Why I Now Buy My Baked Goods at M&S Instead of Lidl

For years, I’ve been dedicated to shopping at Lidl, drawn by its unbeatable prices on everyday essentials. Living just minutes away from a Lidl store, I’ve always appreciated how it helps keep my weekly grocery bills low. But recently, my weekend treats led me to explore new options—and I ended up at Marks and Spencer’s bakery.

Lidl’s reputation for cheap pastries and breads is well-deserved. Their prices are incredibly low, with items like rolls and pastries often costing under £1, and some even available free through Lidl Plus offers. However, I began noticing a downside: Lidl’s fresh bread tends to go stale quickly, usually within a day. This meant I often wasted part of a loaf before I could finish it.

On the other hand, M&S’s bakery items, though pricier, have proven to be fresher for longer. I bought a loaf there recently, and it stayed fresh and delicious after five days—a significant improvement. This longer shelf life has helped me cut down on food waste, ultimately saving me money in the bigger picture.

One standout treat is the pain au chocolat. At Lidl, they’re a bargain—69p each or three for £1.80—but they must be eaten the same day or they become chewy and unappetizing. At M&S, a single pain au chocolat costs £1.35, which initially made me hesitate. Yet after leaving it untouched over the weekend, I was surprised to find it still perfect and flaky on Monday. It also had noticeably more chocolate and a richer pastry, making the indulgence feel well worth it.

For shoppers focused on value, M&S offers packs of pain au chocolat priced around £3 for four, averaging 75p each—still more expensive than Lidl but better quality and longer-lasting. My advice? If you want the cheapest baked goods, Lidl is unbeatable. But if freshness and quality matter, especially for bread and pastries that last several days, Marks & Spencer’s bakery is an investment worth making.