Shoppers Could Save £16.57 at Lidl
Consumer group Which? has revealed that Lidl is the UK's most affordable supermarket, beating out competition from Aldi. According to their analysis, shoppers could save £16.57 by buying a basket of goods at Lidl compared to the most expensive supermarket. This is the first time in 16 months that Aldi has not been named the cheapest shop, although it was only just behind Lidl with a basket cost of £74.75.
Waitrose Tops the List as Most Expensive
On the other end of the spectrum, Waitrose was found to be the most expensive supermarket, with a basket of groceries totalling £91.15 on average. This is 22% more than Lidl, or a difference of £16.57. The full rankings based on a basket of shopping for 44 items are as follows:
- Lidl – £74.58
- Aldi – £74.75
- Asda – £82.11
- Tesco – £85.34
- Sainsbury's – £85.88
- Morrisons – £86.35
- Ocado – £90.37
- Waitrose – £91.15
Asda Named Cheapest for Larger Trolley of Groceries
When comparing the cost of a larger trolley with 135 items, Asda came out on top as the cheapest supermarket with an average cost of £328.42. This was £10.98 cheaper than the next cheapest, Morrisons. Waitrose once again took the crown as the most expensive supermarket, with a total cost of £378.08, which was £49.66 more expensive than Asda.
The full rankings based on a trolley full of items are as follows:
- Asda – £328.42
- Morrisons – £339.40
- Ocado – £354.54
- Tesco – £358.08
- Sainsbury's – £364.61
- Waitrose – £378.08
Big Savings Can be Made by Changing Supermarkets
The data from Which? highlights how shoppers can make significant savings by simply changing where they buy their food. However, the consumer group argues that many of the major supermarkets have not done enough to support their customers during the cost of living crisis. Which? is calling on the government to work with supermarkets to ensure easy access to basic, affordable food ranges and clear unit pricing.
How to Save on Your Supermarket Shop
Aside from shopping at cheaper supermarkets, there are several other ways to save money on your food shopping. Making a list beforehand can help prevent rash purchases, while opting for supermarkets' own-brand goods instead of big name brands can slash costs. Some supermarkets also offer "wonky" veg schemes, where you can purchase misshapen or imperfect produce at a lower price. Checking the cost per unit is another handy way to find the best value. Lastly, don't forget about supermarket loyalty schemes that allow you to earn points for future purchases.
