Sainsbury’s, one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, has recently been found to charge a significant 17% more for a common product compared to other major competitors.
This price hike has made Sainsbury’s the most expensive supermarket for the third consecutive week, according to a new weekly price comparison survey. The product in question, a 500g pack of mince, has seen a steady increase over time, but its current price now stands at £3.50, putting it far above rival stores.
The price rise is particularly evident when comparing Sainsbury’s to discounters like Aldi and Lidl, which continue to offer the same item for £2.99.
This price difference is not just a small increment but represents a considerable gap, highlighting the ongoing inflationary pressures supermarkets face as they adjust their pricing strategies in response to broader economic challenges.
Price Comparison Between UK Supermarkets
Each week, a basket of eight common grocery items is compared across six major UK supermarkets to assess where consumers can get the best value for their money. The survey includes products such as bread, milk, tea, butter, and meat, with Sainsbury’s topping the price list for several consecutive weeks.
According to the survey, Sainsbury’s overall basket costs £13.90, while discount rivals Aldi and Lidl come in at £13.09 and £13.10 respectively. Aldi, the current cheapest supermarket, has maintained its position as the most affordable option for five weeks straight.
Sainsbury’s price increase on mince, alongside its general pricing strategy, has raised questions about the company’s value proposition, especially as many other retailers have opted for price reductions or stable pricing on similar goods. There is the Price Comparison for Eight Common Grocery Items:
Aldi
- 800g loaf of white bread – 55p
- 2 pints of milk – £1.20
- 200g coffee – £1.99
- 160 teabags – £1.85
- 250g salted butter – £1.99
- 420g tin of beans – 27p
- 300g chicken – £2.25
- 500g mince with 25% fat – £2.99
Total: £13.09
Lidl
- 800g loaf of white bread – 55p
- 2 pints of milk – £1.20
- 200g coffee – £1.99
- 240 pack of tea bags – £2.79 (equates to £1.86 for 160)
- 250g salted butter – £1.99
- 420g tin of beans – 27p
- 300g chicken – £2.25
- 500g mince with 25% fat – £2.99
Total: £13.10
Asda
- 800g loaf of white bread – 55p
- 2 pints of milk – £1.20
- 200g coffee (2 x 100g) – £2.28
- 160 teabags (4 x 40-pack) – £1.80
- 250g salted butter – £1.99
- 410g tin of beans – 28p
- 300g chicken – £2.24
- 500g mince with 20% fat – £2.99
Total: £13.33
Tesco
- 800g loaf of white bread – 55p
- 2 pints of milk – £1.20
- 200g coffee (2 x 100g) – £2.30
- 160 teabags (2 x 80-pack) – £1.80
- 250g salted butter – £1.99
- 420g tin of beans – 28p
- 300g chicken – £2.40 for 320g (equates to £2.25 for 300g)
- 500g mince with 20% fat – £3.09
Total: £13.46
Morrisons
- 800g loaf of white bread – 55p
- 2 pints of milk – £1.25
- Coffee (2 x 100g) – £2.30
- 160 teabags (2 x 80-pack Savers) – £1.80
- Savers Salted butter 250g – £1.99
- 410g tin of beans – 26p
- 300g chicken – £2.65 for 330g (equates to £2.41 for 300g)
- 500g mince with 25% fat – £2.99
Total: £13.55
Sainsbury’s
- 800g loaf of bread – 55p
- 2 pints of milk – £1.20
- 200g coffee – £2.30
- 160 teabags – £1.85
- 250g salted butter – £1.99
- 400g tin of beans – 26p
- Chicken 300g – £2.40 for 320g (equates to £2.25 for 300g)
- Mince 500g 20% fat – £3.50
Total: £13.90
The Ongoing Pricing Debate and Retailer Responses
Supermarkets have been quick to respond to the weekly comparison, with Aldi challenging the data by arguing that the analysis fails to account for quality differences in their products. According to Aldi, its offerings, such as Diplomat Red Label tea bags and coffee, are of superior quality compared to the standard products at other retailers.
Similarly, Asda has expressed dissatisfaction with the limited selection of items included in the comparison, stating that its Just Essentials range provides better value overall.
Sainsbury’s has acknowledged the price increase, citing industry-wide factors affecting beef prices. The retailer assured consumers that it remains committed to providing good value through its various pricing initiatives, including the Aldi Price Match and its wider range of affordable options, such as the Stamford Street range.
However, as the price comparison shows, Sainsbury’s appears to be trailing behind in offering the most competitive prices, especially for budget-conscious shoppers.
