In a significant shift for British household budgets, Tesco has ascended to become the second most expensive supermarket for a weekly shop of essential groceries. This change follows a price increase on a fundamental item that few shoppers would omit from their trolley.
Weekly Price Analysis Reveals Supermarket Shake-Up
Each week, a detailed examination tracks the cost of a basket of eight fundamental items across the UK's six major supermarket chains to compare value for money. The latest analysis shows a notable repositioning in the rankings, with Tesco switching places with Morrisons to claim the undesirable title of second most costly option.
The Tea Bag Tipping Point
The catalyst for this change was Tesco's decision to raise the price of its budget Stockwell tea bags from 88p to 92p per box, representing a 5% increase from the previous week. This seemingly small adjustment has had a measurable impact on the total basket cost.
Following this price hike, the eight essential products now total £13.50 at Tesco. Only Sainsbury's proves more expensive at £13.53, a position it has maintained consistently since September. Meanwhile, Morrisons has actually reduced its Savers tea bags to 88p for 80, bringing its total basket cost down to £13.40 and widening the price gap with its competitor.
The Current Supermarket Price Landscape
The analysis, which has monitored essential item pricing since March 2022, reveals a clear hierarchy of supermarket affordability:
- Lidl maintains its position as the cheapest option for the sixth consecutive week, with the basket priced at £13.11
- Aldi follows closely behind at £13.13
- Asda comes in third at £13.15
- Morrisons sits at £13.40 (down from £13.44)
- Tesco now stands at £13.50 (up from £13.42)
- Sainsbury's remains the most expensive at £13.53
The basket includes fundamental items that form the backbone of many British shopping lists: bread, butter, milk, beans, tea, coffee, chicken, and mince. The analysis consistently features the most affordable options available at each retailer, including value ranges such as Morrisons' Savers, Sainsbury's Stamford Street collection, and Asda's Just Essentials.
Supermarket Responses to Price Comparisons
Not all retailers accept the methodology or conclusions of this price analysis. Aldi has consistently maintained that direct comparisons are problematic, arguing that its Diplomat Red Label tea bags and coffee offer superior quality to equivalent products examined, while noting that its bean tins contain more product than those stocked by certain competitors.
An Aldi representative emphasised: "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."
Asda similarly disputes the analysis, suggesting that the limited product selection fails to capture the complete pricing picture and doesn't account for promotional offers. The supermarket maintains that its Just Essentials range represents the most extensive and affordable option available, directly competing with Aldi's offering.
Sainsbury's offered a different perspective, with a representative stating: "This review of a limited number of products does not reflect the fantastic value our customers will find at Sainsbury's. We are committed to offering the best possible value across a wide variety of products – whether that's through our value Stamford Street range, Low Everyday Prices, Aldi Price Match, or Nectar Prices."
Tesco's Pricing Strategy Context
This price movement comes against the backdrop of Tesco's recent initiatives to emphasise value. Earlier this month, the supermarket revived its legendary blue and white stripes as part of a pricing pledge covering thousands of items. While this emblem previously represented Tesco's 'value' own-label product range, it has been reintroduced to highlight the chain's Everyday Low Prices initiative.
This programme encompasses over 3,000 branded items from household names including Heinz, Weetabix, Fairy Original Liquid, and PG Tips tea bags. The initiative represents Tesco's commitment to maintaining competitive pricing, making the recent tea bag price increase particularly noteworthy within this broader context of value-focused marketing.
The shifting supermarket rankings highlight the ongoing pressure on household budgets and the fierce competition between retailers to balance profitability with customer affordability expectations. As essential item prices continue to fluctuate, British consumers remain increasingly vigilant about where they can secure the best value for their weekly shop.
