Morrisons has become the most expensive supermarket for the first time in a year, according to a weekly price analysis of eight essential grocery items across the six leading UK supermarkets. The shift follows Aldi's decision to reduce the price of its tea bags by 11%, from £1.85 to £1.65, a move matched by Sainsbury's and Tesco.
The analysis, which tracks the cost of bread, butter, beans, milk, tea bags, coffee, chicken, and beef mince, found that Morrisons now has the highest total basket price at £13.53. This marks the first time since last June that Morrisons has held the top spot, breaking a period where Sainsbury's and Tesco have alternated as the priciest.
Price Comparison Details
After Aldi's price reduction, its total basket fell to £13.13, making it the cheapest supermarket for the first time since early December, displacing Lidl. Lidl's basket now stands at £13.31, while Asda's is £13.34. Sainsbury's total dropped from £13.57 to £13.37, placing it fourth, and Tesco's total fell from £13.75 to £13.50 after also reducing the price of its chicken breasts.
The full breakdown of prices shows Aldi's basket includes a loaf of bread (55p), milk (60p), coffee (£2.09), tea bags (£1.65), butter (£1.99), beans (27p), chicken (£2.29), and mince (£3.09). Lidl's equivalent totals £13.31, Asda's £13.34, Sainsbury's £13.37, Tesco's £13.50, and Morrisons' £13.53.
Supermarket Responses
Not all retailers agree with the comparison methodology. An Aldi spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News: "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." Aldi maintains that its Diplomat Red Label tea bags and coffee are of higher quality than the products used for comparison, and that its tins of beans are heavier than some rivals.
Sainsbury's similarly contends that the "review of a limited number of products does not reflect the fantastic value" customers find in store, adding that it is "committed to offering customers great choice and value when they shop with us."
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 stated 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 (July 10-12), 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."
Impact on Shoppers
The price changes reflect ongoing competition among UK supermarkets to offer the best value amid cost-of-living pressures. With Aldi's tea bag reduction and the subsequent matches by Sainsbury's and Tesco, shoppers can benefit from lower prices on staple items. However, the differences remain narrow, with just 40p separating the cheapest (Aldi at £13.13) and the most expensive (Morrisons at £13.53).
