Aldi Scotland launches ‘Keep Kevin Cosy’ charity boxes to help homeless people stay warm this winter

 The discount retailer’s beloved mascot will be collecting hats and gloves to donate to those who need it most this festive season 

Aldi Scotland has launched a new charity campaign encouraging customers to donate their unwanted winter warmers this Christmas.  

Following widespread success over the last two years for its ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign, which saw more than 4,000 pairs of socks donated to good causes, Aldi has partnered with Crisis Scotland to help deliver hats and gloves to help keep the most vulnerable people warm this winter.  

The initiative encourages customers to drop off any unwanted or extra unused hats or gloves that they may have received as Christmas gifts to the ‘Keep Kevin Cosy’ boxes, which will be in all of Aldi’s 104 stores in Scotland. The boxes will be in Aldi stores from the 2nd of January until the end of the month. 

Donations will be received by Crisis Scotland, which works tirelessly to help those struggling with homelessness. The charity’s policy advocacy and campaign teams come together to provide practical support and advice, inform professionals, and campaign for legislative change in order to create the best possible outcomes for people in housing need.  

Neil Cowan, Scotland’s Head of Policy & Communications at Crisis Scotland, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, demand for our services has shot up. Unaffordable housing costs, rising energy bills, and increasing food prices are all factors pushing people closer to homelessness.  

“Crisis Scotland operates year-round to help people take their first steps out of homelessness, or to prevent it entirely. To continue providing our services and campaigning for change, we greatly rely on the generosity of supporters, which is why we are delighted to be Aldi Scotland’s chosen charity for the Keep Kevin Cost campaign.  

“On behalf of the team at Crisis Scotland, we would like to thank everyone who is able to donate.”  

We rely on the generosity of supporters to provide our services and campaign for change, which is why we are delighted to be Aldi Scotland’s chosen charity for the Keep Kevin Cosy campaign.” 

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “This year has been incredibly challenging for people across the country, so we wanted to do our bit to help Crisis Scotland, who are working day in and day out to support the most vulnerable people in society. 

“We know that homeless charities often look for warm clothing and accessories over the winter period, so I would encourage our customers to donate any unwanted hats or gloves, and put them to better use this festive season.”  

As part of the campaign, Aldi will also make a £1,000 donation to Crisis Scotland.”  

The boxes will be in all 104 of Aldi’s stores in Scotland from Monday, 2nd January. Customers are invited to drop off any unwanted, new and unused, hats and gloves, which will all be donated to Crisis Scotland. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.  

Battle of the Bakes

Aldi Scotland Takes on Greggs with New Range of Savoury Bakes

At just 84p, Aldi’s steak bake is almost half the price of the equivalent from the UK’s most popular high street bakery

Aldi is bringing a new range of tasty filled savoury bakes to Scotland at incredibly low prices.

Each of its ‘Frasers Bakes’ are just 84p, almost half the price of similar products in Greggs, which retail for around £1.40.

Available across all 104 stores, the golden pastries are full of delicious flavour and locally produced in Scotland.

Customers can choose from a range of enticing fillings, including Steak; Macaroni; Cheesy Bean; Cheese and Onion; and Chicken Curry. At just £1.69 for a pack of two, the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket* is once again bringing customers unbeatable deals on quality Scottish food and drink.

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our mission at Aldi Scotland is to bring as many exciting Scottish-made products to the market for amazingly low prices. Our new range of savoury bakes is an excellent addition to our growing portfolio of locally produced items.

“With a delicate and light coating, and sumptuous selection of flavourful fillings, it’s no surprise that the savoury bake is a household favourite for many across the country.

“We expect these to be incredibly popular amongst our customers, who can now pick up a pack of two for just £1.69, nearly half the price of the popular high-street bakery.”

