Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons shoppers have been left shocked by the cost of Lurpak butter and its dupes.
A yearly price comparison of Lurpak butter and its dupes by Lancashire Live from supermarket giants Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons has left shoppers dumbfounded.
They have complained, saying that they are noticing the difference in prices, and even claimed "cheap stores are becoming more expensive".
In a comparison from 2022 to 2023, it has been revealed Lidl has seen the biggest price increase in its own-brand equivalent of Lurpak.
This comes after last year, some shoppers reported seeing packets of Lurpak being sold for as much as £7.50.
Following this, shoppers have begun to look for cheaper alternatives but have been left confused as to why the price of the dupes has increased drastically too.
While the Lurpak dupes were cheaper, research has found that the price of these has also significantly risen in the past year.
In fact, the latest statistics show that only three out of 30 items cost less in shops and supermarkets than they did 12 months ago.
Some food essentials have also jumped in price as much as 65% in just a single year.
It has also been revealed that basics such as vegetable oil and pasta are now more than double the cost they were this time last year.
In 2022, a spokesperson for the Danish brand Lurpak defended the price increase saying that "prices on the shelves have had to rise".
They said: "Prices on the shelves have had to rise in recent months. We understand that recent inflation in food price is hitting many households really hard right now.
"Unfortunately, our farmers are facing a similar situation with prices for the feed, fertiliser and fuel they need to produce milk, all rising significantly in recent months.
"While we don't set the prices on the shelves, we do work closely with the retailers to ensure our farmers receive a fair price for the milk they produce."
However, 12 months on, the price has continued to grow - and not just for the original brand.
People have taken to social media to complain that all three stores - Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons - have increased their prices.
One person wrote: "Stopped the Lurpak a few years ago, moved to Aldi Norpak, even though it has went up in price in recent times, still less than half the price and tastes just as good."
Another shopper put: "The biggest difference I notice is the increased price of Norpak(Aldi's Lurpak), up about eight times in a year from £1.55 to about £2.50 now."
While Lidl shoppers have also noticed an increase in price, writing "cheap stores are becoming more expensive that the known expensive ones, and she was right [because] why was Lurpak £5.19 at Lidl but £4.00 at Waitrose???"
And a Morrisons shopper said: "I reckon they're both ripping us off, taking advantage of an already bad situation for consumers, they're ramping their prices up and blaming it all on inflation.
"£5 for @Lurpak in @Morrisons that is still got Christmas branding on it, it was 2 for £7 at Christmas, same stock."
Here's the price difference nearly 12 months on:
Lurpak
Feb 2022: £3.65
Jan 2023: £4.99
Increase: 36.7%
Aldi Norpak
Feb 2022: £1.99
Jan 2023: £2.29
Increase: 15%
Lidl Danpak
Feb 2022: £1.89
Jan 2023: £2.19
Increase: 15.8%
Morrisons Spreadable
Feb 2022: £2.20
Jan 2023: £2.49
Increase: 13.1%
A Morrisons spokesperson said: "This is an unprecedented period of inflation and we are working hard to keep prices down and competitive for our customers while maintaining high standards and availability in all our stores."
Meanwhile, an Aldi spokesperson said: “A basket of everyday items is 16% more expensive at the Big Four than it is at Aldi, according to consumer champion Which?, who recently named Aldi as the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket. Value is the number one consideration for most households as they wrestle with rising costs and our customers know they will always make significant savings when they shop at Aldi.”
Lidl has also been contacted by The Mirror for a comment.
