SHOPPERS are only just realising they can get 5kg of fruit and veg from Lidl for £1.50.
The discount supermarket sells bundles of imperfect produce due to be chucked out through its Waste Not scheme.
The German retailer started trialling the bargain boxes in 2019 before rolling out the scheme across its UK stores.
And it’s been running ever since then – but many people have only just clocked onto the scheme.
One shopper was delighted by her discovery and posted a photo to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group.
It showed a box from Lidl for just £1.50 containing peppers, plums, peaches, pears, bananas, oranges and kiwis.
In response, one person said: “Wow bargain of the month.”
Another commented: “They used to put them out at 8am in ours and I often got one.
“For the past year they put them out at random times of the day so the same early morning shoppers are now the only ones to get them.
“Fair, but I never manage to get them now.”
A third wrote: “I got a great one the other day – melon, mango, nine avocados, ready to eat plums, organic tomatoes, conference pears, half a dozen apples…
“I take some into work to pad out the snack offering for playgroups so even the stuff I’m not keen on doesn’t go to waste.”
A fourth argued: “I suppose quality will vary from store to store with stock levels.”
The contents of your bargain box will vary each time as each bundle is put together on the day by Lidl’s in-store “freshness specialists”.
They pick out damaged, discoloured or deteriorated items which are still good to eat.
Produce you might find in the box includes tomatoes, bananas, courgettes and aubergines.
The items change day-to-day depending on what’s on the shelves so shoppers can’t pick what goes into each bundle.
But this means customers are at least guaranteed variety in their box which is great for switching up meals.
Lidl’s website gives its shoppers a helping hand with cooking instructions for items commonly included in the bundles.
The boxes aren’t available all day so you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled.
When in stock the goods will be up for grabs from opening until midday.
After 12pm the remaining boxes are given to local charities through Lidl’s surplus food programme Feed it Back.
Where in the store you’ll find your bargain box will vary so it’s worth asking a staff member if you can’t see them.
But note availability varies and not all stores will have them.
Other supermarkets have launched their own wonky veg initiatives to reduce waste and offer customers cheaper produce as well.
Major supermarkets all relaxed quality specifications on some fruit and veg in 2018 to ensure less stock goes to waste.
For example, Asda sells discounted veg boxes for £3.50.
Sainsbury’s shoppers can also buy a £2 box which contains enough fresh veg to feed a family of four for five days.