To find out more about your local Aldi Store, please visit www.aldi.co.uk

Scottish chef rustles up St Andrew’s Day feast for just £3pp with Aldi

Aldi Scotland teams up with MasterChef: The Professionals finalist David Hetherington for budget friendly St Andrew’s Day feast 

Aldi Scotland is sharing its tried and tested take on a St Andrew’s Day feast that families across the country can enjoy for just £3 per person.  

The discount retailer has partnered with Chef David Hetherington – who previously appeared on BBC’s iconic MasterChef: The Professionals series – to create a delicious feast for four that includes Scotch Lamb and all the trimmings.  

Chef Hetherington has delved into his culinary archives and developed this year’s take on a perfect St Andrew’s dish; Grilled Nature’s Glen Scotch Lamb chops, potato and black pudding terrine and carrot purée.  

The whole dish costs just £12.27, which for a family of four works out at only £3.07 per person.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Selecting the perfect menu for St Andrew’s Day can often stump even the best home cooks which is why we are bringing our tried and tested, delicious recipe to the table this year.  

“We have worked with Chef Hetherington to profile quality Scottish produce as the natural accompaniment for any St Andrew’s Day celebrations. The Scotch Lamb, Scottish potatoes and carrots, and locally produced Macaulay black pudding slices create a truly Scottish base for this delicious meal.”  

Grilled Nature’s Glen Scotch lamb chops, potato & black pudding terrine, carrot purée by Chef David Hetherington and Aldi Scotland  

Serves 4 

Ingredients – total £12.27/ £3.07 per person  

·         Nature’s Glen Scotch lamb chops £4.29 

·         Rosemary sprigs £0.52  

·         10 x large Scottish tatties, washed & peeled £1.19  

·         4 x carrots £0.24 

·         500g Macaulay’s Black Pudding Slices £2.10 

·         250g butter £1.99  

·         4 cloves garlic £0.79  

·         100ml Scottish double cream £1.15  

 Method:  

·         Rub your lamb with oil, salt and pepper. 

·         Place onto a plate with a sprig of rosemary and wrap with cling film. Set aside.  

·         Peel the carrots and dice into equal sized pieces. Pop in a pan of salted water to boil for around 15 minutes.  

For the potato and black pudding terrine:  

·         Next, the tatties – we need these to be sliced very thinly, and for the best results we are looking for paper thin slices. 

·         Once your tatties are sliced, load them into a bowl, add salt and pepper next, then 200g of melted butter.  

·         Toss the tatties, making sure they are evenly coated in butter, salt and pepper. 

·         Next, you’ll need a loaf tin, lined with parchment paper.  

·         Start to evenly layer the potatoes into the loaf tin, getting right into the corners, keep layering until halfway up, always pushing down to compress each layer.  Once you are at halfway, crumble in the black pudding, again right into the corners.  

·         Now continue with the tatties until the loaf tin is full to the brim, then keep going make sure it is heaving at the seams.  

·         Cover with tin foil and pop in the oven at 160°C for 1h15m or until a knife slides through the potatoes.  

·         This point is crucial, find something that fits on top of your loaf tin, maybe a chopping board, can of beans or another loaf tin. Weigh down the cooked terrine. Be careful as hot butter might squeeze out as you push in.   

·         Ideally leave the terrine in the fridge overnight allowing it to firm up. 

·         Tip out of the loaf tin and slice into 1.5 cm slices, it should be nice and compact, with a ribbon of black pudding through the middle.   

 For the carrots:  

·         Now, the carrots. After cooking for 15-20 minutes they should be nice and soft. 

·         Strain the water off and pop it in the food processor, blend until smooth and add in the cream, season to taste.  

·         Let this chill and pop it in the fridge. 

 For the Scotch Lamb:  

·         If you have a griddle pan now is the time to use it, if not a normal pan will do, heat the pan until it’s very hot!  

·         Place the lamb cutlets in the pan, always placing away from you to avoid any oil splashback. 

·         We want to go for about 1-2 mins each side, then throw in the garlic cloves and the rest of the rosemary.  

·         Now, turn down the heat. 

·         In goes the last remaining butter. 

