Supermarket is now UK's 'most expensive' after promising to 'take on' Aldi
A supermarket that pledged to 'take on' Aldi has now become one of the most expensive in our weekly price comparison.
Just earlier this month, Sainsbury's was ranking as the fourth cheapest behind Asda, Aldi and Lidl for a basket of eight key grocery essentials including bread and milk.
However, for the third consecutive week, it's proving to be the priciest retailer, snatching the unfortunate title from Tesco, which had been the most expensive every week since mid-December.
Following several price hikes at supermarkets over recent weeks, this week thankfully sees just two changes - both reductions - with Tesco and Sainsbury's lowering the price of their chicken breasts to match Aldi and Lidl.
We've previously reported how Sainsbury's CEO Simon Roberts shared his vision to 'take on' Aldi, confessing he was ready to accept a dip in profits in the short term to ensure competitiveness for shoppers, reports the Manchester Evening News.
In 2023, the retailer ramped up its fight against the budget retailer, increasing the number of items in its Aldi Price Match scheme; launching its Nectar Prices, similar to Tesco Clubcard; and also consolidating all of its budget products under the single Stamford Street label - named after Sainsbury's former home in London's Blackfriars.
But the bill for the eight items - milk, bread, butter, beans, tea, coffee, mince and chicken - is now £13.47, compared with Tesco's £13.30.
Lidl takes the crown for being the cheapest supermarket for a second consecutive week, coming in with a shopping bill totalling just £13.02. Close on its heels are Aldi at £13.07 and Asda at £13.09, followed by Morrisons' £13.23 grocery tab.
However, this ranking has not gone unchallenged. An Aldi spokesperson contested the comparisons, emphasising differences in product quality that aren't considered in the list.
Specifically, they claimed that Aldi's Diplomat Red Label tea bags and coffee are of 'higher quality' than the comparative items listed while also mentioning their tins of beans weigh more than some competitors.
Adding to their defence, the spokesperson stated: "Our promise to customers is that they will make significant savings every time they shop with Aldi, which is why we've been named Which? Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for four years running."
Meat products have also come under scrutiny in our price comparison; it includes the lowest price packs of mince from each store, and here the fat content differs—a fact pointed out by critics. Aldi, Lidl, and Morrisons sell 25% fat packs whilst others offer the slightly higher grade 20% fat options, which is generally seen as better quality meat.
Meanwhile, Asda has voiced disagreements, suggesting our product selection offers only a narrow view and fails to consider the wider range of prices and special deals offered. Asda argues that given a larger scope, their Just Essentials range is matched in price only by Aldi, firmly positioning them among the top contenders for cost-conscious consumers.
(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
(Image: Manchester Family/MEN)
(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
A Sainsbury's spokesperson defended their price points, saying: "This review of a limited number of products does not reflect the fantastic value our customers will find at Sainsbury's. We are committed to offering the best possible value across a wide variety of products, whether that's through our value Stamford Street range, Low Everyday Prices, Nectar Prices, or our current biggest ever Aldi Price Match offer."
Meanwhile, Lidl showcased its competitive prices with a list of essentials:.
- Loaf of white bread 800g - 47p.
- Milk 2 pints - £1.20.
- Coffee 200g - £1.99.
- Teabags 240 (equates to £1.86 for 160) - £2.79.
- Salted butter 250g - £1.99.
- Beans 420g tin - 27p.
- Chicken 300g - £2.29.
- Mince 500g 25% fat - £2.95.
The total cost at Lidl comes to £13.02.
Aldi closely trailed behind with its own pricing:.
- Loaf of white bread 800g - 49p.
- Milk 2 pints - £1.20.
- Coffee 200g - £1.99.
- Teabags 160 - £1.99.
- Salted butter 250g - £1.99.
- Beans 420g tin - 27p.
- Chicken 300g - £2.25.
- Mince 500g 25% fat - £2.89.
This gave Aldi a total of £13.07.
Asda offered similar affordability:.
- Loaf of white bread 800g - 49p.
- Milk 2 pints - £1.20.
- Coffee 200g (2 x 100g) - £2.16.
- Teabags 160 (4 x 40-pack) - £1.80.
- Salted butter 250g - £1.99.
- Beans 410g tin - 28p.
- Chicken 300g - £2.28.
- Mince 500g 20% fat - £2.89.
Their total matched up to £13.09.
Morrisons' basket included:.
- Loaf of white bread 800g - 47p.
- Milk 2 pints - £1.25.
- Coffee (2 x 100g) - £2.30.
- Teabags 160 (2 x 80-pack Savers) - £1.80.
- Savers Salted butter 250g - £1.99.
- Beans 410g tin - 26p.
- Chicken 300g - £2.65 for 330g, which equates to £2.41 for 300g.
- Mince 500g 25% fat - £2.75.
With a total of £13.23, Morrison's rounds out the comparison.
Tesco began their list similarly:.
- Loaf of white bread 800g - 49p.
- Milk 2 pints - £1.20.
- Coffee 200g (2 x 100g) - £2.30.
Teabags 160 (2 x 80-pack) - £1.80.
Salted butter 250g - £1.99.
Beans 420g tin - 28p.
Chicken 300g - £2.40 for 320g, equates to £2.25 for 300g (down from £2.29 for 300g).
Mince 500g 20% fat - £2.99.
Total £13.30 (down from 13.34).
Sainsbury's.
Loaf of white bread 800g - 49p.
Milk 2 pints - £1.20.
Coffee 200g - £2.30.
Teabags 160 - £1.99.
Salted butter 250g - £1.99.
Beans 400g tin - 26p.
Chicken 300g - £2.40 for 320g, equates to £2.25 for 300g (down from £2.29 for 300g).
Mince 500g 20% fat - £2.99.
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