Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch has identified six items that shoppers should avoid buying at supermarkets due to significant mark-ups. According to Woroch, these products can cost up to 100 per cent more than if purchased elsewhere.
Spices are highlighted as having a mark-up of nearly 100 per cent. For example, a 40g jar of cinnamon costs 85p at Tesco, but a 100g bag of Rajah cinnamon powder can be bought for around 90p from a corner shop or the ethnic foods aisle of the same supermarket.
Batteries are another item to avoid, as they are often placed near tills to encourage impulse buys. A pack of four AA Duracell batteries costs £4 at Sainsbury's, while a pack of 12 from Amazon costs just £6.34, making the price per battery 52p compared to £1.
Toiletries such as shower gel and shampoo can cost up to 30 per cent more at supermarkets. A 300ml bottle of Johnson's baby lotion costs £2.37 at Morrison's, but a 200ml bottle with 100ml extra free is available for £1 at Poundland.
Pre-chopped fruit and vegetables can be up to three times more expensive. A 400g tub of Sainsbury's Pineapple Pieces costs £1.50, whereas a whole pineapple costs just £1.00. Similarly, pre-formed meat products like burgers can have a premium of 60 to 300 per cent. A pack of four quarter pounder beef burgers costs £2.50 at Tesco, while a 500g packet of lean beef mince costs £1.69.
Finally, single-serving snack packets are poor value compared to buying larger bags and portioning them at home. Woroch advises shoppers to avoid these items to save money.