·         Allow the butter to froth all up and baste the lamb in it.  

 Serving:  

·         Pan fry your potato terrine slices until golden brown on both sides.  

·         Warm the carrot purée.   

·         Remove the lamb chops from the foaming butter and straight on to a warm plate.  

·         Add a swoosh or blob or a splat of purée and the crispy terrine alongside succulent lamb.   

Enjoy! 

To find out more about your local Aldi Store, please visit www.aldi.co.uk  

Aldi Scotland Serves up Sizzling Scottish Products for the Ultimate BBQ

It’s officially BBQ season and come rain or shine, Scots across the country will be firing up the grill for the ultimate summer feast.

To celebrate the return of BBQ Week (4-10 July) Aldi Scotland have unveiled a huge selection on locally produced BBQ products which shoppers are sure to flip out for.

If you are ‘rare-ly’ wanting to impress your guests the multi-award winning Specially Selected Ribeye Steak is a must for all BBQs, adding a top-quality feel at everyday affordable prices.

Grill-maestros cannot go wrong with the new Nature’s Glen Italian Style Burger, which is a perfect mix of rich tasty Scotch Beef and delicate Scottish Pork all beautifully seasoned and ready for cooking. 

If the Scottish summer fails to make an appearance, the chilli flavoured Scotch Beef Kebabs are enough to bring some heat to any outdoor occasion and are the perfect addition to the BBQ.

However, if you are wanting to move away from the traditional BBQ meats, Aldi can help you ‘scale’ new heights, with their beautifully flavoured range of Scottish Salmon Fillets, from warming harissa infused fillets, to the salty and sweet Miso and Sweet Chilli Salmon, the only problem will be guests deciding what to enjoy first.

The leading value supermarket, which is currently named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2021 by Which?, guarantees exceptional quality, provenance and taste at unbelievably low prices, making it the clear choice for stocking up on the BBQ essentials this summer. 

From a selection of classic beef burgers to kebabs and pork sausages to salmon, each item has been produced right here in Scotland, giving shoppers the chance to pick up the best quality meat and fish products from the country’s world leading natural larder at everyday amazing Aldi prices.

Aldi Scotland’s BBQ range includes:

  • Nature’s Glen Scotch Beef Smash Burgers, 300g, £2.25
  • Specially Selected Scotch Ribeye Steak, 227g, £4.99
  • Specially Selected Scotch Sirloin Steak, 227g, £4.99
  • Specially Selected Scotch Ultimate Burgers, two burgers for £2.69
  • Nature’s Glen Italian Style Burger, 340g £2.49
  • Nature’s Glen 5% Fat Quarter Pounder Beef Burger, Plain/Chilli, 454g, £3.29
  • Specially Selected Scotch Quarter Pounder, Caramelised Onion/Cheddar Cheese, 454g £3.19
  • Nature’s Glen Scotch Beef Kebabs, Plain/Sweet Chilli, 400g,£2.99
  • The Tasty Catch Co Infused Scottish Salmon Fillets, Harissa/Red Thai/Green Pesto/Chilli Ginger and Lime, 220g, £2.99
  • The Tasty Catch Co Scottish Salmon Fillets with Butter Melts, Miso & Sweet Chilli/Sundried Tomato & Parmesan, 220g, £2.99
  • Specially Selected Scottish Pork Sausages, Caramelised Onion/ Cumberland, 400g, £1.99
  • Specially Selected Scottish Pork Sausages, 400g, £1.99

Aldi Scotland works with more than 90 Scottish producers and stocks over 450 Scottish products. You can find your nearest Aldi here.

Serve up the perfect Father’s Day breakfast with Aldi Scotland’s ‘Big Man’ square sausage

Aldi has transformed Scotland’s most-loved breakfast food into something even better with its Big Man Square Sausage, which is double the thickness of a regular square sausage.  

Guaranteed to have Dads across the country clearing their plates, the Big Man Square Sausage is ideal for an indulgent Scottish fry up or in a morning roll.  

