Aldi has just unveiled its Christmas food range for 2020 and although it may feel like this year is already running away from us fast enough as it is, it’s safe to say we’re excited.
We may only be a couple of days into August, but hear us out.
If the treats and tipples making up Aldi’s festive food range this year are anything to go by, then we’re definitely not complaining about the mention of Christmas this early on.
After the year we’ve had so far too, perhaps it’ll give us all something to look forward to.
If you’re the type of person who likes to plan well in advance, then you’re in luck because the supermarket chain has given shoppers a sneak peak into what they can expect to see on shelves later this year. From sweets and savouries, to side dishes and main courses, there’s certainly some real stand-outs to tuck into.
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What will undoubtedly be the star of the show for many a ‘Pigs in Blankets’ fan this year is Aldi’s latest take on the popular pork treat – Truffle Pigs in Blankets.
These fancy pigs in blankets have been paired with black truffles and truffle oil.
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That’s not all either, because Aldi has really gone to town when it comes to sides this year.
Shoppers will once again be able to get their hands on the much-loved Loaded Mini Yorkshire Puddings that are packed with sausage stuffing balls and topped with a pig in blanket.
Aldi will also be selling giant-sized pigs in blankets, and loaded pigs in blankets too.
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On the sweeter side, there’s some new additions and of course, some returning favourites.
The Aldi Specially Selected desserts are hard to beat at the best of times and this year’s Shimmering Gold Christmas Pudding – made with plums, glacé cherries, vine fruits, damsons and almonds and soaked in sherry and pink gin – is really getting us excited for the festive period.
Whether you love them or hate them, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a mince pie either and Aldi will be selling a showstopping selection this year, from Millionaire’s Mince Pies and Flavoured Crumble Mince Pies, to mini mince pies and just the good-ol’ traditional mince pie.
They’ve got us drooling already.
Aldi’s Christmas food range will be available in stores nationwide and online from the start of November onwards, and is set to be released in stages.
You can find more information via the Aldi website here.
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The simple hack that can save healthcare workers and teachers money on their holidays
Danny Jones
With cost-of-living pressure ever-present in the background of most everyday lives, finding some spare pennies for a getaway feels more difficult than ever, and if there’s anyone who deserves discounts on a holiday, it’s healthcare workers.
That’s why, when we became aware of the simple hack that can save those working in healthcare services money on holidays, we thought we’d help spread the word.
We’re sure lots of you working within the sector already know plenty about this booking strategy, but for anyone who doesn’t, how do you fancy saving up to half a grand on your next jolly?
In fact, even those working in education can cut their costs, too.
With searches for ‘holiday voucher code’ up by 73% on Google, and even the likes of TikTok seeing ‘money saving tips’ up by 45%, travel agency TUI have decided to team up with the Health Service Discounts platform for 2026.
Providing those who work for the NHS with a ‘Holidays for Heroes’ (HfH) access code on various popular peak-season trips, this exclusive discount can be added on top of all other seasonal TUI deals, including the company’s ‘First Choice’ package holidays.
With the HfH code alone guaranteeing workers an extra £100 off their bookings, play your cards right, and you could get up to £500 in total discounts overall.
How to access the healthcare ‘Holidays for Heroes’ deal
Separate from standard Blue Light card savings, here’s how it works, and don’t worry, it’s all very simple:
As mentioned, education workers can also benefit from similar money off, with an extra £50 per person through the TUI x Discounts for Teachers partnership, as well.
Ella Foden-Lynch, Partnerships Manager for TUI, said in a statement: “Getting away is absolutely vital for wellbeing, especially for those working in high-stress healthcare and education roles.
“With the cost-of-living crisis still putting a strain on household budgets, we know how hard it is to stretch your pay to cover a much-needed family break. By unlocking these exclusive TUI deals, we hope to give our key workers the realistic recovery time they deserve without the financial worry.”
So, for those of you healthcare heroes and teachers looking for a well-deserved break, we urge you to find an affordable holiday that suits you very soon. With cheaper airport pints also inbound later this year, here’s hoping you save even more spends for when you’re away.
The new James Bond game is full of Easter eggs – including a nod to Manchester United
Danny Jones
Even if you’re not a big gamer, you may have seen that a rather popular new James Bond game recently dropped: 007 First Light – and if you’ve played it yourself, you will have no doubt come across many Easter eggs and references throughout, including one to Manchester United.
As we happen to be currently playing it for ourselves, we’ll admit that hearing any mention of our hometown or even just quintessentially UK nods that any Brit would enjoy was likely to result in putting a grin on our faces.
That being said, apart from whenever the next FIFA—sorry, EA Sports FC drops, we weren’t expecting to hear Man United brought up in one of the biggest video games of the year.
In fact, we’re going to go out on a limb and say that nobody has this on their 2026 bingo card.
Credit: @CaptPierce93 via r/Manchester (screenshots shared to Reddit)
It may just be a slightly tongue-in-cheek throwaway line in a cutscene, but it’s still been enjoyed by many around the world.
As player ‘CaptPierce93’ writes in his caption of his Reddit post sharing the snippet: “The game has a good splash of product placements that don’t get overwhelming; an earlier portion of the game even has radio chatter of a Manchester City and Liverpool match as well.”
He’s right as well: we’ve come across lots of different little interesting nuggets and cameos during our limited playtime, and it’s safe to say we’re looking forward to seeing what else we can spot.
While any Mancunian or true, dyed-in-the-wool United fan will no doubt squirm a little at the use of ‘Man U‘ (we’re thinking like when people ‘Manny’), it’s still pretty cool nonetheless.
You can see the specific scene in full down below.
Such a surreal few seconds.
There’s something very satisfying about hearing ‘Greenway’ – played by recognisable British actor Lennie James (Snatch, The Walking Dead, Blade Runner 2049) – utter the words “Stretford End”.
And before you ask, no, he isn’t a Red: the South Londoner is a Spurs fan and is also said to have a soft spot for Valencia, as it happens.
We’re pretty sure there aren’t any other Manc references to keep your eye out for, but we’ll let you know if we stumble upon more as we continue playing the game.
There’s something about videogame Easter eggs, in-jokes and refs like these that we never tire of; you just never know what little tidbits are going to inspire someone…
Emily Sergeant -
4th August 2020 
