Lidl has overtaken Aldi as the UK’s cheapest supermarket, ending the discounter’s 16-month run.
Consumer group Which? conducted its monthly cheapest supermarket price comparison, comparing the cost of a basket of groceries and household essentials.
Its latest research shows that Lidl was 17p cheaper than its closest rival Aldi by just 17p, with an average basket costing £74.58.
Waitrose held its position as the most expensive supermarket, with a basket of groceries totalling £91.15 – 22% more than Lidl.
Commenting on the findings, Lidl chief executive Ryan McDonnell said: “As we head into the festive season, we remain relentlessly focused on offering the lowest prices in the market.
“The latest Which? basket demonstrates that we’re delivering on our price promise and that customers can be confident they are getting the best value possible when they walk through our doors.
“We are seeing growing numbers of new customers coming to us and are now the third biggest supermarket in London, as well as the fastest growing supermarket in the whole of the UK.”
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The consumer group also looked into the cost of a larger trolley of groceries, which included a larger number of branded items.
Asda remained as the cheapest supermarket, costing £328.42 on average, beating its closest competitor Morrisons by £10.98.
Waitrose was the most expensive for the larger trolley of items at £378.08, with Sainsbury’s following behind as the second most expensive at £364.61 for those shopping without a Nectar card.
Which? retail editor Ele Clark said: “As millions continue to struggle with increased food prices and other high household bills, it is no surprise that many are turning to discounters for their food shop.
“Our latest research has found Lidl is the cheapest supermarket for a basket of groceries, narrowly beating Aldi.
“Which? believes that supermarkets can do much more to help shoppers during the current cost of living crisis.
“They must ensure everyone has easy access to basic, affordable food ranges at a store near them – and this includes providing a decent choice of budget-range, healthy essentials in smaller convenience stores.”
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