Aldi worked with award-winning Scottish Butcher, We Hae Meat, to create the Lauchlan Burn Big Man Square Sausage, which makes for the perfect addition to a Father’s Day breakfast feast.  

Aldi shoppers can pick up the tasty breakfast item, which is available at Aldi stores across Scotland from 16th June, for just £1.49 for a pack of two (260g), while stocks last.  

Aldi: Avoid a soggy bottom with Dunkability Challenge!

The act of dunking a biscuit in a cup of tea is a proud tradition, with research from McVitie’s finding that 71% of people admit to doing the dunk when enjoying a warm cuppa. 

But as National Tea Day approaches (tomorrow – 21st April), Aldi Scotland has set out to uncover what happens when the mighty shortbread is plunged into a milky tea and reveals the products with the best ‘dunkability’. 

To help its customers create the perfect tea and biscuit ritual, Aldi Scotland has put its most popular Specially Selected All Butter Shortbread products to the test in the supermarket’s first ‘Dunkability Challenge’. 

Rated on its shape, taste, and its crunch vs crumble qualities, tea lovers can use the below review system to find their perfect Aldi Scotland biccy to complement their cuppa, all for under £2.

Star outlineSpecially Selected Orkney Caramel Shortbreads (£1.69, 5 pack)               5/5 Dunkability

Aldi Scotland’s Specially Selected Orkney Caramel Shortbreads, winners at the 2021 Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards, are once again topping the competition by scoring a perfect 5/5 in the dunkability scale.

Shape

The deliciously dunkable Orkney Caramel Shortbreads are two perfectly formed pieces of utterly-buttery shortbread sealed together with a golden caramel centre making them easy to hold for dipping down to the last bite.

Taste

These irresistibly buttery shortbreads are double-drizzled in Belgian chocolate and golden caramel. When dunked into warm tea, the caramel centre will become deliciously gooey, melting in your mouth. Made from a traditional family recipe, using the finest ingredients including Orkney butter, the Orkney Caramel Shortbread’s are truly indulgent at a wallet-pleasing £1.69.

Crunch vs Crumble

With a perfect balance of crunch and crumble, these chunky treats are the upper crust on the ‘Dunkability’ scale. Fully immerse in your cuppa for a gooey mouthful, or delicately dip for that satisfying snap.

Result

A more modern take on the traditional Scottish shortbread, these double layered biscuits have earned their place in cupboards across the country and are guaranteed to add a certain luxury to any tea-break.

Star outlineSpecially Selected All Butter Scottish Shortbread Fingers (£1.19)             4/5 Dunkability

Shape

These Shortbread Fingers are the perfect shape for dunking in tea. The rectangle biscuits allow for controlled dunking, granting a tailored experience for each personal preference. It comes as no surprise these Shortbread Fingers won a star at the Great Taste Awards 2020.

Taste

Aldi’s All Butter Shortbread Fingers are slow baked, using a traditional Scottish recipe. Finished with a sprinkling of sugar, these shortbread biscuits will give you all the sweetness you need to balance out a strong brew.

Crunch vs Crumble

Upon dipping these Shortbread Fingers, you are sure to experience a soft crumble, while retaining a crisp crunch with each bite.

Result

A perfect all-rounder. Whether you’re a dunking aficionado, or simply trying out something new on your next tea-break, you won’t be left disappointed.

Specially Selected All Butter Scottish Shortbread Rounds (£1.19)             4/5 Dunkability

Shape

These fan favourites have a slim feel and circular form which deliver a delicate bite making them irresistibly moreish.

Taste

These Shortbread Rounds are available in All Butter, Sicilian Lemon and Chocolate Chunk. Whether you fancy a zap of zesty flavour, or a hint of luxurious chocolate, these All-Butter Shortbread Rounds work as well with coffee as they do tea.

