Shopping for groceries? Here’s where, how your money does best

Shopping for groceries can put a serious dent in a household budget, but where you shop can make a difference. A basket that looks modest at one retailer can cost considerably more at another. 

That makes comparing prices before reaching the till worth the effort.

A recent comparison of major South African retailers puts the difference into rands and cents. 

Its findings show that shoppers could save nearly R80 on a basic basket simply by choosing the cheaper store. For households watching every rand, that is money better spent elsewhere. 

A Nedbank grocery price comparison found a R79.51 gap between the cheapest and most expensive baskets.

The trick is not simply to chase every special. Smart shopping means knowing what you normally pay, comparing equivalent products and considering whether a promotion really saves money. 

A few minutes of checking prices can make a noticeable difference over a month.

WHERE DOES SHOPPING FOR GROCERIES COST LESS?

Nedbank compared nine staple items across seven major South African retailers using 2025 prices. The basket contained bread, oil, mielie meal, sugar, milk, rice, flour, soap and toilet paper. The comparison found Makro cheapest at R376.40.

Food Lover’s Market cost R413.38, followed by Spar at R415.91. Shoprite came to about R420. Woolworths cost R435.91 and Checkers R439.91. Pick n Pay topped the list at R455.91. That made the gap between Makro and Pick n Pay R79.51.

The picture changes when you compare different products. 

Nedbank’s Q2 2026 survey of 10 branded products again placed Makro as the cheapest. Checkers, Spar and Woolworths had the most expensive baskets. It also found basket inflation across the seven retailers fell to 0.7% year-on-year.

HOW CAN SHOPPING FOR GROCERIES COST LESS?

Do not judge a bargain by the large price printed on the shelf. Compare the cost per kilogram, litre or other standard unit when possible. 

The Competition Commission’s food-price monitoring report says unit pricing helps consumers compare products despite different pack sizes.

The Commission has also highlighted problems with price transparency in South African food retail. Its findings note that shoppers can struggle to compare prices across retailers. The report says unit pricing can help identify the cheapest option.

That makes comparing the same product across stores worthwhile. Check online prices before travelling to another shop. Include transport costs in your calculation. A saving is not a saving if getting it costs more.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO HUNT FOR BARGAINS?

Build your shopping list around prices, not just habits. 

Check weekly specials and retailer apps before leaving home. Then compare the advertised price with other stores. Do not buy two items simply because a promotion tells you to.

Stats SA publishes average prices for consumer products. 

Its Consumer Price Index database includes average-price data for urban areas and provinces. This gives shoppers a useful way to track how prices change.

Food prices can also move in different directions. Stats SA reported that food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation fell to 0.9% in July 2026. That was the lowest rate in more than 16 years. Cereal prices fell 2.0% year-on-year, while maize meal dropped 3.1%. 

Shopping for groceries therefore calls for a little homework. 

Compare the basket, check the unit price and watch for genuine specials. 

Your trolley may look much the same, but the final bill can be very different.