TESCO has axed branded items from some of its locations in a big change to stores.
The major supermarket has announced it will be cutting more than 50 products from its Express stores.
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The shakeup will see dozens of everyday grocery items replaced with cheaper alternatives.
Many of the new items will be from its own-brand range – with some items less than a third of the price of branded names.
The move has been made in a bid to save shoppers cash in Express shops, of which there are 2,000 across the UK.
It comes after it was revealed shoppers could end up paying more at convenience stores because they are less likely to stock budget ranges, according to Which? research.
The report found shoppers buying the same 75 items at a Tesco Express, including Hovis bread and own-brand milk, would spend £817 more a year than those shopping at a regular Tesco supermarket.
While the chain has swapped out the items for a cheaper own-brand range, the prices won’t be as low as its value range.
This means that items may still cost more than at its bigger stores where you get the full range of options.
Tesco has declined to say exactly which brands won’t be available, just that they are “well-known”.
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Among the own-brand lines being introduced include Tesco penne pasta for just 85p and Tesco smooth peanut butter for £1.65.
Both of these items are said to be 50% cheaper than the branded item they’re replacing.
Other cupboard essentials being switched out include basmati rice microwave pouches for 75p equivalents.
Plus, frozen peas are also being changed up for Tesco’s own version, which cost 40% less than the branded item – costing £1.65.
Some other branded lines, like toothpaste, are being replaced by a cheaper branded alternative at less than a third of the original price.
It’s good news for parents too as the chain is slashing the price of some branded nappies too in its Express shops – by up to 40%.
Tesco convenience managing director Sarah Lawler said: “Our Express stores offer unbeatable value on everything from essentials to fresh produce, making healthy food more accessible for the 2,000 communities that we serve across the UK.
“And while our convenience stores don’t have the shelf space to carry the full range of our larger shops, by swapping these products, we’ve been able to make way for even more of our great-value own brand ranges.”
The new lines of products are being swapped in over the next two weeks, and the change-over will be complete by the end of August.
You can find your nearest Tesco Express store using the handy locator tool on the chain’s website.
The news comes a month after Morrisons began stocking items from its budget Savers range across its 500 convenience stores.
These items include toilet rolls, washing up liquid, sausages and skimmed milk.
Below we explain how you can save on your grocery shop.
How else can I save on my grocery shop?
You can also try looking out for yellow or red stickers on products that show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh you’ll have to eat it fast, or freeze it to have another time.
Sometimes even timing your shop to stock up just as items are discounted on the shelves can help you get the best bargains – lots of shoppers have said this is in the evening typically.
Making a list could save you some money too as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
As we mentioned going own-brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills.
That means going for “own” or “value” type products instead of “finest” or “luxury” lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes as well where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
Meanwhile, The Sun exclusively revealed it is making a huge change to yellow sticker bargains at hundreds of stores.
Plus, a treat is in store for sweet-toothed shoppers as Creams cafes are opening up in Tesco branches across the UK.
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