A SAVVY supermarket shopper has claimed that Marks and Spencer is cheaper than Tesco.
Kathryn Leech, 26, from Manchester, is a self-proclaimed money saver, she shares her handy hints on social media as the cost of living crisis grows.
Her TikTok page, everylittlepenny, boasts more than 26,000 followers.
And in one video, which has more than 160,00 views, Kathryn reveals that her groceries were cheaper at M&S than at a local Tesco Express.
For example, a punnet of strawberries weighing 227g in Tesco and M&S both costed £2.25.
While a 350g block of mild cheddar costs £2.50 in M&S and £3.20 in Tesco Express for 450g.
In total, she saved £1.10, as the M&S shop cost £8.45 and the Tesco Express bill was £9.55.
The items all weighed same – but Tesco argues that they are not a like for like comparison.
This is because the items she selected were from their mid-range, not basic range. Whereas the M&S items were the cheapest possible option for shoppers.
Here’s how the prices differed:
- Strawberries – £2.25 in both M&S and Tesco Express
- Grapes – £2.40 in M&S and £2.50 in Tesco Express
- Cucumber – 60p in M&S and 70p in Tesco Express
- Bread – 70p in M&S and 90p in Tesco Express
- Cheese – £2.50 in M&S and £3.20 in Tesco Express
It’s important to note that Tesco Express prices are more expensive than larger Tesco supermarkets.
Also, prices change often – sometimes daily – so it’s worth comparing before you shop.
This comparison was also based on a very select number of products.
Tesco recently came fourth in a league table of supermarket prices based on shoppers buying 48 items.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “This video does not show a like for like comparison.
“Our value ranges offer alternatives at much lower prices including our H.W. Nevills bread is 39p, our Creamfields Mature Cheddar is £2.65 and our Suntrail Farms Grapes are £1.35.
“With household budgets under increasing pressure we are absolutely committed to helping our customers, by keeping a laser focus on the cost of the weekly shop.
“So whether it’s price matching Aldi on the basics, locking the price of more than a thousand household staples until 2023, or offering exclusive deals and rewards through thousands of Clubcard prices – we’re more committed than ever to providing our customers with great value.”
How can I cut my grocery bills?
There are several ways shoppers can cut grocery bills – here are just a few.
1. Get a loyalty card
Signing up for a supermarket loyalty card can often help you to get cheaper prices on essentials.
If you have a loyalty card, you may find you can get extra points or discounts, particularly if you buy petrol from the same supermarket.
The Sun recently compared the best supermarket loyalty cards in this handy guide.
2. Pick the right time to shop
If you shop in the evening, you are more likely to find goods that have been marked down.
But each branch of a supermarket will have its biggest discounts at slightly different times of the day.
We’ve put together a handy guide to what time supermarkets including Aldi, Asda, Tesco and Lidl reduce their prices.
3. Make a list and take stoke – save up to £240 a year
One of the most common mistakes shoppers make is going out underprepared.
Always do a stock take before going shopping.
4. Swap to own brand – save up to £800 a year
Ditching items with labels like “finest” in favour of “own” or “value” can be worthwhile.
You can also try checking frozen alternatives to fresh fruit and vegetables and looking on the lower shelves where customers are known to find better deals.
Households can save up to £800 a year by buying cheaper own brand groceries.
5. Shop wonky – save up to £150
Strange-shaped fruit and vegetables taste the same but cost less.
For example, Morrisons sells wonky veg products from 45p, while Lidl’s £1.50 Too Good To Waste boxes contain a whopping 5kg of fruit and vegetables that may be slightly damaged or discoloured but is still perfectly good to eat.
Households that switch to buying wonky fruit and veg could save £150 a year.
For more ways to cut supermarket costs, see here or follow this link to see how this smart shopper cut his grocery and energy bill by £320 a year.
