Vicky Parry
22nd Dec 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutes
It’s that time of year again — when we’re all thinking about ringing in New Year 2026 with friends and family, sparkling drinks in hand and plenty of tasty treats on the table. But let’s be honest: party planning can get expensive fast. That’s why I’ve hunted down the best party foods you can buy right now, from budget-friendly Aldi and Lidl finds to more luxurious M&S and Tesco Finest options, all taste-tested so you don’t have to guess.
My top tip for hosting on a budget? Do a BYOB — ask friends to bring their favourite drinks, whether it’s wine, fizz, or soft drinks, and your spread will feel indulgent without the cost mounting. Combine that with savvy supermarket shopping, and you can have a glamorous New Year buffet for far less than you might expect.
Here’s everything you need to create a delicious, festive, and affordable New Year party spread…
Best Budget Party Snacks (Under £5)
Aldi Party Food Range (from ~£1.15)
Aldi’s 2025/2026 party range is perfect for New Year buffets — flavourful, plentiful, and wallet-friendly:
- Specially Selected Black Truffle Crisps – ~£1.15 — surprisingly sophisticated; great with dips.
- Saffron Lobster Crisps – ~£1.15 — bold flavour for a festive crunch.
- Mallow Coconut & Raisin Chocolate-Coated Popcorn – ~£1.49 — sweet/salty mix, ideal for grazing.
- Rye/Rosemary Sourdough Crackers – ~£2.49 — pairs beautifully with cheeses or pâté.
- Mini Barber’s Cheddar Cheese & Ham Hock Scones – £1.99+ — savoury crowd-pleasers.
- Crestwood Plain Steak Pie / Cheddar Leek & Potato Pie – ~£0.99 each — small pies that stretch your budget.
Taste tip: Aldi’s savoury snacks punch above their price point — particularly when served with dips or alongside sharper cheeses.
Lidl Partytime Range (from ~£1.19)
Lidl’s New Year Partytime selection is creative, budget-friendly, and perfect for a late-night buffet:
- Vegetable Spring Rolls – £1.19 — cheap, crispy, and tasty with sweet chilli dip.
- Pigs in Blankets – £2.19 — classic New Year nibble.
- Prawn Ring with Sweet Chilli Dip – £3.79 — simple but impressive starter.
- Indian Style Snack Selection – £2.99 — adds exotic variety to finger food tables.
- Deluxe King Prawns in Duvets – £3.99 — seafood twist on a classic.
- Deluxe Mini Ice Cream Desserts – £1.49 — sweet finish for a fun night.
Party hack: Mix these with Aldi crackers and crisps to make a varied and abundant buffet.
Classic & Great-Value Party Food (Tesco Essentials)
Tesco’s frozen and party ranges are still fantastic for feeding a crowd:
- Tesco Sausage Rolls 50 Pack – £1.75
- Tesco 8 Mini Prawn Cocktail Vol‑Au‑Vents – £3.00
- Tesco Camembert Bites 12 Pack – £3.00
- Tesco Cheese and Onion Rolls 25 Pack – £1.75
- Tesco 56 Pork Cocktail Sausages – £3.60
- Tesco Finest 12 Pork Sage & Onion Stuffing Balls – £3.00
- Tesco 10 Mini Beef Pasties – £2.50
- Tesco 12 Mini Cheese & Tomato Pizzas – £3.00
Taste note: Tesco Essentials offers classic party favourites; pair with dips and cheeses for a richer spread.
Elevated & Glamorous Nibbles (Premium Picks)
For New Year’s Eve glamour, these really stand out:
- Tesco Finest Burrata with Maple & Pistachio – ~£5.50 — creamy, indulgent sharing starter.
- M&S Festive Turkey Feast Dip – £3.60 — turkey, bacon, cranberry and stuffing in a dip, perfect with crackers.
- Lidl Deluxe Prawn Canapés & Chicken Skewers – £3.79–£3.99 — fun, shareable, and slightly luxe.
Upgrade tip: Combine premium cheeses and dips with budget snacks for a table that looks abundant and tastes luxurious.
Bonus Party Pairings (Wine & Cheese)
- Lidl Prosecco Superiore – ~£7.49 — fruity, festive fizz at a bargain.
- Asda Gingerbread Cheddar – £2.48 — creative festive cheese.
- Mix budget crackers, dips and premium cheeses for a sophisticated grazing board.
Sweet Treats Under £5
- Aldi Specially Selected Cheesecake Bites – £3.99
- Lidl Deluxe Mini Ice Cream Desserts – £1.49
Perfect for a midnight sugar boost or sweet buffet section.
Verdict: Best Taste vs Best Value
- Best value: Aldi & Lidl — massive variety from ~£1.15; perfect for large New Year gatherings.
- Best classic crowd-pleasers: Tesco Essentials — frozen and chilled snacks that always work.
- Best premium taste: M&S & Tesco Finest — richer flavours, luxurious options without costing a fortune.
Money‑Saving Tips for Your New Year Bash
✔ Mix budget and premium: Pair inexpensive snacks with one or two standout items.
✔ Do BYOB: Encourage guests to bring drinks — it saves money and adds variety to the bar.
✔ Build grazing boards: Cheeses, cured meats, dips, fruits and crackers create a glamorous table at a fraction of the cost.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!