Lidl has once again emerged as the most budget-friendly supermarket, surpassing Aldi, according to a recent study by Which?. The analysis compared the prices of a standard shopping list of 70 items, revealing that the average cost at Lidl was £120.46 in October, or £120.38 for members of their loyalty program, Lidl Plus. In comparison, the same items at Aldi totaled £121 on average.
Despite Aldi’s previous dominance as the cheapest supermarket, winning the title 22 out of the last 24 months, Lidl’s recent success has shaken up the rankings. The shopping list included various products, from branded items like Birds Eye Peas and Hovis bread to essentials like milk and butter.
For Tesco shoppers, the total bill amounted to £134.89 in the past month, or £133.38 with a Clubcard. Similarly, Sainsbury’s customers would have paid £139.68, or £136.79 with a Nectar card.
As part of their analysis, Which? compared prices for a wider selection of 187 items, excluding Aldi and Lidl due to their smaller product range compared to other supermarkets. Asda stood out as the most cost-effective option for a larger shopping list, priced at £469.11. In contrast, the same shopping list would have cost £476.11 for Tesco Clubcard holders and £481.34 at Morrisons with a More loyalty card.
Waitrose, known for its premium offerings, emerged as the priciest option for both small and large shopping lists, costing £163.04 on average in October.
The analysis factored in special offer prices and loyalty discounts where applicable, excluding multi-buy promotions.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, commented on the findings, highlighting Lidl’s affordability and Asda’s consistent position as one of the UK’s most cost-effective supermarkets. With concerns rising over high food prices, especially leading up to the holiday season, consumers are encouraged to compare prices across supermarkets to potentially save up to 26%.
Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of strategic shopping choices in navigating fluctuating food prices.