Lidl

SHOPPERS are racing to a major retailer to pick up dirt-cheap snacks and sweets ahead of the spookiest day of the year.

Sweets lovers are going wild as Halloween treats have hit Home Bargains, with prices starting as low as £0.75.

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Marketed under the “Hallow Scream” range, the store released more than 80 products on its website.

The sale has kicked off featuring Zed’s Gummy Corn sweets for £0.75, described as “sweet, creamy and zesty”.

Other sweets encouraging shoppers to get into the spooky spirit for under £1 include crowd pleasers Haribo Bone Shakers and Sour Skeletons, both priced at £0.99.

Shoppers can also get their hands on a bucket of vanilla flavoured Hallow-scream candy floss for £0.99 in three colours – green, orange and purple.

The last item under £1 is the Pimlico Coffin Sour Gummy sweets at £0.99.

The spooky treat is described as “tangy and chewy” and is sold in a variety of flavours.

The prices range from £0.75 all the way up to £10.89 – with Vidal Monster Jellies at the top end of the Halloween sweets sale.

Bargain hunters can find chocolates, sweets, savoury spooky items and everything in between as Halloween approaches.

The sale is available at all stores across the UK and online.

Home Bargains isn’t the only retailer to offer up great deals to customers as both Halloween and Christmas approach.

Lidl‘s Christmas-Ready Wooden Toy sale is set to launch with some of the country’s most sought after wooden toys massively discounted.

Kicking off on October 9, Lidl Plus members have a short six-day window to get their hands on early Christmas presents.

The long-awaited sale offers a collection of quality, sustainable toys at unbeatable prices, which kick off at £1.99.

Some showstoppers include the Wooden Play Kitchen (£44.99 with Lidl Plus, £49.99 without) and Bakery & Cafe (£16.19 with Lidl Plus, £17.99 without).

The new range will also come with a huge variety of wallet-friendly stocking fillers, such as the Wooden Food Play Set (from £4.99) and Wooden Railway Set (£6.39 with Lidl Plus, £7.99 without).

Hitting the stores very soon, the wooden toy collection has plenty of options to tackle a day of cheffing or provide hours of indoor fun. 

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To keep kids from climbing up the walls, the sturdy Wooden Balance Board (£23.99 with Lidl Plus, £29.99 without) and Wooden Balance Beam (£17.99 with Lidl Plus, £19.99 without) are the ideal additions to help the little ones reach new heights.

Or for those looking for something more instrumental for their little treble makers, the Hape Baby Musical Instruments come in a groovin’ guitar or a classic keyboard for a price sure to strike a chord at £11.69 with Lidl Plus (12.99 without).

With cooler weather rolling in for the holidays, the Wooden Puzzle (£1.79 with Lidl Plus, £1.99 without) and Wooden Play Set available as a Farmhouse, Fire Station or Stable (£9.59 with Lidl Plus, £11.99 without) are perfect for providing hours of indoor fun for the chips off the old block. 

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ICELAND has revealed this year’s Christmas range including a Baileys yule log and TGI Fridays pigs in blankets.

While the big day is some time away, it’s always good to prepare yourself for the festive season.

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Luckily, Iceland’s new Christmas menu will hit shelves from November 6 and offers everything you need to throw a festive bash.

The items will also be available to buy at Iceland’s The Food Warehouse.

Paul Dhaliwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Iceland Foods, said: “Our customers expect variety and flavour without breaking the bank, and this year we’ve delivered just that. We’ve perfected the festive staples and added new twists that will impress and bring joy to every bite. 

“From classic centrepieces and irresistible desserts to brand-new creations and party essentials, there’s something to suit every kind of Christmas celebration, no matter your style or budget.”  

What’s on the menu?

Iceland‘s menu this year offers customers everything they’ll need for Christmas lunch or dinner from beloved Christmas classics to some new additions.

This includes everything from their Sweet Chilli Sticky Prawns and Pizza Chicken Wedges to TGI Fridays Cheeseburger & Chip baskets.

Shoppers will be able to sink their teeth into a range of Christmas meats, pigs and blankets and all the trimmings on top.

And if you are thinking of throwing a festive bash this year, customers can take advantage of their mix-and-match deals on select products like three items for £10.

Or shoppers can stock up with their £1 party range and luxury platters.

But among the showstoppers of this year’s Christmas range is the Luxury Perfect Turkey Crown.

For £28, you can get your hands on 2.2kg of frozen boneless skin on turkey crown with added water topped with sunflower oil and herb and spice marinade.

We also have a feeling that many will be eyeing up the Bailey’s Iced Yule Log for £12.

It features mouthwatering Baileys salted caramel mousse, a dark chocolate sauce and chocolate flavoured meringue.

And you can nab their Luxury Prawn and Prosecco Shells for as little as £5.

The king prawns come in a creamy Prosecco sauce topped with mashed potato, a parsley breadcrumb and cheese, served in a natural shell.

Other festive finds

Iceland aren’t the only retailer to have revealed their Christmas food range recently either.

M&S have revealed all the festive treats that you can get through from its Christmas Food to Order range from today.

The posh supermarket is famous for its delicious Christmas food, which you’ll be able to pre-order to your home ahead of the big day.

In fact, major supermarkets have just revealed the exact dates you can book Christmas delivery slots, including Asda.

We tried the M&S Christmas collection too including their iconic American must-have and Marmite caramel sauce.

We also recently tried Morrisons new Christmas range and one festive treat was an instant winner, knocking M&S and Waitrose out the park.

Morrisons festive nosh is expected to land in its 497 stores over the coming weeks.

And if you’re after your classic chocolate tubs, we’ve calculated the cheapest supermarket to grab all your favourites this week.

THERE’S been a lot of talk about bedding plants recently.

Rebranded as ‘Seasonal Interest’ they’ve annoyed some folk in the gardening industry because of environmental concerns.

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You’ll know them better as those lovely flowers in garden centres and supermarkets that bring an instant burst of colour to your outside space – like petunias, marigolds, begonias, nemesia, cosmos and lobelia.

Often you’ll buy them in plugs to plant straight into the soil before the frost sets in.

Naysayers reckon that because they’re not perennial, need a lot of watering and are bred in greenhouses – which use lots of energy – they’re bad for the environment.

But there’s one man in particular who couldn’t have loved them more – holding firm in the face of all the negative comments.

Sun Gardening Editor Peter Seabrook took on Floral Fantasia at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex back in 2019 and right up until his death was championing bedding plants.

I was lucky enough to visit recently and was overwhelmed with the astonishing array of beautiful planting – showcasing swathes of stunning colours and species – which are crucially all affordable.

“‘We sell smiles’ is what Peter would have said,” Mike Smith, chair of the Floral Fantasia Working Group told me.

“His vision was to be ‘the centre of excellence for seasonal plants’ and although we’re not quite there yet – we’re definitely on our way.

“When I first came to Hyde Hall I was in awe of the gardens there, but appreciate they’re quite overwhelming to try and recreate in the average garden that is less than 15 metres square.

“We want to inspire people to have a go, show them something achievable – and this is where the Seasonal Interest comes in.

“They’re not grown in peat any more, they bring happiness to the consumer and they’re manageable.

“But also, it’s worth recognising that ornamental growers add over £1bn to the economy.

“Alan Titchmarsh agreed with Peter, and said after he died: ‘We all need to take up the baton from him to keep fighting our corner and explain what this means and how important horticulture is and it’s value to the British economy.’

“And that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re showing visitors to Hyde Hall the latest UK plants – and we’re celebrating Fleuroselect’s Year of the Begonia with over 150 varieties being trialled in beds and containers – they’re a stunning splash of colour.

“The public get to see all manner of cultivars that they’ve never seen before and everyone comes out smiling.”

