Which? has released its latest supermarket price comparison for September 2026, assessing five major UK chains across different product categories.
Everyday Groceries: Aldi Wins
In a test of 93 everyday items—including branded and own-label products—Aldi came out cheapest.
Lidl with Plus was second, just behind Aldi. Asda and Tesco were higher in price.
Aldi was significantly cheaper than Waitrose, the most expensive chain in this test.
Branded Groceries: Tesco with Clubcard Leads
For a separate test of 219 branded products—such as Heinz, Nescafé, and Mr Kipling—Tesco with Clubcard came first.
Asda followed closely, with a small difference. Aldi and Lidl were excluded from this test because they carry fewer branded goods.
Loyalty Cards Make a Difference
Clubcard at Tesco saved £103.79 on the branded list, while Nectar at Sainsbury’s saved £82.83.
For the everyday basket, Clubcard saved only £5.74. Lidl Plus saved 36p, and Morrisons More saved 20p.
These savings vary widely by product and shopper habits.
Why the Results Don’t Always Apply
Skint Dad’s editors note that the cheapest supermarket in a comparison isn’t always best for a family’s actual spending.
One user pointed out that prices vary by location—Tesco Express stores in Kent are more expensive than others, despite being open later.
Others argue that prices are often rounded to multiples of 5, which may inflate costs artificially.
What This Means for Shoppers
Supermarket savings depend on what you buy, not just which chain is listed first.
- Check prices per 100g or litre to avoid overpaying for large packs.
- Try own-brand alternatives for frequently purchased items.
- Compare prices across stores before switching.
- Factor in travel time and effort when choosing where to shop.
Which? tracks prices monthly to calculate average costs, including loyalty discounts. The results reflect specific product lists and may not match every household’s weekly shopping.
For more tips on saving money on groceries, visit Skint Dad.
Shoppers are encouraged to make their own lists and compare prices across stores. A daily visit to multiple supermarkets can uncover better deals than relying on one chain.
As one user said: ‘I shop at all stores and mooch around to keep an eye on what’s really going on.’
Sources & further reading
AI-generated illustration.
