Cheapest Supermarkets in the UK: Where to Shop for the Best Value
- Jamie Reid - Credit, Loans & Everyday Money Writer
- Apr 7
- 5 min read
With food prices continuing to rise and household budgets under pressure, knowing where to get the best value for your weekly shop is more important than ever. While you can’t control inflation, you can control where and how you shop — and the right supermarket can make a big difference to your grocery bill.
This guide breaks down the cheapest supermarkets in the UK, how they compare on pricing and quality, and smart strategies to save more every time you shop. Whether you’re a loyal customer of a big-name chain or open to switching, this article will help you make informed choices that protect your wallet.
What Makes a Supermarket “Cheap”?
It’s not just about the headline prices. The cheapest supermarket for you will depend on:
Price of staple goods (milk, bread, pasta, rice, etc.)
Own-brand vs branded product pricing
Special offers and loyalty schemes
Store accessibility and availability
Delivery fees or minimum spend for online orders
Supermarkets often compete using promotions and loss leaders, so true savings come from looking at your whole basket, not just a few deals.
Cheapest Supermarkets in the UK: Ranked and Reviewed
Based on consistent third-party comparisons from sources like Which?, MoneySavingExpert, and consumer reviews, here are the cheapest supermarkets in the UK — and how they differ.
1. Aldi – Overall Cheapest for Weekly Groceries
Aldi continues to lead the UK’s budget supermarket race with consistently low prices and a strong focus on own-brand products.
Key Strengths:
Simple pricing and limited product range reduce overwhelm and impulse buys.
Excellent quality own-brands (e.g., pasta, sauces, household items).
Regular “Super 6” fruit and veg promotions.
Why It's Cheap: Aldi cuts costs through limited staff, no loyalty cards, and a streamlined store layout — all of which pass savings to you.
Unique Insight: Aldi’s “Specialbuys” (non-food bargains released every Thursday and Sunday) can offer major savings on homeware and seasonal items, but only if you avoid impulse spending.
2. Lidl – Direct Competitor to Aldi with Similar Pricing
Lidl’s pricing is neck-and-neck with Aldi, with more frequent in-store offers and a slightly larger selection of brands.
Key Features:
Weekly “Pick of the Week” fruit, veg, meat, and bakery deals.
More global product range, especially in its “Deluxe” and “Vitasia” ranges.
Lidl Plus app offers exclusive discounts and digital scratchcards.
Savings Tip: Use the Lidl Plus app regularly — shoppers who spend £200/month can earn up to £10 in vouchers.
Read our guide on: How to Save Money on Your Weekly Food Shop
3. ASDA – Cheapest Among the Big Four Supermarkets
ASDA stands out for those who prefer traditional supermarkets with wider branded selections but still want competitive prices.
Advantages:
Wide range of own-brand “Just Essentials” line — among the lowest prices across big chains.
Strong online presence with affordable delivery options.
Loyalty scheme (ASDA Rewards app) gives cashback on select purchases.
Best For: Shoppers who want branded goods but still need to budget carefully.
4. Tesco – Good Mid-Range Option with Strong Loyalty Offers
Tesco isn’t always the cheapest at face value, but its Clubcard Prices often undercut competitors on branded goods.
What to Expect:
Clubcard members get exclusive discounts across thousands of items.
Wide product choice and reliable online delivery.
Useful for larger households or bulk buying.
Money-Saving Tip: Combine Clubcard offers with yellow sticker reductions in-store, usually after 6pm.
Read our guide on: Cheapest Takeaway Apps in the UK
5. Sainsbury’s – Quality Focused, But Deals Are There
Sainsbury’s tends to be pricier overall but has improved affordability with its “Stamford Street” value range and Nectar scheme.
Key Highlights:
Nectar Prices offer strong discounts for loyalty card users.
Good quality produce and meat — ideal for mixed budgets.
Great online delivery service and meal deal bundles.
Smart Insight: Use Nectar points at partner brands (like Argos or eBay) for more meaningful rewards than using them in-store.