Peter’s son Roger Seabrook told Sun Gardening: “‘Floral Fantasia at RHS Hyde Hall meant so much to Dad – he saw the garden as a way to show what could be achieved with seasonal planting and to inspire people to get growing, however small their space.

“He put a huge amount of energy into championing Floral Fantasia and rolled his sleeves up to spend long hours working in the garden himself.

“For this reason it’s a special place for our family and it’s just fantastic to see it looking so vibrant and colourful.

“I’m sure that Dad would have been delighted to see the progress made, a testament to all the hard work of those involved over the years.’

Tim Kerley, of Kerley Plants, Cambridge, which provides blooms for Floral Fantasia added: “They’re bright, cheery flowers that will put a smile on your face all summer long! Modern varieties are low maintenance and thrive in our varied climate.

“They’re great for your mind and pollinators -all for the price of a cup of coffee.”

Annual chrysanthemum’s are also considered bedding plants. And they’re a fantastic way of bringing colour to your garden in Autumn when everything is dying back a bit.

Lidl has one on sale for £1.99 from next Saturday and it’s going to be my cheap secret weapon to bring colour to my outside space.

Also in Veronica’s Column this week

News, top tips, plant of the week and a firepit competition

For more top tips and gardening content follow me @biros_and_bloom

NEWS! THE Cuprinol Shed of the Year results are in – and the winner is engineer Mike Robinson from South East London with his spectacular shed, ‘The Tiny Workshop.
Designed to slot neatly into a garden with limited room, it wowed judges with its imaginative use of space. With off-the-shelf sheds too big for his plot, Mike built the shed using two sets of heavy-duty steel shelving, bolted together and clad with wood’
Two doors flap open at the bottom and top to provide flooring and handy rain protection, with a smart overhanging green roof to store garden tools and welcome nature to the garden.
Mike wins this year’s top prize of an overnight nature getaway, £1,000 cash and £250 of Cuprinol product.

TOP TIP! Time to start thinking about feeding the birds in your garden a little bit more. And Alex Gill, founder of Awesome Wildlife Company, has some unusual advice.
“By providing food and shelter now, we can give birds, hedgehogs, and insects the best possible chance of thriving through the winter, and in turn, we get to enjoy a garden full of life.
“Both dried and fresh fruit works. Apples and pears are very popular with garden birds. If you do choose to put any spare fruit that you might have out, make sure it’s fresh as mouldy fruit isn’t good for birds.
“Dried fruits, like Raisins, are also well loved by some bird’s species. Just remember to be careful and avoid if you have a dog, as raisins are toxic to dogs.
He added: “During the colder months, birds benefit from high-energy foods, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, mealworms, and suet. These kinds of foods help them build up their fat reserves so that they can survive the colder months.”  

NEWS! THE CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship will be taking place at the Malvern Autumn Show next weekend. It showcases some unbelievably large vegetables – which often break Guinness World records. Taking place at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, you’ll also get the chance to see talks by Monty Don, Adam Frost, August Bernstein, and RHS Ambassador Manoj Malde. And there will be fabulous flowers, plants, bulbs, seeds, tools and equipment to marvel at.

NEWS! BBC TV presenter, keen gardener and National Garden Scheme Ambassador, Fiona Bruce will host a very special National Garden Scheme Ask the Experts event at the Royal Geographical Society, London on Tuesday 2nd December at 7pm. Answering a range of pre-submitted audience questions and covering all aspects of gardens and gardening will be a panel including Arit Anderson, Danny Clarke, Rachel de Thame, Joe Swift.

NEWS! There’s a beautiful new book called The Essential Guide to Bulbs, by Jenny Rose Carey, coming out next month. Published on October 16th by Timber Press, its a fabulous guide to growing bulbs all year round in gardens and containers. The pictures are gorgeous and it’s really informative too, it would make a lovely present for the Gardener in your life.

WIN! As the evenings draw in – warm up with an eco-friendly, low carbon Eco Fuego fire pit worth £179.99 and a wax refill worth £26.99. To enter visit www.thesun.co.uk/ECOFIREPIT or write to Sun Eco Firepit competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. October 4, 2025. T&Cs apply

PLANT OF THE WEEK! “Verbena Officinalis Bampton” Still flowering now – it’s an unusual looking bushy drought-resistant perennial with small purple flowers on the end of wiry branches. Prefers full sun, south facing borders.

TOP TIP! Raise your pots now to prevent waterlogging – you don’t have to pay for proper feet – you can use bottle caps, coasters, tiles, bricks, or even logs cut to size. There just needs to be drainage space under the pot.

A MAJOR supermarket is selling McVitie’s biscuit boxes for just £2.50 ahead of this Christmas season.

The 400g boxes include a selection of family favourites to get in the festive spirit.

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McVitie’s Family Circle Biscuit Selection boxes are available cheapest at Iceland for just £2.50.

What is included

There are ten different biscuits to choose from in this selection box, including the iconic Milk Chocolate Digestives, popular Custard Creams, and much-loved Rich Highland Shorties.

Also included in the boxes are McVitie’s Choc Chip Cookies, Shortcake, Jam Sandwich Creams, Milk Chocolate Fingers, Crunchy Oat, Nice, and Bourbon Creams.

Shoppers’ reactions

Iceland customers have raved about the product in reviews.

One wrote: “These biscuits have always been Christmas specials.

“There is a good selection of biscuits included.

“And they are great tasting …love them for a treat with a cup of tea or coffee.”

Another added: “Includes chocolate ones and most usual ones.”

“Not really any new ones.”

Both gave the biscuit selection an overall rating of four stars.

Sainsbury’s and Occado are also seen selling the McVitie’s boxes, but for £4.

And Morrisons has them on sale for £3.

More Christmas boxes

Quality Street chocolates and celebrations are also popular Christmas boxes that have been seen going for cheap recently.

At Morrisons, tubs were seen going for just £4.50 from the discount retailer.

And Lidl and Aldi are also known for providing the best deals of groceries, another major UK retailer was found to have the cheapest rate on chocolate boxes.

This week, Tesco took the crown for best overral rates on Christmas chocolate.

Tesco Clubcard holders are able to pick up Nestle Celebrations and Quality Street for £4.50, while Cadbury’s Heroes and Roses have been reduced to £5.25.

LIDL has released a slew of exciting new items in its famous middle aisle. 

The products include everything from household essentials to gardening gadgets and are available at stores across Britain. 

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Two separate sales are underway at the brand’s stores, with both kicking off on August 24. 

The deals include the Clean-up Prices-Down deal and the Parkside sale. 

The Clean-Up Prices-Down has seen a huge range of products go on sale for staggering low prices.

On the more expensive end of the spectrum, Tower Aquajet Plus Carpet Washer retails for just £69.99, while a Nimble Anti-Tangle Vac is selling for just £59.99.

However, some products are selling for under £10. 

The Livarno Home Extendable Handle is just £2.99, as is the brand’s mop head. 

That means a full mop can be yours for just £5 when bought in Lidl’s middle aisle. 

Other products on sale include a £17 Philips iron, a £9.99 clothes airer and a slew of cleaning pads for under £2. 

The Parkside sale includes many of the garden tech brand’s products, some of which are included in the supermarket’s Lidl Plus promotion. 

The Brand’s Long-Reach Hedge Trimmer normally costs £59.99, but is £10 less if you use Lidl Plus. 

The shovel with a root saw retails for £19.99, but is 25 per cent off when you use the store’s promotion. 

Other products in the Parkside middle-aisle sale include a pressure washer, top handle petrol chainsaw and a variety of secateurs. 

A range of Livarno gardenware covers are also available for £4.99.

Lidl regularly goes viral for its wide variety of products.

