M&S comes after Aldi’s low prices – some items only 1p more expensive | UK | News
M&S aims to become a more budget-friendly supermarket in the UK (Image: Getty)
Marks and Spencer has compared its prices to Aldi in a bid to become the go-to shopping destination for Brits on a budget. In today’s high-cost-of-living environment, shoppers are more conscious than ever about how much they spend on their purchases. However, Marks and Spencer has a reputation for being a high-end supermarket.
The recent expansion of the Exceptional Value range proves that more affordable, own-label products will be on supermarket shelves in 2026, experts recently told the Daily Express. The supermarket, which plans to open 500 new stores in the UK over the next few years, has recently launched more than 30 value products in stores across the country.
It comes as the supermarket aims to double down on its food business and expand its offerings for shoppers, including more budget-friendly options. M&S recently took aim at Aldi, revealing that in some value ranges its products were just 1p more than their German rivals. Aldi was recently named the cheapest supermarket in the UK, beating brands like Tesco, Lidl and Asda.
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For example, M&S points out that the price of 500g of 5% Fat Minced Beef has dropped from £6.75 to £5.20. In comparison, the same type of product costs £5.19, so there is only a 1p difference between the two.
In total, more than 40 products have been added to Marks and Spencer’s value range since 2023. First launched in 2020, the Exceptional Value range now includes over 125 everyday products.
M&S claimed that more and more customers were coming into their stores for their ‘big shop’.
“Being a shopping list retailer for M&S is about offering essential ingredients and products at the right price without compromising on quality,” said Kara Greatorex, Commercial Director at M&S Food.
“Over the last few years we have developed the Exceptional Value range, reducing the price of essential trolley essentials while maintaining the quality and sourcing credentials for which M&S is known.”
Marks and Spencer recently announced plans to open 500 new stores across the UK (Image: Getty)
He added: “Families are now more likely than ever to come to M&S Food for trusted value and help when shopping with us; there are now more than 250 products across M&S Food’s three value ranges, Exceptional Value, Dropped and Locked and Bigger Pack, Better Value.”
Aldi was recently voted the cheapest supermarket in the UK by Which consumer group? This was based on January’s basket of 89 popular grocery items.
The analysis shows the essentials basket at Aldi is £22.91 less than at Morrisons. But Lidl was less than £2 cheaper and took second place on the list.
Julie Ashfield, commercial director at Aldi UK, said: “We know winter is the toughest season for household budgets, which is why we’re so committed to providing our customers with the best possible value.”
Experts recently revealed what trends we will see in supermarkets in 2026. These included more own-label products in an effort to win over customers who were more conscious of their grocery bills.
According to Kantar and IGD data, towards the end of last year, 53 percent of sales at Aldi, 67 percent at Lidl and 52 percent at Tesco consisted of own-brand products. Meanwhile, own-brand supermarket sales set a new record, approaching £1bn in December 2025.
Personal finance expert Kevin Marshall echoes this prediction, explaining that in today’s tough cost of living environment they are a sensible choice and an opportunity for supermarkets to compete with premium labels.
“Quality differences [between brands and non-brands] “It’s almost unnoticeable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Patrick Young, managing director of research firm PRS IN VIVO, says this change means “brands will have to work harder to justify their price points”.
