Shopping at big name convenience stores can add more than £815 a year to your bill, reports Which?
The consumer watchdog found shoppers at stores like Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local pay an average of £15.73 a week more on everyday items.
The study showed that 75 items – including Anchor Spreadable Butter, a Hovis white bread loaf and own-brand milk bought from Tesco Express – added up to an extra £817.91 over a year.
Similarly, 69 grocery items at Sainsbury’s Local pushed the shopping basket price to £477.93.
Which? found there was a steep mark-up on individual items.
A Tesco own-label sweet potato was 95p on average when bought online or at a larger shop, but £1.30 on average at Tesco Express – a difference of 37%.
At Sainsbury’s a Heinz Cream Of Tomato soup was £1.15 online and at a bigger shop, but £1.37 at Sainsbury’s Local, a 19% mark-up.
Sue Davies, head of food policy at Which?, said:
“Supermarket chains need to make changes to ensure everyone has easy access to basic, affordable food lines at a store near them.
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A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said that the differences in price were down to its Local stores typically being based in city or town centre locations, where operating costs are higher.
A Tesco spokesman said: “We work hard to ensure our customers get great value at Tesco, whether they shop with us online, in a large store or in an Express store.”
