For the third consecutive week, Tesco has been identified as the most expensive supermarket for a basket of essential items, according to a weekly price comparison. The basket, which includes bread, butter, beans, milk, tea bags, coffee, chicken, and beef mince, costs £13.75 at Tesco.
Price Comparison Background
Since June 2025, Sainsbury's had been the most expensive in the weekly comparison, with only two exceptions—once in September and once in May. However, Tesco has now taken the lead for three weeks running.
When the price tracking began in 2022, Tesco's basket cost £9.52, which is 31% cheaper than the current price. All supermarkets have seen price increases, including budget ranges like Tesco's Stockwell, Morrisons' Savers, Sainsbury's Stamford Street, and Asda's Just Essentials.
Current Prices
- Lidl: £13.21 (down from £13.22 due to beans dropping from 28p to 27p)
- Aldi: £13.33
- Asda: £13.34
- Morrisons: £13.43
- Sainsbury's: £13.73
- Tesco: £13.75
Retailer Responses
Aldi has disputed the findings, arguing that the products are not like-for-like. An Aldi spokesperson stated: “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 also commented, saying the “review of a limited number of products does not reflect the fantastic value” customers find in store and that it is “committed to offering customers great choice and value.”
An Asda spokesperson said: “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.”
Detailed Item Prices
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; Chicken 300g - £2.19; Mince 500g 25% fat - £3.09. Total: £13.21.
Aldi: Bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g - £2.09; Teabags 160 - £1.85; Butter 250g - £1.99; Beans 420g tin - 27p; Chicken 300g - £2.29; Mince 500g 25% fat - £3.09. Total: £13.33.
Asda: Bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g (2 x 100g) - £2.30; Teabags 160 (4 x 40-pack) - £1.60; 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.
Morrisons: Bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee (2 x 100g) - £2.30; Teabags 160 (2 x 80-pack Savers) - £1.84; Butter 250g - £1.99; Beans 27p; Chicken 300g - £2.41 for 330g (equates to £2.19 for 300g); Mince 500g 25% fat - £3.09. Total: £13.43.
Sainsbury's: Bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g - £2.30; Teabags 160 - £1.85; Butter 250g - £1.99; Beans 400g tin - 30p; Chicken 300g - £2.44 for 320g (equates to £2.29 for 300g); Mince 500g 20% fat - £3.25. Total: £13.73.
Tesco: Bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g (2 x 100g) - £2.30; Teabags 160 (2 x 80-pack) - £1.84; Butter 250g - £1.99; Beans 420g tin - 28p; Chicken 300g - £2.50 for 320g (equates to £2.34 for 300g); Mince 500g 20% fat - £3.25. Total: £13.75.
