Go On, It’s Christmas: All the Special Treats You’ll Want on the Table This Year

Whether you’re the type to plan a multi-course meal or just need some inspiration for a potluck contribution, the grocery aisle is a great place to start – and it’s about to get more festive. We check out some bestsellers and personal faves from ALDI for some of the best-value items to serve come Christmas.

Specially Selected Australian tiger prawns

Seafood is an Aussie Christmas tradition, and you can’t go past a kilo of ready-to-eat, juicy prawns ($29.99). These cooked tiger prawns are 100 per cent Australian and are great on their own, or go well with a squeeze of lemon or lime. Try tossing them through a green salad with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of chilli flakes.

Specially Selected Premium lobster tails with garlic-butter glaze

Going for something a little more fancy in the seafood stakes? This two-pack of lobster tails with garlic-butter glaze ($34.99) is your secret weapon. There are no artificial colours or flavours and it comes together easily, ideal for peckish guests while the slow-cooked stuff is still in the oven. No wonder it’s one of the most sought-after ALDI festive specials.

Specially Selected triple-smoked boneless ham

Ham fans, this one is for you. Thrice naturally wood-smoked ham lends a pleasant complexity to the holiday table. You can go for a traditional accompaniment like honey mustard, or try something summery like a pineapple chutney. And if there’s any left (unlikely), it makes a great filling for a Boxing Day sandwich with a touch of Dijon mustard and some salad leaves.

Christmas Favourites whole Australian turkey

Is a big bird more your style? (Or why not both?) This 100 per cent Australian turkey ($29.99 for 3.8kg) is self-basted and has no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. The Americans like a cranberry sauce but, for an Aussie touch, try a barbeque rub. Or fire up Paul Kelly on your playlist and make some gravy.

Specially Selected speculoos ice-cream

People in the northern hemisphere say the scent of oranges and nutmeg signals the start of the Christmas season. But if mulled wine is too hot for a summer Christmas, here’s a nice compromise: all the traditional spices of Christmas – and some biscuit pieces too – in speculoos ice-cream ($4.99) that you can have with or without pudding.

Mantovani Traditional Fruit panettone

Did someone mention dessert? A traditional fruit panettone is a great compromise when you’re too full for pudding but your aunty insists you take a plate of something. Made in Italy, this 900-gram panettone is made with real fruit but is light and buttery, so you can still indulge without feeling like you’ve overeaten.

Choceur Cherry Liqueurs

To finish, how about a dark chocolate cherry liqueur ($5.99) or two? These Italian beauties feature a real cherry surrounded by cherry liqueur, enrobed by rich dark chocolate. You might almost convince yourself it’s healthy. It’s an ALDI top-seller for a reason. Treat them like an edible nightcap for your Christmas feast.

Curated Collection Luxury Fudge

Whether as a Secret Santa gift, a host “thank you” or a secret treat for yourself, fudge doesn’t miss. At $4.99 per box, you can mix and match your favourites from White Christmas, Salted Caramel, Butter, Clotted Cream and Pavlova. Just the thing for a “bite” of dessert without pudding belly.

Kringle & Co Drizzle Star

Don’t forget Santa! If you’re already an ALDI biscuit fan, this is the one to look for at Christmas. The buttery cookies ($5.99 for 250g) come in a festive star shape and are decorated with Belgian chocolate and sugar crystals. Of course, these are “for Santa” so you may as well start aiming for the nice list.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with ALDI.