As month-end approaches and wallets start to feel a bit heavier, many South Africans are heading to the shops to restock.
But in today’s economy, finding ways to stretch every rand is more important than ever.
With the cost of living climbing, more people are looking for the best bargains when it comes to the everyday basics—whether it’s bread, oil, or toilet paper.
So, we did the homework for you.
Four Supermarkets, One Mission: Who’s the Cheapest?
This week, a 16-item grocery basket was compared across four major supermarket chains: Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths.
The goal? To find out which one offers the best overall value.
Here’s what the total cost of the same shopping list looks like at each store:
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Checkers – R854.85
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Pick n Pay – R864.84
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Shoprite – R886.84
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Woolworths – R911.84
So, while all four stores carry the same or similar items, Checkers comes out on top as the most affordable, followed closely by Pick n Pay.
Shoprite and Woolworths were the pricier options this time around.
What’s Behind the Price Differences?
When comparing prices, some interesting patterns popped up.
For example, Pick n Pay had the lowest price for peanut butter, while Shoprite sold milk for far less than its competitors.
Woolworths, often associated with premium branding, had higher prices on staples like spaghetti and sunflower oil.
And while Casemiro might be earning £370,000 a week at Old Trafford, here in South Africa, families are just trying to save R5 on rice or flour.
For SASSA Recipients and Budget Shoppers
If you’re receiving a SASSA grant, this kind of information can be gold.
Planning your shopping trip with these prices in mind could help you make your money go further—especially if you also take advantage of in-store specials and promotions.
Note: These prices don’t include card-holder discounts or special offers.
A Closer Look at a Few Essentials
Here’s a quick sample of what the same item costs across the four stores:
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500g Fatti’s & Moni’s spaghetti: R19.99 at most stores, except Woolworths at R22.99
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2L Sunflower Oil: Just R64.99 at Checkers, but a hefty R89.99 at Shoprite
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2L Full Cream Milk: Shoprite wins with R21.99, while Woolworths charges R38.99
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750g Ricoffy Instant Coffee: R144.99 at Checkers, going all the way up to R168.99 at Woolies
So, it’s clear—small differences add up quickly when you’re filling a trolley.
Where You Shop Really Can Save You Money
Whether you’re feeding a family of four or just stocking up on essentials, it might be worth checking these prices before your next grocery run.
You might even want to switch up your go-to store to shave a few rands off your weekly shop.
So, would you change your shopping habits if it meant saving R50 or more a week?