FROM barefoot to Brancott, which one? had revealed the supermarket selling branded wine for the cheapest prices – and the most expensive.
It tracked prices from February to April 2024 and compared 15 big names from Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.
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For Clubcard holders, Tesco was the cheapest on average for 13 of the 15 bottles the consumer champion compared.
It was also the cheapest supermarket based on the total price of all 15 bottles, which cost an average of £108.43 with the loyalty scheme.
However, non-members would have paid more at Tesco than any other store for eight of the 15 branded wines in Which?’s analysis.
In total, non-members would have paid an average of 11% more than Clubcard holders at Tesco, amounting to £120.67.
Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose also offer member-only discounts, but less often on wine.
Aldi and Lidl were excluded because both supermarkets do not sell the brands analysed.
Asda closely followed Tesco’s Clubcard prices, averaging just £2.57 more.
It offered the lowest prices for Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio and Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc and was on average the second cheapest for eight of the fifteen bottles.
However, none of Asda’s prizes are exclusive to loyalty program members.
Which? also tracked how often the same 15 brand bottles were discounted in a 12-month period.
How can I save costs in the supermarket?
There are plenty of ways to save money at your grocery store.
You can look for yellow or red stickers on products, which indicate when they are discounted.
If the food is fresh, eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money because you’ll be less likely to make hasty purchases when you go to the grocery store.
Choosing your own brand can be an easy way to save hundreds of dollars a year on your food bill, too.
This means ditching the ‘best’ or ‘luxury’ products and instead opting for ‘proprietary’ or value-for-money lines.
Many supermarkets have shaky fruit and vegetable programs where you can get cheap prices if they are misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering 5kg boxes of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you could potentially get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers, which you can also use at the supermarket.
In addition, many municipalities offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
It found that three bottles were discounted for more than 50% of the year for Tesco Clubcard members, and one bottle was discounted for more than half the year at Asda.
The Chartered Trading Standard Institute has said that discounts that last “for a significantly longer period than the higher price was offered” are “less likely” to be in line with its guidance.
When which one? took this to Tesco, who disagreed and said it met all the rules for promotions. Asda made no comment.
Four-fifths of the bottles analyzed were on promotion for at least 40% of the year at Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Interestingly, Waitrose charged 24% more for Barefoot White Zinfandel Rosé compared to Tesco’s Clubcard price.
Ele Clark, which one? retail editor said: “Shoppers should compare prices, especially for specific brands.
“Tesco offers great deals with a Clubcard, but without a Clubcard you pay up to 16% more.”
Although Tesco’s Clubcard can save you money on wine, you may want to shop elsewhere if you don’t have one.
NHS guidelines for drinking alcohol
According to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week can harm your health.
To keep the health risks of alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:
- men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units per week on a regular basis
- spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink up to 14 units per week
- if you want to cut back, try to have several drink-free days per week
If you are pregnant or think you might become pregnant, drinking alcohol is the safest approach to minimize risks to your baby.
You can find out more on the NHS website by visiting www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/the-risks-of-drinking-too-much.
The Sun recently tested the best supermarket white Sauvignon Blanc wines and the winner was under £10.
Drinks expert Helena Nicklin took part in a wallet-friendly international Sauvignon Blanc tasting and brings you her pick of the best bottles.
What’s more, rosé wine is the drink of choice for many, with sales continuing to rise year after year and a splash of gentle blush doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Wine expert Helena Nicklin also rated the best bottles of Rosé for under £10.