The cost of grocery shopping is falling as supermarket prices are kept below levels of inflation, according to a recent survey.
Inflation is about two per cent but the cost of the most commonly bought supermarket items has only risen by 0.5 per cent in the past year.
The annual survey found Asda remains the UK’s cheapest supermarket - ranking ahead of Tesco for the ninth year running.
Waitrose was branded the most expensive retailer, with a typical basket shop costing £25 more than at Asda, although it was recognised as having the best availability of products.
According to the industry survey, a shop of 100 products costs an average of £179.64, compared with £178.61 a year ago.
Asda’s average was lowest at £169.46 (£167.60 last year), followed by Tesco at £170.66 (£170.64).
Morrisons, voted top for customer service, was still below the average at £173.62, compared with £174.23 last year, alongside Sainsbury’s on £174.93 (£177.91). Meanwhile, Somerfield and Waitrose exceeded the average at £189.14 (£194.47) and £194.69 (£192.14), respectively.
Dave Cheesewright, the chief operating officer at Asda, said he was pleased to have confirmation of being the UK’s best-priced supermarket for the ninth year in a row.
However, a Tesco spokesman claimed online price comparisons showed Tesco was “cheaper on more products more of the time”.
