New research has revealed a £14.30 difference in cost between shopping at the UK’s cheapest and most expensive supermarkets as soaring food prices prompt many to reconsider their spending habits.
Which? has this week revealed that Aldi has been named as the cheapest supermarket in the UK for the 15th month in a row with an average basket price of £65.21.
At the other end of the scale was Waitrose, with an average cost of £79.51 for a shop including groceries and household essentials.
Following the publication of the consumer group's monthly report, Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi, said: “As summer draws to a close and families begin preparing to go back to school or university, August and September can represent financially challenging months for many.
“However, with fifteen consecutive months as the UK’s cheapest supermarket, families can rest assured that they can rely on us for great quality products at the lowest possible prices and that we’ll continue to support our customers in these testing times.”
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Discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl are said to have first started to make their mark in the UK during the financial crash of 2008, as inflation pushed households to seek alternatives for brand-name staples which had rocketed in cost.
While previously shoppers might have been willing to pay extra for a sense of luxury that comes from shopping at high-end supermarkets such as Waitrose and M&S, for many the gap between retailers became a stretch too far.
Speaking last year, Giles Hurley, chief executive officer for Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is worsening, and it’s being felt by millions of households across the UK.
“Independent research shows our discount is as compelling as ever and that’s why more and more people are switching to Aldi.
“We will do whatever it takes to maintain our discount to the traditional full-price supermarkets and keep grocery prices as low as possible for the millions of customers that shop with us.”
This month’s research from Which? shows that these days, as the prices of everyday essentials from vegetable oil to sugar continue to rise, it’s not just shopping at 'high-end' supermarkets that requires a bigger budget.
The second cheapest supermarket for this month was named as Lidl with a basket cost of £66.53, with Asda the next in line with an increase to £71.48.
Tesco was priced at £74, Sainsbury’s at £74.12 and Morrisons at £79.38 with Ocado listed as the second most expensive at £79.38.
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Aside from offering discount prices, recent years have shown Aldi and Lidl to rival the level of quality available on competitors’ shelves with products receiving recognition from the likes of the prestigious Great Taste Awards.
In particular, their own brand ranges of wines and spirits have impressed judges on a global stage at competitions such as the International Spirits Challenge or World Whisky Awards.
With a winning streak that has now lasted for well over a year, even savvy shoppers who can afford to shop elsewhere are sure to be keeping an eye on the monthly findings from Which? as the winter months draw closer and the first whispers of festive season planning begin.
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