ALDI’s beloved ‘Best of British’ Special Buys week has made its return. And if the past is anything to go by, you’ll need to be quick to snag your favourites.
Each year, the event becomes a seasonal highlight for many, stirring up excitement and anticipation across households.
For some, it’s a source of nostalgia. For others, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the rare comfort of flavours from afar.
This year’s line-up is a veritable smorgasbord of classic comfort food. From prawn cocktail and Worcestershire sauce crisps to Galaxy chocolate blocks, Yorkshire Tea and HP Sauce, ALDI’s shelves are set to be stacked high—at least for a few hours.
It’s a welcome treat for those wanting to relive childhood memories or introduce friends to the unique joys of a proper British snack.
Why the fuss?
For those who grew up in the United Kingdom or Ireland, these products are more than just food—they’re a taste of home.
Rachel Houraghan, an ALDI shopper originally from Ireland, summed it up perfectly: ‘All the popular things will sell out quickly. I went last year and most things were sold out by the time I had gone in the first week.’
She points out that while some British and Irish snacks are available at Coles or Woolies, they’re often ‘crazy expensive’, making ALDI’s Special Buys a rare bargain.
And it’s not just about price. Some items, like prawn cocktail crisps, are nearly impossible to find elsewhere in Australia.
‘No one ever does prawn cocktail crisps! I love Australia and there is nowhere I’d rather be, but it’s always nice to have a taste from home,’ Rachel says.
What’s on offer?
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in this year’s Best of British Special Buys:
Chocolates and sweets:
- Cadbury Double Decker or Wispa four-packs
- Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers and Tea Cakes
- McVitie’s Digestives and Club biscuits
- Galaxy chocolate blocks and bags
- Fry’s Chocolate Creams
- Curly Wurly multipacks
- Nestlé Aero, Rolo, Yorkie and Lion bars
- Swizzels Squashies and Scrumptious Sweets
- Taveners Jelly Babies and Liquorice Allsorts
Video Credit: @emma_lake / TikTok
Biscuits and crisps:
- McVitie’s Rich Tea Biscuits and Cream Crackers
- Mr Hamfreys Bacon Bites
- Smith’s Crinkle Cut Chips in prawn cocktail, Worcestershire sauce and cheese & pickle flavours
Sauces and pantry staples:
- HP Original Sauce
- Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
- Colman’s Horseradish and Mint Sauces
- Bisto Gravy Granules
- Guinness Ale & Steak Pie Mix
- Hilltop Cut Comb in Acacia Honey
British essentials:
- Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Tea Bags
- Pot Noodle (beef & tomato, curry, chicken & mushroom)
- Branston Pickle
- Fray Bentos Steak & Kidney Pie
- Batchelors Mushy Peas
- Irn-Bru soft drink
A few quirks and controversies
Not everything is perfect, of course. Some shoppers were left scratching their heads over the inclusion of Smith’s crisps—an Australian brand—rather than the iconic British Walkers.
‘Smith’s crisps are not British!! We have Walkers,’ one shopper lamented online.
Others were disappointed by the lack of Irish-specific products, with Rachel wishing for Meanies crisps, Spice Bag seasoning or Chilli Heatwave Doritos.
And as always, not every treat is a hit. Rachel, for one, was less than impressed by the tea cakes, calling them ‘the worst thing’ there.
But for every miss, there are plenty of hits—judging by the social media frenzy, with shoppers admitting to spending $50 or more in a single visit and declaring themselves ‘in heaven’.
Why ALDI’s Special Buys matter
Beyond the excitement and nostalgia, ALDI’s Special Buys are a reminder of how food connects us to our roots and to each other.
For expats, it’s a chance to share a piece of their heritage with new friends and family.
For curious Australians, it’s an opportunity to expand their palates and discover new favourites.
And let’s not forget the value. With the cost of living on everyone’s mind, ALDI’s prices are a welcome relief for anyone craving a taste of the United Kingdom or Ireland without the hefty import markup.
Tips for nabbing your favourites
- Go early: These products are notorious for selling out fast—sometimes within hours of hitting the shelves.
- Make a list: With so many tempting options, it’s easy to get carried away. Prioritise your must-haves.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new: Even if you’re not British or Irish, there’s plenty to love in this year’s line-up.
- Share the love: If you discover a new favourite, let your friends and family in on the secret.
Video Credit: @getfitwithrachel / TikTok
A final thought
ALDI’s Best of British event is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a reminder of how food binds people and places together.
Have you checked out this year’s British-themed Special Buys? What item were you most excited to see return—and were you able to snag it before it sold out?
Share your experiences and snack recommendations in the comments below.
Also read: ALDI vs Kmart Dutch oven battle ends in a close call—which is the better buy?
