London is a city that offers many choices, which makes food shopping overwhelming. The quest for the right supermarket for your budget, taste and schedule can be long. However, with some good planning and knowing where to shop, food shopping in London can be relatively stress-free and save you money and time.
Supermarkets in London
London is a very competitive market, meaning families have access to everything from budget-friendly options and听蝉尘补濒濒别谤 express supermarkets 迟辞听产辞迟丑 large supermarkets and more premium outlets.
Popular supermarket brands in London include:
- Marks and Spencer (M&S);
- Aldi;
- Lidl;
- Asda;
- Tesco;
- Sainsbury's;
- Waitrose.
According to of the UK's best grocery stores, M&S continues to be voted the number one option, followed by mid-range Tesco and then Aldi, a bargain supermarket. Aldi perfectly balances quality food with low prices, which has made it a consistent favorite among consumers.
Budget-friendly options
Unfortunately, there's not an Aldi in central London, so plan some time into your schedule to venture out of Zone 1 should you wish to. The good news is that there are 13 Aldi's elsewhere across London. Although you should be prepared to shop in two separate supermarkets, as Aldi still lacks variety in herbs, spices and world food.
Lidl has a similar brand identity to Aldi, but it is cheaper. If you are a smart shopper, buying your basics (such as fruits, vegetables and dairy) in Lidl will save you money and still provide good quality. Like Aldi, the chain has started to rebrand its image and offers more mid-range and higher-quality goods聽but is slightly falling behind Aldi's popularity. When you are in Lidl, look out for the 鈥淒eluxe鈥� range and the fresh bakery section. Be aware that some of its lesser-known brands are of lower quality. Therefore, trial and error is sometimes needed. The closest Lidl to central London is in Canary Wharf.
Mid-range supermarkets
Known for its good bakery, fish counter and butchers, the supermarket chain Asda is owned by Walmart. Its image is based on affordable, quality food. Asda is viewed as cheaper than Tesco and Sainsbury's but is more expensive than Aldi and Lidl. Asda is in very tight competition with other chains, so it often has desirable deals.
So much so that Asda claims to be consistently 10% cheaper than their competitors, and if you purchase anything that is not, they will give you back the difference. Asda stores are located somewhere other than central London.
Tesco is the biggest supermarket chain in the UK, with 311 stores in London. The supermarket is usually embroiled in price wars with its closest competitors, Asda and Sainsbury's. It carries out price matching on most of its products to keep them as low as possible. Tesco Express stores are all over the city and are easily accessible if you are in a hurry or for last-minute purchases. In fact, Tesco Express has a good lunch : 拢3.90 for its regular price and 拢3.40 for those with a Clubcard.
Sainsbury's is the second-largest supermarket chain in England. It offers a much greater variety, particularly for specific diets (e.g., gluten-free, halal, organic, healthy food, etc.). Sainsbury's is more expensive than the above supermarkets but less expensive than M&S and Waitrose. It also has express supermarkets across the city centre. Sainsbury's has a good deli section, fish counter, butchers and bakery.
Don't succumb to expensive brands in Sainsbury's. Their own 鈥淭aste the Difference鈥� range is of high quality and cheaper. They also have a much more affordable 鈥淪ainsbury's basics鈥� range if you are on a tight budget.
Premium options
Waitrose has a wide choice of deli and healthy food and is well known for its ethical business practices (sustainable fish, fair trade, organic produce, etc.). Waitrose is more expensive than Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and M&S. Waitrose also has many 鈥淟ittle Waitrose鈥� dotted around London if you are in a rush and need something convenient.
Finally, M&S is a supermarket that's well connected with clothes shops and homeware. Traditionally a clothing shop with a food section, M&S food is becoming a brand in its own right. Many express M&S food supermarkets are now dotted around London. The brand is known for its wide selection of party and world food and is best for a treat rather than weekly shopping. It also offers great regularly that are tailored to different cuisines and themes, like their family stir fry dine-in for just 拢6 or their dine-in pizza offer that includes two pizzas and two sides for only 拢12.
Good to know:
Avoid the express supermarkets for your big weekly shopping as they are more expensive and suited to convenience shopping.
If you are trying to save money, check that their price-matching service is up to date. Tesco will often lower product prices if they are higher than those of their competitors.
Supermarket deliveries in London
Supermarket deliveries are becoming a lifeline, especially for busy Londoners who fall into the trap of expensive convenience shopping.
Waitrose has free next-day delivery if you spend 拢60 or more. Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Asda offer home delivery and a click-and-collect service at a charge.
A new contender, , has also entered the market. It is an online supermarket with no physical shops that specializes in delivery.
Bargain hunting in London
The English鈥擫ondoners being no exception鈥攁re notorious bargain hunters. Thus, supermarkets try to attract customers by offering various deals throughout the year.
If you are a savvy shopper or looking to save some pennies, subscribing to supermarket newsletters and email notifications and picking up their magazines in-store will help you successfully plan your shopping.
Loyalty cards are also prevalent in England, and most locals have numerous cards for various shops. Points are added every time you buy something, eventually converting into money you can spend in that supermarket.
Make sure also to check out the 鈥淩educed to clear鈥� aisle during your grocery shopping; they usually have good deals on food products that are close to their sell-by date.
Other food stores in London
Organic
Planet Organic has various shops in central London, and like most organic shops, it is more expensive than the average supermarket.
The Whole Foods/Fresh & Wild organic chain is scattered around the city and is a bit pricey, but it guarantees quality food. The shop in Kensington High Street has an impressive food court on the top floor.
Luxury
London has many options if you feel like treating yourself or are looking for high-quality produce for a special occasion.
For example, Sainsbury's food hall has an American section. specializes in tea and coffee but sells various high-end products. Also, they have restaurants in multiple locations and are popular for their hampers, perfect for gastronomic gifts.
Harrods' food hall is a treasure trove of luxury goods where you can buy gourmet food to take home or eat in. The carvery section makes exceptionally delicious hot sandwiches, and the wine rooms are not to be missed. Their patisserie section is also a delight for the eyes and, ultimately, the taste buds.
Selfridges' food hall is similar to Harrods'. It delivers luxury, price, and high-quality produce. It has a large American food section and a popular champagne, oyster, and caviar bar.
Harvey Nichols specializes in everyday luxury food gifts and gourmet trends such as bubble tea and cold-pressed juices. Their food hall is smaller than other luxury food halls but has a great atmosphere and quality food variety.
Farmer's street food and markets in London
London has numerous markets where you can find fresh, good-quality, and affordable produce, often cheaper than in supermarkets. New markets in London have been popping up thanks to the fresh and healthy food movement.
Street food has also taken the city by storm and is a perfect solution for the time-starved Londoner needing quick, healthy and affordable food. Brick Lane, Fulham and Camden are popular spots.
Go to , one of the best and oldest. Borough Market is a great place to learn more about food, as they have every vegetable you can imagine.
For locally sourced and seasonal products, farmer's markets are a good option that supports local farmers. These can be found across London, with options in most neighborhoods from Notting Hill to Greenwich.
There are over 30 global street food options in Camden's sleekest market, Hawley Wharf, which also has a cinema and underground theme park.
Tip:
Go to the for more information on finding a farmer's market where you'll be moving to.
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