Tag: Aldi

Aldi to help customers create delicious family meals on a budget

Are you looking for some recipe and meal inspiration to impress the family and want to test your culinary skills to make restaurant quality dishes at home without breaking the bank?  

Then you’re in luck because Aldi has partnered with award winning Scottish Chef and professional MasterChef contestant, David Hetherington, to help customers re-create a range of vibrant and delicious meals that will feed four people for less than £1.50 per person using fresh local Scottish produce.  

David Hetherington, Head Chef at Glasgow’s Locker Hyndland, Provenance Chef of the Year 2018 and winner of Inspiring Chef of the Year 2020 has developed a variety of recipes using local Scottish produce from Aldi to help inspire customers to create high-quality and affordable meals from their own home.  

Starting with a Mother’s Day Spring Pea, Thyme & Lemon Ricotta Tart and Berry Pavlova, over the next four weeks David will release a series of healthy meal ideas for four, with suggestions on how to spice up your lunch whilst working from home, as well as offering a step-by-step guide on how to create the ultimate Aldi Easter Sunday roast. 

Weekly recipe suggestions and step-by-step cooking guides will feature across David’s (@chef_hetherington) and Aldi Scotland’s (@aldiscotland) Instagram and Facebook pages starting from 8th March.  

David Hetherington, Head Chef at Glasgow’s Locker Hyndland said: “It has been brilliant to see everyone get more involved in cooking at home and by partnering with Aldi, who lead the way on Scottish provenance, I aim to build on this culinary excitement and share both affordable and nutritious recipe ideas for everyone to enjoy.  

“By taking advantage of the selection of fresh Scottish produce available at Aldi, my weekly recipes will help guide both experienced cooks and kitchen novices to produce an array of tasty meals. Along the way, I will also provide some top cooking tips on how to find the best produce in your local Aldi store and how to be more adventurous in your own kitchen.”   

Graham Nicolson, Aldi Scotland, Group Buying Director said: “We are thrilled to be able to help our customers test their culinary skills and experiment with cooking by using Aldi’s extensive range of quality fresh local produce and ingredients.

“As well as access to great quality Scottish ingredients we know that what matters to our customers is getting great value for money, and that’s why keeping our prices the lowest in Scotland is our number one mission. 

“Over the past year, David has done an excellent job in engaging with people to encourage cooking at home but recognising at the moment that keeping dishes affordable is also of key importance, and for the next four weeks I hope our customer are excited to try out the new recipes that David has created.” 

Full Recipe Calendar: 

· W/c 8 March: Creating a restaurant-quality Mother’s Day feast for under £6 

· W/c 15 March: How to spice up your lunches when working from home 

· W/c 22 March: How to create a healthy meal for four for under £6 

· W/c 29 March: The ultimate Aldi Easter Sunday Roast for £6 

Mother’s Day Recipe: 

Spring pea, thyme & lemon ricotta tart, mixed leaf and cherry tomato salad 

Serves 4  

Prep time 10 mins 

Cook Time 20 mins 

Difficulty 🔪 

Total £3.30 

  • 1 bag frozen garden peas – 59p 
  • 1 lemon – 14p 
  • 2 sprigs of thyme/pinch of dried thyme – Store cupboard 
  • 250g Ricotta – 75p 
  • 1 roll puff pastry – 79p 
  • Good twist of salt and black pepper – Store cupboard 
  • Splash of olive oil – Store cupboard 
  • ½ pack of cherry tomatoes – 34p 
  • 1 bag baby leaf salad – 69p 

Pre heat the oven to 180°C/ gas mark 4. 

Line a rectangular baking tray, or a round one, with baking parchment, then line with pastry. 

Next up, line the puff pastry with baking parchment, and fill with baking beans (this could be lentils, raw chickpeas, or you can buy real baking beans online, I choose to use lentils), this stops the middle of the tart rising while you bake the pastry. Leave a little pastry lip hanging out the top for a wee bit of crunch. Pop the tart in the oven and bake for around 20 minutes or until the pastry is looking golden. 

While the pastry is cooking, chuck the ricotta into a bowl, add some chopped thyme (or a pinch of dried thyme), squeeze of lemon juice, some lemon zest and some salt and pepper. 