The supermarket is selling a vacuum cleaner which is £100 cheaper than the exact same one available on Bosch. 

The Bosch Readyy’y Cordless Vacuum Cleaner costs just £99.99 on Lidl’s website. 

Meanwhile, the hoover costs £199.99 on the Bosch website.

The vacuum can be used upright or handheld, making it perfect for cleaning floors and kitchen surfaces.

The device also folds completely flat, making it easy to clean in difficult to reach areas.

THERE is a way you can possibly prevent mould & condensation this autumn.

Lidl has released a gadget for under £5 which is absolutely essential when when drying your wet clothes indoors.

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Costing just £4.99, the budget supermarket has released a pack of thermometers and hygrometers.

The set of three items is meant to be used to monitor indoor climate so you can prevent mould taking hold.

The hygrometer takes a measurement of the indoor humidity and it also comes with a display for comfort level.

Three steps are shown on the screen indicated by a smiley face, which are dry, comfortable and high humidity.

This is measured in percentages from 10% all the way to 99% with a temperature range of -10°C to 50°C.

How easy is it to use?

Lidl has advertised the product as being very easy and convenient to use, perfect for your wet washing.

The gadget can be mounted on a wall or it can be freestanding in any utility room.

There is also a magnetic attachment and a foldable stand for extra benefit and ease.

Batteries and instructions are included with the product which also has a three-year warranty period.

Cheaper than Screwfix

In comparison, Screwfix has released its own version at a much higher price point.

At a price of £16.99, a gadget from brand Forge Steel measures temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.

It is advertised as providing an accurate and rapid response and is pocket sized.

The easy-to-read digital display screen will display the temperature and humidity levels.

It does have the same temperature range of -10 to 50°C but it has a smaller humidity range of 20-99%

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LIDL will be selling a Thermomix dupe that is significantly cheaper than the original.

Savings of more than £1,000 can be made with this middle aisle purchase from the discount retailer.

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Lidl is about to sell a dupe of the Thermomix worth £1,349 for just £299 for Lidl Plus customers.

Called the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, this exciting kitchen appliance will be in stores from Thursday, September 4.

It is a multi-functional device that can be used for everything you need, from food processing, cooking, searing, steaming, kneading, blending, and stirring.

There are even programming options available for it to chop, shred, grind, pure or emulsify ingredients.

You can therefore make anything from soups, sauces, or vegetable, meat or noodle dishes.

The smart device has WiFi functions that provides free monthly recipe updates with a registered user account, along with over 600 pre-installed recipes with step-by-step instructions through its cooking pilot.

There is also guided video cooking for selected recipes, that can be played on its fast-reacting 8-inch display screen.

On top of that, there is voice control capabilities that can be activated via Google Assistant.

Kitchen scales have been integrated into the device to enable weighing of ingredients that have been placed directly into the pot.

With 1000W power, up to 1kg of dough can be processes, through 10 speed settings including turbo function for pulse blending.

Kneading dough or stirring soups and stews can be carried out in the anti-clockwise motion the Monsieur Cuisine provides.

Furthermore, its facilitates precise cooking with temperatures from 37-130C that can be set in five degree increments.

There is also a 99 minute timer.

All the accessories are dishwasher safe, including the 4.5L stainless steel blender jug and various attachments that include a steamer, blade, and mixer.

The product is exclusively available for Lidl Plus customers to reserve from August 21 to 25 on the Lidl Plus App.

Regular customers can then purchase the Monsieur Cuisine once they are available in store next month.

Lidl’s version of the Thermomix seems to come with many functionalities of the original, at a much more affordable price.

This deal comes after Lidl was also found selling another kitchen appliance that can be used for baking at a price £400 cheaper than others.

It was their Silvercrest Kitchen Tools Stand Mixer, that was sold for only £49.99.

The budget-friendly retailer also had XL dual view air fryer available for just £79.99 this summer.

Lidl’s 15L Salter air fryer was half the price of Curry’s version, with six cooking functions and a sleek LED display.

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LIDL is selling a range of budget-friendly camping gadgets as Brits soak up the sunny weather.

The discount supermarket chain is stocking kids’ sleeping bags and chairs, cool boxes and even an air mattress.

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The new range will be perfect for camping during the end of summer and autumn and getting outdoors to make the last of the year’s light.

There are 30 items Crivit Camping range that range from air mattresses to cool boxes.

And some even have a discount attached to them.

For example, the camping cutlery set selling for £9.99 now has 20 per cent with Lidl Plus and is selling for £7.99.

The Crivit Aluminium Camping Table normally sells for £24.99, but with the Lidl Plus card is currently selling for £19.99.

The air mattress in a double size is selling for £14.99, while sleeping bags are selling for £12.99.

A range of four cool bags are selling for £3.99 while backpacks are selling for £14.99.

It comes after Crivit released a number of tents and festival gear for summer at Lidl several months ago.

The incredible Crivit camping range has everything festival-goers need to set themselves up in the Wilderness, including the 4-Person Blackout Tent – popping up in stores for just £99.00 with Lidl Plus.

Crivit was even selling stand up paddleboards at supermarkets.

The Crivit All-Round Inflatable SUP is priced at just £99.99, and was available at Lidl stores from Thursday May 29.

This bargain bed comes after Lidl have begun selling ice cool gel pillows that are easy to use and would be perfect for keeping cool on those hot car trips.

For just £7.99 on the Lidl plus app, shoppers can get their hands on the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad.

That’s more than £12 cheaper than a similar product on Argos, with the low price available until June 7.

Described as perfect for restless sleepers and over heaters, the pillow give you instant cooling comfort, so you don’t need to flip your pillow during the night.

At 60x40cm it covers your entire pillow and simply needs to be slid inside your pillowcase on top of your normal pillow.

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CHOCOLATE fans are dashing to Aldi as the budget supermarket unveils a £3.99 version of the viral ‘Dubai-style’ chocolate bar.

Now available in Aldi stores across the UK, the 100g bar promises a rich and indulgent experience—without the luxury price tag.

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The treat features creamy pistachio layers and crunchy kadayif pastry, all wrapped in silky milk chocolate. Inspired by a viral hit that exploded on social media, the chocolate has already caused a stir online.

AldiUK teased the launch on Facebook, writing: “THIS IS NOT A DRILL. The Dubai Style Chocolate Bar lands in store tomorrow! Will you be picking one up.”

Fans flooded the comments with excitement. One wrote: “More temptation.”

Another added: “You knocked it out of the park with this. Absolutely amazing.”

A third asked: “Hey dear Aldi, are these a special or permanent fixture? Xx”

The chocolate is part of Aldi’s Specialbuys range, meaning once it’s sold out, it may not return.

With no buying limit, shoppers are expected to stock up quickly.

This isn’t the first time retailers have tried to cash in on the Dubai chocolate craze.

Lidl’s JD Gross version flew off the shelves, and Waitrose offers a similar pistachio white chocolate bar for £2.75. Morrisons stocks its own version—Bolci Dubai Chocolate—for £5.

The trend shows no signs of slowing down, as chocolate lovers continue to seek out these premium-style treats at lower prices.

If you’re keen to try one, it’s worth getting to your local Aldi early to avoid disappointment.

As word spreads, demand is expected to spike.

To get the best deal, savvy shoppers are encouraged to compare prices using online tools like PriceSpy, Google Shopping, or Idealo.

These platforms let you check price histories and spot deals across retailers.

SAVE MONEY AT ALDI

Grabbing hot Specialbuys like this chocolate bar is just one way to save at Aldi.

The discount chain frequently tops Which? rankings for the cheapest supermarket, offering consistent value for everyday essentials.

In April, a typical basket of 79 items cost an average of £135.95 at Aldi—cheaper than rivals including Lidl and Tesco.

