Aldi customers across the UK have reported receiving free carrots and potatoes at selected stores, as the supermarket looks to cut down on surplus Easter stock.
The initiative is part of Aldi’s wider commitment to reducing food waste, though availability varies significantly by location.
Reports from shoppers indicate that while some stores offered generous bags of potatoes and carrots, others had more limited supplies, with carrots being the only vegetable available.
The move, according to Aldi, aims to ensure that surplus produce is not wasted and can benefit customers.
Aldi’s localised initiative to combat food waste
Aldi has confirmed that the free vegetable giveaways are linked to surplus Easter stock, distributed on a “while stocks last” basis. According to a statement by Aldi, the availability of free produce will differ depending on the store’s leftover inventory.
“Aldi is committed to reducing food waste wherever possible.In some stores, surplus Easter vegetables are being made available to customers free of charge on a ‘while stocks last’ basis, so availability will vary by location.” the retailer said.
Shoppers shared their experiences on social media platforms, including the popular Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group. Locations such as Aldi Wishaw, Lincoln, and Chester le Street were noted for offering free potatoes and carrots, while others, including Longwell Green and Dundee, had only carrots available.
Not every store participated, with some customers reporting no free vegetables at their local branches. This variation reflects the decentralised approach Aldi has taken, allowing individual stores to distribute stock according to availability.
The strategy follows broader trends within the UK retail sector, where supermarkets are increasingly introducing measures to reduce waste and support local communities. Aldi has previously committed to halving food waste by 2030, aligning with the UK’s Courtauld Commitment 2030 goals.
Mixed shopper experiences reflect uneven distribution
Although many customers expressed satisfaction at receiving free produce, the initiative has highlighted inconsistencies across Aldi’s network. One shopper commented, “Carrots only in Longwell Green,” while another noted, “Free carrots in my Aldi in Dundee,” indicating a variation in the type and quantity of produce available.
The Sun reported that not all stores participated equally, suggesting that logistical and stock differences played a key role in determining where free vegetables were offered. Some customers voiced disappointment at missing out, especially in areas where no free stock was distributed.
Aldi has emphasised that the giveaways were dependent on surplus levels following the Easter holiday, reinforcing that the initiative was never intended as a chain-wide policy but rather a localised opportunity where circumstances allowed.
