Inflation is hitting everyone’s pockets.
From petrol to food prices are climbing affecting daily life.
The impacts of both the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have caused instability and the breakdown of supply chains causing prices to rise.
Grocery inflation has been slowly creeping up in the background.
Back in December, before the war in Ukraine, the CSO category of “Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages” showed an inflation rate of 1.6% compared with a year earlier.
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The rate has risen every month since then, 2.1% in January, 3% in February, 3.1% in March and 3.5% in April.
To help you decide where to do your weekly shop, we’ve taken a trip to two of Ireland’s biggest supermarkets – Tesco and Supervalu – to find the best bargains.
Here’s what we learned about which store is cheaper for your everyday essentials.
Milk
The basis of most breakfast, from cups of tea to bowls of cereal, milk is about as essential as they get.
In both Tesco and Supervalu 2 litres of milk cost €1.89, the same goes for the low fat versions.
Verdict: it’s a draw.
Bread
To give both shops the best chance we compared their own brand white slice pan, one of the most common types purchased.
Tesco takes the cake as their loaf is just 75c while Supervalu is charging €1.39.
If you’re looking for a brown loaf Tesco will cost you 59c and Supervalu 89c.
Verdict: Tesco is the move for all your toast and sandwich needs.
Butter
You have your bread now but where are you going to get your butter?
If you decide to make a trip to Tesco a tub of their ‘butter me up’ spread is 99c while Supervalu’s equivalent comes in at the same price.
Real creamy butter from both shop’s own brand costs €2.99 for 454grams. Interestingly a slightly smaller block of 227grams will cost you €1.69 at Supervalu and €1.79 in Tesco.
Verdict: more or less the same depending on what type and how much better you want.
Eggs
Eggs come in many varieties, free range, organic, a dozen or half dozen.
It’s largely down to personal preference.
A dozen of standard eggs in Supervalu and Tesco are €2.30.
If you want free range, the price difference is only slight, €3.49 in Supervalu and €3.35 in Tesco.
If you don’t eat many eggs and want a true bargain get Tesco’s half dozen for €1.15.
Verdict: Tesco but just barely.
Sausages
Again a very similar story for 8 sausages from each respective supermarket's own brand costs 99c.
So let's see the options if you’re looking for something more.
The ever iconic Superquinn sausages are available for €1.50 for 6 as they are currently on special offer.
Tesco Finest Pork Sausages clock in at €2.99 for 6.
Verdict: Supervalu wins.
Rashers
To round out our battle of the breakfast foods of course we have to look at rashers.
Tesco takes the crown as a pack of their own brand rashers comes in at €1.75 while the Supervalu equivalent is €2.
A 25c difference.
Verdict: Tesco wins.
Potatoes
The staple food of many Irish dinners but where can you find them for the best value?
The answer is Supervalu as a 2kg bag of rooster spuds is just €2 while in Tesco you’ll find yourself forking out €2.49 for the same product.
A 49c saving.
Verdict: Supervalu wins.
Pasta
Another quick dinner essential pasta is easy and provides plenty of carbohydrates for energy but where should you pick up a bag?
Either retailer.
A pack of spaghetti is just 99c in both places but if you want more variety of pasta shapes for under €1 maybe make the trip to Tesco.
Verdict: Draw but Tesco for more choices.
Chicken breasts
Versatile lean meat option, chicken breasts are often found in people's trolleys.
Tesco wins this battle as 3 breasts clock in at €5.32 but Supervalu will cost you €5.99.
There is a considerable difference.
Verdict: Tesco wins.
Bin bags
Supervalu wins this round with no questions asked.
For a roll of 30 50l bags it’s just €1.15.
The Tesco equivalent costs €2.50 for a roll of 20.
Verdict: Supervalu wins.
Washing up liquid
Keeping the house clean is annoying by itself let alone if you have to fork out a lot of money for supplies.
Go to Tesco for all your washing up liquid needs as a bottle of the stuff is just 62c while Supervalu is 90c.
Verdict: Tesco wins.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away and if you want the best value apple for the
task check out the 6 pack of Irish ones available for €1.99.
You’ll be saving yourself 10c when compared to the 6 pack from Supervalu on sale for €2.09
Verdict: Tesco wins.
