The UK supermarket market can feel confusing.
One week, Aldi may come out on top in a price comparison. The next, a different supermarket may offer better value for the particular products you buy. Add loyalty cards, special offers, own-brand ranges and online delivery charges to the mix, and working out where to do your weekly shop is not always straightforward.
That is why there is no single answer to the question: Which is the best supermarket in the UK?
For some shoppers, the priority is keeping the weekly bill as low as possible. Others want a wide choice of brands, better fresh food, convenient delivery or a loyalty scheme that offers useful discounts.
The latest data shows just how different the results can be.
In Which?’s June 2026 comparison of 95 popular branded and own-brand grocery items, Aldi was the cheapest supermarket. Its average basket cost £163.34. Lidl was close behind at £164.79 for shoppers using Lidl Plus.
However, a separate Which? comparison focusing on branded groceries found Asda to be the cheapest retailer.
In other words, the cheapest supermarket depends heavily on what you put in your trolley.
Meanwhile, food prices remain an important issue for households across the UK. The Office for National Statistics reported that food and non-alcoholic beverage prices were 1.7% higher in June 2026 than a year earlier. That was the lowest annual rate since August 2024. Prices also fell by 0.2% between May and June.
That does not mean that supermarket prices have suddenly returned to where they were several years ago. Instead, it means that prices are rising more slowly than before.
This guide looks at how the UK’s main supermarkets compare in 2026. It covers prices, loyalty schemes, own-brand products, online shopping, market share, healthy food, technology and the latest changes affecting shoppers.
Which Is the Cheapest Supermarket in the UK?
If you are looking for the shortest answer, Aldi currently has the strongest claim based on the latest Which? mixed-basket comparison.
The June 2026 comparison included 95 popular grocery products. Aldi came out cheapest with an average basket price of £163.34.
Lidl followed closely behind:
| Supermarket | Average basket price |
|---|---|
| Aldi | £163.34 |
| Lidl with Lidl Plus | £164.79 |
| Lidl without Lidl Plus | £164.92 |
| Asda | £190.39 |
| Sainsbury’s with Nectar | £193.30 |
| Tesco with Clubcard | £194.67 |
| Morrisons with More | £198.41 |
| Morrisons without More | £198.53 |
| Tesco without Clubcard | £200.63 |
| Sainsbury’s without Nectar | £203.83 |
| Ocado | £214.72 |
| Waitrose | £229.88 |
The gap between Aldi and Waitrose was substantial in this particular comparison. Even so, shoppers should be careful about treating the results as a permanent league table.
Your own shopping list may produce a completely different result.
For example, someone buying mostly own-brand products could find a discounter offers excellent value. A shopper who prefers a particular selection of branded products may find that another supermarket works out cheaper.
Prices also change regularly. Promotions come and go, loyalty prices change and supermarkets adjust their ranges.
So, the most accurate answer is this:
Aldi was the cheapest supermarket in the latest Which? mixed-basket comparison, but there is no supermarket that is guaranteed to be cheapest for every shopper and every basket.
Aldi or Lidl: Which Is Better for Your Budget?
Aldi and Lidl are often mentioned together, and for good reason. Both have built their businesses around a discount supermarket model and both have become major competitors to the traditional large supermarket chains.
In the latest Which? comparison, Aldi came out slightly cheaper.
The difference, however, was small:
- Aldi: £163.34
- Lidl with Lidl Plus: £164.79
- Lidl without Lidl Plus: £164.92
That means the gap between the two retailers was less than £2 in the comparison.
For a shopper, that difference may not be important enough to justify travelling further to one store rather than the other.
The products available can also vary. Aldi and Lidl do not stock identical ranges, so a simple price comparison does not always tell the whole story.
One shopper may prefer Aldi’s range. Another may find Lidl has more of the products they regularly buy.
Both supermarkets are particularly attractive to people who are happy to buy mostly own-brand products. On the other hand, shoppers looking for a specific selection of branded goods may find a larger supermarket more convenient.
The practical lesson is simple: compare the basket you actually buy rather than relying on a general ranking.
Tesco: The UK’s Biggest Supermarket
Tesco remains the biggest supermarket retailer in the UK by the latest market-share figures included in Defra’s food statistics.
The data, based on Worldpanel by Numerator, put Tesco’s share at 28.7% in December 2025.
Tesco’s size is one of its biggest advantages.
The retailer operates large supermarkets, smaller convenience stores and an online grocery service. As a result, it can cater for very different types of shoppers.
A customer popping in for a few essentials can use a smaller local store. Someone doing a large weekly shop may prefer a larger branch with a much wider range.
Is Tesco cheaper with Clubcard?
The answer can be yes, depending on what you buy.
In the Which? June 2026 comparison, the basket cost:
- £194.67 with Clubcard
- £200.63 without Clubcard
That was a difference of £5.96.