Bargain hunters should also keep an eye out for Aldi’s red sticker items, usually marked down in the morning.

These offer major discounts on products close to their sell-by date or with minor packaging damage.

Aldi’s budget-friendly alcohol selection is another way to save, with own-brand options often coming in much cheaper than big-name labels.

Don’t forget about Too Good To Go “Surprise Bags”, available in selected stores.

These offer a low-cost mix of near-date groceries that would otherwise go to waste.

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SHOPPERS can pick up top value presents for Dad in Lidl ahead of Father’s Day.

The discount supermarket offers time-limited deals in its ‘middle aisles’ which are shelves where stock changes each week.

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And in celebration of father figures of all types, shoppers can this week get food and drink presents starting from just £1.49.

This drop of Middle Aisle buys will be available in stores from June 12 ahead of Father’s Day falling on June 15.

If you spot something you like, it’s a good idea to move quickly because once items are gone, they won’t be restocked.

Here are all the deals you can get…

Ben Bracken Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl – £15.99

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If the father figure in your life enjoys whisky, you can get some great value options from the retailer.

Stock his drinks cupboard with this Ben Bracken single malt.

It was a gold winner at the world whiskies awards so sure to go down a storm with the top man in your life.

Western Gold Gold Bourbon Whiskey 70cl – £14.99

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This Western Gold is another spirit that Dad should appreciate if he likes a bourbon.

It costs £16.99 but users of the Lidl Plus app can get an extra £2 off to take the price down to £14.99.

Birchwood XXL Ribeye Steak – £18.99

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If you fancy showing your dad some appreciation by whipping up a showstopping meal, this pack of four ribeye steaks ought to do the trick.

Just add some chips and a nice sauce and gather the family to enjoy a delicious meal to recognise the special man.

J.D. Gross Seashell Chocolates 250g – £3.19

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These seashell chocs are a fab alternative to the pricier Guylian.

And if your dad has a sweet tooth, he’ll love them.

The price comes in at £3.49 but if you join the Lidl Plus app, you can get a pack for £3.19.

Belgian Ales 6 x 330ml – £15.99

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A selection of ales is a great gift for anyone who thinks of themselves as a bit of a beer connoisseur.

There are six in the pack and each one is different so that Dad can find his favourite.

Try Piraat, Bornem and Golden Draak.

Perlenbacher Beer Keg 5L – £14.99

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This beer keg is a bit of a novelty present.

But could be great if he’s planning on having some pals around for drinks or a barbecue.

The five litres of beer should keep everyone topped up for quite a while.

LIDL shoppers say they’ve been getting hidden freebies through the discount supermarket’s loyalty app.

Customers have been raving about the free finds they’ve managed to get through the Lidl Plus app, including doughnuts, fresh fruit and pasta.

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It’s all through the app’s Coupon Plus feature, which lets shoppers unlock rewards and freebies when they spend.

Several shoppers have been sharing their bargains on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook Group, with one saying: “Today checked my app so free doughnuts (2) free grapefruit free vine tomatoes free 600g of strawberries saved about £7.00.”

Another shared a photo of a receipt showing they had got muffins, a punnet of strawberries and pasta.

“All free with my Lidl coupon plus rewards,” they said proudly.

A third person said they had got coupons for free fruit, veg and a bakery item on their app despite not spending anything at Lidl yet this month.

A fourth said they received a free kilo punnet of strawberries.

Lidl has said the coupons in its app are tailor-made for each customer based on their shopping habits.

To get the vouchers you should head to the Coupons Plus section of the app and make sure you activate the coupons before you head to the till.

The offers seem to change over time but one example is getting a free bakery sweet treat when you spend £10 in a month.

Shoppers have also shared an extra little-known tip that can help you get the most out of your coupons.

One social media user said that when you have a free item in the coupons section of the app, you should click on the picture of the item and scroll down to where it says ‘item number’.

If you click on this, it should show you the complete list of any items you can claim for free with the coupon.

That means you’re not just limited to the free item seen in the picture.

What other offers can you get through the Lidl Plus app?

If it’s your birthday you can get a free doughnut from the Lidl bakery section.

There’s no minimum spend required and the coupon is valid for seven days from your birthday.

All you need to do to get the offer is register your birthday when you initially sign up to the app.

Other offers you can get through the Lidl Plus app include a 10% off voucher when you spend £250 in-store in a month.

This could be particularly helpful for larger families doing their weekly shops at Lidl.

There is also currently a chance to win £5,000 through the app.

Shoppers who spend £30 in one transaction with Lidl Plus from now until June 18 will be entered into a draw to win the cash.

One winner will be announced every day and you can enter multiple times.

SUPERMARKET shoppers love reaching for a Pizza Express pizza – but can you find an own-brand one that’s just as good?

They can be pricey when compared to supermarket own brands.

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At the moment a Margherita will set you back between £4.35 – £6.00 depending on where you buy it.

Natasha Harding tried six supermarket brands and compared them to Pizza Express Margherita pizza – and rated them all out of 30.

Pizza Express Margherita Pizza

£4.35 (when bought with Nectar), Sainsbury’s

Per 100g: calories, 263 fat, 8.7g sugar, 3.4g salt 0.93g

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If the secret to a good pizza is in the dough, then Pizza Express hits the spot.

The base cooked to perfection and it was a good size for two people.

There was a good amount of topping and it cooked evenly in about 12 minutes.

However, there are other pizzas that taste just as good for a fraction of the cost.

Taste: 8/10
Value: 5/10
Overall rating: 6/10
Out of 30: 19

Carlos Stonebaked Pizza

£1.99, Aldi, Aldi

Per 100g: calories, 308 fat, 10.2g sugar, 4g salt 1.09g

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It cooked nicely in 12 minutes and was big enough to feed four people.

The base was deliciously crispy and the cheese and tomato topping tasted authentically Italian.

I haven’t tried this flavour from Aldi before, but absolutely will in the future – my winner – and less than half the price of Pizza Express, that’s dinner sorted.

Taste: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Overall rating: 10/10
Out of 30: 30

Cheese & Tomato Pizza

£1.90, Sainsbury’s

Per 100g: calories, 298 fat, 9g sugar, 2.6g salt 0.76g

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Good value and a perfect size for two.

I wasn’t so keen on this one as I thought it was a bit bland and there wasn’t enough cheese to tempt my tastebuds.

However, my daughter and her friend loved it and she’s asked if she can have it for tea regularly.

At that price, I’m happy to oblige – and if I join her, I’ll add extra cheese on my half.

Taste: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Overall rating: 7/10
Out of 30: 25

Stonebaked Margherita Pizza

£2.58, Asda

Per 100g: calories, 238 fat, 7.7g sugar, 3.9g salt 1.09g

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It cooked well in just over 12 minutes and the generous size means it would satisfy four people, especially if you add a couple of sides.

The topping was plentiful and the fact that you’re getting a lot of pizza for your money means that this is a good staple for a family if you’re unsure what to serve up for dinner.

Taste: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Overall rating: 8/10
Out of 30: 24

Chef Select, Stonebaked Margherita Pizza

£1.99, Lidl

Per 100g: calories, 254 fat, 8.6g sugar, 2.3g salt 1.08g

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Another well priced pizza but I wasn’t so keen on the taste.

The tomato had an intense, slightly synthetic taste that I couldn’t get away from.

The cheese was generous and tasted great – and it cooked to perfection.

If you like a stronger taste sensation, it might be one for you but it’s not one I’d be keen to buy again.

Taste: 6/10
Value: 10/10
Overall rating: 7/10
Out of 30: 23

Classic Margherita

£3.10, Tesco

Per 100g: calories, 259 fat, 7g sugar, 2.8g salt 0.75g

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It cooked nicely in just over ten minutes and looked very appealing once it was ready.