Put a pot of water on to boil. Once boiling add in the frozen peas and allow it to come back to the boil and immediately strain off the water and chill, this is important to keep the colour, nutrients and flavour in the peas. 

Once the pastry is cooked, and cooled, fire in the ricotta mix, smooth it out to the  

edges and fill the pastry, toss the peas with some olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme and a squeeze of lemon, and pile them on top. 

For the salad, wash the salad leaves gently under cold water, toss in olive oil, salt, pepper, halved cherry tomatoes and serve up everything with love and a big smile. 

Berry Pavlova 

Serves 4  

Prep time 10 mins 

Cook Time approx 2 Hrs 

Difficulty 🔪🔪 

Total £2.60 

  • 4 egg whites – 48p 
  • 250g caster sugar – 27p 
  • 250ml double cream – 71p 
  • ½ punnet of Wonky strawberries – 69p 
  • ½ punnet of Wonky blueberries – 45p 

This recipe will always work better if you have an electric whisk. 

In a clean dry bowl place the egg whites, and whisk on a high speed until they become stiff. Place the sugar onto a baking sheet, and place in a hot oven at around 180°C, you’ll want the sugar to heat until it becomes too hot to touch with the palm of your hand. This is a culinary trick so please be careful. 

Carefully pour the sugar into the egg whites, mixing at a fairly high speed, again we are working with hot sugar here, so be careful and take your time. 

Continue to whisk the eggs on a high speed once all the sugar is in and keep whisking until the mix is cold. It should be shiny and hold itself together. 

We need to make a small meringue bowl for our pavlova, so divide the mix into four onto a parchment lined tray. Now the best way to do this would be to pipe a little nest, but you can plop a dollop on a tray and make a wee well in the centre with a hot spoon.  

Now switch off the oven, it should still be hot from the sugar warming.  Pop in the tray of meringues and wait for about 10 minutes before you close the door and leave overnight. It is really important we dry out the shells of our meringues without colouring them. 

When you are ready to serve, whip up the double cream, and spoon into your meringue nests, chop up your berries and arrange on top. 

Enjoy!

Who ate Al-di pies?


Aldi’s award-winning range of Scottish pies are on sale now for British Pie Week


Hap-pie days, its British Pie Week (1st – 7th March) and what better way to celebrate these marvellous meaty creations than by sampling Aldi’s delicious range of filled pies baked to perfection right here in Scotland.

Starting at only 89p, Aldi’s award-winning range features firm favourites with hungry Scots, including Steak & Gravy Pies (2 pack, £1.39), Scotch Pies (2 pack, 89p), and Brownings the Bakers’ famous Kilmarnock Pie (150g, £1.39).

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not try Aldi’s Macaroni Pies (2 pack, 99p) or Chicken Curry Pies (2 pack, £1.29), perfect as a mid-afternoon snack.
Or why not indulge in one of Aldi’s award-winning Specially Selected Luxury Pies, including Steak & Ale Pie, Steak & Black Pudding Pie, or Chicken & Leek Pie (250g, £1.99).

Looking for a traditional treat for two? why not pick up Aldi’s Top Crust Steak Pie (£2.29, 371g), or for the perfect meal for all the family the Large Top Crust Steak Pie (£3.69, 660g) is guaranteed to go down a storm.

Sure to get mouths watering, Aldi’s range of Scottish pies are available now from all 96 stores in Scotland.

The full range includes:

• Specially Selected Luxury Pies. Choose from Steak & Ale, Chicken & Leek, and Steak & Black Pudding (£1.99, 250g)

• Frasers Scotch Pie (2 pack) (89p)

• Frasers Scotch Pie (4 pack) (£1.59)• Frasers Macaroni Pie (2 pack) (99p)

• Frasers Chicken Curry Pies (2 pack) (£1.29)• Frasers Steak & Gravy Pies (2 pack) (£1.39)

• Browning’s Kilmarnock Pie (£1.39, 150g)

• Frasers Top Crust Steak Pie (£2.29, 371g)

• Frasers Large Top Crust Steak Pie (£3.69, 660g)

• Frasers Steak Round (£1.39, 330g)

• Frasers Mince Round (£0.99, 330g)

Aldi named UK’s top in-store supermarket in Which? survey

Aldi has been named the UK’s favourite in-store supermarket in Which?’s annual satisfaction survey, while Ocado slipped down the online grocery rankings after shoppers struggled to secure delivery slots during the coronavirus pandemic.

