With the Easter break underway across the UK, many households are paying closer attention to the cost of basic groceries. A recent price comparison highlights subtle shifts among the UK’s biggest supermarket chains, with Asda quietly maintaining a familiar position.
According to a report by Manchester Evening News, the findings stem from ongoing weekly checks across key essentials. While Aldi and Lidl are often top of mind for budget-conscious shoppers, this week’s data paints a slightly different picture.
Asda, despite some modest price changes, continues to stand out in a tightly contested ranking that could influence where shoppers turn this spring.
Weekly Comparison of Essential Goods Across Major Supermarkets
For over three years, the same eight essential items—bread, milk, coffee, teabags, butter, baked beans, chicken, and minced beef—have been tracked weekly across six major retailers: Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s.
This week’s comparison highlights that Asda remains at the top of the list for the eighth time in 2025, offering the most affordable total basket.
The total cost of Asda’s basket stands at £12.93, up 6p from last week due to a price increase on its 500g pack of 20% fat minced beef, now £2.75. Still, it remains the cheapest overall, supported by low pricing on items like 410g baked beans at 28p and 800g white bread at 47p.
Lidl and Aldi Follow With Near-Identical Pricing
Lidl comes in second with a basket priced at £12.96, after reducing its 420g tin of baked beans by 1p, now at 27p. Aldi follows closely at £12.97, with no price changes reported this week.
Although the pricing is tight, pack sizes and fat content differ between supermarkets. For example, Aldi and Lidl offer 25% fat minced beef compared to the 20% fat option sold at Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s—potentially impacting both quality perception and nutritional value.
Sainsbury’s records the highest total at £13.51, an increase from £13.19 last week. This is largely due to a significant 32p rise in its 200g Stamford Street Co. instant coffee, now priced at £2.30.
Other retailers like Tesco (£13.34) and Morrisons (£13.23) also exceed the leading trio, impacted by higher pricing on mince, coffee, and slight variations in product quantities (e.g., chicken sold in 320–330g packs, equated for comparison).
Supermarket Responses to Price Comparison Methodology
Some supermarkets have raised concerns about how the comparison is structured. Aldi, in particular, has challenged the methodology, stating that product quality is not adequately considered.
The chain argues that its offerings—such as Diplomat Red Label tea bags and instant coffee—are higher quality than the equivalents used in the comparison. Aldi also points out that its baked beans tins are heavier than those of other stores.
An Aldi spokesperson added:
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 also differ across stores. Aldi, Lidl, and Morrisons offer 500g packs of mince with 25% fat, typically cheaper but potentially lower in perceived quality than the 20% fat versions sold by Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s. These differences are not always reflected in the final price but may affect consumer preference.
