Are Nectar Cards Really Saving You Money at Sainsbury’s?

If you’re a regular shopper at Sainsbury’s and use their Nectar card, you might assume you’re getting great value for your money. After all, loyalty cards are meant to save you money, right? Well, not so fast. A recent study by the consumer group Which? reveals a surprising truth: Sainsbury’s shoppers, even with Nectar card discounts, could be paying significantly more compared to those shopping at Aldi.

How Much More Are You Paying?

The study analyzed a basket of 56 typical items, including both branded and own-brand products, across major UK supermarkets. Here’s what they found:

• Aldi emerged as the cheapest supermarket, with an average basket cost of £100.29 in December 2024.
• Lidl followed closely behind.
• Sainsbury’s shoppers using a Nectar card paid £112.13 for the same basket—a weekly difference of £11.84 compared to Aldi. Over a year, this adds up to a staggering £615 more.
• For shoppers without a Nectar card, the cost rises further to £116.70 per basket, bringing the annual difference to £630.76 compared to Aldi.

Do Nectar Cards Really Deliver?

To be fair, loyalty cards like Nectar offer some perks, such as personalized discounts and rewards points. However, this analysis underscores an important point: Loyalty discounts don’t always compensate for higher base prices.

Even with Nectar card deals, Sainsbury’s ranks behind Aldi, Lidl, and even Tesco (with a Clubcard) in terms of affordability. Without the Nectar card, Sainsbury’s is even more expensive, placing near the bottom of the affordability scale—just ahead of Waitrose and Ocado.

Why Switch Supermarkets?

Harry Rose, the editor of Which?, put it plainly: Switching supermarkets can lead to significant savings. After the holiday season, when many are looking to cut costs, the benefits of shopping smarter become even more apparent.

Here are some key takeaways from the study:

1. Aldi consistently ranked as the most affordable supermarket in 2024, with Lidl not far behind.
2. While loyalty cards can offer small perks, they don’t guarantee the best deals.
3. By choosing a more affordable supermarket, you could save hundreds of pounds annually.

What Does This Mean for Shoppers?

If you’re focused on saving money, it might be time to rethink your shopping habits. Here are a few tips:

• Compare Prices: Don’t rely solely on loyalty discounts. Check the base prices of the items you regularly buy.
• Consider Other Supermarkets: Aldi and Lidl consistently offer lower prices on both branded and own-brand items. Tesco’s Clubcard deals are also worth exploring.
• Plan Your Shops: Use price comparison tools or apps to identify the cheapest options for your basket.
• Maximize Loyalty Benefits: If you stick with Sainsbury’s, make the most of your Nectar card by focusing on items with high-point rewards or discounts.

Every pound counts, especially during times of financial strain. A simple change in where you shop could lead to substantial savings—potentially more than £600 a year.

So, before your next grocery run, think about this: Is sticking to one supermarket really worth the cost? Exploring other options might just be the easiest way to save money in 2025.