Tesco Claims Crown as UK's Cheapest Supermarket for Large Shops
In a significant shift in the competitive grocery landscape, Tesco has ended Asda's long-running dominance to become the UK's cheapest supermarket for a large trolley shop. The latest analysis from consumer champion Which? reveals that Clubcard holders are now enjoying substantial savings, though the findings have ignited a debate about the fairness of loyalty-based pricing structures.
Narrow Victory for Tesco with Clubcard Savings
Tesco secured the title of cheapest supermarket for a large shop for the first time since 2024. According to the Which? data, shoppers using a Clubcard paid £588.96 for a comprehensive basket of 228 items. This figure narrowly undercut Asda's equivalent total by just £1.45, highlighting the intense price competition between the two retail giants.
Access to these record-low prices is strictly dependent on membership in Tesco's loyalty scheme. Without a Clubcard, the same extensive basket of goods would have cost an additional £52.13, bringing the total to £641.09. This substantial price differential underscores the critical role that loyalty cards now play in securing the best deals for consumers.
Asda Criticises Loyalty Pricing Model
Asda has responded robustly to the findings, criticising the growing industry reliance on loyalty pricing. The supermarket chain maintains that it remains the cheaper option on a like-for-like basis for all customers, regardless of membership status. An Asda spokesperson emphasised that their pricing strategy is designed to be accessible to everyone, without the requirement to sign up for a loyalty card or scheme.
Which? has echoed these concerns, raising questions about the inclusivity of Tesco's discounted pricing structures. The consumer organisation pointed out that specific demographic groups, including those under the age of 18, are currently ineligible for the savings offered through the Clubcard scheme. This exclusion has prompted calls for greater transparency and fairness in supermarket pricing policies.
Aldi and Lidl Dominate Smaller Shops
For smaller, more frequent grocery runs, the discount retailers continue to lead the market. Aldi maintained its position as the cheapest option for compact shopping trips, with Lidl following closely behind. These two supermarkets were excluded from the larger shop comparison due to their more limited product ranges, which prevent them from offering the full basket of items analysed in the Which? study.
Waitrose Identified as Most Expensive Option
At the other end of the spectrum, Waitrose was identified as the most expensive supermarket for both small and large shopping trips. Their large trolley shop was found to be approximately 15% dearer than Tesco's Clubcard-assisted basket, costing customers an average of £679.20. This premium positioning reinforces Waitrose's focus on quality and service over price competitiveness in the current market.
The supermarket price wars show no signs of abating, with loyalty schemes becoming an increasingly pivotal battleground. As consumers navigate these complex pricing landscapes, the debate over fairness, accessibility, and true value for money is set to continue throughout 2026 and beyond.
