The age-old question of whether Aldi or Lidl reigns supreme in the supermarket price wars has been tackled once again, this time with a comprehensive comparison of 40 popular grocery items. While both stores are known for their budget-friendly offerings, a reporter from the Manchester Evening News decided to go beyond the usual weekly price check of bread and milk to see who truly triumphs when it comes to a full shopping basket.
The experiment revealed a surprising truth: the two discount giants are remarkably similar in both their pricing and product selection. The similarities go beyond mere coincidence; it seems both have their eyes on the same target market, offering remarkably identical versions of popular brands. For example, both supermarkets sell their own takes on Lurpak butter – Danpak at Lidl and Norpak at Aldi – complete with strikingly similar packaging. This pattern extends to a vast range of products, including cheese packs, egg boxes, bean tins, and even thick white bread loaves that closely resemble Warburtons Toasties.
Across the 40 items purchased, Aldi emerged as the overall winner with a total bill of £63.26 compared to £63.89 at Lidl, even after factoring in Lidl Plus discounts on two items. Of the 40 products, 28 were priced identically, while Aldi came out cheaper on nine items and Lidl on just three. Notably, Lidl’s shopping basket would have been slightly cheaper had their budget chopped tomatoes been in stock.
Items where Aldi shone included a liter of apple juice, chocolate digestives, kidney beans, skin-on fries, ice cream lollies, and their own versions of popular chocolate bars like Twix and Mars. Interestingly, Aldi’s prosecco, currently on sale, proved to be a steal at £4.75 compared to Lidl’s £5.45. This win for Aldi echoes a previous larger comparison conducted a year ago, where they also came out on top.
While Aldi may have won this round, both supermarkets have seen price fluctuations since last September. For instance, both have reduced the price of chicken breasts and fusilli pasta, while some products have seen a slight increase, such as Wheaties cereal, butter, and bleach.
An Aldi spokesperson celebrated their win, highlighting their commitment to providing customers with significant savings, a testament to their consistent ranking as the cheapest supermarket by Which? for three consecutive years. Meanwhile, Lidl defended their position by emphasizing the value of their more economical tinned tomatoes and XXL penne pasta, which, if included in the comparison, would have brought their total bill closer to Aldi’s. They also boasted about their Lidl Plus app, offering free bakery and fruit items with specific spending thresholds, providing an added incentive for shoppers.
In conclusion, the battle between Aldi and Lidl is a tight one, with both stores offering remarkably similar products at incredibly competitive prices. While Aldi emerged victorious in this particular comparison, the difference in cost was marginal, highlighting the fierce competition between these discount supermarkets. The ultimate choice for shoppers boils down to individual preferences, specific product needs, and the added benefits offered by each store’s loyalty programs.