The consumer champion surveyed more than 3,000 members of the public about their experience with supermarkets, asking customers to rate their shopping experience in a range of categories such as in-store appearance and layout, quality of produce, availability of online delivery slots and value for money.

German discounter Aldi emerged as the top in-store supermarket in the UK after receiving a five-star rating for value for money – the only supermarket to achieve this in the survey – and a 73 per cent customer score.

While Aldi received mediocre ratings across all other categories, including two stars for store layout and three stars for the quality of its own-label products and fresh food, price was the most important consideration for customers when choosing where to shop.

In 2020, Aldi was the cheapest supermarket to shop in six of the eight months it was included in Which?’s monthly supermarket price analysis.

In this year’s online supermarket survey, Ocado fell to joint-fifth place alongside Waitrose and Morrisons. It struggled to meet demand when the pandemic hit and was ultimately forced to close its website and app – the latter for several months. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it received just two-star ratings for the availability of delivery slots.

It also received two-stars for value for money, reflecting its regular appearance as the second-most expensive supermarket after Waitrose in our monthly analysis.

One Ocado customer told Which?: “During [the first] lockdown I really struggled to get delivery slots, despite being officially classified as vulnerable and having a monthly delivery pass.”

Sainsbury’s was the highest-scoring online supermarket with an overall customer score of 71 per cent and a four-star rating for the availability of delivery slots.

It was also named a Which? Recommended Provider (WRP) for its online service. The company’s high standards for food hygiene and clear nutritional labelling on its own-brand products also contributed to the decision to name it a WRP.

M&S came second in the in-store supermarkets table after receiving a five-star rating for the appearance and layout of its stores and the quality of its own-label and fresh products.

In joint-third place were Lidl, Tesco and Waitrose. Much like its rival Aldi, Lidl performed well when it came to value for money, achieving four-star ratings, but it failed to impress customers in other categories.

Despite receiving five stars for store layout and food quality, Waitrose was let down by its two-star rating for value for money.

Co-op finished bottom of the in-store shopping table as it failed to impress customers in key categories. It received just one-star for value for money, and two-stars for its store layout and food quality.

Harry Rose, Which? Magazine Editor, said: “Many households have felt the pinch during the pandemic, and value for money was the most important factor when shopping in-store in our annual supermarket survey – which explains why Aldi came out on top.

“Online supermarkets have also been a lifeline for many people during the pandemic, and while Sainsbury’s rose to the challenge by massively increasing its delivery capacity, Ocado’s reputation took a hit after the scale of demand meant it stopped accepting new customers and shut down its app at the height of lockdown.”

SCOTTISH OYSTERS FOR £2.99?

AW SHUCKS, ALDI, YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE … !

It may not be the Valentine’s Day we expected, but lockdown lovers and sassy singletons can still indulge from the comfort of their own home with Aldi’s Specialbuy Scottish Oysters.  

On sale from today (11th February), there’s no need to shell out for the romantic delicacy, because love struck Aldi customers can pick up a pack of six fresh Scottish Oysters for just £2.99 (360g).  

They do say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach and at these everyday amazing prices, there really is no reason to be shellfish this Valentine’s Day.  

The oysters are being supplied to Aldi specially for Valentine’s Day by a co-operative of small-scale shellfish farmers based on the West Coast of Scotland, who belong to the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group. 

Grown in mesh bags that are laid on low trestles on the shore at the low tide mark, the oysters grow naturally by feeding from the nutrient-rich tidal flows of Scotland’s seas. As the oysters grow, they are checked daily by the farmers and regularly sorted by hand to ensure optimum quality.  

Derek Sharp, Commercial Manager at Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group, said: “With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is great to see Aldi support our small-scale farmers, who work collaboratively to provide the best quality oysters. 

“Our oyster farms are Friend of the Sea certified, which demonstrates the use of responsible management systems, sustainability of production, social accountability and full traceability. Aldi customers can be confident that they are buying top quality produce.” 

