A simple change of supermarket has delivered significant weekly savings for one shopper, highlighting how small adjustments can combat rising grocery costs. Express writer Mia O'Hare, who lives with another adult and a cat, managed to slash her weekly food bill by £20 after switching from Sainsbury's to Asda.
Significant Savings Without Sacrifice
Previously spending between £80 and £90 weekly on groceries, toiletries, cleaning products and pet food, O'Hare noticed her bills steadily increasing. Deciding to make one straightforward change, she switched her regular supermarket from Sainsbury's to Asda. The results proved remarkable, with her weekly expenditure dropping to an average of £65, sometimes reaching as low as £60.
Importantly, these savings were achieved without compromising on quantity or quality. O'Hare continued purchasing the same mix of supermarket own-brand and branded products, including household favourites like Lurpak butter, Sure deodorant and Whiskas cat food. "I hadn't had to scrimp on anything," she explained. "I'm still buying six dinners and lunches and all the household items I need."
Asda's Price Advantage and Rewards System
Unlike competitors Sainsbury's and Tesco, which utilise loyalty card pricing structures, Asda employs a Rewards app that provides money off future shopping. This approach makes price comparisons more straightforward for consumers seeking transparency in their grocery spending.
While discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl are generally recognised as cheaper options, O'Hare preferred Asda for its broader product range and the ability to purchase branded items alongside essential household products. This balance between value and variety proved crucial for maintaining her preferred shopping habits while achieving substantial savings.
Independent Research Confirms Price Leadership
Consumer website Which? recently named Asda the cheapest supermarket for larger weekly shops in 2025. Their comprehensive research monitored grocery prices across all major UK supermarkets, revealing important distinctions in the market.
The study found that while Aldi remained the cheapest supermarket overall, its smaller product range excluded it from direct comparisons with bigger weekly shops. When evaluating supermarkets suitable for comprehensive grocery purchases, Asda emerged at the top of the rankings, followed by Tesco (with Clubcard discounts applied), Sainsbury's as the second most expensive option, and Waitrose as the priciest supermarket.
Re-evaluating Shopping Habits
This shopper's experience underscores the potential savings available through simply reconsidering where groceries are purchased. "I didn't believe something as simple as changing supermarkets would save me as much as it has," O'Hare admitted. Her experience serves as a practical reminder for consumers feeling the pinch of rising food costs.
The findings suggest that households concerned about their grocery expenditure might benefit from exploring alternatives to their regular supermarket. As O'Hare concluded: "So, if you are thinking your food bill seems high, why not see if you can make it cheaper by going elsewhere?" This straightforward approach could help many UK households manage their weekly budgets more effectively during challenging economic times.
