Aldi has regained its position as the most affordable supermarket in the UK, according to recent research conducted by consumer group Which?. The study compared the prices of a list of 70 items at various supermarkets, with Aldi coming out on top with an average cost of £121.22. Lidl, previously named the cheapest in October, followed closely behind at an average of £122.35, just £1.13 more expensive. Tesco, while pricier overall, offered savings to Clubcard members, with an average of £133.65 compared to £136.20 for non-members.
On the upscale end of the spectrum, Waitrose was identified as the most expensive option, averaging £166.79 for the same list of items. Opting to shop exclusively at Aldi or Waitrose could result in savings of over £45 for a family.
Which? conducts this comparison monthly, analyzing the prices of a selection of groceries at eight different supermarket chains. The list includes both own-label products and popular brands like Birds Eye and Hovis, as well as essentials like milk and butter.
In a separate comparison of 183 items, excluding Aldi and Lidl due to their focus on a smaller range of branded products, Asda emerged as the most cost-effective choice at an average of £455.52 last month. Asda’s commitment to reducing prices to compete with rivals has positioned it as a budget-friendly option for shoppers seeking a broader selection of branded goods.
Reena Sewraz, Which? retail editor, highlighted the ongoing competition between discounters like Aldi and Lidl, emphasizing the potential savings available to consumers. With Christmas approaching, household budgets may be strained, but strategic shopping across supermarkets could lead to significant savings of up to 27%.
The price breakdown for the 70 and 183 items further illustrates the cost variations among supermarkets, with Aldi, Lidl, and Asda being the most economical choices for shoppers seeking value for their grocery purchases.