Morrisons has become the most expensive supermarket in a weekly eight-item price comparison for the first time in 12 months, after Aldi slashed the price of a key staple by 11%. The shift ends a period where Sainsbury's largely held the unwanted position since last summer. The comparison monitors the cost of the same eight basic items—bread, butter, beans, milk, tea bags, coffee, chicken, and beef mince—across the six major supermarkets.
How Aldi's Price Cut Reshuffled the Rankings
Until recently, Tesco had been the priciest for five consecutive weeks. However, Aldi cut its tea bags from £1.85 to £1.65 this week, prompting Sainsbury's and Tesco to match the reduction. As a result, Morrisons now tops the list with a total bill of £13.53, according to the Manchester Evening News. Aldi's price reduction also propelled it to the cheapest spot, unseating Lidl for the first time since early December.
Full Price Breakdown
Aldi's total fell to £13.13, with Lidl at £13.31 and Asda close behind at £13.34. Sainsbury's bill dropped from £13.57 to £13.37, followed by Tesco, which reduced chicken breast prices, bringing its total down from £13.75 to £13.50. Morrisons remains at £13.53.
Itemised Costs
- 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.
- Lidl: Loaf of white bread 800g - 55p; Milk 2 pints - £1.20; Coffee 200g - £2.09; Teabags 240 pack - £2.75 (equates to £1.83 for 160); Salted butter 250g - £1.99; Beans 420g tin - 27p; Chicken 300g - £2.29; Mince 500g 25% fat - £3.09. Total: £13.31.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Supermarkets Respond
Not all retailers agree with the comparison. Aldi has consistently argued the 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. An Aldi spokesperson said: "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 said 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 stated: "Asda is delivering unbeatable value on the products families buy most... 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." 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."
