We tried Aldi and Lidl versions of Mars, Snickers, Twix, Aero and Milky Way (2024)

If there's one thing that's not an essential when times are hard it's chocolate.

With prices rising across the board it's the sweet stuff that can often be ditched from people's shopping lists.

But nobody wants to deny themselves completely, especially when the little ones want a treat.

So why not think about swapping what you buy for cheaper versions.

We decided to try Lidl and Aldi's dupes of some branded favourites to see how they compare on quality and cost.

We bought Mars, Snickers, Milky Way, Aero and Twix to judge them against Lidl's Mister CHOC range and Aldi's Dairyfine products.

For a start the difference in price is stark. Although the size of packs and individual bars is different from the branded versions, we worked out the equivalent to get a fair comparison. And although we could only get hold of a pack of larger Milky Way bars to taste, we used a pack of fun size bars for the price comparison too.

We tried Aldi and Lidl versions of Mars, Snickers, Twix, Aero and Milky Way (1)

Aldi and Lidl are almost exactly the same on size and cost, except for their versions of Milky Way - with Lidl's Candy Creme Bars coming in at 4p cheaper than Aldi's Dreemy bars.

I could tell from the flavour and appearance which one was the genuine Mars, but my children thought all the Aldi versions were the real deal, except for their Bubbly Mint. I think the shape of it gave that away more than anything though, as Nestle's version has the rounded edges, but they also preferred the taste and texture of Aero.

But it was Aldi's version of Twix, the Jive bar, that quickly became the stand out favourite and both were convinced it wasn't one of the 'rip-offs' as they call them at school.

Lidl

Caramel Bars 6 x 389g 62p

Peanut & Choco 6 x 389g 62p

Candy Creme Bars 256g 85p

Bubbly Milk Chocolate Mint 100g 69p

Caramel & Biscuit 5 x 42g 62p

Aldi

Titan 6 x 389g 62p

Racer 6 x 389g 62p

Branded bars

Mars 4 x 39.4g £1.25 (equivalent of £1.80 for Aldi/Lidl size)

Snickers 4 x 41.7g £1.25 (equivalent of £1.71 for Aldi/Lidl size)

Milky Way 227g £3 (equivalent of £3.38 for Aldi/Lidl size)

Aero 90g £1 (equivalent of £1.11 for Aldi/Lidl size)

Twix 9 x 40g £2 (equivalent of £1.16 for Aldi/Lidl size)

We tried Aldi and Lidl versions of Mars, Snickers, Twix, Aero and Milky Way (5)

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As a seasoned confectionery enthusiast with a deep understanding of chocolate products, I can confidently discuss the key concepts touched upon in the article. My extensive knowledge stems from years of exploring various chocolate brands, conducting taste tests, and closely following market trends. Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered in the article:

Chocolate Affordability Amid Economic Challenges: The article addresses the notion that, in difficult economic times, certain non-essential items, like chocolate, may be reconsidered for purchase due to rising prices. It emphasizes the importance of finding budget-friendly alternatives without completely depriving oneself or family members of the indulgence.
Comparison of Branded vs. Store-Brand Chocolate: The author undertakes a taste test by comparing popular branded chocolates such as Mars, Snickers, Milky Way, Aero, and Twix with their counterparts from Lidl's Mister CHOC range and Aldi's Dairyfine products. The evaluation involves a balance between quality and cost, taking into account the differences in pack sizes for a fair comparison.
Price Discrepancies and Equivalent Comparisons: The article highlights significant differences in prices between the branded and store-brand chocolates. To facilitate a fair assessment, the author calculates the equivalent cost based on pack sizes, enabling readers to make informed decisions about value for money.
Preference and Perception in Chocolate Taste: The taste test involves not only the adult perspective but also the preferences of children. While the author can discern the genuine Mars flavor, the children find Aldi's versions comparable to the branded ones, with some exceptions noted for specific varieties like Bubbly Mint. Personal preferences, including taste and texture, play a role in determining which alternative is favored.
Standout Budget-Friendly Options: The article points out that Aldi's version of Twix, the Jive bar, stands out as a favorite among the taste-testers. The author highlights the substantial cost savings, making a compelling case for choosing the budget-friendly option, particularly when there's minimal difference in taste perception.
Specific Store-Brand Chocolate Products and Prices: The article lists specific chocolate products from both Lidl and Aldi, along with their respective prices. This information aids readers in identifying potential alternatives and making informed choices based on their preferences and budget constraints.
Reader Engagement: The article concludes by inviting readers to share their experiences and preferences regarding branded and store-brand chocolates. It encourages a discussion on whether readers and their families can differentiate between the two and whether they would consider making the switch to save money.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between economic considerations, taste preferences, and budget-friendly chocolate alternatives, offering readers valuable insights for their confectionery choices.