Christmas at Aldi

I just yelled at a family member for getting the Christmas food in Tesco. I practically accused her of a crime against Christmas.

It’s because (a) Christmas organisation is somewhat stressful as well as fun, leading to my outburst of grumbling and (b) Aldi and Lidl are cheaper, better, and less evil. I tend to go to Lidl more often than Aldi, but that’s only because Aldi has virtually no presence in Dublin outside the centre, west, and north of the county. Aldi unquestionably has a much better range, in terms of quality and value, than its rival. Indeed, putting prices aside, Aldi’s product range is generally tastier than you’ll find in any other supermarket.

On a tight budget, you can still have all the usual delicious Christmas foods without having to opt for value lines like Tesco Value or St. Bernard. I’ll be going to the folks for a few days but will still have the usual treats around my own place, and most of these are from Aldi:

• McGrath’s teabags (stuff your dull debates – these are better than Barry’s or Lyons) – €1.69
• Specially Selected back rashers (gorgeous, and about half the price of the inferior branded rivals) – €1.99
• Farmhouse soda bread (I’ll be shot, but I prefer this to McCambridge’s) – 79c
• Brannan’s cocktail sausages (lovely, the only Bord Bia approved own brand, and great for party food) – €1.59 per pack
• Great value hams at just €6.99 for a medium fillet (I’ll need some after I eat all my parent’s ham!)
• Luxury ice creams – €2.29
• Double cream (250ml) – €1.29
• Brandy cream – personally, I found this as disturbing as it sounds, but it might be to some tastes – €1.29
• Mini Christmas puddings – €2.99
• Specially Selected luxury cheese pack (unlike Lidl, Aldi have very good cheese, up there with Superquinn’s) – €9.99
• Fletcher’s port – €6.49
• Toffifee – €2.99

Click here to see Aldi’s full brochure.