Aldi and Lidl will be selling staple vegetables from just 8p starting Thursday, December 18, in a bold move to attract budget-conscious shoppers ahead of the festive season. The discounts are expected to run until Christmas Eve, covering several key Christmas dinner ingredients. Sainsbury’s is also entering the price battle, offering its own range of cut-price vegetables at 15p. Analysts suggest other major retailers could soon follow suit as competition intensifies in the final shopping days before Christmas.
Festive Discounts Put Pressure on Rivals
The discount initiative sees Aldi and Lidl rolling out ultra-low prices across essential Christmas vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and brussels sprouts. According to Money Saving Expert, Aldi’s offer includes 2kg of potatoes, 1kg of carrots, 500g of parsnips, 500g of brussels sprouts, whole swede, and red or white cabbage, all priced at just 8p per item or pack.
Lidl’s range closely mirrors this, with the addition of 300g of shallots also available at the reduced rate. Both discount chains are promoting the deals in-store across the UK, aiming to boost footfall during what is traditionally one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year.
The announcement has drawn attention from consumers and industry observers alike. According to Money Saving Expert, this is “the cheapest we’ve seen veg pre-Christmas since we started tracking them in 2015,” matching last year’s record low prices. The site notes that Aldi and Lidl are currently “taking the joint crown” for the best deals.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s is positioning itself competitively, offering similar items for 15p, including carrots (1kg), brussels sprouts (500g), 2kg potatoes, 500g parsnips, whole swede, and red or white cabbage. The supermarket confirmed its offer will also go live on December 18 and run through to December 24, both online and in-store.
Consumer Habits and Reactions
The steep price cuts have been widely welcomed by shoppers, especially those planning to cook for large families or freeze produce for later use. Social media users have shared their strategies, with many pointing out the potential for long-term savings. One Facebook user said they feel “smug in December” with cheap vegetables, admitting they stock up and freeze portions for months ahead.
Another user advised storing root vegetables in cold outdoor spaces such as sheds or greenhouses, a method reportedly used by supermarkets to prolong shelf life. Others suggested making soups and stews in advance to reduce waste and time spent cooking during the holidays.
While the offers are limited to the run-up to Christmas, past years suggest that such pricing moves often spark wider industry reactions. Money Saving Expert noted: “If past years are anything to go by, once a few supermarkets drop prices, the others will follow suit.” It remains to be seen whether Tesco, Asda, or Morrisons will introduce similar pricing.
The timing of these discounts coincides with ongoing inflation concerns and pressure on household budgets. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show food prices have remained one of the most persistent contributors to overall inflation, despite recent easing in energy costs.
While the offers bring immediate savings, experts advise shoppers to plan carefully. Buying in bulk can reduce waste if vegetables are stored or frozen properly, but overbuying can also lead to spoilage if storage is not managed.
