Aldi Scotland has commissioned new research revealing that 82% of parents and grandparents in Scotland have told a child a white lie about food. The findings come as Aldi Scotland invites Scots to share their mealtime ‘porky pies’ to mark Porktober, with the supermarket set to help five parents ‘save their bacon’ with a £30 voucher. The research, carried out by ScotPulse, Scotland’s largest research panel, found that the most common fib was ‘eating carrots will help you see in the dark’, cited by 62% of respondents.
This was followed by 40% who admitted to telling children that ‘eating cheese before bed will give you bad dreams’. Only 18% of those surveyed stated they had never told a child a white lie about food. Many of these ‘porkies’ are told with good intentions, such as encouraging fussy eaters. The research also indicated that some parents tell lies to limit sugar intake, with 26% admitting they have told a child there are no treats left in the cupboard. Additionally, 9% claimed the ice cream van only plays its music once it has sold out.
To celebrate Porktober, Aldi Scotland is offering parents the chance to win a voucher to make amends with their children. Anyone who shares their ‘porky pie’ confession on Aldi Scotland’s Porktober post on Instagram or Facebook by 12pm on Saturday 31 October will be entered into a draw to win one of five £30 Aldi vouchers.
You Might Also Like:
Alan Leslie, Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, commented: “Anyone who has sat across the table from a fussy eater knows you need a few tricks up your sleeve. Our research shows just how inventive Scottish families can be, whether that’s promising night vision in exchange for a carrot or a growth spurt for finishing their milk. What is clear is that these fibs have become part of family life in Scotland, with the majority of parental figures stretching the truth to encourage healthier eating. Porktober is all about championing Scottish pork and the Scottish farmers who produce it, so it felt only right to invite parents to come clean about their own porkies. Five lucky families will get a little something to make it up to the kids, and there’s plenty to enjoy in our Porktober specials.”
Aldi’s Porktober specials are scheduled to arrive in Scottish stores from Thursday 15 October. These include Scottish Pork Chops, 2 pack (350g) for £2.29, 15% Scottish Pork Mince (500g) for £2.29, Scottish Pork Leg Joint (1.2-1.8kg) for £5.29, Scottish Pork Belly Slices (500g) for £3.39, and Scottish Marinated Pork Shoulder Steaks in Hot & Spicy or Hot Maple flavours (460g) for £2.89. Aldi Scotland continues to support Scottish pork year-round.
Earlier this year, the supermarket extended its contract with Dumfries and Galloway-based Browns Food Group for a further three years. The NFU Scotland’s 2025-26 ShelfWatch report identified Aldi as having one of the highest levels of Scottish pork sourcing among supermarkets, at 41%.
