THE supermarket where prices are rising the fastest has been revealed – and you could be paying more for your shopping.
Consumer brand Which? analysed inflation on more than 26,000 food and drink products at eight major supermarkets.
This included Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose.
The cost of food staples such as cheese and bread have soared compared to a year ago, according to the figures.
While overall inflation on food and drink at supermarkets continued to rise in March by 17.2%, an increase from 16.5% in April.
Inflation increased the most at Lidl, where it has gone up 25.2% compared to March 2022.
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Fellow discounter Aldi were close behind, with prices rising by 23.7%.
The two German supermarkets also topped the list in Which's figures for February.
Food inflation rose by 18%, at Morrisons, 17.5% at Asda, 10.7% at Ocado and 15% at Sainsbury's.
Tesco and Waitrose were completed the list, with inflation rising by 14.4% and 14.1% respectively.
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Which? looked at inflation by supermarket for March and you can see the rate of increase at each retailer in the list below:
- Lidl – 25.2%
- Aldi – 23.7%
- Morrisons – 18%
- Asda – 17.5%
- Ocado – 10.7%
- Sainsbury's – 15%
- Tesco – 14.4%
- Waitrose – 14.1%
Cheddar cheese prices increased by an average 28.3% across eight major supermarkets – Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose – compared to a year ago.
However, one cheese, Dragon Welsh Mature Cheddar 180g at Asda, increased from £1 in the three months to the end of March last year to £1.80 – an 80% hike year on year.
The cost of porridge oats went up by an average of 35.5% across all eight supermarkets compared to the same time last year.
The worst single example of inflation on porridge oats was at Ocado where Quaker Oat So Simple Protein Porridge Pot Original 49g went from 94p to £1.56 – an increase of 65.5%.
Large 800g loaves of sliced white bread saw an average increase of 22.8%, but The Bakery at Asda Soft White Medium Sliced Bread 800g increased by 67% from 56p to 94p.
Average inflation in white potatoes was around 14%, but a four pack of baking potatoes at Morrisons increased from 40p to 66p – a rise of 63.5%.
Pork sausages increased by an average of 26.8% across the supermarkets.
The figures show it continues to be the cheapest products which are being the hardest hit by inflation in percentage terms.
Supermarket own-label budget items – which are still the cheapest overall – were up 24.8% in March compared with the same time last year.
Value food, despite remaining a cheaper option, are at risk becoming too expensive for those on the tightest budgets, Which has warned.
Sue Davies, Which? head of food policy, added: “Our latest supermarket food and drink tracker paints a bleak picture for the millions of households already skipping meals of how inflation is impacting prices on supermarket shelves, with the poorest once again feeling the brunt of the cost of living."
Shoppers should remember to compare prices before hitting the aisles, as supermarkets change prices regularly.
It's also important to note that this is just a snapshot look at prices based on a selected shop, so your grocery order may be cheaper elsewhere.
All the supermarket were approached for comment.
An Asda spokesperson said: “We’re working hard to keep prices in check for customers despite global inflationary pressures and we remain the lowest-priced major supermarket – a position recognised by Which? in their regular monthly basket comparison which has named Asda as the cheapest supermarket for a big shop every month for the last three years.
While an Ocado spokesperson said: “At Ocado, everything we do starts with our customers and we know how important value is to them right now."
A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: “With costs going up, we are working hard to keep prices low. In the last two years, we have invested over £550m into lowering prices as part of our goal to put food back at the heart of Sainsbury’s."
A Waitrose spokesperson said: “As Which? highlighted last month, dairy is one of the categories most impacted by inflation, and no retailer is immune to this. We’re working hard to keep our prices as low as possible, whilst paying our farmers and suppliers fairly, and maintaining high animal welfare standards."
How to reduce the cost of your supermarket shop
Know when to shop
Heading to the shops when products are marked down and bright yellow discount stickers are applied can save a fair bit of cash.
But each branch of a supermarket will have its biggest discounts at slightly different times of day.
We put together a handy guide to what time supermarkets including Aldi, Asda, Tesco and Lidl reduce their prices.
Hunt for yellow sticker bargains
You should also keep an eye out for yellow stickers to get the best food bargains.
Supermarkets often reduce the price of food nearing its use-by date to shift stock and stop food waste.
You can get up to 75% off products in some cases.
Make the most of loyalty schemes
Another trick is to use supermarket loyalty schemes.
For example, Sainsbury's runs its Nectar card reward scheme, where customers receive points every time they shop in stores.
While Tesco Clubcard holders can get cheaper prices on some items compared to those without the loyalty card.
Asda Rewards allows customers to collect "Asda pounds" every time they buy Star Products and complete Missions in store.
Here we revealed the best and worst supermarket loyalty schemes including Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.
Shop wonky
Strange-shaped fruit and vegetables taste the same but cost less.
For example, Lidl’s £1.50 Waste Not Scheme boxes contain a whopping 5kg of fruit and vegetables that may be slightly damaged or discoloured but is still perfectly good to eat.
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Make a list
One of the most common mistakes shoppers make is going out underprepared.
Making a list will help to stay focused on getting the items that you really need, rather than being drawn into impulse purchases.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
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