Scarborough couple compete for spot on Aldi's shelves in Channel 4 series

The couple, who have been together for 14-years and have two children, are the founders of WheyBetter® (2017) — a chocolate bar they describe as “the love child of your favourite protein bar and traditional chocolate bar”.

On a mission to change how the UK thinks about chocolate, the entrepreneurs were picked from hundreds of applicants competing for a life changing contract to stock their chocolate bars in Aldi stores nationwide.

 Presented by Anita Rani of Countryfile and BBC Radio 4 and Chris Bavin, of BBC 1’s The One Show and Eat Well for Less, the six-part series will see suppliers compete in a range of categories including dinners and baked goods, as well as exciting new category additions: party, world, and confectionery. 

Products are presented to Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, who deliberates on factors such as price, packaging, shopper demand, and the ability to scale up, before shortlisting contestants down to just two.   

Finalists are then given four weeks to address any feedback, with a follow-up home visit from Anita or Chris who will report back their findings to Julie.

The three judges then taste test the improved products, before Julie decides the winner which will appear as a Specialbuy in over 1,000 stores.   

Ms Ashfield said: “Offering shoppers an affordable indulgence is a big focus for Aldi. We’re looking for fun flavours and twists on classics, so innovation is key.”

The Millards founded WheyBetter® in 2017, and committed to delivering quality, guilt-free traditional style chocolate packed with protein, without any added sugar.

The journey started with Mark’s own weight loss journey years ago, which led him to become a sport scientist and ultimately craft a delicious and nutritious chocolate bar for the whole family.

Mr Millard said: “Even with my own family and clients, I have always encouraged balance in terms of life, work, fitness and diet.

“Our motto is ‘life is about balance, wear your halo just off centre’.”

 Mrs Millard added: “I’m confident about our chocolate. I believe in it wholeheartedly! This opportunity is second to none.”

 The multi-category competition is part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to support British suppliers.

Last year, Aldi spent an additional £1.3 billion with British suppliers and growers, and they provide more than three quarters of all items sold in its stores.

The supermarket has also introduced a ‘Best of British’ section to its website, which includes a wide selection of groceries from meat to dairy products and everyday essentials, in a bid to help shoppers support British businesses.

 To find out if WheyBetter® made it on to Aldi’s shelves, watch Aldi’s Next Big Thing on Channel 4 on Tuesday April 23.

The series will air every Tuesday at 8pm until May 7.