Morrisons has claimed the unwanted title of the most expensive supermarket for the first time in 12 months, following an 11% price reduction on tea bags by Aldi. The weekly price tracker, which monitors the cost of eight identical basic products across six major supermarkets, recorded Morrisons' basket at £13.53, topping the list for the first time since last June.
Over the past year, Sainsbury's had predominantly been the most expensive, but more recently Tesco held that distinction for five consecutive weeks. However, Aldi's reduction of its tea bags from £1.85 to £1.65 prompted Sainsbury's and Tesco to match the price, pushing Morrisons to the top spot, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Aldi becomes cheapest retailer
Aldi's price cut propelled it to the position of cheapest retailer in the analysis, displacing Lidl from the leading spot for the first time since early December. The cut brought Aldi's total down to £13.13, while Lidl's basket now stands at £13.31 and Asda's at £13.34. Sainsbury's ranks fourth cheapest at £13.37, followed by Tesco at £13.50, which also lowered the price of its chicken breasts.
Retailers respond to price comparison findings
Not every retailer agrees with the comparison. Aldi has consistently maintained that the products are not like-for-like, claiming its Diplomat Red Label tea bags and coffee are of 'higher quality' and its tins of beans are weightier. An Aldi spokesperson told the MEN: "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 similarly contends that the 'review of a limited number of products does not reflect the fantastic value' shoppers will find in store, adding it is 'committed to offering customers great choice and value'. A spokesperson for Asda said: "Asda is delivering unbeatable value on the products families buy most... independent surveys consistently recognise Asda as the best-value full-range supermarket, with low prices available to all."
Morrisons stated it 'remains committed to providing good, honest value' and is 'working hard to keep prices down and competitive'. A spokesperson highlighted a weekend promotion: "This weekend for example (July 10-12), Morrisons has brought back the British Barbecue Meat Pack featuring 20 pieces of 100% British meat for just £5.97, saving customers over £3."
Weekly price comparison results
- 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
