After raising the price of an item deemed essential by most Brits, one supermarket has become the second most expensive place to do your weekly shop
A supermarket has climbed to become the second priciest for basic groceries after hiking the cost of one essential product, that few Brits would go without popping in their shopping basket.
Each week we examine the price of a trolley of fundamental items across the six major supermarkets to compare their value. This week Tesco, which began the year by pledging to maintain affordable prices on leading brands, has switched positions with Morrisons to become the second most costly after raising its budget Stockwell tea bags from 88p per box to 92p per box – a 5% increase from the previous week.
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The hike means the eight products now total £13.50 at Tesco, with only Sainsbury’s proving more costly at £13.53 – a position it has maintained since September. The divide between Tesco and Morrisons, where the goods cost £13.40, has grown wider still as Morrisons has actually cut its Savers tea bags this week to 88p for 80.
Lidl has claimed the cheapest spot for the sixth consecutive week, pricing the basket at £13.11, which covers bread, butter, milk, beans, tea, coffee, chicken and mince, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Aldi remains just pence behind though, with a total of £13.13, followed by Asda at £13.15. Our analysis has monitored the price of essentials since March 2022 and features the most affordable options at each retailer, including Morrisons’ Savers range, Sainsbury’s Stamford Street collection and Asda’s Just Essentials. However, not every retailer accepts the results of our price analysis.
Aldi has consistently maintained that the items aren’t comparable like-for-like, insisting its own Diplomat Red Label tea bags and coffee are of ‘superior quality’ to the equivalent products examined, whilst its bean tins are heavier than those stocked by certain other chains. An Aldi representative commented: “Our customers know they can always count on us for great value across the board, without needing to join a club or show a loyalty card. That’s why Which? has named us Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for five years running.”
Asda similarly disputes our analysis, claiming that our limited product selection doesn’t capture the complete pricing picture and fails to factor in its promotional offers. The chain maintains that its Just Essentials range remains the most extensive and affordable option available, matching Aldi’s offering.
Meanwhile, a Sainsbury’s representative 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.”
Earlier this month we revealed how Tesco has revived its legendary blue and white stripes as part of a pricing pledge covering thousands of items. Whilst the supermarket’s emblem previously represented its ‘value’ own-label product range, it has now been brought back to showcase the chain’s Everyday Low Prices initiative, encompassing over 3,000 branded items such as Heinz, Weetabix, Fairy Original Liquid and PG Tips tea bags.
Lidl.
Total £13.11.
Aldi .
Total £13.13.
Asda .
Total £13.15.
Morrisons .
Total £13.40 (down from £13.44).
Tesco .
Total £13.50 (up from £13.42).
Sainsbury’s .
Total £13.53
