Quick Start
Use one repeatable basket to compare stores honestly. Record sizes exactly, calculate unit prices, and total the basket. No hype, just a weekly method you can trust.
Basket template (10 staples)
Rice 1 kg · Pasta 500 g · Chopped tomatoes 400 g · Beans 400 g · Eggs 6 · Milk 2 L · Bread 800 g · Carrots 1 kg · Onions 1 kg · Frozen mixed veg 1 kg
How to run the comparison
1) Pick a date and store (Aldi/Lidl).
2) Record pack size & price as shown on shelf.
3) Calculate unit price (price ÷ kg/L; per 100 g → ×10).
4) Sum the 10 items = your weekly basket total.
5) Note swaps (if an item’s out of stock, use the nearest equivalent and mark with *).
Table you can copy (fill in store prices)
| Item | Size | Aldi price | Aldi unit | Lidl price | Lidl unit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice | 1 kg | |||||
| Pasta | 500 g | |||||
| Chopped tomatoes | 400 g | |||||
| Baked beans | 400 g | |||||
| Eggs | 6 | — | — | |||
| Milk | 2 L | |||||
| Bread | 800 g | |||||
| Carrots | 1 kg | |||||
| Onions | 1 kg | |||||
| Frozen mixed veg | 1 kg | |||||
| Basket total: £ | Basket total: £ |
Tip: run the same basket fortnightly; trends matter more than one-off promos.
What to look for
- One or two outliers (eggs/bread) often decide the week’s shop.
- “Own-brand vs premium”: track both if you buy across ranges.
- Promotions: annotate so you don’t lock in a promo price as your baseline.
Share your method (not just the result)
Post totals with the date and region. Prices move; your Price Book is the source of truth.
See also: Unit Price Cheatsheet (UK) · How to Use a Grocery Price Book (UK)