It was generously sized and the base was just the right consistency of being thick enough but crispy too.

It was oh so cheesy which hit the spot for me – I’d definitely buy it again if I needed a cheese fix.

Taste: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Overall rating: 8/10
Out of 30: 23

Essential Cheese & Tomato Pizza

£2.75, Waitrose

Per 100g: calories, 260 fat, 8g sugar, 4.6g salt .75g

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I felt a bit let down by Waitrose offering as the Essential range is fantastic.

The base was a bit thin, and it could have done with some extra toppings as it felt a bit lacklustre.

If I was to buy it again, it would be as a base to add some extra ingredients to.

Taste: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Overall rating: 6/10
Out of 30: 18

LIDL is launching a new garden plant range with flowers starting from just £1.99.

The budget supermarket has unveiled a huge variety of indoor and outdoor plants to help Brits give their gardens a glow-up without breaking the bank.

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Green-fingered shoppers can snap up British bedding plants and assorted flowering plants, which are perfect for brightening up flowerbeds, hanging baskets and window boxes this summer.

The budget blooms start from just £1.99 and are already hitting the famous middle aisle, with more due to land in stores later this week – just in time for the sunny season.

From Friday, 7 June, shoppers can pick up gorgeous flowering plants that will brighten your outdoor space from late spring all the way through to autumn, meaning you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck.

But that’s not all. Lidl is also stocking large perennials for just £4.99, and Hibiscus plants for only £6.99, which will add colour and height to any patio or garden display.

These prices are incredibly competitive, considering a 9cm potted perennial plant would set you back between £10 at Dobies.

Likewise, Waitrose sell Hibiscus plants for £12.99, whilst B&Q sell them for £11.99 – making Lidl the cheapest.

The new drop includes hardy plants in vibrant shades of purple, pink, white and yellow – ideal for creating a full, colourful display with minimal effort.

And for those looking to spruce up their indoor space, Lidl also has a fresh selection of houseplants and stylish ceramic pots in-store now.

The stylish plant allows you to revamp your lounge for just £14.99.

Available across stores nationwide, these blooming great buys are expected to fly off shelves, so you’ll want to be quick.

As always, stock is limited and varies by store, so head to to your local Lidl if you want to dig into these flowery deals.

Its also worth calling up ahead to check the items you’re after are in stock.

Garden makeover

Meanwhile, Lidl isn’t the only retailer offering great garden deals this summer.

In fact, a Home Bargains buy is said to add a touch of glamour to your garden.

The retailer is also selling a budget buy guaranteed to brighten up your space.

You can also add a stylish touch to your privacy fence with a B&M buy.

Or you can pick up another summer flower favourite from B&Q right now.

Shoppers can also nab a £9.99 novelty decor buy that adds character to flowerbeds.

A £7 gardening gadget is also available from Home Bargains and is guaranteed to transform your lawn.

And Lidl customers can add a “whimsical” touch to their flowerbeds for just £3.

Or a £2 B&M buy transforms your patio into an “ambient” paradise this summer.

Its always worth comparing prices across different stores to make sure you’re bagging the best deals.

That’s where price comparison tools can come in handy.

Websites like Google Shopping let you type in a product name or model number to instantly compare prices across dozens of retailers.

WITH Brits continuing to count their pennies more than ever before, many are looking for ways on how to get by barely spending. 

From hunting down freebies, to spotting a hidden bargain or downloading apps for discounts, people are trying their best to not overspend. 

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Luckily, money saving experts are sharing their top tips on social media so that everyone can get by without having to scrape the coins. 

Chloe, who is known as ‘chloesdealclub’ on TikTok, has recently shared a video showing how she manages to get a free breakfast from Lidl. 

And the best part about it? There’s no minimum spend either. 

Speaking to her 48.3k followers, Chloe explained that customers just need to download the Lidl Plus app and create a new account. 

She advised to get someone else in your household that doesn’t have one to do this if you have already got one. 

After downloading and signing up for the app, Chloe explained that you should receive three freebie coupons into your app. 

She showed that the coupons include a free Lidl tote bag, a bakery item, and fresh fruit. 

Chloe said: “So go to Lidl and get a pastry and some fruit, or you could even get stuff to make avocado on toast. There’s loads of options.” 

She added: “You’ve got a free breakfast and a bag to carry it home in.” 

In the caption section, Chloe also explained that there’s “no minimum spend so you can get these freebies without buying anything else.” 

The video received 78.5 views and 74 comments after four days of being shared on her account.

Many wanted to share their excitement after hearing the news. 

One wrote: “Got mine. Thank you for sharing.”

A second added: “Free strawberries! I’m going to get everyone in my house to download it!” 

Whilst a third said: “It’s true, I had also downloaded the Lidl app, from which I also got this shopping bag, muffins and many other things.”

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A WHOPPING 120 million Cornish pasties are baked every year in the UK, making them one of the nation’s favourite snacks.

Genuine bakes must be made in the namesake country, contain at least 12.5 per cent beef and 25 per cent root veg.

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But not all of us can make it to the South West to try one, so how do the supermarket options measure up?

LYNSEY HOPE finds out:

Ginsters Original Cornish Pasty (227g)

• £1.95 (£1.95 each)
• Nutrition: 597 calories, 35g fat, 3.7g sugar, 2.1g salt

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Lynsey says: “Given the high price and the somewhat shocking calorie, fat and sugar content, I didn’t want to like these.

“But I did.

“There was a good filling with 15% British beef as well as the traditional potato, swede and onion.

“It was big with a staggering 35g fat and nearly 600 calories – and very filling – definitely a meal as opposed to a snack.

“The pastry was rich and flavoursome though I didn’t like the added turmeric.

“Why mess with a classic?”

• Taste: 4/5
• Value: 4/5
• Overall score: 8/10

Tesco Cornish Pasties (520g)

• £2.50 for 4 (62.5p each)
• Nutrition: 364 calories, 23.3g fat, 9.5g fat, 2.6g sugar, 0.98g fat

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Lynsey says: “These pasties came out smelling very appetising and they had a lovely pepperiness on the tongue.

“They are huge, proper wedges, and I liked the flakiness of the puff pastry.

“There’s a good helping of beef at 18 per cent and these had one of the highest levels of swede, at nine per cent.

“A crowd-pleasing family pack for a good price.”

• Taste: 4/5
• Value: 5/5
• Overall score: 9/10

Asda Cornish Pasties (520g)

• £2.74 for 4 (68.5p each)

• Nutrition: 364 calories, 23g fat, 2.3g sugar, 0.86g salt

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Lynsey says: “Not the tastiest but they are good value and they are filled with a generous 18 per cent beef.

“The filling was dense but a lot of it was onion and it was definitely lacking in swede.

“It’s alright for a meal or snack but I fear pasty purists would not like this.”

• Taste: 2/5
• Value: 2/5
• Overall score: 4/10

Morrisons Cornish Pasties (520g)

• £3.20 (80p each)
• Nutrition: 373 calories, 25.1g fat, 2.1g sugar, 1.16g salt

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Lynsey says: “Very similar to the Tesco pasties with a generous 19 per cent beef.

“The pastry was well cooked and they gave a nice peppery hit on the tongue.

“Perhaps too much spud – I’d have preferred more vegetables.

“Whilst there was seven per cent swede, there was no carrot that I could detect and too much onion.

“Overly salty, too.

“Over 17p more each than the Tesco pasties and not as nice.”

• Taste: 3/5
• Value: 3/5
• Overall score: 6/10

M&S Cornish Pasties (300g)

• £3.50 for 2 (£1.75 each)

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Lynsey says: “Unlike lots of other pasties we tried, this one was made with flaky pastry.

