My Lidl App Just Gave Me Free Strawberries (And I Didn't Even Shop There This Month)

By HOAR Team 9 June, 2025 5 mins read 101 Views

Okay, so I thought I was losing my mind when I opened my Lidl Plus app yesterday and saw a bunch of free stuff waiting for me.

Two free doughnuts. A whole punnet of strawberries. Some vine tomatoes. All sitting there in my Coupon Plus section like little Christmas presents I never asked for. The weird part? I haven't spent a penny at Lidl since early May.

Turns out I'm not going crazy. Other people in teh Extreme Couponing Facebook groups have been posting about this too - some woman got £10.26 worth of free groceries yesterday, including pasta and dish soap. Another guy walked out with a full kilo of strawberries without paying anything.

The App is Basically Throwing Food at People

Here's what's happening: Lidl's loyalty app has this Coupon Plus feature that's supposed to give you rewards based on your shopping habits. But apparently their algorithm is feeling generous because people are getting freebies even when they haven't shopped there recently.

One person in the Facebook group said they got coupons for free fruit, vegetables, adn a bakery item despite not spending anything at Lidl this month. Another proudly shared a receipt showing free muffins, strawberries, and pasta.

"All free with my Lidl coupon plus rewards," they wrote. Lucky them.

How to Actually Get These Hidden Freebies

Listen, I felt stupid for not knowing this earlier, but there's apparently a trick to maximizing these coupons that nobody talks about.

When you see a free item in your Coupons Plus section, don't just assume you're limited to exactly what's in the picture. Click on the item image, scroll down to where it says "item number," and click on that. It'll show you a complete list of everything you can claim with that coupon.

So if you see a free "bakery sweet treat" coupon, you might actually be able to choose from doughnuts, muffins, croissants - whatever falls under that category. Game changer.

You do need to activate the coupons before you get to the till though. Don't be that person holding up the queue trying to figure out their app.

Birthday Doughnuts (Because Why Not)

If it's your birthday, you get a free doughnut from their bakery section. No minimum spend, valid for seven days. Just make sure you registered your birthday when you signed up.

Honestly, free birthday food from a German discount supermarket wasn't on my 2024 bingo card, but here we are.

The Big Spenders Get Even More

For families doing serious grocery runs, there's a 10% off voucher when you hit £250 in a month. That could actually add up to decent savings if you're feeding multiple people.

They're also running some promotion where spending £30 in one transaction enters you to win £5,000 daily until June 18th. One winner every day, multiple entries allowed. The odds are probably terrible, but hey.

Poor traditional supermarkets - they're probably wondering why discount chains are suddenly giving away free strawberries while they're still charging £3 for the same punnet.

Anyway, check your Lidl app if you have one. You might be surprised what's waiting for you in there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?

An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.

What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?

Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.

How can I budget my money effectively?

To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.

What are the main functions of money?

The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.

What are credit scores and why are they important?

Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.

How can I start saving for retirement?

To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.

What is the difference between saving and investing?

Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.

Statistics

As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.

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How To

How To Educate Yourself About Personal Finance

Educating yourself about personal finance is a vital step toward financial independence. Start by reading books and reputable blogs that cover fundamental concepts like budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. Consider enrolling in free online courses or attending local workshops on financial literacy. Follow financial experts on social media for tips and current trends. Additionally, podcasts and webinars offer valuable insights and diverse perspectives. Join forums or community groups to discuss financial topics with others. Lastly, practice what you learn by applying concepts to your own financial situation for hands-on experience.