Lidl's new £25 pumpkin casserole dish 'looks just like' £300 Le Creuset version

Lidl shoppers can keep an eye out for a very popular fruit landing in the middle aisle soon - but it's not technically meant for eating. Instead, shoppers can cook with it this autumn and save themselves hundreds of pounds in the process.

With the colder temperatures settling in and October arriving, people in the UK are swapping out their light summer dishes for hearty meals that can warm you up from within. Some might think that a steaming bowl of soup is perfect for this chilly weather, but others with a little extra time on their hands could whip up a filling casserole instead.

For what Lidl is calling a "fun and seasonal twist," shoppers can get Lidl's Premium Cast Iron Casserole Dish for £24.99. From October 2, the kitchenware will be in the middle aisle of the supermarket and could easily be mistaken for seasonal fruit at a quick glance.

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With its 3.7L capacity, the pumpkin-shaped cookware is said to be perfect for making family meals or batch cooking. Lidl's version is cheaper than popular high-end brands that also offer pumpkin-themed pots.

Lidl bosses said that its £24.99 pot—which could easily be used for making bread, cakes, desserts, and hearty winter meals—is hundreds of pounds less than a similar version sold by Le Creuset. It's made from a similar material and claims to hold the exact same amount of food, too.

The viral casserole dish is part of the brand's pumpkin range that has "lifelike features and colours" as the seasonal fruit - but shoppers will have to be willing to part with £299 for the 24cm piece. Meanwhile, Lidl’s pumpkin pot lands in stores on Thursday, October 2 for £25. As with all special offers, it will only be available while stocks last.

In other Lidl news, shoppers were thrilled to find out that the discount supermarket would be bringing back its popular wooden toy sale this month. However, some parents are conflicted as the launch clashes with Lidl's budget rival Aldi, which is also selling its biggest selection of wooden toys on October 9.

Lidl announced that shoppers would have a choice of more than 30 different types of toys in a variety of styles that cannot be found anywhere else. Some of the big-ticket items include wooden kitchen sets from £49.99, but there are options to suit all budgets with toys on offer from as little as £1.99.

Lidl’s wooden toy range arrives in stores nationwide on Thursday, October 9, and stock is available while it lasts. Shoppers can pre-browse and form a list of must-have items by looking at Lidl's website here.