“It was a little fragile with lots of pastry breaking off when I tried to heat it in the oven.

“It was incredibly tasty though.

“The pastry was well-baked and the pasty itself was generously filled with heaps of meat, potato and swede.

“The meat is beef skirt, as per the traditional recipe, which made this juicy and lovely.

“Pricey – but a cut above the other supermarket options.”

• Taste: 5/5
• Value: 4/5
• Overall score: 9/10

Aldi Crestwood Beef and Vegetable Pasty (200g)

• 69p for 1 (69p each)
• Nutrition: 544 calories, 28.5g fat, 3.1g sugar, 1.55g salt

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Lynsey says: “Aldi’s pasty has a Devon ‘crimp’ which means it is sealed on the top rather than traditional Cornish-style on the side.

“It looks great, very substantial and you can’t argue with the price.

“But the filling was bland and sloppy.

“It was lacking meaty flavour and the chunky texture you’d expect.

“Although there was 17 per cent beef, it was potato heavy and the carrots and swede inside were a bit mulchy.

“Very high in fat and calorific too.”

• Taste: 2/5
• Value: 3/5
• Overall score: 5/10

Waitrose Mini Cornish Pasties (180g)

• £3.75 for 6 (63.5p each)
• Nutrition: 90 calories, 5.60g fat, 0.60g sugar, 0.19g salt

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Lynsey says: “Little pockets of delicious pastry but filled with air.

“The filling was nice but there was really only a teaspoon in each one.

“I enjoyed them immensely and loved the tiny size for a snack.

“They were incredibly moreish and I kept eating one every time I opened the fridge.

“I liked the meaty flavour of the beef and there was lots of swede.

“Whilst they contained palm oil like many of the others, it was sustainable.

“However, for the price, I’d have liked them to be fuller.”

• Taste: 4/5
• Value: 3/5
• Overall score: 7/10

Lidl Chef Select Cornish Pasty (200g)

• Nutrition: 597 calories, 35g fat, 3.7g sugar, 2.1g salt

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Lynsey says: “Lidl‘s pasty was hefty and one of the most appetising on offer.

“After 20 minutes in the oven, the pastry was really nice and flaky and the filling was hearty and flavoursome.

“The meat was tender and not chewy and there as no gristle.

“Surprisingly, it was more expensive for a single pasty than many others, but it was huge so I still felt for less than a £1 it was excellent value for money.

“You could easily make a meal out of this.”

• Taste: 5/5
• Value: 5/5
• Overall score: 10/10

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

LIDL has launched a range of Father’s Day bargains that will make perfect presents for those on a budget.

The discount supermarket is famous for offering great deals in its Middle Aisle.

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The Father’s Day offers are no different as they start from just £1.99.

This latest drop of Middle Aisle buys will be available in stores from June 1 – but you’ll have to be quick as once they’re gone, they’re gone.

This year Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15.

Here are all the deals you can get…

Parkside Cordless Screwdriver Set – £14.99

At just £14.99, this is a great alternative to the Bosch version.

It’s 4V and it comes with four BBQ attachments: a BBQ blower, corkscrew, and salt and pepper mill.

For reference, the similar Bosch 3.6V 1 x 2 Li-ion Cordless Screwdriver IXO 7 costs £35 and doesn’t come with the accessories.

Lidl says the screwdriver set can be used around the house, in the kitchen and with your BBQ.

It has a USB-C charging port and a USB-C charging cable, although it doesn’t come with a mains adaptor.

It has a 15-piece bit set with standard screwhead profiles, plus a bit extension.

The screwdriver also comes with a three-year warranty.

Braun All-In-One Style Kit – £34.99

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For the dad who likes to keep well-groomed, you could pick up this trimmer kit.

The 9-in-1 kit can be used to style your hair, beard, ears, nose and more.

Lidl describes the trimmer as having “ultra-sharp blades for precise and effortless grooming”.

Its RRP is £67.49 on the Braun website but it’s selling on there currently for £44.99.

That means you can make a £10 saving by heading to Lidl and also save on delivery fees.

Auriol Watch – £14.99

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Keep your dad looking sharp with this trendy-looking watch which comes in a range of colours.

It has a silver strap but you can get the face in either green, black, yellow or blue.

The link strap is adjustable and it’s also water resistant.

Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty.

T-shirts – £4.99

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Nerdier dads might like these T-shirts featuring Captain America, Spider-Man or The Mandalorian.

Of course, they’re all dad-themed as well.

The Mandalorian T-shirt says “The Dadalorian, this is the way” with a black-and-white cartoon of The Mandalorian holding Baby Yoda.

The Spider-Man one says “Dad, you’re my super hero” while the Captain America one reads “Honorable Dad”.

All are made with cotton and come in the sizes medium to extra-large.

Socks – £3.99

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If your dad has ever told you just to buy him socks for Father’s Day, you’re in luck.

Lidl has a range of three bargain-friendly pairs of socks.

You can get a pair of comic-book-style “Super Dad” ones, a pair with taches and glasses, or a black chequered pair for the more serious man.

Father’s Day picture books

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Dads of younger children may like these picture books all themed around Father’s Day.

They include Just One Hug, My Daddy and Me, and I Love You Daddy.

Lidl’s description says each book has “a gentle, rhyming story and beautiful illustrations” and is “perfect for sharing with your little one”.

Puzzle books – £1.99

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Get his mind working with these bargain puzzle books.

All are priced at £1.99 and they include a Wordsearch Puzzle Book, Sudoku Puzzle Book and three Crime Puzzle Books.

IF you’re prepping your outdoor area for the relaxing summer ahead, a budget buy can level it up.

Lidl shoppers can elevate their garden or balcony’s privacy with this simple addition.

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Whether you’re lying back and soaking up the sun or enjoying a meal al fresco, you don’t want to feel as though you’re on display to everyone in your neighbourhood.

If your outdoor area is a little too exposed for your liking, there’s no need to write it off.

You can now shield yourself from nosy neighbours with this colourful item.

As well as shielding you from prying eyes, this Lidl buy can also help to brighten up your garden.

Shoppers can pick up a Large Hanging Planter for just £6.99 from the middle aisle.

Customers can “choose from a wide range of colours to brighten up their outdoor space”.

According to the experts at Monrovia, staggering your hanging planters at different levels can help to create a natural separation from the outside world.

And it does so without adding an unsightly privacy fence or screen to your space.

“It creates the sense of separation without shouting ‘keep out,'” they explained.

But the gardening pros highlighted the importance of taking care of your planters.

They recommended watering your natural barrier regularly, especially in the hot weather.

Or you can opt for a more classic privacy product to shield your garden from public view.

Amazon also has a £14 privacy buy that is described as “perfect” for summer.

Another privacy fence is also available from Amazon, for just £5.

B&Q has an affordable privacy fence currently on sale, and you can put it up yourself.

And a £10 B&M product adds inches to your fence, elevating your garden’s privacy.

You can also add a stylish touch to your privacy fence with another B&M buy.

A £3 buy from B&M is can also help to add privacy to your garden this summer.

And its not just fences that can help give you privacy in your garden, one B&M item can help shield you from nosy neighbours and the sun.

Meanwhile, a Home Bargains buy is said to add a touch of glamour to your garden.

Another item from the bargain retailer is perfect for attracting birds to your space.

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I PUSHED the order button on my phone and then 10 minutes later my groceries were at my door. 

I often find I’m missing an ingredient for a recipe and with two kids at home it’s easier to get the items delivered. 

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But how much extra am I paying?

Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements puts 60-minute delivery services to the test.

To my home in Maidenhead I can get Tesco Whoosh, Sainsbury’s Chop Chop, Morrisons via Amazon, Waitrose via Uber Eats and Co-op via Deliveroo.

