- New research by Lidl GB reveals that students are more likely to turn to unhealthy habits during exams with many turning to quick-fix energy habits.
- But these habits may be backfiring, with students reporting energy crashes and feeling anxious or jittery as a result.
- While almost 40% are aware of ‘biohacking’ habits, more than half still said they don’t know which foods help support cognitive performance.
- Lidl GB’s in-house nutritionist shares their simple tips, highlighting how great value can help achieve great results.
- To help access affordable, healthier food choices during exam season, the discounter is offering vouchers to students.
6th May 2026: Lidl GB has announced new support to help 16-18-year-olds across Great Britain navigate exam season as new research reveals many students are skipping meals, relying on energy drinks and searching for ways to improve focus and performance.
The discounter is offering £10 vouchers alongside expert nutrition advice from its in-house nutritionist, helping students access healthier options during one of the most stressful times of the year.
New research from Lidl reveals that students aged 16-18 are more likely to turn to unhealthy habits during this time. The research shows that 43% of students often miss breakfast on the morning of their exam, while three quarters (75%) say they have felt hungry while sitting an exam.
The research also found many students are turning to quick-fix energy habits during exam season, with almost one in three (32%) relying on energy drinks and 25% reaching for sugary snacks to stay energised. However, these habits may be backfiring, with 27% saying less healthy snacks give them a short burst of energy followed by a crash, while 20% report feeling anxious or jittery.
Despite a growing interest in ‘biohacking’, with almost 40% students aware of the rising trend of making small lifestyle or dietary changes to support focus, energy and wellbeing, more than half (54%) still said they don’t know which foods help support cognitive performance.
To support students during this time, Lidl GB’s in-house nutritionist, Dr. Emma Williams, has shared their simple top tips:
- Breakfast is essential and doesn’t have to be complicated. Fortified breakfast cereals like Lidl GB’s Crownfield Wheat Bixies provide a source of iron, which can help contribute to normal cognitive function. They also provide a variety of B-vitamins, such as Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), important for reducing tiredness and fatigue. Top with milk or a fortified dairy alternative like oat milk and sprinkle berries on top for added vitamin C for immune system support. Much more savoury? Try Lidl GB’s Deluxe Golden Yolk Free Range Eggs egg and Deluxe Wholegrain seeded toast. Scrambled, boiled, poached or lightly fried, however you like them, eggs provide key micronutrients, including those all important ones for normal cognitive function: iron, zinc and iodine.
- Mindful snacking is key. Sugar leads to a temporary energy spike followed by a crash. Try opting for healthier snacks containing key micronutrients like B-vitamins, Vitamin C, Iron and Magnesium for energy release and anti-fatigue. Lidl GB’s Alesto fruit and nut mix includes sultanas, almonds, walnuts, hazel and cashew nuts. Cashew nuts have both iron and zinc which is important for normal cognitive function.
- Lastly, healthy hydration is so important. Water aids normal physical and cognitive function so the trick is to keep yourself perfectly hydrated. In contrast, too much caffeine will impact sleep performance so aim to drink caffeinated drinks earlier in the day to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Take your hydration to the next level with Lidl GB’s Carrick Glen Dragonfruit & Yuzu Vitamin water drink with a variety of B-vitamins to help combat tiredness and fatigue and zinc to support normal cognitive function.
- In summary, the choice is in your hands! But some simple swaps can help to work with you rather than against.
For those who want to get some extra credit, the discounter is encouraging students to look out for the Live Well logo in-store. Unlike competitors’ health markers, which focus solely on nutritional profiles, the Lidl Live Well logo goes further as products must also align with broader sustainability criteria. Developed in collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation and builds on the Lidl partnership principles with WWF, products with the Live Well logo must align to the Planetary Health Diet. It’s an industry first that helps shoppers make more holistic choices.
Georgina Hall, Director of Corporate Affairs at Lidl GB said: “I remember well the late-night coffees and chocolate-fuelled study sessions I had during my own exam periods. The world’s understanding of nutrition and how we can help ourselves has evolved so much in recent years though. We want to help make this exam season easier for the next generation because eating well shouldn’t cost the earth, and we firmly believe that everyone should have access to healthy, affordable food.”
To provide practical support for students to get the right products and fuel up in the best way, Lidl GB is offering £10 vouchers to 100 students across Great Britain. To enter for a chance to win a voucher to spend in store, members of the public can visit this link before midnight Tuesday 23rd June.