In a recent announcement, Aldi has once again claimed the title of Britain’s cheapest supermarket for the 12th consecutive month.
According to consumer researchers at Which?, Aldi offers significant savings compared to other major supermarkets.
Which? regularly compares the average prices of a basket consisting of 40 popular groceries at eight leading supermarkets across the UK. Last month, Aldi emerged as the most affordable option, with an average basket cost of £68.60. Lidl followed closely behind at £70.51, a difference of £1.91. However, the gap between Aldi and other supermarkets has slightly increased since April.
Notably, Aldi has maintained its position as the cheapest supermarket since May 2022, providing customers with consistent savings on everyday groceries. On the other end of the spectrum, Waitrose emerged as the most expensive supermarket, with a basket costing £86.91, a staggering 23.5% higher than Aldi.
Which? does not disclose the specific 40 items publicly to prevent supermarkets from adjusting their prices based on the analysis. Nevertheless, the items are described as “popular groceries.”
According to Which? retail editor Ele Clark, the rising cost of food and drink has prompted many shoppers to turn to discounters like Aldi and Lidl. Savings of over £18 can be made on a basket of everyday groceries, making these discount supermarkets a popular choice among consumers.
Clark also emphasised the responsibility of major retailers to ensure that affordable basic ranges are accessible to all customers. She called for improved transparency in pricing and easier comparison of product value.
While retailers have been urged to limit price increases on certain products, the suggestion of potential price controls on food essentials by the government was dismissed by supermarkets as a “meaningless and ineffective” measure. The recent surge in food and drink price inflation, reported at 19.1% by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), has raised concerns about the rising cost of living.
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, expressed pride in consistently offering the lowest prices, stating that Aldi stands by its customers during challenging times. “We know it is a difficult time for many and we’re proud to have consistently been the cheapest supermarket in the UK – supporting our customers when it matters the most,” she said.
As shoppers continue to face the impact of rising food prices, the affordability and value provided by supermarkets like Aldi remain vital factors influencing consumer choices.
