Are Aldi/ Lidl still as cheap as they used to be?

[barney15c]

I usually shop at Sainsburys as it is close to work, but feel that i am getting ripped off even with their branded stuff and economy ranges, and there isnt any other stores in close range.
So a bit more legwork is needed, if im going to get some value, so....

Are the cheap discount stores still good value or has the gap in price started to close.

Any suggestions as to some standout buys in these stores?

Thank you!!!

[gingejbee]

Take a look

http://www.lidl.co.uk...l_uk/hs.xsl/index.htm

http://www.aldi.co.uk/

[chazza]

I don't find it any cheaper than Tesco to be honest!

[EcclesCake]

I think it can be a bit hit and miss. I pop in from time to time and buy the stuff that I know is loads cheaper like parmesan and prosciutto and occasionally pick up the odd bit of veg.

[gingejbee]

...but there's lots of stuff that you just don't see in Tesco et al. I just bought lots of Scandinavian "goodies" in Lidl - unusual, good quality and inexpensive. (In fact, a lot cheaper than you would find in Scandinavia!)

[pastafreak]

I find Aldi's cheeses to be very good,also their delicatessen style meats. Oh...and their chocolate.

[barb1314]

Ditto most of the above.From Aldi I buy parmesan,other cheeses,some fruit and veg,tinned tomatoes and dark chocolate for cooking (70% cocoa)Their breaded camembert is fantastic too.

[Hettster]

I find ALDI veg very reasonably priced . . . . however hate all the packaging on their stuff.

[Caran]

I do my main shop at Lidl, then have to top up at the co-op (very expensive) before we moved here 8 years ago I always shopped at Sainsburys, couldn't believe how much cheaper Lidl was when we first used it. I occasionally go to Morrisons which is 8 miles away just for a change.

[boxtops]

It depends what you like. I always go to Aldi for frikadellen, salami, dishwasher tablets, chocolate - lots of people recommend their makeup - their frozen meat dishes are excellent. My main shop is in Tesco but we only ever buy stuff on special offers etc (or in the nearly-out-of-date bin) so I still find they are not expensive for what I buy. We have a Netto and a Morrisons too, and a Coop which I hardly ever remember to look at. I do only ever buy my toilet rolls from Farm Foods now, great, 9 for £2. I'm not sure how much you save by shopping in several different shops for different things, but it takes a lot longer!

[micmak]

We have a Netto, but they have been taken over by Asda. Still Netto until the end of the month, then it closes for refurbisment. When Netto first opened they were cheaper than everyone but not now. As for Lidl and Aldi they are a bit of a drive away. Have been to Aldi but not Lidl. Is it worth a look?

[sherrardk]

I buy Aldi cider, lager, jam and fruit juice. They are cheaper and nicer than the brands I used to buy. We have recently bought their tomato ketchup which has been declred better than Heinz's by the sauce-mad seven year old (who eats so much sauce he even takes some to school in a little pot to dip hir sardines in!).

[boxtops]

Aldi's cranberry juice is the best, too.

[cazzz1975]

bar waitrose, sainsburys is the most expensive of the big supermarkets, going anywhere else will save you money in the long run

[cazzz1975]

I mean sainsbury's ARE

not is..

[askyourgran]

I usually shop at Asda or Morrisons, but there are things I go to Lidl for such as freezer bags not much cheaper, but they are the good sized sealing ones I can't get at asda, Chocolate and nuts always go in the basket at either Aldi or Lidl, tins of sardines and mackerel in different sauces. As per boxy and Lofties suggestions toilet rolls from Lidl were cheaper I got 24 rolls for £4.95. The £10 three-in-one bird from Aldi is a good buy when it is on offer too. Face cream and some toiletries are good too at Lidl. Trouble is I always buy more there than I do a my usual store knowing each item is cheaper.

[MrIncredible]

because in our family we have coeliac sufferers (intolerant to gluten) we have to source gluten free food so we tend to shop everywhere! (sainbury's, Tesco's Asda's waitrose and aldi's)
and aldi's and asda's are by far the cheapest!
Aldi's fruit vegetables are good esp cucumbers, grapes.
great value mince meat and whole chickens at £2:99!
and they do a lot of cooked meats from germany/poland (yummmy spicey sausages!)
breakfast cereals are very reasonable and there cheap coffee was voted better than the leading brands in which? magazine!

And if it matters they clearly label there foods either contains gluten or suitable for coeliacs!!

[david51058]

Go to Home Baragins for all your toiletries and a lot of other stuff. Iceland for frozen. Main supermarket for fresh produce.

[venator]

This is really useful info! Aldi & Lidl have some great bargains, but you have to know what you're buying - many lines are poorer quality imitations, but not much cheaper.

Your personal recommendations are magic - I'll go buy some!

I can't do a full shop at either though, and Netto is too depressing to go round, except when there are special bargains.

It's useful to get Aldi & Netto's online emails. I've not found Lidl's.

Any more personal favourites, anyone?