Morrisons has become the most expensive supermarket in the weekly price comparison for the first time since last June, after Aldi cut the price of its tea bags by 11%. The price reduction, from £1.85 to £1.65 for 160 Diplomat Red Label tea bags, also allowed Aldi to reclaim the title of the cheapest retailer, knocking Lidl off the top spot for the first time since early December.
The weekly comparison, conducted by the Manchester Evening News, tracks the cost of eight basic items—bread, butter, beans, milk, tea bags, coffee, chicken, and beef mince—across six major supermarkets. For the past five weeks, Tesco had been the most expensive, but with Aldi's price cut and similar reductions from Sainsbury's and Tesco, Morrisons now tops the list with a total bill of £13.53.
Price Comparison Results
Aldi's basket total fell to £13.13, down from £13.33. Lidl's total is now £13.31, followed by Asda at £13.34. Sainsbury's dropped to £13.37 from £13.57, and Tesco's bill decreased from £13.75 to £13.50 after reducing the price of chicken breasts. Morrisons' total remained at £13.53, making it the most expensive.
Not all retailers agree with the comparison methodology. Aldi has consistently argued that its products are not like-for-like, claiming its Diplomat Red Label tea bags and coffee are of higher quality than the comparative products, and its tins of beans are heavier than those of some competitors.
Retailer 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 that the "review of a limited number of products does not reflect the fantastic value" customers will find in store and emphasised its commitment to offering great choice and value.
An Asda spokesperson highlighted: "Asda is delivering unbeatable value on the products families buy most, from everyday essentials to the big brands they know and love. With thousands of products already cheaper than Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's, including their loyalty card prices, independent surveys consistently recognise Asda as the best-value full-range supermarket, with low prices available to all."
Morrisons said it "remains committed to providing good, honest value" and is "working hard to keep prices down and competitive." A spokesperson added: "This weekend for example (10th - 12th July), Morrisons has a brought back the British Barbecue Meat Pack featuring 20 pieces of 100% British meat for just £5.97, saving customers over £3. Perfect for get-togethers, the 100% British meat pack has eight juicy beef burgers and 12 pork sausages - all fresh from the Morrisons Butcher Counter."
Detailed Item Prices
Aldi: Loaf of bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g - £2.09; Teabags 160 - £1.65 (down from £1.85); Salted butter 250g - £1.99; Beans 420g tin - 27p; Chicken 300g - £2.29; Mince 500g 25% fat - £3.09. Total: £13.13 (down from £13.33).
Lidl: Loaf of white bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g - £2.09; Tea bags 240 pack - £2.75 (equates to £1.83 for 160); Salted butter 250g - £1.99; Beans 420g tin - 27p (down from 28p); Chicken 300g - £2.29; Mince 500g 25% fat - £3.09. Total: £13.31 (down from £13.32).
Asda: Loaf of white bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g (2 x 100g) - £2.30; Teabags 160 (4 x 40-pack) - £1.60; Salted butter 250g - £1.98; Beans 410g tin - 28p; Chicken 300g - £2.50 for 320g (equates to £2.34 for 300g); Mince 500g 20% fat - £3.09. Total: £13.34.
Sainsbury's: Loaf of bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g - £2.30; Teabags 160 - £1.65 (down from £1.85); Salted butter 250g - £1.99; Beans 400g tin - 30p; Chicken 300g - £2.44 for 320g (equates to £2.29 for 300g); Mince 500g 25% fat - £3.09. Total: £13.37 (down from £13.57).
Tesco: Loaf of white bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g (2 x 100g) - £2.30; Teabags 160 (2 x 80-pack) - £1.64 (down from £1.84); Salted butter 250g - £1.99; Beans 420g tin - 28p; Chicken 300g - £2.44 for 320g (equates to £2.29 for 300g, down from £2.34); Mince 500g 20% fat - £3.25. Total: £13.50 (down from £13.75).
Morrisons: Loaf of white bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee (2 x 100g) - £2.30; Teabags 160 (2 x 80-pack Savers) - £1.84; Salted butter 250g - £1.99; Beans - 27p; Chicken 300g - £2.52 for 330g (equates to £2.29 for 300g); Mince 500g 25% fat - £3.09. Total: £13.53.
Morrisons also highlighted additional offers, including a More Card loyalty programme that earns five More Points on every product and personalised offers, as well as Kids Eat Free promotions in its cafes.
