Anyone tried the Aldi swap and save challenge?

[Toddlertwinsmum1]

If so, did you actually save money and find the quality of the food OK? I'm thinking of trying it. Currently shop at Tesco and buy a lot of own brand stuff and just wondering if it is worth trying.

[Nagoo]

Yes definitely.

I did my big shop there for half what it costs in tesco. You save most on the fruit and veg IMO.

[SilverSixpence]

I did a shop there this week, was loads cheaper than my usual sainsburys shop Esp fruit and veg.

[FrankSpenser]

Ooh you must, it's defiantly worth shopping at Aldi.

At the very least, if you're doubtful go with items labeled with Gold/Silver Winner Taste Test. There's plenty of them around the store.

Take a look online at their catalogue, they do excellently priced house ware items, and on the 18th they will be selling lovely Lavender plants in varying assortments for really cheap. Can't wait. It's just what I need for my backyard.

Take your own shopping bags with you, else you must pay for them to put your shopping in.

Don't be put off with the checkout service either ...you'll see!

[CharlotteBronteSaurus]

i find the quality really good.
we can't get everything we want there, but what we do buy is lovely*.

*apart from the coffee. Instant, filter- it's all crap.

[Fluffycloudland77]

No, it's awful.

[mrspaddy]

I love Aldi and go there mostly. Save a LOT. No magazines or nice things to tempt. However, I get very bored of it from time to time and went to Tesco today to get brands.. Heinz ketchup etc. Also I don't buy meat.. only salmon darnes so I go to a butcher also.

I actually like their decaff coffee. The veg is fantastic.. I think Lidl have a slightly better selection though.

[Nagoo]

Oh jesus their coffee is shit.

The cocktail mixes are yum.

[Debs75]

We tried it today. I didn't do a full shop as I was with DD in her buggy so only got 2 bags. I spent £20 and got loads of fruit and veg, 3 cereals, honey, ketchup, linseeds, flour, sugar, butter, poppets, bread, eggs.

It will soon become my top up shop. I could buy the same amount at Morrisons and spend nearly £40.

The fruit and veg are better off being bought daily, which isn't a problem in my house as they can demolish a fruit bowl in under 10 seconds!
The meat is good value and quality.
The homewares section can have some great bargains.

The worst thing is the checkout staff and the pack and bag thing. You do feel like you are in the way and a bit stupid as they swing your trolley round and tut at you because you didn't line it up right

[run4it]

I used to shop at tesco, ended up spending over 100 a week. Now shop at lidl and spend about 60 a week - it's fab!

[Debs75]

run4it I look forward to saving potentially £80 a week but not sure if we will do that well