PRICES on the supermarket shelves are rising at an alarming rate but shoppers could be spending an extra £322 by getting it wrong when they do the weekly trolley dash.
The shop you visit could largely impact your bill at the checkout for example, and loyal Sainsbury’s and Tesco shoppers may be the ones forking out the most.
1
That’s if they shop at the conveniences versions of the stores rather than larger superstores or supermarkets anyway.
Research from Which? revealed that customers can end up spending 9.5% more each year shopping at a Sainsbury’s Local rather than a regular Sainsbury’s supermarket.
And avoiding convenience stores altogether could save shoppers hundreds of pounds each year.
The consumer group found that there was a difference of around £10.20 a week between the two types of branch at the mid-range supermarket brand.
That worked out to be £322 over the course of a year too.
Meanwhile, a basket of groceries from Tesco Express cost on average £279 more over the course of a year compared to a regular Tesco supermarket.
Inflation is mainly to blame, pushing shop prices up 2.7% in the latest published data.
But the prices on the shelves have also been impacted by supply issues and high demand, adding more strain on households’ wallets amid a cost of living crisis.
Most read in Money
Adam French, Which? consumer rights expert, said: “Rising food prices and the cost of living crisis are putting huge pressure on household budgets at the moment, and no one wants to overpay for food.
“Shopping around and buying own-brand products is an easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year, as is avoiding expensive convenience stores if you can.
“Those prepared to switch to a cheaper supermarket for their regular shop will likely find some great value alternatives to their favourite brands.”
Several grocers including Morrisons and Asda are cutting the price of hundreds of products to help struggling customers.
But there’s ways you can cut your own costs too.
The experts at Which? went on to explain that shopping around for the best prices could save £9.21 per basket.
In its last round-up, Lidl was the cheapest supermarket, with a basket of 21 groceries costing an average of £26.83.
The same or equivalent items from the priciest supermarket Waitrose cost £36.04, meaning a £9.21 saving for shoppers.
And own brands could help save hundreds of pounds a year too.
For example, switching from Innocent orange juice, costing £3.60 for 1.35 litres, to Aldi’s The Juice Company Smooth Orange Juice, just £1.69 per 1.75L carton could save shoppers nearly £100 a year.
And different aisles might be home to different bargain treasures.
Supermarkets often place their less-profitable items high and low on the shelves, and the ones they want to promote at eye level, so scan around if you want to find the best deal.
You should also sign up for supermarket loyalty schemes where you can if you want to make a saving on your shop.
Many schemes offer exclusive discounts, rewards, charity donations and competitions to loyal customers.
Which? found that customers could save between 50p with Sainsbury’s Nectar and £5 at Iceland, for every £100 spent when using a supermarket loyalty scheme.
There’s also benefits of stocking up on yellow sticker bargains, and freezing what you do have to make it last longer too, and save from overspending on the next shop.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team?
