As a regular grocery shopper who splits purchases between Aldi and Sainsbury's for their respective value and branded goods, there is one specific food item I exclusively buy from Marks and Spencer, despite its higher cost. Living conveniently close to both supermarkets, I typically source fresh meat and produce from Sainsbury's while relying on Aldi for frozen essentials and cupboard basics due to their budget-friendly prices.
The Chicken Breast Conundrum
However, neither Aldi nor Sainsbury's meets my standards for certain products, leading me straight to M&S. At the top of this exclusive list are their skinless chicken breasts, which are absolutely central to my meal planning and feature in more than half of my weekly dinners, making them a non-negotiable item on my shopping list.
Disappointments with Aldi and Sainsbury's
Over the years, I have given both Aldi and Sainsbury's chicken breasts a fair chance, but they have consistently disappointed. The meat often appears less fresh off the shelf, and regardless of preparation method—whether boiled, roasted, or fried—it tends to come out disappointingly chewy and tough.
What's worse, I have repeatedly encountered issues with Sainsbury's chicken turning bad well before its use-by date, even when the packaging remained completely sealed, raising concerns about quality and shelf life.
The M&S Advantage
In contrast, M&S chicken breasts, despite being packaged in-store, consistently look pristine and cook beautifully. Whether I am boiling, air frying, roasting, or pan-frying them, they never turn out tough or rubbery, delivering a superior texture and taste every time.
Given this marked difference in quality, I am more than willing to pay £4.75 for M&S skinless chicken breasts, even though they cost roughly double the price of similar items at Sainsbury's and Aldi. This investment ensures I never waste chicken, as it always lasts until the use-by date without spoilage.
Balancing Quality and Economy
To economise on my weekly food shop, I make a point of purchasing as many cupboard essentials as possible from Aldi, which has been hailed as the most affordable UK supermarket for 2026. I am particularly fond of Aldi's range of seasonings, available for just 59p, salt at 69p, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil for £5.49.
This strategy allows me to save money on staples while splurging on premium items like M&S chicken breasts, where quality truly matters. The combination of Aldi's affordability and M&S's superior products creates a balanced shopping approach that prioritises both value and excellence in my kitchen.
