Aldi has been recognized as the most budget-friendly grocery store in 2025 by consumer watchdog Which?. The organization diligently monitors grocery prices daily and announces the most economical stores monthly. Throughout 2025, Aldi claimed the top spot as the cheapest supermarket for ten out of 12 months, marking its fifth consecutive year holding this title.
In December, Aldi emerged as the most cost-effective choice for a basket of 68 items, averaging £123.60 for the month. Lidl closely followed in second place, with an average cost of £123.70 for both Lidl Plus members and non-members, only 10p more than Aldi.
Although Lidl clinched the title of the cheapest supermarket twice in 2025, in July and October, the average monthly price difference between Aldi and Lidl over the entire year was a mere 77p. Comparatively, Asda’s December bill for the same 68 items averaged £134.89, while Tesco Clubcard holders paid £135.84, or £139.12 without a Clubcard.
Sainsbury’s Nectar card holders spent £141.45 in December, or £143.74 without a Nectar card, while Waitrose topped the list as the priciest supermarket, with a total of £170.46 for the 68-item basket in December. Which? research indicated that Waitrose cost 35% more on average than Aldi throughout 2025.
For a larger shopping list of 180 items, Asda claimed the lowest prices in December, with an average bill of £450.82. Tesco Clubcard holders spent an average of £462, while those without a Clubcard paid £493.53. Morrisons shoppers faced a bill of £466.04 with a loyalty discount or £467.46 without. Sainsbury’s Nectar card holders paid £468.61, and non-members paid £501.89, showing a significant price difference.
Waitrose once again stood out as the priciest option for the larger shopping list, with an average bill of £529.17. Which?’s analysis considered special offers and loyalty prices but excluded multibuys in determining the rankings.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, highlighted Aldi’s consistent affordability, securing its position as the UK’s cheapest supermarket for the fifth consecutive year. While Lidl remains a strong contender in the discount sector, Aldi’s dominance in pricing across most months solidifies its position as the top choice for value-conscious shoppers.
As food expenses continue to be a primary concern for many households, the importance of comparing prices among supermarkets is emphasized. Choosing one store over another could potentially save consumers hundreds of pounds annually.