A budget Christmas dessert from Aldi Australia has caused a festive stir online, but not for the reasons you might expect. The issue isn't the taste or price, but a calendar clash that has shoppers both amused and debating festive traditions.
The Festive Find With a Timing Faux Pas
One sharp-eyed customer picked up a tub of the supermarket's specially branded Christmas Pudding Cheesecake with Custard for just $2.99. The festive dessert, complete with spiced fruits, seemed like the perfect seasonal treat. However, upon getting home, the shopper made a discovery that prompted them to post a photo on Reddit with the caption 'Spot the problem' and a facepalm emoji.
The problem was the use-by date: December 24 – Christmas Eve. This meant the product marketed explicitly for Christmas celebrations would technically be out of date by the time the main day arrived. 'I bought it to eat tonight, but I just thought it was funny they'd sell something marketed as a Christmas food but it expires before then,' the customer explained, seeing the humorous side.
A Delicious Verdict Despite the Date Dilemma
Thankfully, the story has a happy – and tasty – ending. The shopper confirmed the dessert was thoroughly enjoyed, stating, 'I can confirm it's yummy.' They added, 'Not bad for a $3 instant pudding, and it had a bit of Christmas spice to it.' So, while the timing was ironic, the quality was not in question.
The Reddit post quickly ignited a lively discussion among other users, with many offering practical perspectives on the expiry date conundrum.
The Great Festive Food Debate
Reactions were mixed, with some offering simple solutions. 'The fact it expires on Christmas Eve? Buy another one closer to Christmas if you're that worried?' suggested one commenter. Others pointed out that modern Christmas celebrations aren't confined to a single day. 'People have Christmas parties and dinners leading up to Christmas Day, so it's not like no one would be eating it before Christmas,' another wisely noted.
This view was echoed by a user who commented, 'The only reason the shops start selling Christmas stuff is because people aren't just waiting until Christmas Day to eat it. People indulge in the lead up.' Some even saw it as a benefit, with one joking, 'Well at least if you eat it on Christmas Day, it's going to help rid you of all your overeating the next day.'
A different angle was introduced by those who questioned the very premise of buying fresh Christmas items weeks in advance. 'I mean, who buys Christmas-themed stuff in late November to be eaten on Christmas Day, unless it can be frozen?' one asked, highlighting the real-world logistics of festive planning.
Despite the date debate, the post primarily served as effective advertising for the dessert itself. Many readers were left craving a taste, with comments like 'Um hello this looks freaking good right now' and 'I know what I'm having for supper this evening.' Another simply concluded, 'I don't know what the problem is but I had one yesterday. It was delicious.'
The incident highlights the sometimes humorous disconnect between product marketing, shelf life, and real-world holiday habits, all over a $2.99 tub of festive cheesecake.
