The best things to buy in Lidl

Lidl’s “posh” food offering has been getting better and better. It might be Aldi that the major supermarkets price-match against, but Lidl is no slouch either when it comes to keeping prices competitive.

And in these cost-conscious times, it’s great to see that you can buy quality products without having to pay top-of-the-range prices.

We've also shared our best things to buy in Aldi, but which are the best Lidl products to go for? These are our favourites.

(Prices checked at the time of publication but may vary.)

Deluxe Italian cherry tomatoes in tomato juice

75p / 400g

These cost a similar amount to plenty of brands’ regular tinned tomatoes. The fact that they’re cherry tomatoes means you get more sweetness.

The juice is nice and thick, too. Great for cooking down into a tomato sauce, stirring into a risotto or even added to a vegetable traybake.

Baresa green pesto

99p / 190g

It’s not the best pesto that money can buy, but it’s one of the cheapest jars out there and it’s pretty good. It also contains more extra virgin olive oil (rather than cheaper vegetable oil) than some brands.

Deluxe Bronze die linguine (or fusilli)

£1.29 / 500g

Bronze die pasta means it has been shaped through dies made of bronze, which give a slightly rougher texture that holds sauces better. It’s not quite as good as some of the most premium Italian pasta brands (like Garofalo, La Molisana and De Cecco), but considering they can cost about twice as much, who’s complaining? I’d choose this over a mid-range branded pasta at a similar price.

Lidl White Sourdough Boule

£1.99

Lidl had to rename one of its “sourdough” loaves in a row about whether it was actually sourdough. This one is the real deal, at a great price. It keeps well and makes great toast. The seeded sourdough is worth checking out too.

Danpak Spreadable Slightly Salted

£2.05 / 500g

If you like spreadable butter, this is very similar to the Lurpak equivalent, and contains exactly the same amount of butter.

Deluxe Parmigiano Reggiano

£3.49 / 200g

This is matured for a minimum of 30 months, giving it a richer, nuttier flavour than some supermarket parmesan. Great value.

JD Gross Premium Ecuador Dark Chocolate 70%

£1.99 / 125g

If you like dark chocolate, this single-origin chocolate is great. Some of the other supermarkets have got in on the act more recently, introducing their own single-origin ranges, but Lidl was one of the first, and remains great value. It’s bitter in a good way, balanced with some creaminess (although it is vegan-friendly) and with a little fruity acidity.

Pastel del Nata (Portuguese custard tarts)

69p

If you haven’t tried Portuguese custard tarts, you’re missing out. They’re crisper and creamier than the traditional English versions, without the nutmeg topping. Lidl’s versions are the real (Portuguese) deal as far as I’m concerned: flaky pastry, and a filling with just the right balance of creamy and set.

Deluxe Kenyan coffee Roast and ground

£2.79 / 227g

Great quality and value. There are several different coffees in the Deluxe range – I particularly enjoy the Kenyan for its red fruit notes.

Milbona Authentic Greek yogurt

£1.89 / 500g

This is real Greek yogurt, as opposed to Greek-style. If you try it you’ll notice the difference: super-thick and creamy, as well as slightly tangy and complex.

Arestel Cava Brut

£5.29 / 750ml

Cava is probably the best-value sparkling wine you can buy, and this Lidl version was named by Good Housekeeping as the best budget cava. It’s easy-drinking rather than complex, with notes of citrus and apple, and the right balance of acidity.

Luxury Collection Reed Diffuser

£1.99

Lid’s collection of home fragrances has been noted for the similarity to the much pricier White Company fragrances. Their Lime Blossom and Orange reed diffuser smells amazing and is a fraction of the price at £1.99.