Asda has held the crown when it comes to being the cheapest for a bigger shop – but that has all changed this month.

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Analysis by Which? has revealed the results of its latest research on supermarket pricing and July gave some surprising results.

The analysis is done on a monthly basis and involves comparing an average basket of shopping at eight of the UK’s biggest supermarkets.

The consumer group compared the cost of a trolley load of 135 items to find out which supermarket came out cheapest.

This month Morrison was top for a trolley of groceries, knocking Asda off the number one spot for the first time since January 2020.

The items in the shop included a number of branded items, such as Andrex toilet paper and Cathedral City cheese.

In July it cost £341.92 on average for this shop at Morrisons, beating the next cheapest, Asda by 22p which came in at £342.14.

Waitrose was the most expensive with its trolley costing £376.66 which meant it was £34.74 or 10% more, on average, than the cost of the Morrisons shopping.

Here’s how each supermarket compared for a trolley of 134 items:

• Morrisons – £341.92
• Asda – £342.14
• Tesco – £360.97
• Ocado – £367.96
• Sainsbury’s £370.54
• Waitrose – £376.66

The consumer group also found that Aldi shoppers are quids in again this month when it comes to getting their groceries.

This month revealed that a basket of goods at Aldi cost £71.22 which is £16.02 cheaper than the most expensive supermarket.

Fellow discounter Lidl came in a close second behind Aldi with their basket costing £72.60, a difference of £1.38.

And Waitrose is still the most expensive with a basket of groceries totalling £87.24 on average, which is 22% more than Aldi – a difference of £16.02.

Here is the full list based on a basket of shopping of 38 items:

• Aldi – £71.22
• Lidl – £72.60
• Asda – £78.65
• Tesco – £79.59
• Sainsbury’s – £81.06
• Morrisons – £82
• Ocado – £86.26
• Waitrose – 87.24

This latest pricing analysis from Which? demonstrates that shoppers can make considerable savings on their groceries depending on where they buy their food.

However, even budget ranges at the discounters are rising in price significantly.

And according to the consumer group, traditional supermarkets’ convenience stores are failing to offer or stock budget lines.

While Which? has found that some good practice exists, they believe that many of the major supermarkets have not done enough to support their customers during the cost of living crisis.

They argue supermarkets could be doing more by ensuring their smaller convenience stores stock a range of essential budget lines that support a healthy diet.

They also say stores should make sure that their pricing is clear so that customers can easily work out the best value products.

And this should include providing unit pricing on loyalty card prices.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said:

“Households up and down the country are having their budgets squeezed by the cost of living crisis and our latest research shows that once again Aldi is the cheapest supermarket.

“For a larger trolley of items, Asda has been knocked off its perch as the cheapest option for the first time in several years with Morrison pipping it to the post for value.     

“Which? believes that supermarkets are currently failing to adequately help shoppers during the current crisis.

“They must ensure everyone has easy access to basic, affordable food ranges at a store near them – including providing a range of essential budget lines that support a healthy diet in smaller convenience stores where they have them.

“They must also provide transparent and comparable pricing so people can easily work out which products offer the best value.”

This month Morrisons went some way to giving its customers a bit of extra help as it began stocking items from its budget Savers range across its 500 convenience stores including toilet rolls, washing-up liquid, sausages and skimmed milk.

How can I save on my supermarket shop?

It’s not just about heading to the cheapest supermarket to save money on your shop.

There’s a number of ways you can cut costs and drive down your grocery bills.

Making a list before you head out to do your food shopping is always a good start as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases.

Buying supermarkets’ own-brand goods instead of higher-end more notable brands could save you a few pounds too.

Some supermarkets run “wonky” veg schemes, where you pay less for fresh produce that’s misshapen or imperfect.

Lidl, for example, has its Waste Not scheme where you can get a whopping five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50.

Checking how much a product costs based on quantity could save you some money.

You might be tempted to opt for a bigger box or packaging because you think you will get more.

But you should always check the price per kg/lb/litre so you’re making a like-for-like decision.

A lot of supermarkets run loyalty schemes, where you can build up points to spend on a later shop.