We got free food and drink from Lidl, Greggs and Costa using a clever 'loophole'

A birthday is a special day dedicated to you becoming another year older and (hopefully) wiser. Whether you celebrate your birthdays with a large party filled with family and friends, or like to nestle at home in your PJs for a much deserved rest, one thing that everyone can agree on is that we all like a little treat.

But with the cost of living crisis cutting more and more holes into our pockets, the idea of spending a significant sum of money on food and drink for yourself and others can put a downer on your special day. But you don't have to fret, there is still a way to treat yourself on your birthday even with the tightest of budgets.

READ NEXT: Inside the new discount Greggs where you can get four doughnuts for 55p

In fact, thanks to a clever loophole, you can do so without spending a single penny. Back in April I celebrated my 25th birthday, keen to see what I could get for free, I hit the high street to take advantage of some of the special birthday promotions at your favourite stores.

Greggs

If you have the Greggs app downloaded on your phone then you can grab yourself a free doughnut, cupcake, or cream cake for your birthday. The reward is valid for one month once issued.

This was our first stop on our journey for free food, and I went for the sprinkled doughnut. The first time you download the app you will also be rewarded with a free hot drink, another bonus for your birthday. Costa Coffee

If you sign up for the Costa Club via the Costa app and enter your date of birth, Costa will reward you with a free cake voucher on your birthday. The freebie is valid for seven days. With my birthday being in April, I decided to grab myself a chocolate Easter bunny cupcake. Delicious.Lidl

Downloading the