The cost of living crisis is hitting everyone hard, and shoppers are looking for ways to save money wherever possible. When it comes to groceries, a recent analysis by consumer magazine Which? has delivered a stark message: Tesco Clubcard holders are still paying more than Aldi shoppers. In fact, they’re paying a whopping £551 more per year!
Aldi was crowned the cheapest supermarket in October, beating out not only fellow German discounter Lidl, but also the big hitters like Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Waitrose. Which? conducted its analysis based on a shopping list of 62 common grocery items, and found that this basket would cost £111.66 at Aldi. Lidl came in a close second, just 41 pence more. At the other end of the spectrum, Waitrose was the most expensive, with a bill of £142.39.
Even with the Clubcard factored in, Tesco shoppers would still pay an average of £122.26 for the same basket, compared to £111.66 at Aldi. This translates to an extra £10.66 per weekly shop, or £551.20 over the course of a year if the price difference remains consistent. It’s worth noting that the price gap has narrowed slightly since August when Tesco was £652 more expensive than Aldi.
This latest analysis from Which? reinforces the fact that shoppers can save significantly on their grocery bills by choosing the right supermarket. For those using a Sainsbury’s Nectar card, their October shopping list averaged £125.93, which is £14.27 more than Aldi, and even higher than Asda (£125.26) and Tesco (£122.26/£125.09). Without a Nectar card, the same items at Sainsbury’s cost £130.79.
Harry Rose, Editor of Which? magazine, aptly summarizes the situation: “Our latest monthly analysis once again sees Aldi crowned as the UK’s cheapest supermarket. In the lead up to the festive season, people are looking to cut costs where they can. Our analysis shows that by switching supermarkets consumers could save 22%, highlighting the advantages of shopping around where possible.”
As the holiday season approaches and budgets are stretched thin, this latest analysis from Which? serves as a timely reminder that switching supermarkets can be a smart way to save money. Shoppers looking to make the most of their budgets should consider Aldi as a prime option. With significant savings potential, it could be the key to a more affordable holiday season.