Although typically associated with all things romance, oysters also boast a wealth of health benefits. Rich in both vitamins and minerals, they are a fantastic source of Omega-3, meaning that it won’t just be your other half looking after your heart this Valentine’s Day.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Oysters are known to be a delicacy, and we are really pleased to be working with the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group to give our customers a taste of luxury, at excellent value, this Valentine’s Day.  

“This is another step forward in our championing of top-tier Scottish produce, and a chance for customers to celebrate their love in style. Aldi’s oysters will make the perfect appetiser for a special Valentine’s feast at home.” 

Aldi’s fresh Scottish oysters are available from all UK stores from today (11th February) while stocks last. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.  

‘A day in the life’ of an oyster farmer 

Gordon Turnbull, Isle of Mull Oysters Ltd 

“An oyster farmer’s schedule depends on the tide and my days are dictated by the moon. Typically, I’ll arrive at my oyster shed on the Isle of Mull around 7am to sort and grade the oysters from the previous day.  

“I’ll wait for the tide to go out which reveals our trestle tables, home to between three and four million oysters at any one time.  

“Then its go, go, go. The oysters that aren’t ready for market are returned to the shore. We’re really working against the tide as we only have a short window, between two and three hours, when our trestle tables are visible above the water.  

When the tide comes back in we can take a short break and then its all go again a few hours later in the afternoon. 

“This is my typical day during spring tide, which occurs twice each lunar month, during full or new moons when the average tidal ranges are slightly larger. A typical spring tide lasts for about seven to 10 days and during this time, we work seven days a week. 

“Neap tides occur twice a month as well: when the sun and moon are at right angles to the Earth. When this happens, the tide does not go out far enough for us to access our trestle tables, so it’s a time for the oysters to relax and concentrate on growing, and I can get on with paperwork and general maintenance on the farm. 

“It takes an oyster three to four years before it is ready for market, so there is a lot of checking and sorting involved in the job. It’s important that as the oysters grow, they are rearranged so that they live next to ones of similar size: this helps the oysters get sufficient nutrients from the sea and allows them to grow at an optimum rate. 

“The conditions at the moment are perfect for harvesting oysters. High pressure is great because it makes the tide go out more, and that combined with clear, cold days is just ideal. Oysters tend to triple in size between June and October, so we spend the winter months sorting and harvesting, and the summer months sorting and carrying out the husbandry that creates the best possible oyster.  

“Being part of the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group has been so important in helping me to grow my business, particularly over the past year. The work they do on behalf of us is just terrific, and it allows us to put all our focus on growing the best tasting oysters.” 

Don’t know how to shuck?  

Ideally you need an oyster shucking knife, but any other type of stout, short-bladed knife will do.  

  1. Wrap a tea towel over one hand and use it to hold the oyster firmly, the flattened side facing upwards. 
  2. In the other hand, place the tip of the shucking knife at the base of the hinge (sharp end of the oyster), twist the knife using pressure, then lever the knife upwards, or twist it to prise the hinge open.  
  3. Slide the knife right along and under the top shell to release the oyster and remove the top shell.  
  4. Try and hold the oyster level so as not to spill any tasty juices (especially if you are eating raw).  
  5. Use the knife to cut along the bottom shell to make sure the oyster is free and clear of that shell too. 

Serve the oysters as soon as possible after opening. They can be enjoyed as they are, or with a simple squirt of lemon juice. Many people enjoy with a sprinkle of tabasco sauce. 

Grilled Oysters with Butter 

By Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group 

Serves 2 people 

Ingredients  

6 whole live oysters 

2 cloves of garlic 

2 tablespoons of olive oil 

3 tablespoons of unsalted Scottish butter, softened  

Squeeze of lemon juice 

Cracked black pepper  

1 tablespoon of parsley, chopped very finely  

Method  

Prep: 10 minutes 

Cook: 4 minutes 

Ready in: 14 minutes 

  1. In a bowl, mix together all of the sauce ingredients until well combined. 
  2. To keep the oysters upright, use piles of rock salt or rice if you don’t have any salt.  
  3. Divide the butter mixture between the shell and place under the grill for 2-4 minutes. 

