As Valentine's Day approaches, many couples are looking for convenient and indulgent dining options without breaking the bank. Supermarket meal deals have become a popular choice, offering restaurant-quality meals at home. In this comparison, we put the Valentine's Day offerings from Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Aldi to the test, evaluating them based on flavour, variety, and overall value for money.
M&S Valentine's Day Meal Deal
The M&S deal is structured as a "two dine in for £25" promotion, which represents a significant saving compared to buying items individually. For our selection, we chose a range of premium items that would typically cost £35 if purchased separately. This included Coquilles St Jacques (scallops) priced at £7.50, two Duck Breasts with a Hot Maple Glaze for £9, Creamy Potato Dauphinoise at £3.50, a bottle of Malbec red wine costing £9, and Pistachio Chocolate Spheres for £6. The total before the deal was £35, but with the promotion, it dropped to £25, saving £10 at checkout.
Aldi Valentine's Day Selection
Aldi does not offer a formal meal deal; instead, customers can visit the 'Dine-In' Valentine's section in the fridge and pay for each item separately. Our chosen items from Aldi included Tempura Prawns at £2.99, two Duck Breasts with Plum and Hoisin Sauce for £3.99, Parmesan and Truffle Fries priced at £2.69, a bottle of Toro Loco red wine for £5.49, and Dark Chocolate and Black Cherry Hearts at £4.99. The total came to £20.15, which is nearly £5 cheaper than the M&S deal. However, the key question remains: does the lower price compromise on taste and quality?
Side-by-Side Taste Test
To provide a fair comparison, we cooked both the starters, main courses, sides, and desserts simultaneously. This allowed us to directly assess the flavours and presentation of each component. The M&S options, such as the Hot Maple Duck and Pistachio Chocolate Spheres, are known for their indulgent and high-quality ingredients. In contrast, Aldi's offerings, like the Tempura Prawns and Parmesan and Truffle Fries, aim to deliver great value with a focus on affordability.
While M&S tends to emphasize premium and gourmet selections, Aldi focuses on budget-friendly alternatives that still offer a satisfying dining experience. The verdict on which is best ultimately depends on individual preferences: those seeking luxury might lean towards M&S, while cost-conscious shoppers could prefer Aldi.
Final Thoughts
Both M&S and Aldi provide excellent options for a romantic Valentine's Day meal at home. The M&S deal offers a curated experience with a £10 saving, making it a good choice for those willing to spend a bit more for perceived quality. Aldi's selection, on the other hand, is nearly £5 cheaper and allows for more flexibility in choosing items, though it lacks a bundled discount. When deciding, consider your budget and taste priorities to find the perfect fit for your celebration.
