THE cost of a child’s packed lunch has soared by 26.1%, costing most parents around £20 a week – but you can save by ditching the classic brands.
Every day items such as bread, ham, cheese, apples and crisps have all rocketed during the cost-of-living crisis.
6
Many parents will be looking to make cuts and one way of doing so is to ditch your child’s beloved branded item for a cheaper alternative.
Dairylea Dunkers for example will set you back £2.25 for a pack of four, whilst Aldi’s copycat product is 50p cheaper.
But do they taste as good?
We asked Lynsey Hope to find out:
Read more taste tests
Dairylea Dunkers
- £2.25 for 4 x 41g packs
- £1.37 per 100g
- Per pack: 98 calories, 4.2g fat, 2.8g sugar, 0.58g salt
6
A great on-the-go snack, my kids love the classic brand, and they are on point taste wise.
They work out about 56p a pack which is pricey compared to all the rivals and there are only seven of the tubes which isn’t enough to scoop up all the cheese.
- Taste: 10/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 8/10
Most read in Money
The Laughing Cow Cheese Dip and Crunch
- £1.60 for 4 x 35g packs
- £1.14 per 100g
- Per pack: 92 calories, 4.6g fat, 1.9g sugar, 0.46g salt
6
I liked the size of these. They were smaller than most but a good size for kids’ lunchboxes.
The packets had appealing designs on them, which the children liked.
The breadsticks were mini, but there were eight of them, which was enough to scoop up the cheese.
The soft cheese had a mild and creamy flavour compared to the others. The kids loved them.
Overall, they were a hit.
- Taste: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Aldi Emporium Dip-it Cheese Dip with Crackers
- £1.75 for 4 x 43g packs
- £1.01 per 100g
- Per pack: 103 calories, 4.2g fat, 3g sugar, 0.47g salt
6
I loved the flavour of the soft cheese in Aldi’s dupe and the crackers had a lovely salty flavour.
Overall I thought these were a bargain for the price and the kids were just as happy with them as they were with the branded options.
They were lower in salt too. My only slight concern was the sugar content, which was higher than all the others.
- Taste: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
- Overall score: 7/10
Philadelphia Light and Tasty Snack Soft Cheese Dip and Breadsticks
- £1.50 for 3 x 42g packs
- £1.19 per 100g
- Per pack: 93 calories, 3.7g fat, 1.8g sugar, 0.40g salt
6
A great option, these look like they are marketed towards kids and adults.
They are only 93 calories and the lowest in sugar and salt, which is a bonus.
The breadsticks tasted good but they were tiny. These might be a good option for younger children, too.
- Taste: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 8/10
Lidl Dip ‘N Munch Cheese Dip with Breadsticks (172g)
- £1.75 for 4 x 43g packs
- 98p per 100g
- Per pack: 94 calories, 2.6g fat, 2.5g sugar, 0.54g salt
6
Great value, I was impressed with Lidl’s option.
If I was picky, I’d say the breadsticks were a little dry.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
But the kids really didn’t notice and the four-pack is 50p cheaper than Dairylea and you get a little more in each one.
- Taste: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
- Overall score: 10/10
How can I save on my supermarket shop?
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickes on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.
