aldi as I'm stocking up things for the local food bank.  In the past they have had very inexpensive tooth brushes and I wanted to get some but there were none in stock.  Nothing at my local Tesco either but it's a small place (but not an express) so I don't expect it to have everything the Metros have.  Will check to see what Lidl have on Sunday as I'm determined to do a predominantly non food shop as I know the food bank will be inundated with lots of tins of peas etc due to harvest festivals. 

maman

Fortunately my Aldi was pretty well stocked today. No Belgian buns but DH can live without those. I bought him some stollen bites instead so he's happy.

They didn't have any own brand softener but had bought in Comfort at twice the price!

Funnily enough, the cashier asked if I'd been able to find everything I needed. Not sure if she was just making conversation or primed to ask. She did tell me that she bought her softener in Wilkos. 😁

Incidentally I saw bamboo tooth brushes in Poundstretcher at 2 for £1 but not sure if you could split the pack which I do for the food bank. 

Brie

American stuff in Lidl today - and they had proper relish!!!  The sweet cucumber type one must have on a hot dog!!!  Thinking now I should have bought more than 1 jar.....

Also a lot of their Christmas stuff is in - particularly the frozen items like (shudder) sprouts - although they did have the mixed pack with bacon etc.  Purchased a box of turkish delight and "violent" creams (s/b violet) for OH & MiL to enjoy - I can't stand either.  

Also bought a bottle of maple syrup to give to our meat guy at the market on the off chance he will make me some peameal bacon!  He'll have all the other ingredients already.

@maman re toothbrushes - I went ahead a bought 14 packs (a full tray) of packs at Lidl - 3 brushes in a pack for 49p and so I then had to get 14 tubes of toothpaste at 55p each.  They had only 3 packs of Razors for 99p each so I got those as well.  Not  as environmentally sound as the bamboo ones and I suspect the food bank will give out complete packs which is fine.  

Will see what else I can find on the next trip to Aldi - I've spent about £35 so far and have the same again to spend thanks to the generosity of colleagues at work.  We used to get them to bring items in but they are much happier for fling cash at me and let me do the heavy lifting - suits me too as some of the things I've been given have occasionally been dreadful - well - from the sublime to the ridiculous - very posh items that must have been bought for some party or opened, half used and out of date gravy powder.

maman

Yes @brie, it is better to be able to get what is most needed for food banks. We have someone who collects on my street and I always prefer it when they put their needs on the Residents Facebook page. I always buy items in Aldi or Lidl as then the food bank gets more for the money. Previously I'd buy in Aldi for the collection point in Sainsburys. 😁

I noticed that they have my favourite cherry liqueurs in Aldi. I'll get some next week and then try to hide them from myself. 🤣 My other 'must have' for Christmas are bars of chocolate marzipan. Hopefully they have them in Lidl. 

Brie

maman said:

I noticed that they have my favourite cherry liqueurs in Aldi. I'll get some next week and then try to hide them from myself. 🤣 My other 'must have' for Christmas are bars of chocolate marzipan. Hopefully they have them in Lidl. 

I assume that's the schnapps?  (in our cupboard trying to hide) And the chocs from Lubeck??  didn't see any today but I was in the tiddly Lidl across town - a big one is (re)opening near us in a couple of weeks so that will be a time for celebration! (& in time for my birthday!!!)

p00hsticks

Brie said:

I had a quick trip into Aldi as I'm stocking up things for the local food bank.  In the past they have had very inexpensive tooth brushes and I wanted to get some but there were none in stock.  Nothing at my local Tesco either but it's a small place (but not an express) so I don't expect it to have everything the Metros have.  Will check to see what Lidl have on Sunday as I'm determined to do a predominantly non food shop as I know the food bank will be inundated with lots of tins of peas etc due to harvest festivals. 

Do you have a Home Bargains near you ? They tend to be very good for inexpensive toiletries......

sammyjammy

maman said:

Incidentally I saw bamboo tooth brushes in Poundstretcher at 2 for £1 but not sure if you could split the pack which I do for the food bank. 

They might be bamboo but they are very ineffective!!!

maman

sammyjammy said:

maman said:

Incidentally I saw bamboo tooth brushes in Poundstretcher at 2 for £1 but not sure if you could split the pack which I do for the food bank. 

They might be bamboo but they are very ineffective!!!

Thanks for that review Unlike you, 
I've not tried them. 

anotheruser

Can anyone give a rough comparison on Aldi's premium toilet roll?
What is it like?

We usually use Asda Shades and recently got some Cushelle as it was on the cheap. But wondering if Aldi's would be better for the long term? 

lily117

We buy this and find it good quality, 3 ply so nice and thick.