Two new stores: Aldi to invest over £6.7m in Lothians as part of continued expansion

Aldi, the UK’s lowest priced supermarket, is to invest more than £6.7 million in two new stores in Edinburgh and Midlothian this year, creating 42 jobs.  

The supermarket will open a new store at Hermiston Gait in Edinburgh and Thornybank Industrial Estate in Dalkeith before the end of the year. 

Aldi continues to lead the way on championing great quality Scottish produce with twenty five percent of its range now locally sourced in Scotland. The supermarket now has 96 stores throughout Scotland and is set to reach its 100th store milestone by the end of the year. This investment is part of the supermarket’s long-term target to reach 1,200 stores in the UK by 2025.  

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “With shoppers increasingly looking to make sure they get unbeatable prices on their weekly shop without compromising on quality, our stores are becoming ever more popular.  

“This investment in Aldi stores over the course of this year will help make the UK’s lowest-priced supermarket more accessible to even more people, and bring us closer to our long-term goal of having 1,200 stores across the UK by 2025.” 

“We have been investing in Britain for more than 30 years now, but we know that there are still areas that either don’t have an Aldi at all, or that need another store to meet customer demand. 

Last summer, Aldi announced it was looking for new store locations in 19 towns and cities across Scotland – including Stonehaven, Castle Douglas, and Peebles – as part of its longer-term expansion plans. 

Aldi has recently increased its minimum hourly rates, paying a minimum hourly rate of £9.55 nationally, up from £9.40. Store colleagues will now be able to earn up to £10.57 after three years nationally and £11.32 after two years in London. The new rates of pay are also boosted by the fact Aldi is still one of the only UK supermarkets to pay for breaks taken during shifts, which means Aldi colleagues remain the best-paid in the sector. 

The supermarket, which opened new stores in Livingston and Stewarton during 2020, has also announced plans to increase the amount of food and drink it buys from British suppliers by £3.5bn a year by 2025, as it continues its rapid expansion across the UK.

Aldi is widely recognised as the biggest supporter of local suppliers and has already put plans in place to expand its Scottish range to hit 500 locally sourced product lines in the next two years. 

Aldi is also investing £500m in new and upgraded stores, distribution centres and its supply chain in 2021, which will create over 4,000 jobs as well as new opportunities for British food and drink producers. 

Aldi reminds customers they can donate unwanted socks in store to those in need

  • Kind Aldi customers have donated over 1000 unused pairs of socks since Boxing Day 
  • Sock Amnesty boxes will remain in store until the end of the month 

Aldi is reminding customers that they can help the homeless by donating unwanted and unused socks in store until the end of January. 

The supermarket’s ‘Not Socks Again?! campaign launched on Boxing Day and kind Aldi customers and colleagues have already donated over 1000 pairs of new socks to support the work of three homeless charities: Simon Scotland, Aberdeen Cyrenians, and Trust in Fife. 

Sock Amnesty boxes will remain in stores across Scotland until the end of January where people can drop off any unused socks they received for Christmas. Aldi is also donating £250 to each charity to further support the vital work they do in the community. 

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, commented: “A massive thank you to all our customers and colleagues who have donated socks to this campaign so far.

“With one week to go, we wanted to remind people that they can still put any unwanted, new and unused socks to better use and they will find our Sock Amnesty boxes in store until the end of the month.” 

This thoughtful initiative builds on Aldi’s commitment to supporting communities across Scotland. Since 2016, Aldi’s Scottish Sports Fund has supported over 458 local clubs with more than £240,000 worth of donations.

Aldi is also Kiltwalk’s official ‘Supermarket Partner’ and in 2019 was responsible for fuelling over 20,000 Kiltwalkers across events in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Dumfries.  

Meanwhile, since July 2019 Aldi has helped over 200 charities provide over a million meals to vulnerable people across Scotland through its partnership with community engagement platform, Neighbourly. The supermarket is also set to relaunch its popular Supermarket Sweep programme later this year in support of local foodbanks. 

From Chieftains O’ The Puddin Race to Haggis Pigs in Blankets: Aldi’s Burns Night range on sale now from 99p

Everything you need to feed a family up to six for a little over £3 

Aldi are now selling some of the nation’s favourite dishes to help customers celebrate Burns Night on a budget. 

