Then there are the middle-of-the-roaders. Asda often positions itself as the budget-friendly option among the big four, and it can hold its own. I’ve done a quick comparison at my local Asda and found their basics range—like the “Smart Price” pasta and beans—to be genuinely competitive. It’s not as cheap as Aldi, but it feels more familiar. You know where the tinned tomatoes are without a treasure hunt.
Morrisons has that old-school market feel, with its butcher counters and bakery smells that lure you in. But beauty comes at a cost. Their prices are generally a bit higher. Unless you’re chasing a specific deal—like a whole chicken for a Sunday roast—it’s not your cheapest bet. It’s the supermarket equivalent of a cozy pub: nice to visit, but your wallet feels it later.
Why does this actually matter?
Because the cost of living is still breathing down our necks. A few extra quid each week doesn’t feel like much, but over a month? That’s a family trip to the cinema or a new book. It’s about reclaiming control over that sneaky feeling of “why is everything so expensive?” You don’t have to switch your entire life to Aldi tomorrow. But knowing where the cheapest basket sits gives you power. You can mix and match—grab your pantry staples at Lidl, and your fancy cheese at Tesco with a Clubcard deal.
Aldi UK's cheapest supermarket in June: Shoppers can save more than £16
Here’s a simple truth from my own shopping history: I used to be a Tesco snob. I thought loyalty meant paying more. Then I did a two-week experiment. I bought my weekly shop at Aldi for two weeks and saved nearly £40. Forty quid! I didn’t miss the fancy packaging. My toast still tasted like toast. And I bought myself a ridiculously overpriced coffee from a proper café with the savings. It felt like a private victory.
