A recent study by consumer advocates at Which? has crowned Aldi as the most budget-friendly supermarket in 2025. Which? regularly monitors grocery prices and determines the most cost-effective stores each month. Aldi claimed the top spot as the cheapest supermarket for ten out of 12 months in 2025, solidifying its position as the UK’s most economical supermarket for the fifth consecutive year.
In December, Aldi emerged as the least expensive supermarket for a selection of 68 items, with an average monthly cost of £123.60. Lidl followed closely behind, costing just 10p more at £123.70 on average for both Lidl Plus members and non-members in December.
Last year, Lidl held the title of the cheapest supermarket twice, in July and October. The average price difference for the entire year between Aldi and Lidl was only 77p. On the other hand, Asda’s average cost for the same 68 items in December was £134.89, while Tesco Clubcard holders paid £135.84, or £139.12 without a Clubcard.
Sainsbury’s Nectar card holders spent £141.45, or £143.74 without a Nectar card, in December. Waitrose topped the list as the most expensive supermarket for the 68-item list, with a total cost of £170.46 in December. Which? research revealed that Waitrose was, on average, 35% pricier than Aldi throughout 2025. The study also compared the cost of a larger weekly shopping list of 180 items.
Aldi and Lidl were excluded from the comparison due to their smaller product ranges. Asda was found to be the most affordable in December for the larger list of 180 items, with an average bill of £450.82. Tesco Clubcard holders spent an average of £462 in December for the same items, while non-Clubcard holders paid £493.53.
At Morrisons, the bill stood at £466.04 with a loyalty discount or £467.46 without one. Sainsbury’s Nectar card holders paid £468.61, while non-members incurred a cost of £501.89. Waitrose was the most expensive supermarket for the larger shopping list, with an average bill of £529.17. The analysis by Which? took into account special offers and loyalty prices where applicable, excluding multibuys.
According to Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, Aldi’s consistent performance has secured its position as the UK’s most affordable supermarket for the fifth consecutive year. While Lidl remains a strong competitor, Aldi’s lower prices overall, with being the cheapest in most months, make it a top choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
For consumers concerned about food expenses, shopping at Asda for a wider range of branded goods at lower prices is a smart choice. With food costs remaining a significant worry for many households, choosing the right supermarket could result in substantial savings over the course of a year.