I ordered the same basket from each shop.

Selecting the cheapest, pint of semi-skimmed milk, six-pack of eggs, punnet of strawberries, three-pack of Solero ice creams, loaf of white bread and two-pack of burgers. 

TESCO WHOOSH

• MIN SPEND: No minimum spend but baskets under £15 incur an extra £2 charge.
• BASKET COST: £16.55
• FEES: £2.99
• TOTAL COST: £19.54

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Tesco claims deliveries come in 20 minutes to 70 per cent of the UK from 1,500 stores. 

It was easy to order through the Clubcard app.

I did find the choice of items were fairly limited and more premium products on offer than basic ones. 

For example, only Tesco’s finest burgers and strawberries were available, plus the smallest carton of milk available was two pints as opposed to one.  

This pushed up the overall cost of the basket.

Although, it does have a low delivery fee compared to other supermarkets. 

My order arrived in 12 minutes, which was pretty speedy.

The strawberries did have a short best before date, which is annoying. 

RATING: 3/5

SAINSBURY’S CHOP CHOP 

• MIN SPEND: £15
• BASKET COST: £15.20 
• FEES: £4.99, plus carrier bag fee 30p
• TOTAL COST: £20.49

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It claims to deliver within an hour less from 800 stores.

You need to download the Chop Chop app. 

The choice of products was good and I was able to order everything I needed and keep costs relatively low.

For example, I was offered three different packs of strawberries to choose from. 

This means the basket cost was lower than rival Tesco, however, the fees were more than £2 higher and included a carrier bag fee making it more expensive overall.  

The order came exactly 10 minutes after placing it making it the fastest in the test.

And I can’t complain about the food which was all in great condition. 

You can also order Sainsbury’s through Uber Eats and Deliveroo but you can earn Nectar points when ordering through Chop Chop.

This was the quickest delivery and there was a great choice of food but the fee was at the higher end of the scale. 

RATING: 4/5

MORRISONS VIA AMAZON

• MIN SPEND: £15 for Amazon Prime members, £40 for non-members
• BASKET COST: £15.48 ( plus the extra sausages)
• FEES: Orders over £60 are free for Prime members, £2 for between £40 and £60, and £4 under £40. For non-members, fees are £3 for orders over £60 and £5 between £40 and £60.
• TOTAL COST: £19.48

Same-day deliveries within two-hour timeslots. 

When I logged on at 9.30am in the morning, I had the choice of three slots available with the earliest being 2-4pm, the next 4-6pm and then 6-8pm. 

I picked the later slot to make sure I didn’t miss the delivery while on the school run.

The choice of products was fantastic and the cheapest prices. 

I needed to meet a minimum spend of £15, as I’m an Amazon Prime member. I added on a pack of sausages to bring the total order up to £15.48.

By 8pm nothing had arrived. 

Then at 8.09pm I received a text message to say the order had been cancelled and that I would be refunded.

There was no reason given for the cancellation. 

Luckily we didn’t go hungry as the other orders were arriving – but I was not impressed.

The fees and minimum spends are offputting too. 

RATING: 0/5

WAITROSE VIA UBER EATS

• MIN SPEND: No min spend over £15, but under £15 it’s £3.
• BASKET COST: £13.11 (after discounts)
• FEES: £3.93 Made of three parts:
  *Service fee (10% of your subtotal capped at £2.99) £1.64 for my order  
  *Delivery fee (depends on variables including location and availability of drivers) £1.79 for my order.
  *Bag fee (depends on retailer) 50p for my order
• TOTAL COST:  £17.64

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On Uber Eats I can get Sainsbury’s and Co-op delivered as well as Waitrose.

The selection from Waitrose was great and my order arrived within 26 minutes. 

I also got 50 per cent off selected fruit and veg as there was an offer running, which knocked off £2.69 off my total bill.

The fees seem excessive as you’re charged for service, delivery and bags separately.

My order was also split into two bags, pushing up the cost. 

Good choice of food and it arrived in reasonable time and condition. 

RATING 3/5

CO-OP VIA DELIVEROO 

• MIN SPEND: No min spend
• BASKET COST: £13.55 (no eggs) changed to £8.10 after substitutions (no eggs, no strawberries) 
• FEES: £1.95
  *Service fee: £1.36
  *Delivery fee: 49p
  *Bag fee: 10p 
• TOTAL COST: £10.05 

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Through Deliveroo I can get Waitrose and Sainsbury’s delivered but I tested Co-Op.

Unfortunately, it was not long after the supermarket suffered from cyber attacks impacting its stock levels and product availability. 

However, I was still able to order burgers, milk, bread and ice lollies – and raspberries instead of strawberries. But there were no eggs at all. 

The original order total came to £15.50.

However, the raspberries were out of stock when it came to packing and my one pint of milk was changed to a two-pint carton, while the lollies were changed to Co-Op own brand. 

The order arrived in a reasonable 17 minutes. 

Unlike all the other deliveries, my Co-Op shopping arrived in a green compostable bag. 

This didn’t seem to offer the food as much protection as the brown paper bags from the other supermarkets. 

As a result, I wasn’t too happy with my loaf of bread which arrived seriously squished. 

Fees are split in a similar way to Uber Eats and made up of three parts.

The order arrived in good time but I wasn’t happy with my squashed bread and the choice also let down the experience but this seemed like bad timing.  

RATING: 2/5

OTHER SUPERMARKETS 

Asda and Ocado both offer speedy grocery deliveries.

Asda offers between an hour and four hours from 330 stores.

My closest branch is five miles away but I couldn’t get it delivered.

There’s no minimum spend and fees are £8.50 to £8.99. 

Ocado’s Zoom delivery is between 6am and 10pm.

It currently only covers parts of West and East London.

Minimum spend is £15 and fees start from £1.49. 

A BARGAIN banger has beaten big-name brands in a blind taste test, just in time for BBQ season.

Consumer champion Which? put a variety of supermarket and branded sausages to the test, including premium labels Heck and The Jolly Hog.

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The panel was made up of 65 people, and multiple factors were taken into consideration, including the texture, taste, and price.

Of the 12 tested, three superior sausages stood out and were made Which? Best Buys.

The testers crowned Lidl’s Deluxe Pork Sausages the winner with a score of 77 percent after they ticked all the boxes.

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The juicy texture got people’s taste buds tingling, and the flavour of the sausages was marked as “perfect” by an impressive 80 per cent.

Lidl’s sausages were also the cheapest of the 12 tested – so it’s good news all round.

The herb and spice seasoning also hit the spot with two-thirds of our tasters.

Around three-quarters liked the salt levels and two thirds said the texture was good – neither too coarse nor too fine.

The Which? team did point out that Lidl’s sausages are pretty high in saturated fat.

Two sausages contain 11.5g, which is more than half the recommended daily maximum for women and more than a third for men.  

Lidl Deluxe Pork Sausages are £2.49 for 400g, which works out as 62p per 100g.

Coming in second place was M&S Collection British Outdoor Bred Pork Sausages with a strong score of 75 percent.

Almost double the price of Lidl’s at £4.50 for 400g, the sausages are £1.13 per 100g.

The flavour, juiciness and salt levels won three-quarters of the voters over.

Two-thirds enjoyed the all-important texture, but while 58 Pper cent said seasoning was well-balanced, the remainder were divided on whether it was too much or too little.

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These succulent sausages from M&S are a Best Buy, but note that they are also joint priciest on test.

They are available in store only and at Ocado.

In third place is Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference British Pork Sausages, scooping 75 percent.

These are £3 for 400g, which works out 75p per 100 – so they are an excellent all-rounder.

