Asda, which has long been known for offering the cheapest products for the "big shop," has been dethroned from its top position for the first time in three and a half years. Consumer research

firm Which? conducts monthly analysis to determine which supermarkets are currently providing the most cost-effective options for groceries.

To gather their data, Which? compiled two sets of products – a smaller basket of 38 everyday items and a larger trolley containing a total of 135 products, including branded items like Andrex toilet paper, Cathedral City cheese, Heinz baked beans, and PG Tips tea bags. The analysis compared the average prices of these products at eight major retailers in the UK.

In July 2023, the results showed a shift in the cheapest supermarkets for the big shop. Asda, which had dominated the rankings, was no longer the top choice. While the report doesn't specify the new leader, it highlights the importance of finding affordable options for groceries amid the ongoing cost of living challenges faced by families across the country.

Which? has also expressed criticism towards major supermarkets, stating that they need to do more to help shoppers during the current crisis and ensure that everyone has easy access to basic, affordable food ranges at stores nearby. The search for the most cost-effective supermarket remains a priority for many households struggling with food inflation and rising everyday goods prices. Photo by Keith Evans, Wikimedia commons.