New analysis has revealed a simple way for UK households to keep hundreds of pounds in their pockets each year. The secret? Swapping just five everyday branded grocery items for their supermarket own-label equivalents.
The Five Key Swaps for Maximum Savings
According to savings expert Zoe Morris from VoucherCodes.co.uk, the biggest opportunities for cash-conscious shoppers lie in five staple categories. The analysis, which examined cost-per-gram pricing across Aldi, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons, pinpointed cheese, bread, toilet paper, baked beans, and breakfast cereal as the prime targets for switching.
"In 2026, shoppers are becoming far more savvy about where their money goes, and own-brand products are a big part of that shift," Morris stated. She emphasised that this strategy requires no extreme budgeting or cutting back on essentials, but simply choosing alternatives where the value is clear.
Breaking Down the Annual Savings
The potential annual savings are significant for an average household. Here is how the numbers stack up for a family of four:
- Cheddar Cheese: Switching from a branded block like Cathedral City to a supermarket's own mature cheddar could save a staggering £237.36 per year. This is based on a saving of £59.34 per person.
- Bread: Opting for own-brand loaves over branded ones could lead to an annual saving of approximately £156.
- Toilet Paper: A family could save nearly £61 a year by making the switch on toilet roll.
- Baked Beans: Choosing own-label tins over famous brands could save households £54.24 annually.
- Breakfast Cereal: Swapping for supermarket alternatives could save £31.24 per year.
When combined, these five switches add up to a total potential saving of £539.84 every year.
Real-World Price Comparisons
The analysis provided concrete examples of the price gap. For instance, a 295g box of Kellogg’s Coco Pops at Morrisons costs £2.35, equating to around 80p per 100g. In contrast, Aldi’s similar Choco Rice product is 79p for a 375g box, working out at just 21p per 100g.
The difference is equally stark with cheese. A 350g block of Cathedral City Mature Cheddar costs £3.75, or £10.71 per kilo. Meanwhile, Morrisons’ own Mature White Cheddar comes in at £5.42 per kilo, with comparable prices found at Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda.
"When you break it down by cost per gram, the savings are hard to ignore even if it does mean leaving brand loyalty in the aisle," added Zoe Morris. This data suggests that for many everyday products, consumers are paying a substantial premium for the branded packaging and marketing.
A Shift in Shopping Habits
This insight highlights a continuing trend where UK shoppers are prioritising value without compromising on their weekly shop. The potential £539 saving demonstrates that minor, painless changes in product selection can have a major impact on household finances over the course of a year. For families looking to ease budget pressures, the message is clear: reviewing your basket for these five items could be a very profitable exercise.
