The cheapest place to do a 'big shop'
New research claims we spend less on a ‘big shop’ at bargain chains and discounters compared to traditional supermarkets.
Households could cut their shopping bill by £25 by doing a ‘big shop’ at budget chains and discounters rather than major supermarkets, a new study has claimed.
Retail market analysts Nielson found that the cost of 20 everyday items came to £31.28 at stores like Poundland and B&M, £38.41 at Lidl and £58.85 at Waitrose.
Are these stores really cheaper than discount supermarkets?
Key difference between major supermarkets and bargain chains
The study found that shoppers popping into bargain chains spend less than when at bigger stores because of the difference in the range of items on offer.
The report explained: “Discounters carry a range of up to 2,000 lines, whereas larger supermarkets carry a range of 25,000 to 30,000 items ranging from value to premium lines.
“And, therefore, shoppers generally purchase private label items from discounters whereas purchases from larger supermarkets contain a wider range of items, from private label to brand to premium.”
The study, which analysed the shopping habits of 15,000 households, found people are changing the way they shop and using more frequent, smaller trips to the shops to complement their ‘big shop’.
Small trips with baskets of less than six items made up half (53%) of grocery trips last year, while medium trips (6-20 items) made up a third (34%).
Big shops (20 items or more) made up the remaining 13% of trips but because of their size account for just under half (46%) of our total grocery spend.
How the shops compare
Nielsen said the comparison wasn’t using a like-for-like basket but focused on a basket of at least 20 items – what it classes a ‘big shop’ – and how this spend differs between supermarkets.
Waitrose was the most expensive supermarket for a ‘big shop’ of 20 products, with the total bill reaching £59.85 in the survey. It was followed by Marks and Spencer, where a basket came to £58.19.
Sainsbury’s was the most expensive of the ‘Big Four’ supermarkets, with a basket costing £55.85. Tesco (£53.39) was next, followed by Asda (£51.73) and Morrisons (£51.65).
Lidl was the cheapest of all supermarkets, with the total bill for 20 items coming to £38.41.
But bargain stores like Poundland were by far the cheapest, with an average basket costing just £31.28.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson dismissed the findings. She said: "We don't believe the methodology used offers a true comparison and can reassure our customers we always aim to deliver the best quality and value."
How to cut the cost of your shopping
MySupermarket is a useful website that lets you compare the cost of your groceries at various stores.
It can show you what you will pay for your basket at the big four as well as Waitrose, M&S, Lidl, Aldi, Iceland and Poundland.
For other tips take a look at How to save money on your food shopping.
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