Tesco has been the most expensive supermarket for a basket of basic groceries for the third week in a row, according to a weekly price comparison by the Manchester Evening News. The basket of eight products—including bread, butter, beans, milk, tea bags, coffee, chicken, and beef mince—cost £13.75 at Tesco.
Price comparison results
Lidl was the cheapest at £13.21, followed by Aldi at £13.33, Asda at £13.34, Morrisons at £13.43, and Sainsbury's at £13.73. Only one price change occurred this week: Lidl reduced its tin of beans from 28p to 27p.
Historical context
When the comparison began in 2022, Tesco's basket cost £9.52—31% less than today. Aldi was the cheapest at £9.13, 32% cheaper than its current £13.33. All supermarkets have seen price increases, including their value ranges.
Supermarket responses
An Aldi spokesperson said: "Our customers know they can always count on us for great value across the board, without needing to join a club or show a loyalty card. That's why Which? has named us Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for five years running."
Sainsbury's stated the "review of a limited number of products does not reflect the fantastic value" shoppers find in store. An Asda spokesperson said: "Asda is delivering unbeatable value on the products families buy most... independent surveys consistently recognise Asda as the best-value full-range supermarket."
Detailed basket prices
Lidl: bread 55p, milk £1.20, coffee £2.09, tea bags £1.83 (240-pack equated), butter £1.99, beans 27p, chicken £2.19, mince £3.09. Total: £13.21.
Aldi: bread 55p, milk £1.20, coffee £2.09, tea bags £1.85, butter £1.99, beans 27p, chicken £2.29, mince £3.09. Total: £13.33.
Asda: bread 55p, milk £1.20, coffee £2.30, tea bags £1.60, butter £1.98, beans 28p, chicken £2.34 (equated), mince £3.09. Total: £13.34.
Morrisons: bread 55p, milk £1.20, coffee £2.30, tea bags £1.84, butter £1.99, beans 27p, chicken £2.19 (equated), mince £3.09. Total: £13.43.
Sainsbury's: bread 55p, milk £1.20, coffee £2.30, tea bags £1.85, butter £1.99, beans 30p, chicken £2.29 (equated), mince £3.25. Total: £13.73.
Tesco: bread 55p, milk £1.20, coffee £2.30, tea bags £1.84, butter £1.99, beans 28p, chicken £2.34 (equated), mince £3.25. Total: £13.75.
