The Ultimate Guide to UK Supermarkets: Where to Shop and Save (with a Korean Twist)

When it comes to grocery shopping in the UK, the supermarket you choose can make a big difference to your budget, the quality of your food, and even your shopping experience. Whether you are a local, a student, or a traveller, smart shopping is always essential.

Coming from Korea, I quickly realised that shopping in British supermarkets feels very different from what I was used to. Each chain has its own character, prices, and little quirks. So, here’s a guide to the UK’s most popular supermarkets—plus a few money-saving hacks you might not want to miss.

The Main UK Supermarkets

1. Tesco – Britain’s Everyday Giant

• Widely available across the UK, from city centres to small towns.
• Balanced prices and decent quality for everyday needs.
• Clubcard membership unlocks big discounts and exclusive offers.
• Tesco Extra stores also sell clothing, electronics, and home goods.

Safe, reliable, and budget-friendly—Tesco is the one supermarket I can always count on.

2. Sainsbury’s – A Touch More Premium

• Slightly pricier than Tesco, but with a more refined feel.
• Known for good-quality own-brand products.
• Nectar Card lets you collect points and redeem them later.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables are especially good here.

When I want to buy fresher produce or plant-based food, Sainsbury’s is often my choice.

3. Asda – The Value Player

• Once part of Walmart, now back in British hands.
• Competitive prices and plenty of “3 for 2” or “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” deals.
• Huge variety, with own-brand items offering excellent value.

Perfect if you’re filling a big trolley without emptying your wallet.

4. Morrisons – Fresh Food Specialist

• Similar pricing to Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
• Famous for its bakery, butchers, and fresh fish counters.
• More Card membership gives weekly discounts and rewards.

If you care about fresh meat and bread, Morrisons is worth the trip.

5. Waitrose – The Luxury Experience

• Britain’s most upmarket supermarket.
• Excellent quality, with products often recommended by chefs.
• Prices are steep, but you get what you pay for.

It’s not for every budget, but if you want premium ingredients, this is the place.

6. M&S Food – Ready Meal Heaven

• Known for luxury ready meals, sandwiches, and desserts.
• Higher prices than Tesco or Asda, but unmatched convenience and flavour.

If you want a quick meal that still feels indulgent, M&S Food is unbeatable.

7. Aldi & Lidl – Champions of Budget Shopping

• German discount chains that have conquered the UK.
• Focus on own-brand products → super low prices.
• Basic stores, no-frills design, and self-service checkouts.

From milk to bread, Aldi and Lidl often cost half the price of bigger supermarkets.

Costco – Warehouse-style bulk shopping

Not a typical UK supermarket, but excellent for bulk shopping which often makes items cheaper. Membership is required, and some products can be priced similarly to other UK supermarkets, so it’s worth checking. Be prepared for busy, crowded stores.

Smart Ways to Save on UK Grocery Shopping

1. Use Supermarket Membership Cards

• Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar, Morrisons More, Lidl Plus—all free to join.
• Exclusive discounts, personalised coupons, and loyalty points.

2. Hunt for Weekly Deals

• Every supermarket updates discounts weekly.
• Check apps or websites before shopping.
• Example: I once found spring onions on sale so cheap that I bought ten bundles and made Korean green onion kimchi.

3. Stock Up on Wine and Drinks

• Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s and Waitrose often run “Buy 6 bottles, save 25%” promotions.
• Aldi and Lidl also offer surprisingly good wines for less.

4. Korean Food Shopping on a Budget

• Korean supermarkets such as H Mart or Oseyo are convenient for authentic products. H Mart often offers competitive prices but is mainly found in London, while Oseyo is widely available across the UK, though generally a bit pricy
• Chinese supermarkets (e.g. Wing Yip, Loon Fung) often sell the same Korean products cheaper.
• Costco UK also stocks Bibigo and other popular Korean brands at good prices.
• Amazon UK offers bulk deals on ramen, gochujang, and sauces.

5. Save on Petrol, Too

• Petrol Price app helps you find the cheapest nearby fuel.
• Supermarket petrol stations (Tesco, Asda, Morrisons) are usually the cheapest. (it depends on the location)
• Costco petrol stations can save 10–20% if you’re a member.

6. Yellow Sticker Bargains & Food Waste Apps

• After 6–8pm, look for “yellow sticker” discounts on fresh food.
• Freeze meat, bread, or salads to extend their life.
• Try the Too Good To Go app for discounted “mystery boxes” from cafés and restaurants.

Final Thoughts

Grocery shopping in the UK is all about knowing your options. Tesco and Sainsbury’s are reliable, Aldi and Lidl keep your budget low, and Waitrose or M&S are there for a treat. By mixing smart supermarket choices with loyalty cards, weekly deals, and a few insider hacks, you can shop smarter and save more.

For me, experiencing British supermarkets through a Korean perspective adds an extra layer of fun—I still get excited when I find kimchi on the shelves of Tesco or when I score a bargain with a yellow sticker. Shopping in the UK doesn’t just fill your fridge; it also tells you something about British life.