As households across the nation tighten their belts ahead of the festive season, a new study has revealed where Britons can find the best value for their Christmas grocery shop. Consumer champion Which? has identified the cheapest supermarkets for a basket of festive essentials, with the discount giant Aldi reclaiming the top spot.
Aldi Edges Out Lidl in Price Battle
In a head-to-head comparison of major UK retailers for November, Aldi emerged as the cheapest supermarket. The consumer group's analysis of a basket containing 70 essential items placed the total cost at Aldi at £121.22. This was enough to narrowly beat its closest rival, fellow discounter Lidl, by just £1.13.
Lidl secured second place with a total of £122.35, highlighting the intense price competition that continues to define the battle between the two budget chains. This ongoing rivalry is proving crucial for consumers seeking to manage their spending during a period of sustained high food prices.
The Big Four Supermarkets and the Premium Gap
Among the traditional 'big four' supermarkets, Asda continued to offer better value than Tesco for the second month in a row. Notably, Asda's shopping list came in at £133.59, a figure that remained lower than Tesco's total even when the latter's Clubcard prices were taken into account.
At the other end of the scale, Waitrose was found to be the most expensive option for the same selection of goods. The upmarket retailer's basket totalled a substantial £166.79. This represents a significant price difference of £33.39 more than Asda and a staggering £45.57 more than the winning basket at Aldi.
What This Means for Shoppers
The findings, published on Wednesday 3 December 2025, provide a clear roadmap for cost-conscious Christmas shoppers. With many families feeling the financial pinch, the data underscores the substantial savings that can be made by choosing where to shop. The gap of over £45 between the cheapest and most expensive baskets demonstrates that supermarket selection is one of the most impactful financial decisions for the festive food shop.
For consumers, the message is clear: visiting a discount supermarket for the bulk of Christmas essentials could lead to considerable savings, which can then be redirected towards gifts, celebrations, or simply managing the broader cost of living.