6. Morrisons – Decent for Families and Bulk Buys
Morrisons offers strong meat and bakery counters, with decent pricing when you use its loyalty scheme or buy multi-packs.
Strengths:
“More Card” rewards regular users with digital coupons.
Frequent multi-buy offers on snacks, drinks, and frozen foods.
Good own-brand value range.
Watch Out For: Without loyalty discounts, Morrisons can be pricier than ASDA or Tesco on many staples.
7. Iceland – Best for Freezer Fills and Online Deals
While not the cheapest overall, Iceland shines in its frozen food offers, bulk deals, and free delivery on low minimum spends.
Perks:
Frequent “3 for £10” or “2 for £5” deals.
Free delivery over £40 (or even £25 in some areas).
Bonus Card users get £1 added for every £20 saved.
Use Case: Ideal for budget-conscious shoppers who bulk buy frozen meals or stock up monthly.
Online Grocery Shopping: Is It Cheaper?
Not always — but online grocery shopping can save you money if used wisely:
Helps you avoid impulse buys.
Makes it easier to compare prices per item and stick to your budget.
Many supermarkets offer first-time discounts or free delivery codes.
Caution: Delivery fees (typically £1.50–£6) and substitutions can offset savings if you're not careful.
Read our guide on: How Cashback Sites Work and Why They’re Worth It
Tips to Save Even More on Your Grocery Shop
Regardless of where you shop, use these tactics to lower your spend:
Create a Weekly Meal Plan
Reduces food waste and overbuying.
Helps you buy only what you need.
Shop at the Right Time
Visit stores in the evening for yellow sticker reductions on meat, bakery, and fresh produce.
Use Cashback and Voucher Apps
Use TopCashback, Shopmium, or Quidco for supermarket cashback.
Combine with voucher code sites to stack savings.
Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)
For non-perishables like rice, pasta, and toilet roll — but only if you’ll use them before expiry.
Try “Downshifting”
Move one level down in brand — from premium to own-brand, or own-brand to budget/basic. Most shoppers won’t notice a taste difference but can save 30% or more.
A Unique Angle: Rotate Your Supermarkets Monthly
Most people are loyal to one supermarket — often out of habit, not cost. Try rotating your main shop each month to:
Take advantage of new user offers (especially online).
Test different loyalty schemes for value.
Access different own-brand products and ranges.
You might find better quality or cheaper options you weren’t aware of before.
FAQs
Which UK supermarket is cheapest overall?
Aldi is consistently ranked as the cheapest for a full weekly shop, closely followed by Lidl.
Are own-brand products really worth it?
Yes — own-brand products are often just as good in quality and significantly cheaper than branded equivalents.
Is it cheaper to shop in-store or online?
In-store can be cheaper due to yellow sticker reductions, but online shopping helps you control spending and avoid impulse buys. Factor in delivery fees.
When do supermarkets reduce prices with yellow stickers?
Most supermarkets start marking down perishables after 6pm, though it varies by store and location.
Can I combine loyalty cards with cashback apps?
Yes — and it’s one of the best ways to maximise your savings. Just ensure you're not using discount codes that void cashback.
Final Thoughts
If you're serious about saving money on your food shop, the supermarket you choose plays a major role. While Aldi and Lidl dominate the value rankings, big-name chains like ASDA and Tesco still offer strong savings — especially when combined with loyalty cards, yellow sticker reductions, and smart shopping habits.
Ultimately, no one supermarket is best for everyone — but with the right strategies and some flexibility in where you shop, you can slash your grocery bills without compromising on quality.
Disclaimer: Smart With Money may receive compensation through affiliate links, sponsored content, or advertising featured on this site. This does not influence our editorial standards. All reviews and recommendations are based on independent research, and we aim to provide accurate, objective information to help you make informed financial decisions.
Please note: All content on SmartWithMoney.co.uk is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified financial adviser before making any financial decisions.
