In a significant victory for budget-conscious shopping, Aldi has been officially named the United Kingdom's favourite supermarket, according to the results of the prestigious Good Housekeeping Good Eating Food Awards for 2026. The German discounter triumphed over a host of established rivals, including Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and Morrisons, in a comprehensive survey of consumer preferences.
Thousands of Shoppers Have Their Say
The award is based on the detailed feedback of over 1,600 UK shoppers who participated in the voting process. These consumers evaluated supermarkets across a wide range of critical categories, from overall value for money and the quality of fresh produce to the appeal of premium ranges and the general in-store shopping experience. The findings provide a robust snapshot of national sentiment towards major grocery retailers.
Aldi's Dual Victory
Aldi did not just secure the top spot as the nation's Favourite Supermarket; it also clinched the title of Best Value Supermarket. This double win underscores its powerful reputation for combining low prices with reliable quality. One shopper quoted in the awards report encapsulated this sentiment perfectly, stating, "They don't do meal deals - they just sell good products at great prices."
Further praise from customers highlighted Aldi's convenient layout, friendly staff, and standout offerings like its wine selection and seasonal items. This positive consumer feedback was backed by rigorous product testing from the Good Housekeeping Institute, where items like Aldi's Specially Selected Mozzarella & Sun-Dried Cherry Tomato Pizza scored an impressive 85 out of 100.
The Competitive Landscape
While Aldi led the pack, other major supermarkets secured notable wins in specific categories, illustrating the diverse strengths of the UK grocery market. Sainsbury's performed strongly, finishing as the runner-up in both the favourite and best value categories, and also won for Best Fresh Produce.
Marks & Spencer dominated the premium and experiential categories, winning for its Favourite Premium Supermarket Range (Our Best Ever), Best In-Store Experience, Best for 'Dinner for Tonight', and Best Meal Deal. Tesco was named the Favourite Supermarket for Wine, Spirits and Beer, while Waitrose took the title for Best for Vegans.
Expanded Awards Reflect Modern Shopping Habits
The 2026 edition of the Good Housekeeping Good Eating Food Awards marks a significant expansion, now covering 24 distinct categories. For the first time, the awards have broadened beyond supermarkets alone to include chain restaurants and food delivery platforms, with Ocado winning Favourite Grocery Delivery Service.
To ensure the results were nationally representative, participation was limited to UK-wide chains operating 30 or more branches. Callum Black, deputy head of testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute, explained that the awards aimed to examine "all the ways our readers shop and eat," spotlighting the best destinations for value, freshness, premium ranges, and beverages.
This comprehensive consumer verdict confirms Aldi's powerful position in the UK retail sector, demonstrating that value and quality, rather than just brand heritage, are increasingly driving shopper loyalty and preference.