The saving will not be the same for everyone. It depends on which products have Clubcard prices and whether those products are already part of your usual shop.
There is also an important point to remember: a discounted price is not automatically the cheapest price available elsewhere.
It is still worth checking the price per kilogram, litre or individual item.
Sainsbury’s and Nectar Prices
Sainsbury’s is another major UK supermarket with a broad range of branded and own-brand food.
Its Nectar loyalty scheme has become an important part of the way many customers shop.
In the June 2026 Which? comparison, the basket cost £193.30 with Nectar compared with £203.83 without it.
That is a difference of £10.53.
For regular Sainsbury’s shoppers, the saving can therefore be meaningful. However, the amount will depend on the products included in the basket and the offers available at the time.
The best way to use Nectar Prices is to look at the final price rather than the size of the discount shown on the shelf.
A product advertised as “saving £2” may still be more expensive than a similar product at another supermarket.
Comparing the final price is more useful than comparing the headline discount.
Asda: A Strong Option for Branded Shopping
Asda remains a major competitor in the value end of the UK supermarket market.
In Which?’s wider June 2026 basket comparison, Asda’s average basket cost £190.39.
However, the retailer performed particularly well in a separate comparison of branded products. Which? reported that Asda was the cheapest supermarket for branded groceries in June 2026.
This is a useful reminder that supermarket rankings can change depending on the type of food being compared.
A person who buys branded cereals, drinks, sauces and household favourites may get a different result from someone who mainly buys own-brand food.
For that reason, Asda may be worth considering if branded products make up a large part of your regular shop.
Morrisons and the More Scheme
Morrisons has long been associated with fresh food and traditional supermarket shopping.
The retailer also operates the More loyalty scheme.
In the Which? June 2026 comparison, there was very little difference between the More and non-More prices:
- With More: £198.41
- Without More: £198.53
The difference was just 12p in that particular basket.
That is a useful example of why loyalty schemes should not all be treated in the same way.
Some shoppers may see a noticeable saving from a loyalty scheme. In other cases, the difference may be very small.
The value depends on the products you buy and the offers available at the time.
Waitrose: Is the Higher Price Worth It?
Waitrose is not usually chosen because it is the cheapest supermarket.
In the June 2026 Which? comparison, its average basket cost £229.88, making it the most expensive retailer in that particular comparison.
However, price is only one part of the shopping experience.
Some customers choose Waitrose because they value:
- Its product range
- Premium own-brand food
- Fresh food
- Specialist products
- Store presentation
- The overall shopping experience
Whether the higher price is worthwhile is ultimately a personal decision.
A shopper looking for the lowest possible bill may reach a different conclusion from someone who places greater importance on the products and experience offered by the retailer.
Marks & Spencer Food: A Different Kind of Supermarket Experience
Marks & Spencer Food competes in a different part of the market.
Rather than trying to be the cheapest place for a complete weekly shop, the retailer focuses heavily on product quality, food development and the shopping experience.
On 25 March 2026, M&S opened an 18,600 sq ft fresh market-style food store in Farnham. The store included a bakery and coffee counter, as well as fresh produce and other food ranges.
M&S also performed strongly in Which?’s 2026 supermarket survey.
The organisation reported that M&S was the highest-rated supermarket for in-store shopping for the fifth consecutive year. The survey involved 3,552 members of the public.
That result highlights an important difference between price comparisons and customer surveys.
The cheapest supermarket is not automatically the supermarket that shoppers enjoy visiting most.
How Loyalty Cards Are Changing Supermarket Shopping
Loyalty cards are now a normal part of supermarket shopping in the UK.
Tesco has Clubcard. Sainsbury’s has Nectar. Morrisons operates More, while Lidl uses Lidl Plus.
These schemes can affect the price shoppers pay.
The Which? June 2026 comparison showed the following differences:
| Retailer | Loyalty price | Non-loyalty price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sainsbury’s | £193.30 | £203.83 | £10.53 |
| Tesco | £194.67 | £200.63 | £5.96 |
| Morrisons | £198.41 | £198.53 | £0.12 |
| Lidl | £164.79 | £164.92 | £0.13 |
The results show that the impact can vary considerably.
For some shoppers, joining a loyalty scheme may make sense. Others may see little difference in their regular basket.
The best approach is to:
- Check the final price.
- Compare the unit price.
- Avoid buying products you do not need just because they are discounted.
- Compare the loyalty price with similar products elsewhere.
A “special price” is only useful if the product is something you actually wanted to buy.
How to Choose the Right Supermarket for Your Household
The best supermarket is usually the one that works best for your own shopping habits.
Consider the following:
If price is your main concern
Compare your regular basket at Aldi, Lidl and the larger supermarkets.
If you buy lots of branded products
A full-range supermarket may offer better value and availability.
If you want a wide selection
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons generally offer broader ranges than the discounters.
