BIG food brands are trying their luck by hiking prices of well-loved products when shoppers are already feeling the pinch.
Households have been hit by food inflation caused by post-Covid supply chain issues, and by the Ukraine war pushing up the cost of fuel and basic ingredients such as wheat and corn.
Together this has led to the cost of groceries rising by 14.7 per cent in the last 12 months, adding £682 to the average annual shopping bill.
But while supermarkets have been scrambling to keep basket prices affordable by lowering prices, the big food brands have been raising theirs. As we reported yesterday, Heinz tomato ketchup has jumped by 53 per cent, or 91p, in the last two years.
Dolmio’s Lasagne sauce has risen by 47 per cent, or 61p, and Batchelors Super Noodles by 43 per cent, or 23p.
The large companies behind such products make between three to four times the profit margins of supermarkets.
Kraft Heinz’s international sales, which includes the UK, have increased 7.7 per cent to £1.2billion over the last three months on the back of higher prices.
The gap between supermarkets and suppliers led to a massive spat between Heinz and Tesco, which removed Heinz’s baked beans from shelves in June after the company tried to push up prices.
As prices soar, shoppers are switching to supermarket own-brand products, with sales jumping by ten per cent in the past month
As part of our Squeeze Team cost- of-living campaign The Sun has been testing market leaders against cheaper supermarket brands all year.
Today our reviewers choose the best of eight kitchen cupboard staples that could save you cash – and even taste better.
BEST KETCHUP
Aldi’s Bramwells Tomato Ketchup 65p for 650g bottle
IT faced stiff – and considerably pricier – competition, going up against the sauce behemoth that is Heinz.
But Aldi’s own brand ran out as a clear winner.
Its delicious and tangy tomato flavour was a big hit with our taste tester.
And it’s a lot cheaper than Heinz’s price of £2.80 for a smaller 460g bottle.
BEST CHIPS
M&S Chunky Chips (frozen) £2.35 for 1kg
WITH a perfect blend of crispy exterior and fluffy inside, M&S’s home-cuts are better than those you’d taste at your local boozer.
And some argue they are better than a chip shop.
While they’re slightly more than expensive than budget retailers, they are worth every penny for their taste.
BEST PIZZA
Sainsbury’s Deep Pan Cheese and Tomato, £1.50 for 387g
IT was pure amore for this pizza, which isn’t greasy like some other rivals.
It has a soft, doughy base and a strong cheesy flavour.
While it was one of the longest to cook at 22 minutes, it was worth the wait. Forget a takeaway, head to the supermarket instead.
BEST ICE CREAM
Sainsbury’s Milk Chocolate Indulgence, £1.70 for four
WITH luxurious chocolate and a lovely hint of vanilla, these could rival their more famous frozen forerunner, the Magnum Classic – at almost half the price.
Not too rich and perfectly smooth, these will keep everyone smiling all summer – and winter – long.
BEST PASTA SAUCE
Asda’s Bolognese Pasta Sauce 90p for 500g bottle
ASDA takes the gold with an absolute zinger.
Its sauce boasts a higher amount of tomatoes, 78 per cent, than its rivals and comes with a nice blend of herbs and onion that’s perfect for any pasta dish.
BEST CHEESE
Asda’s Mild British Cheddar £3 for 400g
A CLEAR winner here. Asda’s offering is smooth and has a pleasant cheesy tinge that’s tasty and not overpowering.
It’s a little more pricy than Lidl and Aldi, but worth the extra pennies.
BEST NOODLES
Sainsbury’s Chicken Flavour Instant Noodles 40p for 90g packet
MORE-ISH and flavoured well, these noodles pack quite the meaty punch despite being thinner than others.
They trump big-brand Super Noodles on everything except cooking time, which is 30 seconds more.
BEST TOMATO SOUP
Aldi’s Bramwells Cream Of Tomato 49p for 400g can
IT is a near-perfect match for Heinz’s tomato soup – and at a fraction of the price.
This Aldi alternative is an easy ten out of ten as it boasts a similar consistency and colour to Heinz and is a tiny bit sweeter.