With prices starting at just 99p, Aldi’s Burns Night range has something to suit everyone, whether they are cooking a big feast for their household or celebrating the big day solo on the sofa. 

Aldi has partnered with some of its top local suppliers, including Simon Howie, McIntosh of Strathmore and We hae meat, to bring the best of Scotland’s larder to your Burns table.   

Customers can pick up everything they need for a traditional Burns supper, including haggis, neeps and tatties to feed a family up to six for only £3.12. 

Comfortably feeding two to three adults, Aldi’s best-selling Macaulay’s Haggis (454g) is available in store every day and customers can choose from the traditional meat option or a delicious vegetarian alternative for only 99p (offer available 14th – 25th Feb). Also available in store is the popular Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis (£2.69, 908g), the perfect centrepiece for any Burns Night table, and feeds up to six hungry mouths. 

Aldi’s weekly Super 6 deal on fresh vegetables includes Maris Piper Potatoes (79p, 2.5kg) and Swede (35p each), to make the all-important tatties and neeps to accompany your haggis. 

For anyone looking for a modern twist to a traditional Burns supper, Aldi’s Specially Selected Haggis En Croute (£3.49, 470g) has returned to stores after flying off the shelves last year. There’s also Jumbo Haggis Pigs in Blankets (£2.29, 400g) from Ayrshire butcher We hae meat, Simon Howie Haggis Bon Bons (£1.99, 240g) and Haggis Olives (£2.99, 400g), Bells Steak & Haggis Pies (99p, 2 pack), and a Haggis Pakora Platter (£2.79, 350g). 

If you would prefer to put your feet up and have a delicious Burns Supper prepared for you, why not try Aldi’s McIntosh of Strathmore Burns Box (£3.49, 900g) meal kit for two, complete with everything you and your partner need to celebrate Scotland’s national poet without lifting a finger (apart from popping it in the microwave)! 

Finally, no Burns Night would be complete without a dram of Scotch and customers can choose from a range of high-quality Scottish Malt whiskies, including Aldi’s award winning Highland Black 8-Year-Old Scotch Whisky (£14.00, 70cl) and Glen Marnoch Islay, Speyside and Highland Single Malt Whiskies (£16.49, 70cl).  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “From hearty family meals to delicious haggis dishes with a modern twist, Aldi’s 2021 Burns Night range offers customers the whole package when it comes to creating the ultimate Burns Supper.

“With celebrations having to be a bit different this year, it’s all the more important that we have things to look forward to and enjoy, and there’s nothing better than delicious, comforting Scottish produce to get into the spirit of Burns.” 

Aldi’s Scottish Burns Night range is available from all 96 Scottish Aldi stores. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.  

The Full Burns Night range includes: 

  • MacAulay’s Haggis (99p, 454g) 
  • MacAulay’s Vegetarian Haggis (99p, 454g) 
  • Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis (£2.69, 908g) 
  • Specially Selected Haggis En Croute (£3.49, 470g) 
  • Simon Howie Gluten Free Haggis (£1.99, 454g) 
  • Simon Howie Haggis Olives (£2.99, 400g) 
  • Simon Howie Haggis Bon Bons (£1.99, 240g) 
  • Bells Steak & Haggis Pies (99p, 2 pack) 
  • Bells Steak & Haggis Pie (£2.99, 400g) 
  • McIntosh of Strathmore Burns Box (meal kit for two) (£3.49, 900g) 
  • Lauchlan Burn Skinny Haggis Olives (£2.79, 350g) 
  • MacSween Whisky Cream Sauce (£1.19, 150g) 
  • Mash Direct Mashed Neeps & Tatties (£1.89, 750g) 
  • McIntosh of Strathmore Vegetarian Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (99p, 340g) 
  • Specially Selected Mini Pies (£2.99, 4 pack) 
  • McIntosh of Strathmore Burns Supper (£2.49, 860g) 
  • Mash Direct Burns Bites (£1.99, 300g) 
  • Punjab Pakora Haggis Pakora Platter (£2.79, 350g) 
  • Specially Selected Haggis Truffles (£2.69, 500g) 
  • Specially Selected Scottish Smoked Salmon (£2.99, 100g) 
  • MacAulay’s Haggis Slices (89p, 200g) 
  • We hae meat Jumbo Haggis Pigs in Blankets (£2.29, 400g) 
  • Punjab Pakora Trio of Dip (£0.99, 3 x 75g) 
  • The Kindness Bakery Plain Oatcake Bites (99p, 175g) 
  • The Broons Pink & White Nougat (99p, 130g) 
  • Lees of Scotland Caramel Teacakes (99p, 220g) 
  • The Broons Peanut Brittle (99p, 100g) 
  • Oor Wullie’s Braw Chew Bars (99p, 150g) 
  • Mackie’s of Scotland Haggis, Neeps & Tatties Flavour Crisps (99p, 150g) 
  • Irn Bru (£2.59, 6 x 500ml) 
  • Irn Bru Xtra (£6.49, 24 x 330ml) 

