UK shoppers are experiencing a surge in milk prices at Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s, particularly in their smaller convenience stores. This price increase could lead to substantial annual hikes in overall grocery expenses for consumers.
Shoppers in the UK, particularly those frequenting Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s, have been warned about rising milk prices across various branches of these major supermarket chains. Consumer advocacy group Which? conducted a study comparing prices of 42 everyday essentials, including milk, in larger supermarkets versus their smaller local or express stores.
The research revealed that customers at Tesco’s smaller outlets are paying an average of eight percent more for a carton of own-brand semi-skimmed milk. Similar price increases were noted at Morrisons and Sainsbury’s convenience stores. Which? highlighted the impact of these price hikes, noting that while many shoppers opt for convenience stores for quick purchases, some have no choice due to distance from larger supermarkets or lack of access to a vehicle. Almost 20% of convenience store shoppers reported that their nearest large supermarket is too far away, and around 12% do not own a car.
Key findings from the study indicate that the overall cost of a basket of groceries at Morrisons Daily was, on average, £16 higher than at traditional Morrisons stores. If consumers were to purchase the same items weekly, this could result in an additional £832 in annual expenses. Similarly, shoppers at Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express faced average increases of around £11 and £10, respectively, for the same basket of items, leading to over £500 in extra costs per year.
Alongside milk, essential items such as bread and butter also experienced significant markups. A medium white Hovis loaf was priced 12 percent higher at Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express, and 14 percent more at Morrisons Daily. Despite these price increases, Tesco Express emerged as the most affordable option among convenience stores, especially for loyalty card members, with the total cost of the 42 essential items averaging £108.28 for Clubcard holders and £117.30 for non-members.
As consumers navigate the complexities of pricing in grocery shopping, the findings underscore the need for greater awareness and vigilance regarding the costs associated with convenience store shopping.