Asda has finally launched its new “Just Essentials” budget range as shoppers continue to struggle against the cost of living crisis.
The new range replaces its Smart Price collection and consists of 293 products.
Some of the food products that will be available include fresh meat, fish and poultry, bakery, frozen and cupboard staples.
It also includes essential household and toiletry products, such as washing-up liquid, toilet roll, laundry powder, shampoo and conditioner.
More than 60 products will be available in stores and online this week, including fresh meat, fish and a selection of fresh produce.
Asda says 130 items will be available to purchase by the end of June, increasing to 267 products by August 13.
The remaining 26 products will land in stores by the end of the year.
Asda will stock the full range in all 581 of its food stores, as well as online.
The supermarket says it will continue to sell Smart Price products until the phased roll-out of “Just Essentials” is complete.
What do you think of the new Asda range? Let us know in the comments below.
Sam Dickson, vice president Asda brand and propositions, said: “Nine out of ten of our customers have told us they are concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, with 44% of them saying they’re actively looking for ways to make their grocery budget go further.
“We’ve developed Just Essentials by Asda to offer our customers the same value they know and love from our Smart Price range, but across a much larger and more diverse range of products, and with a bold brand that is hard to miss.
“Our mission is to meet all household needs through Just Essentials by Asda, and ensure that families can enjoy nutritious food, no matter their budget.”
How much is Asda 'Just Essentials'?
Asda has started to roll out some of its "Just Essentials" range online and in stores from this week.
When we checked online today, the supermarket had listed the following products on its website:
- Garlic bread (170g) - 32p
- Sultana scones (ten pack) - 49p
- Macaroni cheese (400g) - £1.18
- Fish pie (400g) - £1.30
- Cheese and tomato snack pizza (114g) - 49p
- Ham and cheese snack pizza (114g) - 52p
- Cheese and tomato pizza (300g) - 99p
- Pepperoni pizza (292g) - £1.20
- Whole chicken (typically 1.2kg) - £2.48
Are these the cheapest prices you'll find for these types of products? It depends on what you're buying.
Asda has a 170g garlic bread listed online for 32p, which is the same price as what you'll find at Aldi.
The supermarkets are also neck-and-neck for their whole chickens. Asda's one costs £2.49 for 1.2kg while Aldi charges £2.99 for a slightly bigger 1.59kg bird.
These both work out at around £2.07 per kg, according to their listings online.
But a snack cheese and tomato pizza from Aldi that weighs 114g - the same as the Asda offering - costs 55p, versus 52p from Asda.
Asda also sells a cheaper 400g macaroni cheese, costing £1.18 at the supermarket. You'll pay £1.99 for the same size at Aldi, which is the cheapest fresh macaroni cheese the budget chain sells.
A spokesperson from Aldi told The Mirror its product is of "a higher quality" and contains more cheese than the Asda equivalent, as their cheapest macaroni cheese isn't part of its essentials range.
A fish pie from Asda costs £1.30 for a 400g product, which is the same price as Tesco - so there wouldn't be any saving there.
In short, you should still compare prices using a website such as Trolley.co.uk to make sure you're getting the best deal.
A spokesperson for Aldi said: “Reputable price surveys always find us to be significantly cheaper than any of the Big Four supermarkets.
“Our customers make significant savings every time they shop with us which is why we were named 2021 Cheapest Supermarket of the Year by consumer champion Which?.”
