We looked at a typical UK weekly shop and compared the big supermarket names to see where shoppers can get the best overall value. From Aldi and Asda to Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Ocado, here’s where your money goes furthest right now.
Prices and supermarket positioning checked on 9 March 2026. Prices can vary by region, store format, substitutions and delivery area.
Where is the cheapest supermarket in the UK right now?
If you are trying to keep your grocery bill down, Aldi is still the standout winner overall.
Recent monthly supermarket comparisons continue to put Aldi at the top for a standard basket of essentials, with Lidl close behind. Among the larger supermarkets with the widest ranges, Asda is usually one of the strongest on price, while Tesco can become more competitive when Clubcard prices are included. Ocado remains one of the pricier options overall, although shoppers may still prefer it for convenience, delivery slots and premium own-brand ranges.
MoneyMagpie winner: Aldi
For shoppers who want the cheapest overall basket of everyday essentials, Aldi remains the best bet. But if you need a fuller online shop with a wider range of products, Asda is a strong alternative and often performs best among the traditional full-range supermarkets.
What does an average weekly shopping list look like?
A realistic weekly food shop for one person in the UK usually includes a mix of basics for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and household essentials. That often means:
- milk
- bread
- eggs
- cheese
- cereal or porridge oats
- pasta and rice
- tinned tomatoes and baked beans
- chicken or mince
- fruit and vegetables such as bananas, apples, potatoes, carrots and broccoli
- cooking oil
- toilet roll and washing-up liquid
This is the sort of basket most shoppers would recognise as a sensible “average” weekly shop rather than a bare-minimum budget basket.
Supermarket comparison: who offers the best value?
Rather than focusing on luxury or branded products, the fairest way to compare supermarkets is to look at own-brand and essential-range staples. That is where the biggest differences show up.
| Supermarket | Overall value verdict | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Aldi | Cheapest overall | Lowest basket price on everyday essentials |
| Asda | Best-value big supermarket | Full-range shops, family baskets, online ordering |
| Tesco | Competitive with Clubcard | Loyalty pricing and convenience |
| Morrisons | Mid-table | Fresh food and traditional supermarket range |
| Sainsbury’s | Usually pricier than Aldi and Asda | Nectar offers and own-brand choice |
| Ocado | Most expensive of this group | Convenience, delivery and premium ranges |
A quick live-example price check
As a useful snapshot, 4-pint semi-skimmed milk is currently listed at broadly the same entry-level price across several major supermarkets. Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s all show it at around £1.65, while Ocado’s M&S equivalent listing is also £1.65. That tells us the real battleground is not always single headline items, but the total basket cost across dozens of staples.
Why Aldi wins
Aldi’s edge comes from keeping things simple. It stocks fewer lines, focuses heavily on own-brand products and keeps operating costs lower than many of the bigger chains. For shoppers who are flexible about brands, that can make a noticeable difference across a full week’s shop.
If you are buying basics like pasta, bread, milk, vegetables, eggs and tinned goods, those small savings quickly add up. Over a full year, switching your weekly shop to a cheaper supermarket could save hundreds of pounds.
When Asda, Tesco or the others may work better
Aldi is not automatically the best choice for every shopper.
If you need a larger product range, branded goods, specific dietary products or one big online delivery, then a bigger supermarket may suit you better. Asda is often very competitive for a fuller trolley. Tesco can close the gap if you use Clubcard prices. Sainsbury’s Nectar offers can help on selected products, while Morrisons can appeal to shoppers who like a more traditional supermarket feel.
Ocado is usually not the cheapest route for a budget shop, but some shoppers are willing to pay more for delivery convenience, reliability and access to M&S food lines.
How to save even more on your weekly grocery bill
- Choose own-brand products instead of branded items wherever possible
- Use loyalty schemes such as Tesco Clubcard and Nectar when shopping at the bigger chains
- Plan meals before you shop so you only buy what you need
- Check yellow-sticker reductions in the evening
- Compare basket cost, not just one or two “hero” items
- Mix and match supermarkets if it works in your area
The MoneyMagpie verdict
If your priority is the cheapest overall weekly shop, Aldi is the winner.
If you want the cheapest traditional full-range supermarket, Asda is the one to watch.
For most households, the smartest strategy is simple: do a main value shop at Aldi, then top up elsewhere only when a loyalty-card deal or specific product genuinely makes it worthwhile.
FAQ
Which supermarket is cheapest in the UK in 2026?
Aldi is currently the cheapest overall supermarket for a standard basket of essentials, according to the latest monthly comparisons.
Which big supermarket is cheapest?
Among the larger full-range supermarkets, Asda is currently one of the most competitive on overall basket price.
Is Ocado more expensive than Aldi?
Yes, Ocado is generally more expensive overall than Aldi, although shoppers may prefer it for convenience and delivery options.
Does Tesco become cheaper with Clubcard?
It can. Tesco often becomes more competitive when Clubcard pricing is included, particularly on a larger shop.
