As the cost of living continues to challenge households across the UK, savvy supermarket choices are more important than ever. New findings have revealed that shoppers who stick with Tesco could be paying £192 more annually for their groceries than those opting for Aldi. According to Which? research, the German discount chain claimed the title of the UK’s most affordable supermarket in September, leaving Tesco trailing by a notable margin.
For those who find themselves tightening their belts in response to rising living costs, the savings from switching supermarkets could make a significant difference. Understanding where to shop could be the key to keeping your grocery bill under control without compromising on quality.
Aldi Reigns Supreme as the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket
Aldi has once again been crowned the most economical supermarket for a basket of 71 items, according to September’s findings from consumer watchdog Which?. The cost of a typical grocery trip at Aldi was £122, far lower than the £138 charged by Tesco for the same selection of goods. Over the course of a year, this translates into a potential saving of £192 for Tesco customers who switch to Aldi.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, expressed pride in the company’s continued recognition, stating, “We are committed to providing shoppers with the best possible value, but not only that, we’ve gained this title while always ensuring our product quality remains consistently high.” Aldi’s pricing strategy, focused on offering quality goods at affordable rates, has helped the supermarket maintain its position at the top, even as rivals like Lidl challenge its dominance.
The savings are particularly noticeable when compared to other major retailers. For example, Aldi was £44.69 cheaper than Waitrose for a similar basket and £31.87 less expensive than Ocado. Even when factoring in loyalty card discounts at stores like Sainsbury’s and Tesco, Aldi’s prices continue to outperform.
Tesco Shoppers Paying More Due to Higher Prices
While Aldi has earned the title of Britain’s cheapest supermarket, Tesco’s pricing still remains a concern for many shoppers, especially those feeling the pinch of rising costs. At £138 for the same basket of 71 items, Tesco’s prices are significantly higher than Aldi’s. For Tesco customers who rely on loyalty programs like the Tesco Clubcard, there are still savings to be had, but the gap is narrower, with Tesco Clubcard shoppers paying £14.44 more than those who shop at Aldi.
This price difference has become especially pertinent during the ongoing cost of living crisis, with many consumers looking for ways to stretch their budgets. According to Which?, loyalty card users could save up to £987 annually by switching to more affordable supermarkets, like Aldi or Lidl. This could provide some relief for those trying to keep their grocery bills under control amid the soaring costs of everyday essentials.
While Tesco remains a popular choice for many, Aldi’s consistently lower prices are proving to be a smarter choice for shoppers seeking to reduce their monthly expenses. For those navigating the cost of living squeeze, switching supermarkets might be an easy way to secure tangible savings.
