For example, the shop owner who gets his groceries from Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, or Morrisons Daily is paying much more than he would if he were going to a big supermarket. According to a recent study by consumer group Which?, shoppers at smaller outlets of large chain supermarkets are paying up to 20% more for items such as milk, cheese, and other staples.
How Much More Are You Paying?
Convenience stores take up to 8% more from two pints of semi-skimmed milk compared with the bigger chains, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons. Regardless of whether you have a card or not, you will notice a difference. Of course, it’s not just milk; soft cheese, pasta, and ice cream are also more expensive in these stores.
Examine a shopping basket containing 42 popular grocery items from a Morrisons Daily and discover that the average cost was £16 higher than the same item from a regular Morrisons. Over a year, buying such products once a week would equate to an extra £832!
Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express charge significantly more, too. The average difference is £11 (14%) more for the same basket of groceries at Sainsbury’s Local and £10, or 11%, at Tesco Express compared to the larger shops, so it can add up to another £500 or more on your grocery bill if you visit here frequently over a year.
Why is it that prices are higher at convenience stores?
Ele Clark, a retail expert from Which?, states that many people find it difficult to easily access larger supermarkets due to transportation issues or a pressing need to make a purchase. The smaller stores are relatively convenient, but they come at a higher price.
Morrisons acknowledged the issue and stated they will launch their loyalty “More card” to Morrisons Daily stores within the next few months, which may help the loyal customers save a small amount of money on their daily purchases, but the savings are still considerable.
Grocery Saving Tips
Living costs keep going up, and keeping your grocery budget within reasonable bounds is essential nowadays. Here are a few hints that you can use to stretch your grocery budget further:
1. Plan ahead and shop at larger supermarkets.
Shop as much as possible in large supermarkets. You will definitely be saving much money, especially on staples such as milk and bread. You might need to make a weekly purchase instead of the smaller ones you make on a daily basis, but your wallet will certainly appreciate the savings.
Use loyalty cards. These make quite a difference, especially when shopping at large stores. The bonus points and discounts offered by certain places really pay off in the long term.
3. Chill milk and other necessities.
Now, if you tend to waste spoilt milk, Tesco has a solution for you: freeze it! You can freeze milk to prolong its shelf life, but if the bottle is already full, it must have enough empty space to expand. It may save you from wasting money on unsafe milk.
4. Avoid storing milk in the refrigerator door.
It’s possible that the milk in your fridge door is spoiling quickly due to storage. Experts suggest that the fridge door, which is warmer than the rest of the fridge, can accelerate milk spoilage. Keep it in the fridge’s main section, where it’s colder.
5. Check expiry dates.
Also, check the expiration date on all products, especially the dairy base, like milk and cheese, to make sure you get the maximum shelf life out of the product you are purchasing.
What Customers Think
Many consumers have shared their personal experiences with milk storage and grocery shopping. Said one consumer, “We’ve always kept our bottle of milk in the door for over 20 years and never had one go bad.” Others quipped, “The key is not to buy more than you need and restock when you’re coming home from work.”
However, experts still say that the best way for egg B to keep the milk fresh for as long as it can stay intact is to place it in the colder portion of the refrigerator.
Convenience stores are a godsend for those quick trips and stocking up on the essentials, but it goes without saying that you pay much more than you would if you were shopping in a larger supermarket. If possible, plan your shopping at larger stores or look into online deliveries to save money. And never forget about those tips on fresh milk—you could be wasting less and saving more!
All this is in stark contrast to the rising cost of living. Whatever it is, whether you want to plan how you shop, use loyalty cards, or change how you store milk, small things can make a major difference in saving more from your budget. Happy shopping, and may your milk always remain fresh!
