Ritika Janiya
Are you trying to cut costs on your weekly grocery shopping? Well, if you’re in the UK, there’s good news! A recent study reveals which supermarket offers the lowest prices, so you can save even more money. And the answer might surprise you – it’s Aldi!
Which? Study Shows Aldi is the Winner for October
Consumer group Which? carried out a study comparing the prices of a typical weekly grocery list. They checked eight major UK supermarkets to see who had the best prices. For October, Aldi came out on top as the most affordable supermarket! On average, a basket of 62 items cost £111.66 at Aldi. This grocery list included both branded items like Birds Eye Peas and Hovis bread, and unbranded items, along with milk, butter, and other essentials.
How Aldi Stands Out Against Other Supermarkets
Aldi’s competitors, such as Lidl, Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s, were not far behind. However, Aldi’s prices were still the best in the study. Lidl was close, with a similar basket costing £112.07 if you used their loyalty scheme, Lidl Plus. Without it, Lidl’s price was just slightly higher at £112.33.
The priciest supermarket in October was Waitrose. Shoppers there paid an average of £142.39 – which is £30.73 more than Aldi, making it about 28% more expensive. That’s a big difference for anyone who’s trying to keep their shopping costs down!
How Other Supermarkets Compared
Here’s a quick look at the average prices other supermarkets charged for the same 62 items:
- Tesco: With a Clubcard, shoppers paid an average of £122.26. Without it, they paid £125.09.
- Sainsbury’s: Nectar card users paid £125.93 on average. Without the card, the same basket cost £130.79.
- Asda: This supermarket offered slightly better prices than Tesco and Sainsbury’s, with an average cost of £125.26.
Bigger Shopping Trip Comparisons
When it comes to larger shopping lists, Aldi and Lidl weren’t included since their stores don’t carry as many products as the others. But for a bigger list of 164 items, Asda offered the best value at £418.71. Waitrose was again the most expensive at £461.10 – a whopping £42.39 more!
Why Does Grocery Shopping Cost So Much?
The Which? research shows how important it is to compare prices if you want to save money on groceries. Prices change all the time, depending on the store, the day, and even special offers. What’s on sale one week may not be the next. So, it pays to keep an eye on where you can get the best deals.
As Harry Rose, editor of Which? magazine, says, “Our monthly analysis shows Aldi as the UK’s cheapest supermarket once again. With the holidays coming up, people are looking to cut costs wherever possible. By switching supermarkets, shoppers could save about 22%, making it worth comparing prices where they can.”
Tips for Saving Even More on Groceries
If you’re looking to reduce your weekly grocery costs, here are some smart tips to help you save even more:
- Look for Discount Stickers: Many supermarkets mark down items nearing their sell-by date with yellow or red stickers. If you buy these, be ready to eat them soon or freeze them so they don’t go to waste.
- Make a List and Stick to It: Before heading out, write down exactly what you need. Sticking to your list helps you avoid impulse buys, which can quickly add up.
- Try Supermarket Own Brands: Many stores offer their own brand items, which can be much cheaper than branded products. Ditching “luxury” or “finest” lines for store-brand or “value” items can save you a lot each year!
- Check for Imperfect Produce: Some supermarkets, like Lidl, run schemes where they sell “wonky” fruits and vegetables at a lower price. For example, Lidl’s “Waste Not” boxes offer 5kg of misshapen but perfectly good fruits and veggies for just £1.50.
- Use Loyalty Cards and Discount Schemes: Loyalty cards, like Tesco Clubcard and Sainsbury’s Nectar, can lead to big savings. Many of these programs offer points, special discounts, or even free items. Check your supermarket’s scheme to make the most of your shopping!
- Vouchers for Low-Income Families: If you’re on a low income, you might be eligible for help with grocery costs. For instance, families with young children can apply for Healthy Start vouchers worth up to £442 per year. Many councils also offer supermarket vouchers through their Household Support Fund.
Why Aldi and Lidl Are So Popular
Aldi and Lidl are known as “discount” supermarkets. They offer fewer brands but focus on affordable, high-quality products. By keeping things simple, they manage to offer lower prices than other supermarkets. While their stores might not have every single item, they make up for it with great prices on everyday essentials.
How to Plan for Holiday Shopping
The holiday season is right around the corner, and that usually means higher grocery bills. But by following these tips and planning ahead, you can keep your spending in check. Watch for seasonal sales, buy in bulk when it makes sense, and stick to your budget.
Keeping an Eye on Grocery Prices Year-Round
Remember, the prices mentioned in the Which? report are just for October. Groceries fluctuate throughout the year, and what’s cheapest one month may not be the next. So it’s good to keep an eye on deals and be flexible with where you shop if you want the best prices.
