The latest price comparison reveals that one supermarket remains the most expensive for essential grocery items, with prices consistently 17% higher than its competitors. For six weeks running, this supermarket has held its position at the top of the price list for a basket of everyday goods.
Items such as meat, milk, bread, and butter are included in the comparison, which has tracked prices across several major retailers.
According to data provided by Manchester Evening News, this supermarket’s pricing strategy has sparked ongoing discussions about its value compared to other high street chains that offer similar products at lower costs.
Price Comparison of Essential Items
A recent price comparison has shown that Sainsbury’s 500g pack of beef mince costs £3.50, which is significantly higher than the £2.99 prices seen at stores like Morrisons, Asda, Lidl, and Aldi. Tesco’s price is close at £3.29.
This is a notable increase from when the comparison first began in March 2022, when Sainsbury’s mince was priced at £2. The other retailers also sold it for lower prices back then, with Aldi and Lidl offering it at £1.69 (for a 25% fat version).
Supermarket Rankings for a Basket of Basics
In the latest analysis, Sainsbury‘s came in as the most expensive retailer, with a total bill of £13.90 for a basket of eight essentials. Tesco followed closely with £13.66. At the other end of the spectrum, Aldi remains the cheapest at £13.09, closely followed by Lidl at £13.10. Asda (£13.13) and Morrisons (£13.55) are priced in the mid-range.
Rising Prices in Essential Goods
The price of tea bags and beef mince has risen by an average of 69% across supermarkets since the start of the price tracking. Coffee has also increased by 43%, while 300g of chicken breast has risen by 15%. The rise in beef prices, which has contributed to overall inflation reaching 4.5%, is being attributed to rising wholesale costs, as highlighted by the British Retail Consortium.
Supermarkets’ Responses to Price Differences
Retailers have offered explanations for their pricing. A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s stated:
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, Aldi Price Match, or Nectar Prices.
Aldi, on the other hand, contested the comparison, arguing that the quality of its products, such as Diplomat Red Label tea bags and its coffee, justifies its prices. Aldi also pointed out that its own tins of beans are heavier than those sold by competitors. Aldi also emphasized:
Week after week, comparisons like this confirm what our customers already know – you make significant savings every time you shop with Aldi, without needing to join a club or show a loyalty card. That’s the great value that our customers count on us to deliver, and it’s why Which? has named us Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for four years running.
Asda also highlighted that the comparison did not take into account the full scope of their pricing, including their Just Essentials range, which they claim to be the largest and most affordable across supermarkets.
Itemized prices for each supermarket:
Aldi
- Loaf of white bread (800g) – 55p
- Milk (2 pints) – £1.20
- Coffee (200g) – £1.99
- Teabags (160) – £1.85
- Salted butter (250g) – £1.99
- Beans (420g tin) – 27p
- Chicken (300g) – £2.25
- Mince (500g, 25% fat) – £2.99
- Total: £13.09
Lidl
- Loaf of white bread (800g) – 55p
- Milk (2 pints) – £1.20
- Coffee (200g) – £1.99
- Tea bags (240 pack, £2.79) / £1.86 for 160
- Salted butter (250g) – £1.99
- Beans (420g tin) – 27p
- Chicken (300g) – £2.25
- Mince (500g, 25% fat) – £2.99
- Total: £13.10
Asda
- Loaf of white bread (800g) – 55p
- Milk (2 pints) – £1.20
- Coffee (200g) – £2.30
- Teabags (160) – £1.60
- Salted butter (250g) – £1.99
- Beans (410g tin) – 28p
- Chicken (300g) – £2.24
- Mince (500g, 20% fat) – £2.99
- Total: £13.13
Morrisons
- Loaf of white bread (800g) – 55p
- Milk (2 pints) – £1.25
- Coffee (200g) – £2.30
- Teabags (160) – £1.80
- Salted butter (250g) – £1.99
- Beans (410g tin) – 26p
- Chicken (300g) – £2.41
- Mince (500g, 25% fat) – £2.99
- Total: £13.55
Tesco
- Loaf of white bread (800g) – 55p
- Milk (2 pints) – £1.20
- Coffee (200g) – £2.30
- Teabags (160) – £1.80
- Salted butter (250g) – £1.99
- Beans (420g tin) – 28p
- Chicken (300g) – £2.25
- Mince (500g, 20% fat) – £3.29
- Total: £13.66
Sainsbury’s
- Loaf of bread (800g) – 55p
- Milk (2 pints) – £1.20
- Coffee (200g) – £2.30
- Teabags (160) – £1.85
- Salted butter (250g) – £1.99
- Beans (400g tin) – 26p
- Chicken (300g) – £2.40 for 320g, equates to £2.25 for 300g
- Mince (500g, 20% fat) – £3.50
- Total: £13.90