Aldi Super 6 Veg Offering  

  • Carrots (29p, 1kg) 
  • Swede (35p each) 
  • Red/White Cabbage (35p each) 
  • Leeks (49p, 500g) 
  • Brussels Sprouts (49p, 500g) 
  • Maris Piper Potatoes (79p, 2.5kg) 

Feed a family of four to six for only £3.12 

  • 2 x Macaulay’s Haggis (99p, 454g)  
  • Maris Piper Potatoes (79p, 2.5kg) 
  • Swede (35p each) 

Pay boost for Aldi staff

  • New minimum hourly rates for Store Assistants of £9.55 nationally, rising to £10.57  
  • All Scottish store colleagues to receive hourly pay increases 
  • New minimum hourly pay exceeds the Living Wage Foundation’s latest recommended pay rates  
  • Aldi is one of the only supermarkets to offer paid breaks, which means its colleagues remain the best-paid in the sector 
  • Aldi is recruiting for 335 new store colleagues in Scotland in 2021   

Aldi has recognised the amazing contribution of its store colleagues by giving them a New Year’s pay rise and increasing its minimum hourly rates from 1 February 2021.  

All of Aldi’s  1,500 Scottish Store Assistant colleagues will benefit from the pay rise, with Aldi paying a minimum hourly rate of £9.55, up from £9.40.  

The new rates of pay are also boosted by the fact Aldi is still one of the only UK supermarkets to pay for breaks taken during shifts, which means Aldi colleagues remain the best-paid in the sector. When paid breaks are included, Aldi’s minimum hourly pay rate for store colleagues, based on an average six-hour shift, will be £10.11*. 

These changes mean that Aldi store colleagues across Scotland will earn a minimum of £0.83 more per hour than the current National Living Wage.  

The pay rise follows bonuses that were awarded to store colleagues in April and December 2020, in recognition of their efforts throughout the pandemic. 

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Aldi UK and Ireland said: “I want to express my sincere thanks to every single Aldi colleague, who stepped up when it mattered and helped us succeed in our most important mission of all – feeding the nation.

“That is down to our people. Their outstanding efforts have ensured that our customers continue to have access to fresh affordable food, every single day. It has never been more important to ensure that our colleagues are rewarded fully for their immense contribution during a challenging period for everyone.” 

This year will see Aldi open its 100th Scottish store in Scotland. Currently, the retailer has 96 Scottish stores stocking some of the finest and best value locally sourced food and drink. 

This year it will invest a further £20 million in four new stores, which include Hermiston Gait in Edinburgh, Thornybank Industrial Estate in Dalkeith, Portlethen Retail Park in Aberdeen and J24 Retail Park in Govan, while a new store in Gateside Commerce Park, Haddington will open to replace the existing store. 

To support this growth, Aldi is recruiting 335 store-level positions in Scotland this year. For the latest vacancies, please visit https://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/.  

Aldi launches Iron Brew jelly babies as part of next top product search

  • Range also includes Vegan broccoli and cauliflower crisps perfect for Veganuary and naturally sweetened soda from iconic Scottish company, Bon Accord 
  • All products available as Specialbuys while stocks last 

Aldi has launched a range of delicious new products that have been developed and manufactured in Scotland following the supermarket’s search for the country’s Next Top Product.  

