Morrisons has become the most expensive supermarket in a weekly price comparison for the first time in 12 months, following an 11% price cut on tea bags by Aldi. The discount retailer reduced its Diplomat Red Label tea bags from £1.85 to £1.65, prompting Sainsbury's and Tesco to match the reduction. As a result, Morrisons now tops the cost chart with a basket total of £13.53, while Aldi has taken the lead as the cheapest retailer, knocking Lidl off the top spot for the first time since early December.
Price comparison details
The weekly comparison tracks the cost of eight basic items—bread, butter, beans, milk, tea bags, coffee, chicken, and beef mince—across six major supermarkets: Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Morrisons. Since last summer, Sainsbury's had mostly held the most expensive position, but Tesco recently occupied the spot for five weeks. With the latest changes, Morrisons now has the highest total at £13.53, while Aldi's basket costs £13.13, Lidl's £13.31, Asda's £13.34, Sainsbury's £13.37, and Tesco's £13.50.
Retailer responses
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 and its beans tins are heavier than competitors'. An Aldi spokesperson told the M.E.N: “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 responded by stating that the “review of a limited number of products does not reflect the fantastic value” customers find in store, adding 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.”
Morrisons said it “remains committed to providing good, honest value” and is “working hard to keep prices down and competitive so customers can spend less while still enjoying the quality Morrisons is famous for.” A spokesperson highlighted a weekend promotion: “This weekend for example (10th - 12th July), Morrisons has 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. In addition, our More Card members can earn five More Points on every product in store, online and in Morrisons Daily stores and also benefit from personalised offers and money-off coupons on the things they buy the most of. Customers to our cafes can also take advantage of a range of offers such as our Kids Eat Free promotion, which runs every day, or free refills on all hot drinks.”
Full basket breakdown
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.
Impact on shoppers
The price shifts mean that shoppers can save up to 40p by choosing Aldi over Morrisons for this basket of goods. Aldi's aggressive pricing strategy continues to put pressure on competitors, with the retailer now holding the cheapest position for the first time since early December. Asda remains close behind, while Sainsbury's and Tesco have also reduced prices to stay competitive. The findings highlight the ongoing price war among UK supermarkets, particularly on staple items.
