Our detailed comparison examines the battle between these mid-market giants - which offers better quality, value, and shopping experience?
The UK's largest supermarket chain with extensive product range, strong Clubcard loyalty program, and multiple store formats.
Quality-focused supermarket known for premium ranges, strong fresh food offering, and Nectar loyalty program.
Based on our analysis of 50 common grocery items, Tesco is slightly cheaper than Sainsbury's, but the gap varies by product category.
| Product | Tesco | Sainsbury's | Difference | Best Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (4pt/2.27L) | £1.55 | £1.60 | -3.1% | Tesco Winner |
| White Bread (800g) | £1.20 | £1.25 | -4.0% | Tesco Winner |
| Eggs (12 Free Range) | £2.80 | £2.90 | -3.4% | Tesco Winner |
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | £6.50 | £6.75 | -3.7% | Tesco Winner |
| Bananas (per kg) | £0.90 | £0.92 | -2.2% | Tesco Winner |
| Own Brand Pasta (500g) | £0.59 | £0.65 | -9.2% | Tesco Winner |
| Heinz Beans (415g) | £1.15 | £1.18 | -2.5% | Tesco Winner |
| Own Brand Cornflakes (500g) | £0.75 | £0.80 | -6.3% | Tesco Winner |
Overall Price Difference: Tesco is approximately 1.8% cheaper than Sainsbury's for a typical basket of goods.
Tesco offers slightly better prices overall, particularly on own-brand products and essentials.
Sainsbury's generally scores higher on product quality, especially for fresh produce, meat, and premium ranges.
Sainsbury's stores are generally perceived as more upmarket, while Tesco offers greater convenience with various store formats.
Tesco Clubcard offers more valuable rewards and partnerships, while Sainsbury's Nectar provides flexibility with multiple partners.
Both offer strong online platforms, with Tesco having slightly better slot availability and Sainsbury's offering quality-focused substitutions.
Tesco offers wider product range overall, while Sainsbury's focuses more on quality and premium offerings.
Tesco wins on price and loyalty program value, while Sainsbury's edges ahead on quality and store experience. The choice ultimately depends on your priorities: if you're budget-conscious and want maximum rewards, Tesco is the better option; if you prioritize quality and a more premium shopping experience, Sainsbury's may be worth the slight premium.
Tesco
Sainsbury's
Tesco Clubcard
Sainsbury's
Tesco