In a significant victory for budget-conscious consumers, Aldi has been officially named the UK's best value supermarket in the prestigious 2026 Good Housekeeping Food Awards. The result comes from a comprehensive survey of more than 1,600 shoppers who evaluated grocery prices, product quality, and overall shopping experience.
A Clear Winner Emerges
The annual awards, which have returned for 2026, saw participants casting their votes across multiple categories including 'best in-store experience', 'best fresh produce', and 'best to impress guests'. Among these, the Best Value Supermarket category proved particularly competitive, with Aldi ultimately securing the top honour.
Shoppers praised the retailer for its consistently pocket-friendly pricing and extensive product selection, factors that helped it edge out rival discount chain Lidl. This isn't the first time these two budget supermarkets have gone head-to-head, as they regularly compete through their aggressive pricing strategies.
Surprise Runner-Up
In an unexpected twist, Lidl didn't even secure the silver medal position. Instead, that honour went to Sainsbury's, which claimed the runner-up spot in the value category. This result demonstrates that traditional supermarkets are still competing effectively on price perception despite the dominance of discount chains.
One satisfied Aldi customer explained their voting decision: "Aldi is my go-to for an affordable weekly shop. They don't do meal deals - they just sell good products at great prices." Another added: "I find Aldi really convenient to shop, and the staff are always super friendly."
Double Victory for Aldi
The German retailer didn't stop at just one award. Aldi also secured the Favourite Supermarket crown in the same 2026 awards, with customers once again citing competitive pricing and product standards as the deciding factors behind its triumph.
Sainsbury's maintained its strong showing by claiming the runner-up position in this category as well, indicating that while Aldi may have won the value battle, traditional supermarkets still command significant customer loyalty.
Premium Category Winners
When it came to premium offerings, shoppers showed clear preferences for established quality brands. The Favourite Premium Supermarket Range category saw Marks & Spencer's Our Best Ever collection crowned as winner, with numerous shoppers revealing they turn to M&S for special indulgences and luxury items.
One voter declared: "M&S is my go-to for luxury items, including flowers and sweet treats." Sainsbury's Taste the Difference range secured second place in this premium category, demonstrating the supermarket's strength across both value and quality segments.
Consistent Value Leadership
This latest award builds on Aldi's established reputation for affordability. The supermarket also triumphed in the Which? cheapest supermarket study for 2025, where the consumer organisation tracked grocery prices across Britain's major supermarket chains daily throughout the previous year.
Their findings revealed that Aldi claimed the title of most affordable supermarket for 10 out of 12 months annually. During the two months when Aldi didn't top the charts, Lidl secured the cheapest position, highlighting how closely matched these discount rivals remain.
The price difference between the two chains is remarkably narrow, with Lidl charging just 77p more than Aldi on average monthly. This intense competition benefits consumers, driving down prices and improving quality across the entire supermarket sector.
As household budgets continue to face pressure from inflation and economic uncertainty, these awards provide valuable guidance for shoppers seeking to maximise their grocery spending. The results suggest that while premium options have their place for special occasions, value-focused retailers like Aldi are winning the battle for everyday shopping loyalty through consistent pricing and quality offerings.
