Aldi Scotland is asking Scots to own up to their mealtime ‘porky pies’, after new research found 82% of parents and grandparents have told a child a white lie about food.
The research, carried out by ScotPulse, Scotland’s largest research panel, and commissioned by Aldi Scotland, found the most common fib was ‘eating carrots will help you see in the dark’ (62%), followed by ‘eating cheese before bed will give you bad dreams’ (40%). Just 18% say they have never told a child a white lie.
Most of the ‘porkies’ come from a good place. From carrots that help you see in the dark to milk that helps you grow taller, parents often stretch the truth to encourage fussy eaters to clear their plates. The research also found that some parents tell lies to avoid giving their kids more sugar with 26% admitting they have told a child there are no treats left in the cupboard and 9% claiming the ice cream van only plays its music once it has sold out.
To mark Porktober, Aldi Scotland is giving parents the chance to ‘save their bacon’. Anyone who shares their ‘porky pie’ confession could win an Aldi voucher to make it up to the children they fibbed to.
Alan Leslie, buying director, Aldi Scotland, said: “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 arrive in Scottish stores from Thursday 15 October, including:
- Scottish Pork Chops, 2 pack (350g), £2.29
- 15% Scottish Pork Mince (500g), £2.29
- Scottish Pork Leg Joint (1.2-1.8kg), £5.29
- Scottish Pork Belly Slices (500g), £3.39
- Scottish Marinated Pork Shoulder Steaks, Hot & Spicy or Hot Maple (460g), £2.89
Aldi continues to champion Scottish pork all year round. Earlier this year, it extended its contract with Dumfries and Galloway-based Browns Food Group for a further three years, and NFU Scotland’s 2025-26 ShelfWatch report found Aldi had one of the highest levels of Scottish pork sourcing among supermarkets, at 41%.
To be in with a chance of winning, comment your porky confession on Aldi Scotland’s Porktober post on Instagram or Facebook by 12pm Saturday 31 October.
You can find your nearest Aldi store here.
Terms and conditions can be found at: https://www.aldi.co.uk/scotland/terms-and-conditions/competitions