Working in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, Aldi’s search to uncover exciting new products was relaunched early last year as part of the supermarket’s support of local suppliers and their commitment to increase the range of Scottish products sold in store.   

Previous winners and now long-term suppliers of Aldi include Inverness-based Cobbs Bakery and Orkney’s Argo’s bakery. After winning the competition for their Orkney Caramel Shortbread, Argo’s Bakery went on to win Own Label Product of the Year at the 2017 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and Bakery Product of the Year at the 2018 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards. 

Fans of Scotland’s other national drink can pick up a pack of Iron Brew flavoured Jelly Babies (99p, 200g), developed by Greenock-based Golden Casket.

Health-conscious consumers trying Veganuary can pick up a packet of broccoli crisps (69p, 22g / £1.29, 78g) with Cheese or Sour Cream & Chive from Aldi’s new Fife-based supplier, Grower’s Garden. Available in snack size, or as a sharing bag, these are made using their own farm-fresh vegetables grown in the East of Scotland.  These gluten-free and vegan-friendly crisps are broccoli like you have never had it before!  

Or why not try Aldi’s new gluten-free and vegan-friendly Cauliflower Crisps in snackable or shareable bags (69p, 22g / £1.29, 80g). Created by Kilmarnock-based Nudie Snacks using wonky looking cauliflowers that would otherwise not be used, customers can choose from Cheese & Caramelised Onion or Katsu Curry flavour. 

To wash everything down Aldi customers can now choose from a range of naturally sweetened soft drinks from iconic Scottish company, Bon Accord. 

Founded in Arbroath in 1903, Bon Accord was a much-loved brand across Scotland until it closed its operations in 2000. After 16 years, the Great-Great-Granddaughter of one of its founders reimagined the brand and brought it back with a range of juices that have been naturally sweetened with coconut nectar and real fruit juice.

Choose from Cream Soda, Rhubarb Soda, Pink Grapefruit Soda, or Ginger Beer (£1.29, 275ml). 

Also launched this week is a range of Scottish Savoury Biscuits baked to perfection by Turriff-based supplier, McKenzie Biscuits.

These light savoury biscuits are made from a unique and award-winning recipe developed by the McKenzie family at their bakery in North East Scotland, and customers can choose from two delicious flavours: Plain, or Rosemary. Or why not try their Oat & Honey Biscuits (99p, 150g), perfect with a cup of tea on a cold January afternoon.  

For anyone with a sweet tooth there’s new Confectious Fudge flavoured with Strawberry and Lemonade Gin (£1.29, 150g) created by Aldi’s long-term supplier, Aldomak. 

Scotland Food & Drink Chief Executive James Withers commented: “It’s great to see these fantastic new products from some exceptional Scottish companies launching in Aldi today.

“Last year was incredibly tough for the food and drink industry and 2021 will continue to be challenging, so I’d encourage everyone to look out for these outstanding new products when they next visit their local Aldi and help support these incredible suppliers.”  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We’re committed to supporting independent Scottish suppliers and bringing their quality products to our stores.

“It was a privilege to judge Aldi’s Next Top Product search last year and I’m excited that our customers in Scotland can now try these delicious new products, knowing that they are backing Scottish suppliers when they shop at Aldi.” 

Aldi’s ‘Next Top Products’ are now available from all 96 Scottish stores while stocks last. You can find your nearest Aldi store here. 

Aldi stores to offer 75% price reductions before stores close

Shoppers hunting for the best deals often head to Aldi to pay as little as possible for their weekly shop – but the supermarket is now making groceries even more affordable. 

All of Aldi’s 912 UK stores will soon mark down perishable products such as bread, meat and fruit and vegetables by 75% before stores close on their last day of life.  

Aldi currently reduces the price of some products on their best-before or use-by dates, but is now offering bigger discounts, which are marked with a red sticker.  

The move will give savvy customers a bargain while cutting waste, as Aldi works towards a target of halving food waste by 2030.  

The time that items are reduced will vary by store, and all products will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi, said: “Aldi is already known for its low prices, but these discounts will help some shoppers to cut their grocery bills even further – all while helping us reduce food waste. 

“Customers should look out for the red stickers when shopping at Aldi, but shoppers need to be quick as I’m sure the products will prove popular.”