If you prefer premium food
Waitrose and M&S Food may be more suitable.
If convenience matters most
A nearby convenience store may save more time and travel costs than a cheaper supermarket farther away.
If you shop online
Compare the complete cost, including delivery fees.
There is no need to choose only one supermarket. Many households use different retailers for different types of shopping.
For example, someone might buy basic staples from a discounter, branded products from a larger supermarket and premium food for special occasions from a specialist retailer.
Final Conclusion
The UK supermarket market in 2026 is competitive, constantly changing and increasingly difficult to reduce to a simple “cheapest to most expensive” list.
Aldi was the cheapest in the latest Which? mixed-basket comparison. Asda was the cheapest for branded groceries in a separate comparison. Tesco remains the UK’s largest supermarket by the latest market-share figures included in Defra’s food statistics.
At the same time, loyalty schemes have changed how shoppers see prices.
The price displayed to a loyalty-card member may be different from the price paid by someone without the card. Online shopping adds delivery fees and substitutions to the calculation, while discounters and premium retailers appeal to very different types of customers.
So, which supermarket is best?
For the lowest price on a particular basket, compare the basket.
For branded products, compare branded products.
online shopping, include delivery costs.
And if you want the best overall value, look beyond the price on the shelf.
The supermarket that saves you the most money is the one that offers the right products, at the right prices, in a location and format that work for your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest supermarket in the UK in 2026?
Aldi was the cheapest supermarket in the latest Which? June 2026 comparison of 95 popular branded and own-brand grocery items, with an average basket price of £163.34. However, the result applies to that specific comparison and does not mean Aldi is always cheapest for every basket.
Is Aldi cheaper than Lidl?
In the Which? June 2026 comparison, Aldi was cheaper than Lidl. Aldi’s average basket cost £163.34, compared with £164.79 for Lidl shoppers using Lidl Plus and £164.92 without Lidl Plus. Prices can vary over time and depend on the products being compared.
Which supermarket is cheapest for branded groceries?
Asda was the cheapest supermarket in Which?’s separate June 2026 branded-grocery comparison. This result differs from the mixed branded-and-own-brand comparison, where Aldi was cheapest.
Is Tesco cheaper with a Clubcard?
The Which? June 2026 comparison showed Tesco’s basket at £194.67 with Clubcard compared with £200.63 without Clubcard. The value of Clubcard pricing varies depending on the products included in a shopper’s basket.
Is Sainsbury’s cheaper with Nectar Prices?
In the Which? June 2026 comparison, the basket cost £193.30 with Nectar compared with £203.83 without Nectar. The actual benefit varies depending on the products a shopper buys and the discounts available.
Which supermarket is best for a weekly family shop?
There is no single best supermarket for every family. Aldi and Lidl may offer strong value for many own-label products, while larger supermarkets may offer broader ranges and more branded products. The best choice depends on the family’s regular shopping list.
Which supermarket is best for healthy food?
No single supermarket is objectively the healthiest. The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends a balanced diet including fruit and vegetables, starchy carbohydrates, protein foods, dairy or alternatives and small amounts of unsaturated oils and spreads. A healthy shop can be built at any major supermarket.
Which supermarket is best for online grocery shopping?
The best online supermarket depends on the products required, delivery availability, delivery fees, substitutions and the total basket price. A retailer with the cheapest individual products may not be the cheapest once delivery costs are included.
Are supermarket loyalty schemes worth using?
They can be, but the benefit varies. Which?’s June 2026 comparison found a larger difference between loyalty and non-loyalty prices at Sainsbury’s and Tesco than at Morrisons and Lidl. Shoppers should compare the final price rather than assuming every loyalty discount represents the best value.
Why is there no single cheapest supermarket?
Supermarkets sell different products, pack sizes and brands. Prices also change because of promotions, loyalty schemes and market conditions. A retailer that is cheapest for one basket may be more expensive for another.
How can I compare supermarket prices fairly?
Compare identical products where possible, check the price per kilogram or litre, include loyalty prices and account for delivery charges when shopping online.
Is lower food inflation the same as falling food prices?
No. Food inflation measures how prices are changing compared with the previous year. The latest ONS data showed food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose by 1.7% in the year to June 2026, although they fell by 0.2% between May and June.
What is the largest supermarket in the UK?
Tesco had the largest reported market share in the latest Defra-cited December 2025 data, at 28.7%.
What is Lidl & Go?
Lidl & Go is a smartphone-based self-scanning tool integrated into the Lidl Plus app. Lidl GB announced in July 2026 that it was expanding the trial to 37 additional stores following an initial seven-store trial.
Why is supermarket packaging changing?
UK packaging Extended Producer Responsibility rules are designed to increase producer responsibility for packaging waste and encourage more recyclable packaging. Current government guidance includes recyclability assessments and packaging waste disposal fees.
