Tesco, Sainsbury's and more own budget products hit worst by inflation

The consumer group reported that the prices of supermarket own brands and budget products have increased more than premium or branded goods. 

The brand, which promotes informed consumer choice, tracked the annual inflation on tens of thousands of food and drink products across seven months at eight major supermarkets.

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Aldi, Lidl, Asda and more own brand budget prices soar as cost of living soars

Which? analysed products from Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose and found that their own-brand and budget ranges have gone up by as much as 18%.

Meanwhile, premium own-brand ranges increased by 13% and branded items by 12% in comparison. 

Tesco's Creamfields Soft Cheese (200g) and Sainsbury’s Simply Muesli (1kg) were the biggest year-on-year prices of supermarket budget food and drink for the quarter ending October 31.

The cost of Creamfields Cream Cheese jumped 72% from 49p to 84p and Sainsbury's own muesli costs shoppers £2.03 in 2022 which is an increase of 70% from £1.20 last year.

Which? revealed the 20 worst budget products for inflation across the supermarkets for the same period also included Tesco's Hearty Food Co. 2 Garlic Chicken Kievs (260g), Growers Harvest Orange Juice ( 3X200ml) and Rosedene Farms Small Pear Pack (550g).

All of these products increased by over 60% in price over the year.

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Sainsbury’s own items were also hit by inflation with the following all going up by over 50%; Hubbard’s Foodstore Sparkling and Still Waters (2L), J James & Family Fresh British Chicken Breaded Kyiv with Garlic Butter x2 (240g) and Mary Ann’s Dairy Soft Cheese 200g.

Sue Davies, Which? head of food policy, said: “Our inflation tracker lays bare the shocking scale of soaring food and drink prices – including on budget and own-brand products.

Prices of supermarket own brands and budget ranges have increased more than premium and branded products. (PA) (Image: PA)

“We know the big supermarkets have the ability to take action and make a real difference to people struggling through the worst cost of living crisis in decades.

“That’s why we’re calling on them to ensure everyone has easy access to basic, affordable food lines at a store near them, can easily compare the price of products to get the best value and that promotions are targeted at supporting people most in need.”

What is the worst supermarket for inflation amid the cost of living crisis? 

The worst supermarkets for overall inflation on their food and drink were also revealed by Which?.

Despite being among the cheapest of the major supermarkets, Aldi's products were up 19.6% and Lidl was close behind at 19%.

They were followed by Asda (15.2%), Morrisons (14.4%), Waitrose (14.2%), Sainsbury’s (13.7%) and Tesco (12.6%).

Overall, Ocado had the least inflation overall at 10.3%.

Your Money Matters

Your Money Matters is a campaign launched by us and our sister titles across Newsquest to help you overcome the surge in the cost of living.

This year has seen a whole host of household price increases — from the energy price cap rise to surging inflation and food prices — costing your family hundreds or even thousands of pounds extra per year.

We’re making it our mission to look out for your cash, offering money-saving deals, competitions, giveaways and insightful stories from your community on the impact this cost-of-living crisis is having on our readers.

The worldwide energy crisis exacerbated by the Ukraine invasion, the financial impact of the Covid pandemic, record inflation figures and a surge in the cost of goods, fuel and travel means we will all feel the pinch. Through our newspaper, we want to do what we can to help make your cash go further because we know your money matters.