Lidl GB is offering 100 free £10 vouchers to students across Great Britain as new research suggests many teenagers are skipping meals and relying on energy drinks during exam season. The supermarket chain is also sharing nutritional advice aimed at helping students make healthier food choices while studying.
According to Lidl GB, the initiative follows findings that large numbers of 16 to 18-year-olds experience hunger, fatigue and anxiety linked to their eating habits during exams. The retailer said the support is intended to help students access affordable food options at a particularly demanding time of year.
Exam periods often lead to changes in routine, including disrupted sleep and irregular eating patterns. Lidl’s research indicates these habits may be contributing to concentration problems and short-term energy crashes among students preparing for GCSEs, A-levels and other qualifications.
The company’s campaign combines financial support with practical dietary guidance from its in-house nutritionist, Dr Emma Williams, who has encouraged students to focus on balanced meals, hydration and reducing their intake of sugary snacks and caffeine.
Research Highlights Concerns over Students’ Eating Habits during Exams
According to research commissioned by Lidl GB and conducted by Censuswide, 43% of students aged 16 to 18 said they often skip breakfast on the morning of an exam. Three quarters also reported feeling hungry while sitting an exam. The findings suggest many students are relying on short-term energy fixes during revision periods. Lidl said 32% of respondents consume energy drinks to stay focused, while 25% turn to sugary snacks for a quick boost.
The same research found these habits may be having unwanted effects. Around 27% of students said unhealthy snacks caused a temporary spike in energy followed by a crash, while 20% reported feeling anxious or jittery afterwards.
According to Lidl GB’s figures, awareness of “biohacking” trends among young people is increasing, with almost 40% saying they were familiar with the idea of making lifestyle or dietary adjustments to improve focus and wellbeing. Even so, more than half of respondents said they did not know which foods support cognitive performance.
The research surveyed 1,000 students across the UK, excluding Northern Ireland, who were preparing for qualifications including GCSEs, A-levels, T-levels, BTECs and Scottish exams. Censuswide collected the data between 15 and 22 April 2026.
Lidl Combines Voucher Scheme with Nutritional Guidance
Lidl GB said it is offering the vouchers to help students and apprentices buy healthier food during exam season. The competition is open to people in full or part-time education or apprenticeships, with entries accepted until 23 June.
Dr Emma Williams, Lidl GB’s in-house nutritionist, advised students not to overlook breakfast and suggested foods including fortified cereals, eggs, nuts and fruit as part of a balanced diet. According to Lidl’s guidance, products containing iron, B vitamins and zinc may help support normal cognitive function and reduce tiredness.
Williams also recommended reducing reliance on sugary snacks and limiting caffeine intake later in the day because of its impact on sleep. She said hydration plays an important role in supporting both physical and cognitive function during periods of stress and concentration.
Georgina Hall, Director of Corporate Affairs at Lidl GB, said the company wanted to make healthier eating more accessible during exams. Speaking in Lidl’s announcement, she said many people remember relying on coffee and sugary foods while studying, though understanding of nutrition has changed in recent years. Lidl said the vouchers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to eligible entrants across Great Britain.
