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Aldi Confirmed Cheapest UK Supermarket, Waitrose Most Expensive

Which?'s May 2026 95-item price check highlights discounters' price advantage with Waitrose announcing a £20m price-cut plan.

Overview

  • Which? found in its May 2026 monthly comparison that a 95-item basket cost £168.30 at Aldi and £170.58 at Lidl when Lidl Plus discounts are included.
  • Waitrose was the priciest retailer in the study at £235.49 for the same basket, about 40% higher than Aldi and £67.19 more per shop.
  • The survey shows loyalty schemes and special offers can reduce prices but do not close the gap with discounters; Tesco with Clubcard cost £196.88 and Sainsbury's with Nectar cost £198.79.
  • Which? used an independent price-comparison website, included both branded and own-brand items, counted loyalty and special-offer prices, and excluded multibuys while not sharing the full product list with stores.
  • The findings underline clear savings for shoppers who switch stores and help explain why discount chains are drawing customers, a shift that has pushed some rivals to announce targeted price cuts such as Waitrose's £20m plan.