More UK Shoppers Leave Favourite Supermarkets in Search of Better Prices

UK shoppers are changing the way they buy their groceries, with new figures showing a significant shift toward discounter supermarkets and away from sticking with one main store.

According to recent industry data, 41% of households in June chose to shop somewhere other than their usual supermarket.

Eight in ten shoppers also reported visiting more than one grocery retailer in the same month, a clear sign that bargain-hunting has become the norm as the cost of living remains high.

Discounter chains such as Aldi and Lidl have benefited most from these changing habits. Together, the two retailers now hold a 20% market share, up from just over 19% earlier this year.

With food prices still rising and household budgets under pressure, many families say switching between supermarkets is one of the easiest ways to keep their shopping bills in check.

Despite the move toward discount stores, loyalty cards remain popular. Around 77% of regular grocery shoppers use Tesco’s Clubcard, and more than half are signed up to Sainsbury’s Nectar scheme, according to a recent government review.

Supermarkets are responding by investing in new offers and app-based deals, making it easier for shoppers to unlock personalised discounts or collect extra points when they do stick with a favourite retailer.

For many people, this means using loyalty schemes and discount apps alongside trips to discounters, grabbing the best prices on basics at Aldi or Lidl and then topping up elsewhere to take advantage of exclusive offers or double-point weeks.

The result is a more flexible, deal-focused approach to food shopping, with shoppers taking the time to compare prices, search out coupons, and use their loyalty rewards to help stretch every pound a little further.

Industry analysts expect this trend to continue as long as families continue to feel the squeeze. For now, supermarkets are likely to continue fighting for customer loyalty with even sharper offers and smarter rewards, hoping to retain shoppers who are more willing than ever to shop around for the best deal.