Cheapest Supermarkets UK Compared
With food prices still elevated following years of high inflation, where you shop makes a significant difference to your annual food bill. Here's an honest comparison — plus strategies to cut your bill at whatever store you use.
Bottom line up front: Aldi and Lidl are consistently 20–40% cheaper than the major UK supermarkets for a comparable weekly shop. But you don't have to switch entirely — knowing which stores are cheapest for what is enough.
The Supermarket Price Rankings
| Supermarket | Price level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aldi | Cheapest | Own-brand led. No loyalty scheme. Consistently wins price comparisons. Core range is excellent quality. |
| Lidl | Cheapest | Very close to Aldi. Lidl Plus app offers weekly deals. Bakery is a fan favourite. |
| Asda | Budget-friendly | Asda Rewards cashback. Good own-brand range (Just Essentials). |
| Morrisons | Mid-range | More Value range at low prices. Morrisons More card loyalty. Strong fresh counter range. |
| Tesco | Mid-range | Clubcard essential for best prices — Clubcard prices often significantly cheaper. Huge range. |
| Sainsbury's | Mid-range | Nectar card for discounts. Price-matches Aldi on 250+ products. |
| Co-op | Premium | Convenient but pricier. Good for top-up shops. |
| Waitrose / M&S Food | Premium | Significantly more expensive. Not for budget shopping. |
The Loyalty Card Difference
Tesco Clubcard and Sainsbury's Nectar are the most valuable loyalty schemes. Many "Clubcard price" discounts are 20–50% off the full shelf price. If you shop at either, never shop without scanning your card.
Loyalty points also have hidden value: Clubcard points are worth 3–4x face value when converted to partner rewards (days out, restaurants) vs. spending them on groceries.
The Aldi / Lidl Strategy
- Do your main shop at Aldi or Lidl for basics: milk, eggs, bread, meat, vegetables, cleaning products, toiletries
- Top up at Tesco or Sainsbury's for branded items you specifically want
- Most families save £30–£60/month just from this switch without changing what they eat
Tips to Cut Your Bill at Any Supermarket
- Switch to own-brand basics — Tesco Everyday Value, Asda Just Essentials, and Sainsbury's Basics are dramatically cheaper for staples like pasta, rice, flour, and canned goods
- Buy frozen — nutritionally equivalent to fresh, lasts longer, and typically 50–70% cheaper
- Meal plan — write exactly what you need for the week before you go. One of the most effective ways to cut food waste and impulse spending
- Check unit prices, not pack prices — larger packs aren't always cheaper per unit
- Yellow sticker shopping — reduced items appear from around 5pm in most stores. Freeze meat and fish immediately
- Too Good To Go — app where supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants sell surplus food bags for £2–£5
- Olio — free food-sharing app. Neighbours and local shops share surplus food
Food bank? If you're struggling to afford food, find your nearest at Trussell Trust. No referral needed at many banks — just turn up.