A recent shift in supermarket prices has seen Asda, once the most expensive option for essential groceries, now offering the lowest prices. Asda had held the title of priciest among major supermarkets for a variety of staple items for nearly three months. However, with price increases at other chains, Asda now stands out as the most affordable choice, with a basket totaling £13.09. Lidl’s recent price hike on mince has pushed it down to the third cheapest, while Aldi remains in second place with a bill of £13.17 due to a slight drop in chicken prices.
The cost of chicken has also decreased at Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, causing Sainsbury’s to pass on the title of most expensive supermarket to Tesco, where the total bill for the same items is £13.81. Despite these comparisons, some supermarkets, including Aldi, argue that quality differences are not considered in these assessments. Aldi claims its products, such as tea bags, coffee, and beans, offer superior quality compared to competitors. However, when it comes to meat products, Aldi, Lidl, and Morrisons offer a higher fat content pack, while Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s provide a pack with lower fat content, considered better quality.
Aldi emphasizes its commitment to providing great value without the need for loyalty cards, citing its recognition as the Cheapest Supermarket of the Year by Which? for four consecutive years. Sainsbury’s notes that industry factors have influenced beef pricing and highlights its value offerings across various product ranges. Asda also reaffirms its dedication to offering low prices, with over 14,000 products undergoing price reductions through the Rollback cycle, earning recognition as the lowest-priced full-service supermarket in independent surveys.