How to Save Money on Your Weekly Food Shop at Aldi and Lidl – UK 2026 Guide
The weekly food shop is one of the biggest regular expenses for any UK household. With food prices still elevated in 2026, more families than ever are turning to Aldi and Lidl to keep their grocery bills under control. According to recent figures, the average UK household spends around £65 per week on food, but switching from a premium supermarket to Aldi or Lidl can cut that figure by 30 to 40 percent. This guide walks you through exactly how to make the most of these discount supermarkets and keep more money in your pocket.
Why Aldi and Lidl Are Cheaper
Both Aldi and Lidl operate on a low-margin, high-volume business model that keeps prices down across the board. They stock a smaller range of products than the big four supermarkets, which means less wasted stock and lower overheads. Most of their products are own-brand rather than well-known names, and the savings are passed directly to the customer.
Aldi and Lidl also avoid expensive store fittings, have fewer staff on the shop floor, and encourage customers to pack bags at dedicated packing benches rather than at the till. All of these efficiencies contribute to the lower prices you see on the shelves.
How Much Can You Actually Save
Independent price comparison studies consistently show that a typical weekly shop at Aldi or Lidl costs between 20 and 40 percent less than the same basket at Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Waitrose. For a family spending £70 a week at a mainstream supermarket, that could mean savings of £14 to £28 per week, or between £728 and £1,456 over the course of a year.
Even if you only switch part of your shop to Aldi or Lidl and continue buying certain items elsewhere, the savings are significant. Buying your staples such as bread, milk, eggs, pasta, rice, tinned goods and frozen vegetables from a discounter can easily save £10 to £15 per week without any change in the quality of your meals.
Smart Strategies for Shopping at Aldi and Lidl
1. Make a List and Stick to It
This is the single most important rule for any supermarket shop, but it matters even more at Aldi and Lidl. Their middle aisles are famous for special buys and seasonal deals that can tempt you into impulse purchases. While some of these offers represent genuine bargains, they only save you money if you were going to buy the item anyway. Write a meal plan for the week, make a list based on it, and shop with purpose.
2. Know Which Own-Brand Products Rival the Big Names
Many Aldi and Lidl own-brand products have won taste tests and industry awards, often beating their branded equivalents. Aldi’s Mamia baby range, Specially Selected premium line, and Snackrite crisps are consistently rated as excellent value. Lidl’s Deluxe range, Willowton bakery items and Cimano coffee are similarly well-regarded. Do not assume that cheaper means worse. Try the own-brand versions of items you normally buy branded and you may find you prefer them.
3. Shop the Special Buys and Middle Aisle Deals
Both Aldi and Lidl run weekly special buy promotions that cover everything from kitchen equipment and DIY tools to cycling gear and garden furniture. These deals are genuinely discounted, often by 50 percent or more compared to similar items elsewhere. Check the Aldi deals page and the Lidl deals page on Freebies.co.uk to see what is coming up each week. The key is to only buy things you genuinely need.
4. Use the Aldi and Lidl Apps for Exclusive Offers
Both supermarkets have mobile apps that provide digital coupons, weekly special buy previews and exclusive in-app discounts. Aldi’s app lets you browse the upcoming Specialbuys before they hit stores, so you can plan your visit around products you actually want. Lidl’s Plus app offers a scratchcard feature after each shop that can win you money off your next visit. These small discounts add up over the year.
5. Compare Prices on Your Regular Items
Not everything at Aldi and Lidl is cheaper than everywhere else. Some branded products, multi-buy offers at the big four, and certain fresh produce can occasionally be cheaper elsewhere. Use price comparison tools and keep a rough mental note of what your regular items cost at different shops. For the staples you buy every week, the discounters almost always win on price, but it pays to be aware of exceptions.
6. Buy Fresh Produce strategically
Aldi and Lidl have significantly improved their fresh produce ranges in recent years, and their fruit and vegetable prices are often unbeatable. However, the packs can be larger than you need, which leads to waste. Plan your meals around what is on offer and buy only what you will actually use. Frozen vegetables are an excellent alternative at both stores, costing a fraction of fresh equivalents and lasting months rather than days.
7. Combine Discounter Shopping with Other Savings
Doing your main shop at Aldi or Lidl does not mean you cannot use other money-saving strategies alongside it. Check the Tesco deals page and the Asda deals page on Freebies.co.uk for when the big four run particularly strong promotions on branded items. You can also use cashback sites when ordering groceries online from other retailers to get money back on items that Aldi and Lidl do not stock.
What to Buy at Aldi and Lidl vs Other Supermarkets
Some products are almost always cheaper at the discounters, while others may require a bit more thought. Here is a quick guide:
- Always buy at Aldi or Lidl: Bread, milk, eggs, butter, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, baked beans, breakfast cereal, frozen vegetables, kitchen roll, bin bags, cleaning products.
- Usually cheaper at discounters: Fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, yoghurt, sandwich meat, biscuits, crisps, soft drinks, beer and wine.
- Check prices before buying: Branded products, large joints of meat, specialty or diet-specific items, baby formula (which is price-controlled and the same everywhere).
- May be better elsewhere: Extremely niche dietary products, specific branded items on deep promotion, large bulk buys from wholesale clubs.
Common Mistakes That Eat Into Your Savings
Switching to Aldi or Lidl only saves money if you shop smart. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Impulse buying in the middle aisle: The special buys are tempting but only save money if you need them.
- Buying too much fresh produce: Plan meals around what you buy to avoid throwing food away.
- Making two trips: If you end up doing a second shop at a premium supermarket for items you forgot, you may spend more overall. Plan your list carefully to get everything in one visit.
- Assuming everything is cheapest at the discounter: Always compare on your regular branded items.
Final Thoughts
Shopping at Aldi and Lidl is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your weekly food bill without sacrificing quality. The savings are consistent, the product ranges have improved enormously, and many own-brand items now rival or beat their branded competitors on taste. By combining smart meal planning, strategic shopping of special buys, and using the apps for extra discounts, a typical UK family can save hundreds of pounds a year.
For the latest deals and voucher codes across all UK supermarkets, including Aldi and Lidl, check the Aldi deals page and Lidl deals page on Freebies.co.uk. You can also browse our wider dealstore for savings on everything from groceries to household essentials.
