Cheapest Supermarket UK 2026: Aldi vs Lidl vs Tesco vs Asda
Which UK supermarket is genuinely the cheapest in 2026? We compare a basket of everyday staples across the big chains - and show how to always shop the cheapest using the best budget meal planning app in the UK.
Key Takeaways
- In the latest cited Which? comparison, Aldi was cheapest, followed closely by Lidl.
- The August 2026 92-item basket averaged £159.36 at Aldi and £161.10 at Lidl.
- The free MUNCH app helps turn your meal plan into an organised shopping list using UK supermarket ingredient data.
UK Supermarket Price Comparison (Basket of Staples)
Which? tracks supermarket prices through the month. Its August 2026 comparison covered 92 branded and own-label items. The table below reproduces that published snapshot; it is not a MUNCH-created basket, and it should not be treated as a permanent supermarket ranking.
| Supermarket | Basket Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aldi | £159.36 | Which? August 2026 - 92 items |
| Lidl | £161.10 | Which? August 2026 - 92 items |
| Asda | £185.21 | Which? August 2026 - 92 items |
| Sainsbury's (Nectar) | £185.55 | Loyalty-price basket in the same Which? comparison |
| Tesco (Clubcard) | £189.45 | Loyalty-price basket in the same Which? comparison |
| Tesco | £192.97 | Non-Clubcard basket in the same comparison |
| Morrisons | £194.11 | Which? August 2026 - 92 items |
| Sainsbury's | £195.33 | Non-Nectar basket in the same comparison |
| Ocado | £207.62 | Which? August 2026 - 92 items |
| Waitrose | £223.75 | Which? August 2026 - 92 items |
Source: Which? cheapest supermarkets, updated 3 September 2026. For meal examples, see our £25 Aldi meal plan and £30 Tesco meal plan.
Plan the shop after checking the prices
Use the independent price snapshot for context, then build your actual meals and shopping list in MUNCH. Free on iOS and Android; optional MUNCH+ Performance.
Core MUNCH app features are available without a MUNCH+ subscription. The optional Performance Center is £1.99/month.
Why "Cheapest" Depends on Your Shopping List
A monthly basket comparison is useful context, but it cannot tell you which shop is cheapest for every household. Product mix, pack size, loyalty pricing and current promotions can change the answer for youractual list.
That's where the MUNCH app can help: plan your meals, organise the ingredients you need and keep the weekly shop connected to the meals you intend to cook. Pair it with our weekly grocery budget guide to set a realistic target.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest supermarket in the UK in 2026?
In Which?'s August 2026 comparison of 92 items, Aldi averaged £159.36, Lidl £161.10 and Asda £185.21. The result is specific to that month and basket, so comparing prices for your list matters.
Is Aldi or Lidl cheaper?
In the latest cited Which? comparison, Aldi was £1.74 cheaper than Lidl across the 92-item basket. The difference can change with the month, basket and loyalty prices, so neither retailer should be treated as permanently cheaper for every shop.
Related Guides
Best Budget Meal Planning App UK
The main MUNCH guide for the broader budget meal-planning app intent.
Read GuideSupermarket Meal Planner Apps UK
Compare retailer apps with the separate meal-planning layer.
Read GuideAldi App vs Lidl Plus
See what each retailer app is designed to do.
Read GuideWeekly Grocery Budget UK
How much should you really spend on food each week in 2026?
Read GuideTurn the price research into a weekly plan
Download MUNCH free to organise meals and the shopping list behind them. Check current retailer prices before purchase; MUNCH+ Performance is optional.
Core MUNCH app features are available without a MUNCH+ subscription. The optional Performance Center is £1.99/month.