Tesco Overtakes Asda as UK's Cheapest Big-Shop Supermarket

For the first time since December 2024, Tesco PLC became the cheapest UK supermarket for a large grocery shop in January 2026. According to a price analysis by the consumer group Which?, a 228-item basket cost Tesco Clubcard holders £588.96, beating Asda Stores Ltd's total of £590.41 by £1.45.

However, the findings highlight a divide in pricing accessibility. Without a Clubcard, the Tesco shop rose to £641.09, making it £52.13 more expensive than Asda. Which? noted that these loyalty-linked discounts are inaccessible to certain groups, such as under-18s. Asda Stores Ltd defended its value, asserting it was the lowest-priced supermarket every month in 2025 and remains the best option for those without loyalty memberships.

In comparisons of smaller shopping trips involving 89 items, Aldi UK remained the most affordable retailer with an average cost of £164.74, followed closely by Lidl. This result follows Aldi being named the Which? Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for 2025. Waitrose Ltd was identified as the most expensive retailer across both the large trolley and small basket categories.