Shoppers at Aldi are in for a surprise this January, as the discount supermarket has begun stocking its shelves with Easter treats a full 78 days before the holiday. The early launch, featuring chocolate eggs and hot cross buns for as little as 20p per item, has reignited the debate about how soon seasonal products should appear.
A Sweet and Spiced Early Offering
The supermarket's Easter range, which started appearing in stores nationwide from mid-January, includes several budget-friendly favourites. Among the highlights are Choceur Chocolate Mini Eggs priced at £1.15 for a 74g bag, available in orange, mint, and a new caramel flavour. For those preferring a filled option, the Dairyfine Filled Mini Eggs are back at £2.49 for a 150g pack, with hazelnut and Jaffa orange varieties.
Aldi is also promoting its bakery items, notably the Village Bakery Fruited Hot Cross Buns. A six-pack costs £1.19, working out to just 20p per bun. For a more premium option, the Specially Selected Luxury Fruited Hot Cross Buns are available in a four-pack for £1.49. Chocolate lovers can also opt for the Moser Roth Luxury Filled Eggs at £2.79 per pack, featuring truffle and hazelnut centres.
A Controversial Retail Trend
Aldi's move follows a similar, and even earlier, launch by rival Poundland. In December, stores in Norwich were seen displaying Easter eggs alongside Christmas crackers and decorations, a decision that drew criticism from some customers. At the time, shopper Simon Dade, 69, told the Mirror it was "way too early, it's like selling Christmas trees in spring."
Another customer, Sue Rose, 71, argued that such early sales spoil the magic for children, stating, "It isn't like it used to be... shops doing things like this to get money is part of the problem." When questioned, a Poundland representative defended the move in December, saying, "To be honest, it’s never too early for a Creme Egg."
What Shoppers Can Expect Next
Aldi has confirmed that this initial selection is just the beginning, with a full Easter range set to land in stores over the coming weeks. Easter Sunday this year falls on April 5, meaning the supermarket's launch comes well over two months in advance.
While the debate over premature seasonal merchandise continues, Aldi's strategy clearly banks on capturing early demand for festive treats. The combination of low prices, such as the 20p hot cross buns, and new product flavours suggests the supermarket is keen to attract shoppers looking for a sweet deal long before the spring holiday arrives.
