Asda: The cheapest UK supermarket for branded groceries revealed – and it’s not Tesco or Sainsbury’s, even with the clubcard and nectar card
Asda has been named the UK’s cheapest supermarket for branded goods for the third month in a row, with standard prices beating loyalty card deals at Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Which one? He found it.
Which one? An analysis of 240 branded items at Asda, including Dolmio Bolognese Sauce, Nescafe Azera instant coffee and Mr Kipling Angel Cake Slices, totaled £795.21.
For customers without a loyalty card, Sainsbury’s was 17 per cent more expensive, while Tesco’s basket was up 15 per cent to £912.56.
Asda does not offer special prices specifically to Asda Rewards customers.
It meant the UK’s two biggest supermarkets were more expensive than Waitrose (£895.28) on branded goods for non-loyalty cardholders for the third month running.
The biggest difference in average price in April was Colgate Plax Cold Mint Mouthwash 500ml, which was £2 at Asda and £4.50 at both Tesco and Sainsbury’s without a loyalty card; A difference of 125%.
In another example, a 50-pack of Pampers Premium Protection New Nappy costs £4.54 with a Tesco Clubcard, £8.70 without – a 92% difference.
These prices, available to all shoppers, were even cheaper than members-only prices, with 3% (£821.67) at Tesco with Clubcard and 6% (£850.39) at Sainsbury’s with Nectar card.
Morrisons was on average 5% more expensive than Asda (£838.15) when using the More card, and 6% more expensive without the card (£839.18).
Which? It found Waitrose was cheapest for many of the products included in the analysis, including Dolmio Bolognese Sauce with Onion and Garlic 450g, which was on average £1.50 at Waitrose, compared to £2.60 at most other supermarkets for those without a loyalty card, including Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco – a difference of 73%.
Which? It found Sharwood’s Medium Egg Noodles 226g was £1.36 at Waitrose, compared to £2.10 at Tesco for non-members – a difference of 54%.
Aldi and Lidl were not included in the analysis because they did not stock enough broadly branded foods.
Which? Retail editor Reena Sewraz said: “Our latest analysis shows Asda continues to offer the lowest prices on branded products without shoppers needing a loyalty card.
“At the same time, the gap between the cheapest and most expensive supermarkets is widening, with some shoppers paying up to 17% more for the same basket.
“In some cases, consumers are paying double for the same items depending on where they shop and whether they have a loyalty card.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “All examples in this report were cheaper Nectar Prices and our customers know a lot when they see this – 85% of sales include the Nectar card.
“We are committed to delivering exceptional value on the products people buy most, including over 700 products in the largest Aldi Price Match on the market and our own brand value lines.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “It’s no secret that Clubcard delivers the biggest savings at Tesco – but it’s just one of the ways our customers get great value.
“Our Aldi Price Match and Everyday Low Price plans ensure all shoppers, including those without a Clubcard, enjoy competitive prices when they shop with us.”
