How I Cut My Grocery Bill in Half by Shopping at Lidl

Grocery shopping can be expensive, especially when you love to entertain.

For years, I spent between $125 and $150 every week at Trader Joe’s, but when I discovered Lidl, everything changed.

Now, my weekly grocery bill averages just $90, thanks to the savings I found at this German-owned grocery chain.

Let me walk you through my journey and explain how Lidl helped me save money while still enjoying high-quality products.

Discovering Lidl While in Portugal

It all started when I visited Portugal several months ago.

While there, I noticed Lidl stores everywhere. Intrigued, I decided to step inside one, and I was instantly impressed.

The store had a European sensibility, offering fresh bakery items, an excellent selection of cheeses, and an impressive range of wines—all at affordable prices.

What caught my eye first were the wines.

Portugal has a thriving wine industry, so I wasn’t surprised by the variety. However, the prices were a pleasant shock.

I found a great bottle of red wine for just $2! Alongside the wines, there was an extensive selection of canned fish, which is a Portuguese delicacy.

The canned fish tasted far superior to what we typically get in the U.S., and the price was right.

I also found free-range eggs for under $3 a dozen, as well as gourmet cheeses and crackers.

I knew then that I had discovered something special.

Switching from Trader Joe’s to Lidl

When I learned that there was a Lidl location near my home in Maryland, I couldn’t wait to visit.

I didn’t expect this store to revolutionize my grocery shopping, but it did. Before Lidl, I was loyal to Trader Joe’s.

My husband and I are retired, and since we cook most of our meals at home and often entertain, our grocery bill was always on the rise.

Trader Joe’s was known for being affordable, but my weekly bill kept increasing—especially when preparing meals for guests.

The Struggle at Trader Joe’s

My family loves fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables like berries, avocados, apples, and leafy greens.

Unfortunately, these healthy items often came with a hefty price tag.

For instance, I spent around $40 each week on fresh produce alone. Entertaining guests with dips, cheeses, and crackers also added to the costs.

I would spend another $30 per week on these items.

To top it off, purchasing organic red meat and chicken for my family cost me around $70 weekly.

All of these costs combined meant my grocery bill ranged from $125 to $150 each week.

Finding Savings at Lidl

When I first visited Lidl, I was amazed by the savings I found on the same products I used to buy at Trader Joe’s.

For instance, avocados at Lidl are sold for less than $1 each—much cheaper than what I used to pay.

A one-pound bag of French shallots costs just under $3, and fresh berries are priced at $3.99 for eight ounces.

I could already see a significant difference in my spending.

Lidl also helped me save on meat. I now buy a pound of wagyu beef for $7, and a 32-ounce bag of frozen salmon filets for under $22.

In addition, Lidl offers imported products, such as four-ounce jars of Italian anchovies for $3.

These imported anchovies taste much better than domestic brands, and the price is lower too.

The Results: Big Savings

Since I started shopping at Lidl, my weekly grocery bill has dropped significantly.

Instead of spending $125 to $150 a week, I now spend around $90 on the same products.

Over the course of six months, I’ve saved a substantial amount, all while continuing to buy high-quality items.

However, Lidl isn’t perfect. Occasionally, items I rely on may not be available on my next visit.

Additionally, if you’re someone who needs specific brand-name products, Lidl might not meet your needs.

But if you’re flexible and open to trying new things, Lidl offers many products at prices that allow for experimentation without breaking the bank.

Why My Family Loves Lidl

Lidl has quickly become a family favorite. Some of the products we love the most include avocados, the imported anchovies, hummus, and fresh berries.

As grocery prices continue to rise across the U.S., Lidl’s affordable prices have been a godsend.

For example, during Passover, I was able to get free-range, organic eggs for just $6 per dozen, a $2 savings compared to other stores.

The Verdict: A Win for My Budget

Lidl has been a game-changer for my grocery shopping.

I love how I can entertain without overspending, and my family appreciates the fresh produce and gourmet items we now enjoy.

With my grocery bill significantly reduced, I’m able to stick to a more manageable budget without sacrificing quality.

If you haven’t tried Lidl yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot.

With the savings I’ve experienced, I plan to continue shopping there for years to come.