Crunch vs Crumble

With a distinctive snap, these Shortbread Rounds will certainly give a satisfying crunch pre-dunk, while offering a soft crumble into your tea upon dipping. These are ideal for anyone who is not left disappointed by a soggy bottom.

Result

If you take pleasure in submerging your biscuit, then these Shortbread Rounds are most definitely for you, while the variety of flavour options, at the bargain price of £1.19 means there’s something for all tastes.

Aldi Scotland most awarded retailer at the 2021 Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards

This year’s inaugural Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards saw Aldi enjoy enormous success as the most-awarded supermarket, winning an impressive 19 accolades for a variety of its high-quality Scottish food and drink.

After almost three weeks of intensive judging involving hundreds of products and more than 60 expert judges from across the food and drink sector, a range of Aldi’s Scottish products from various food and drink categories were announced as the winners.

As well as scooping three Gold Awards in the beer, gin and spirit categories, Aldi also took home two of the six highly sought-after Platinum Awards for their Specially Selected Steak & Ale Pie and 12-Year-Old Speyside Whisky. Both products were described as being “well-balanced”, “exceptional value for money” and of “absolutely outstanding quality”.

Helen Lyons, Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards Co-Founder, said: “My congratulations go out to all our winners and a big well done to Aldi for their sweeping success this year, which is thoroughly deserved. Their championing of Scottish produce is so clear.

“The Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards recognises and celebrates the best produce available in Scotland. Our goal has always been to get more Scottish food and drink products onto more shelves, and it has been such a joy to see the high standard of entries this year.

“Receiving a Scottish Retail Food and Drink Award is a stamp of excellence. Aldi should be very proud of their many successes this year, especially their two Platinum Awards.”

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, added: “I am thrilled that 19 of our Scottish products have been recognised by the Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards. Our success really demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with the best quality produce that Scotland has to offer at an affordable price.

“I am also so pleased that Aldi has been highlighted as leading the way in Scottish sourcing. The awards and this recognition are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Scottish suppliers.”

Aldi leads the way with local sourcing and stocks some of the finest quality food and drink from over 90 Scottish suppliers. After reaching their initial goal of stocking over 450 Scottish products by the end of 2020, the supermarket has now increased this target to stock over 500 locally sourced products in the next two years.

The complete range of Aldi Scotland products that have won at the 2021 Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards are:

ALDI Scotland Product WinnersCategoryRetail Price
12-year-old Speyside WhiskyPlatinum Award – Drink£20.99, 70cl
Specially Selected Steak & Ale PiePlatinum Award – Food£1.99, 250g
ToradhGold Award – Gin£14.99, 70cl
EidynGold Award – Gin£19.99, 70cl
Anti AGold Award – Beer£1.19, 330ml
RubusGold Award – Beer£1.25, 330ml
12-year-old Speyside WhiskyGold Award – Other Spirits£20.99, 70cl 
Specially Selected Sundried Tomato, Lentil & Smoked Paprika SoupStore Cupboard£0.75, 380g
Specially Selected Chicken BalmoralReady Meals & Accompaniments£3.79, 465g
Specially Selected Steak & Ale PieQuiches, Pies and Pasties£1.99, 250g 
Specially Selected Aberdeen Angus 36-Day Aged RibeyeSteak£4.89, 227g
Specially Selected Black PuddingHaggis, Black & White Pudding£0.99, 200g
Specially Selected Scotch Aberdeen Angus Dry Aged Steak BurgerBurgers and Sausages£2,49, 340g
Ginger, Chilli and Lime Infused Scottish Salmon FilletsFish£2.99, 220g
Specially Selected Jersey MilkDairy£0.95, 1l
Specially Selected Scottish Vintage CheddarCheese£1.25, 200g
Specially Selected Orkney Caramel BiscuitsBiscuits – Sweet£1.69, 200g
Specially Selected Oatcake Bikes – Lockerbie CheddarBiscuits – Savoury£0.99, 175g

Aldi’s Specially Selected Lemon Shortbread Rounds were also Commended in the Biscuits – Sweet category.