If there’s one thing that us Brits love more than a good cup of tea, it’s a good bargain. That’s why cheap-as-chips-and-still-great-quality-produce favourite Lidl has become so well-loved. With Lidl’s everyday grocery items clocking in more than 11% cheaper than Tesco, and a whopping £16.73 cheaper than the most expensive retailer, Waitrose, Lidl is officially the cheapest and most popular supermarket in the UK – according to last year’s YouGov survey – placing it ahead of rivals Aldi and .
And the supermarket giant is Europe’s largest discount grocery chain, with approximately 12,200 stores spanning across Europe – that’s nearly 5 times as many stores as the US’s largest retailer, Kroger Co.
So, statistically speaking, Lidl’s pretty huge. But what we all want to know is, does the chain cater for both bargain hunters and the health-conscious?
We caught up with nutrition guru Jenna Hope (@jennahopenutrition) to talk you through it — happy shopping.
10 Healthiest foods to buy at Lidl
1. Healthiest Lidl Dip
Hummus lovers, listen up. You can bulk buy your workday snacks for less than a pound. ‘Any hummus lover can relate to going in for ‘just one more spoonful’ before realising you’ve eaten half the tub,’ says Hope. ‘These mini versions are perfect for taking as an addition to lunch or as an afternoon snack with some carrot sticks.’
And, the chickpea dip is good for you, too, as Hope points out. ‘Hummus is a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fats. The tahini and the chickpeas provide an iron hit which is vital for oxygen transport and storage and energy maintenance, and it’s a source of plant-based zinc, important for cell signalling and protein structure.’
2. Healthiest Lidl snack
Snacking on the go can be a low-nutrition, high-calorie minefield—especially if you haven’t read the WH guide to healthy snacks. So, if you’re looking for a quick on-the-go protein hit, Hope recommends one of Lidl’s protein pots. ‘Mixed beans and peas or spinach and boiled eggs are the perfect on-the-go option. The eggs are rich in vitamin D (which now the sun has disappeared is vital) and is important for bone health and choline which plays a vital role in the nervous system and DNA synthesis.’
3. Healthiest Lidl Spread
Maribel Whole Nut Peanut Butter
Peanut butter lovers, watch out. If you’re inhaling the cheap stuff regularly, Hope warns you may be consuming more added sugars than you realise.
Hope says: ‘The cheap peanut butters’ are usually full of added sugars, but not this one. Lidl’s No Added Sugar Peanut Butter is a really good way to spice up your afternoon apple or rice cake and is loaded with vitamin E which is essential for collagen production and skin health.’
4. Healthiest Lidl Porridge Topping
It’s always porridge season at the WH HQ and if you’ve been trying out WH’s healthy porridge recipes, you’ll be on the hunt for cost-effective and nutritious porridge toppings.
Hope loves Lidl’s milled linseed, available in two flavours: sesame seeds, cranberry and blueberry and sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and goji berries. She says: ’Move over expensive superfoods — Lidl’s linseed packets are a great way to pack some extra fibre into your morning porridge or smoothie. They’re also high in folate, important for the production of healthy cells, and magnesium, which is vital for nerve contraction and muscle relaxation.’
Or, if you feel like channelling your inner Bake Off, Hope recommends using them for healthy baking. She explains: ‘As they’re so tasty and finely milled, you could also use them as a flour to make banana breakfast muffins. Delicious.’
5. Healthiest Lidl Sweet Treat
Sure, Deliciously Ella’s look great on Instagram, but these are a whole pound cheaper. Plus, they’re high in cold-fighting ingredients. ‘These fruit and nut protein balls with added whey are a really good snack when you’re looking for something a little sweeter. They come in three flavours; peanut butter, cacao and orange, and coconut and goji berry. I’d opt for the goji berry, as they’re a great source of vitamin C to support your immune system as we’re coming into the winter months.’
6. Healthiest Lidl Breakfast
If you constantly feel like you’re in a rush in the morning or want to up your breakfast game, Hope advises trying the Lidl pre-prepared smoothie mixes. They’re a time-saving and cost-effective healthy breakfast made easy.
She says: ‘Great for those of you who are forever on the go, simply add the mix to a blender with some milk (or milk alternative), Greek yoghurt and some nut butter for breakfast. Frozen fruits are often higher than fresh produce in micronutrients if they’re frozen at the source. The berry mix is particularly high in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant which is known to fight free radicals and boost immune function.’
Who knew?
7. Healthiest Lidl Veg Option
If you feel like you’re constantly throwing away out-of-date veg, or, are always ravenous when you get home, Hope advises investing in the Lidl pre-prepped veg packets for ease and healthy snacking.
‘These mini cucumbers, baby tomatoes and mini peppers are all high in water and can help you stay hydrated throughout the day. Tomatoes and red peppers are particularly high in lycopene, the antioxidant which provides the red pigment, and lycopene has been primarily associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer.’
8. Healthiest Lidl Drink
Hope explains: ‘For a pre or post-workout hydration drink, coconut water is high in electrolytes, which are what’s lost from your body when you sweat during a workout. Electrolytes are essential for maintaining water balance and blood pressure.’
However, she does note, that as coconut water is still high in sugar, it shouldn’t be consumed in excess. Be careful not to replace it with water.
9. Healthiest Lidl Baking Essential
You’ve got your milled flaxseed all ready for your healthy cupcakes. Next up: Hope wants you to get on board with coconut flour.
She explains that it’s higher in certain nutrients and therefore more nutrient-dense, saying: ‘Coconut flour usually comes with a hefty price tag, but not in the land of Lidl. It’s a great gluten-free alternative for individuals with gluten and nut allergies, and it’s higher in fibre, potassium and magnesium than other flour.’
Hope also adds that as it’s so absorbent, a little goes a long way. Healthy, cost-effective and long-lasting — the wellness dream.
10. Healthiest Lidl Dessert
Move over Gu pots — Lidl’s dessert – sorry, high-protein pudding – pots are here. ‘These protein power pots are packed with 20g of protein per pot – a super easy and convenient way to refuel post-workout,’ shares Hope. ‘They also have 77% less sugar than your average chocolate pudding.’
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