The pork flavour was highly rated, while more than 70% said the juiciness, saltiness, and herb and spice seasoning were perfect. The texture was also enjoyed by two thirds.

They lost a few marks on plate-appeal compared with the other Best Buys, and around a third said these sausages looked too pale.

They are available in store and online.

In fourth place is the first brand, The Black Farmer Premium Pork Sausages.

Costing £3.50 for 400g (88p per 100g) they were well liked across the board.

More than three-quarters liked their juiciness, while around two-thirds said the pork flavour and salt levels were good.

A few points were lost on seasoning, as a third of our tasters wanted this to be punchier.

These UK-based artisanal sausages are available on Amazon, Asda, Co-op, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

Last but not least, in fifth place was Asda with its Exceptional Classic Pork Sausages.

These are pretty good sausages at a pretty good price, third cheapest after Aldi and Lidl.

More than 70 per cent enjoyed the pork flavour and pleasing texture. A similar proportion thought they looked the part and that the salt levels were right.

Herb and spice seasoning didn’t always hit the spot, though: nearly half felt this was lacking. So if you prefer a spicy sausage you might find these ones a bit bland.

They cost £2.98 for 400g (75p per 100g) and are available in store and online at Asda.

Here is how the rest of the supermarkets did:

• Morrisons The Best Thick Pork Sausages – 70 percent. Mostly well-liked sausages that scored well on flavour and aroma, though barely a half were fans of their somewhat coarse texture. £3.25 for 400g (81p per 100g). 
• Aldi Specially Selected Pork Sausages – 69 percent. Worth considering with a satisfying texture, but somewhat bland compared with the higher-scoring sausages. £2.49 for 400g (62p per 100g).
• Co-op Irresistible Pork Sausages – 69 percent. These juicy bangers were reasonable all-rounders, though a bit on the pale side. £3.60 for 400g (90p per 100g). 
• The Jolly Hog Proper Porker Sausages – 69 percent. Pretty good all-rounders, though no particular highlights. Around a third of our tasters wanted a stronger meaty flavour. £4 for 400g (£1 per 100g). 
• Iceland Luxury The Ultimate Pork Sausages – 65 percent. Fairly juicy, but rather pale and bland compared to the higher scoring sausages. They come in eight-packs, rather than the standard six. £4 for 400g (£1 per 100g). 
• Waitrose No.1 Free Range Pork Sausages – 62 percent. Juicy sausages, but they lost marks for looks and aroma. Less than half of our tasters found the texture and the seasoning worked for them.  £4.50 for 400g (£1.13 per 100g). 
• Heck 97 percent Pork Sausages – 54 percent. Low in saturated fat, but also low in enjoyment factor for our tasters. More than 60 percent said the pork flavour of these pale sausages was too weak while over half wanted more seasoning. Note that the casings of these sausages are made from beef collagen. £3.25 for 400g (81p per 100g). 

Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services, said: “Sausages are a summer barbecue staple for many, so it’s important to pick the right ones that will have your guests queuing up for more.

“Lidl came out on top for our taste tests, impressing with their juicy texture and meaty flavour. While pricier than Lidl’s, M&S and Sainsbury’s also dished up impressively succulent sausages.”

The sausages were tested in April 2025 at Which?’s specialist test lab.

The sausages were cooked according to pack instructions.

The taste test was blind, so the testers didn’t know which brand they were trying.

They tasted the sausages in a fully rotated order to avoid any bias.

Each tester had a private tasting booth so they couldn’t discuss what they were tasting or be influenced by others.

The tasters rated the flavour, aroma, appearance, and texture of each sausage, and told Which? what they liked and disliked. 

The overall score was based on: 50 percent flavour, 20 percent appearance, 15 percent aroma and 15 percent texture.

How to save money on your food shop

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year:

Odd boxes – plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price.

Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30.

Sainsbury’s also sells £2 “Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me” fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash.

Food waste apps – food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public.

Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio.

Too Good to Go’s app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount.

Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses.

Yellow sticker bargains – yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap.

But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here.

Super cheap bargains – sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they’ve found on the cheap, including food finds.

“Downshift” – you will almost always save money going for a supermarket’s own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands.

The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as “downshifting” and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop.

SHOPPERS are racing to Lidl to grab a garden lighting essential that’s perfect for summer evenings – and it’s up to £8 cheaper than similar buys at other big-name stores.

The Livarno Home LED Parasol String Lights are on shelves for just £7.99 and have got garden lovers buzzing online.

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They feature 72 twinkling mini LEDs, eight vintage-style bulbs, and give off a warm white glow – perfect for adding atmosphere to your patio or balcony.

There’s also a six-hour timer, so you can set them and relax without worrying about turning them off.

They’re designed for outdoor use and stretch 3 metres, so they’re ideal for wrapping around parasols or fencing.

The lights sparked a flurry of excitement on social media after one eagle-eyed shopper posted: “LED Parasol lights spotted at LIDL..!”

The post quickly racked up comments, with one fan writing: “Perfect. Hope they still have them tomorrow.”

Another tagged a mate and said: “I now fully understand why you were so excited… these look awesome!”

A third added: “Ooo these are so cute!!!”

But not everyone was glowing with praise. 

One unhappy customer hit out: “This is the most disappointing product I have EVER bought from Lidl.

“The cabling is short, no means of fixing & if you do waste 2 hours of your life persevering in fixing these lights, they then interfere with the operation of the parasol & the cables are sliced.

“Save your money, don’t bother!!!”

Still, plenty of shoppers reckon they’re a steal – especially compared to similar options:

• Amazon’s Smart Garden Altuna Luces DE Cadena 72 LED – £14.50
• Parasol String Lights 80 Warm White LED Garden Timer Lights – £15.99

That means you could save up to £9 by choosing Lidl’s version.

Remember to compare prices

It is important to remember to always shop around when buying something like this as you might find a cheaper alternative.

Websites like Trolley and Price Spy let you compare thousands of products across different retailers to find the best price.

Price Spy even lets you see how much an item has cost over time, so you can see if the current price is a good deal.

A quick scan on the Google Shopping/Product tab will also bring up how much retailers are selling a certain item for.

Previous garden sales

Last month, Middle of Lidl standout included Vileda Mixer 3 Tower Airer, labelled a “Top Pick” by the retailer and was priced at £29.99.

Elsewhere, Aldi recently launched a gorgeous new garden must-have Decorative Table for just £14.99, perfect for creating your own Mediterranean retreat.

Recent Specialbuys from the discounter has also included the popular solar lights range.

As well as a cheaper alternative to the Karcher pressure washer by some £80.

Elsewhere, B&M released a number of garden furniture, this included a Sienna double egg chair which retails for £250.

It also released the Paris 2-Seater Pod Chair is on sale also priced at £250.

Recently, Argos slashed its prices on a massive range of outdoor and DIY essentials, with discounts of up to £60.

In March, Wilko knocked down prices on patio sets, lounge chairs, and bistro sets.

How can I save money when shopping at Lidl?

Lidl reduces items at the start of the day, and the best deals can be found between 7am and 8am, when most stores open.

Shoppers can often find cooked meats, salmon fillets and breads reduced by 30% or more.

Not only does Lidl have its own range of reasonably priced alcohol, it also has its own knock-offs of branded favourites – so say cheers to its bargain booze.

Everyone knows about the “Middle of Lidl” – it’s here where you’ll find a load of random stuff you didn’t realise you needed, at decent prices.

But if you are hoping to avoid spending more than you planned, you can check what will be in the “Middle of Lidl” on the supermarket’s website in advance.

The Middle of Lidl is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday.

Shoppers can also keep tabs on what’s appearing in the “Pick of the Week” section on the Lidl website.

The discounts happen every Thursday and are usually on fruit, vegetables, and meat.