Lidl Faces Backlash Over ‘Permanent’ Price Cuts as It Touts New Reductions on 14 Staples
The retailer has not published item-level proof for its claims as frustration grows over examples like Milka shrinkflation.
Overview
- A Smhaggle analysis reports that more than a quarter of the 500 items Lidl said it reduced permanently in 2025 have since become more expensive, with prices now about 4 percent above the initial cut level on average.
- Examples cited include Dulano organic liverwurst rising from €1.39 to €1.69, Strolchi vegan fruit gummies up €0.30, and Chef Select potato salad increasing €0.20 to €1.49.
- Smhaggle also found average spending per Lidl shop in 2025 was roughly €0.60 higher than in 2024.
- Lidl disputes the findings and says 900 products are currently cheaper but has not provided an itemized list, citing competitive reasons.
- In a new press statement, Lidl claims a 14-item staples basket costs €27.44 in January 2026 versus €30.50 a year earlier—about 10 percent less—citing lower raw material prices and highlighting large drops on items such as potatoes and red apples.