As the new year of 2026 begins, many Brits are looking to embrace healthier eating habits. For journalist Shania King-Soyza, this meant increasing her intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. With five major supermarkets within a ten-minute walk of her home, she embarked on a mission to compare their offerings.
The Supermarket Fresh Produce Ranking
On the 11th of January 2026, Shania visited Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury's, Marks and Spencer, and Lidl. She assessed each store on three key criteria: the quality of the produce, the price points, and the overall range available. The results provided a clear hierarchy for shoppers.
Fifth Place: Aldi's Budget-Friendly Basics
Aldi secured the fifth spot. Its standout feature was undeniably its low prices. A 1kg bag of baking potatoes cost just 84p, and a bunch of five bananas was priced at 78p. The retailer's famous 'Super Six' promotions offer further savings on select items every fortnight.
However, while excellent for budget-conscious families, Aldi's selection was found to be more limited. The quality and freshness were deemed less consistent than rivals, and the range lacked the exotic or global ingredients sometimes needed for specific recipes.
Fourth Place: Marks and Spencer's Premium Range
Marks and Spencer impressed with its visual displays and exotic variety. Shania noted blood oranges, dragon fruit, and cotton candy grapes on offer, alongside innovative fruit pots like pear with plums and blackberries.
The major drawback was cost. Prices were significantly higher than other stores, with a 1kg bag of organic carrots priced at £2 and a 500g packet of black seedless grapes at £2.80. For those seeking premium taste and unique items, M&S is ideal, but it is not a budget option.
Third Place: Lidl's Surprising Value and Variety
Lidl took third place, competing fiercely with Aldi on price but offering a broader selection. Its 'Pick of the week' promotions featured discounts of 20% to 27% on items like raspberries and butternut squash. A bunch of bananas matched Aldi at 78p, and a huge 7.5kg sack of potatoes was £4.09.
Despite the good value and range, the journalist reported inconsistencies in the quality of produce, which prevented it from ranking higher.
Second Place: Asda's Massive Aisles and Deals
Asda's large store format allowed for an extensive fruit and veg section, including a world food area with vegetables for stir-fries. It offered competitive deals, beating Lidl on the price of a 7.5kg bag of potatoes at £3.92 and undercutting Aldi on bananas with a seven-pack for 88p.
Its yellow-sticker discounts and mix-and-match promotions were highlighted as budget-friendly. However, Shania found the quality of some fruits, like grapes and strawberries, to be inconsistent, which relegated Asda to the runner-up position.
The Clear Winner: Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's was crowned the clear overall winner for striking the best balance between quality, price, and range. The supermarket offered a diverse selection, including fresh herbs like chives and tarragon, and unique vegetables such as pak choi and cavolo nero.
On price, it matched competitors effectively: a bunch of five bananas was 78p, and a small bunch of eight cost £1. A 1kg bag of carrots was 69p. While it may lack the major 'Pick of the Week' billboards of some rivals, it offers Nectar discounts and Aldi Price Match guarantees.
The journalist concluded that Sainsbury's consistently provided fresh, long-lasting produce at reasonable prices with an unrivalled variety, making it the perfect all-rounder for her weekly shop.
