Shopping at express supermarket stores costs customers more than if they were to stick to larger supermarkets, it has been revealed. 

Research has found shopping at convenience stores such as Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local and Morrisons Daily could cost you more than sticking to a big shop in a larger supermarket.

More than half of respondents in a survey conducted by consumer website Which? said they shop at their local convenience store at least once a week.

In June and July 2024 Which? compared the cost of grocery items at Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local and Morrisons Daily against the prices at their superstores. 

Researchers also compared prices for customers with loyalty memberships such as Sainsbury’s Nectar, Tesco Clubcard and Morrisons More. 

Morrisons customers face the biggest price difference as research found that consumers pay 21 percent more for the same groceries at a Morrisons Daily than at its supermarket.

A 165g tub of Philadelphia Soft Cheese at the company’s convenience store costs £2.58, whereas, at its larger supermarket store, it costs £1.58.

Customers are spending, on average, £16 more when shopping at a Morrisons Daily, costing them over £832 across a year if they buy the same products weekly. 

Tesco and Sainsbury’s have fewer differences in their prices between their convenience stores and supermarkets. However, Tesco Clubcard holders could be paying 11 percent more, and Sainsbury’s Nectar members could be paying 14 percent more at their convenience stores. 

At Tesco Express, a pack of six Mr Kipling Bakewell Slices costs £2.32, but at a Tesco supermarket, it costs Clubcard holders £1.50, a 54 percent difference. 

Sainsbury’s shoppers who purchase a 500g bag of Sainsbury’s own fusilli at the convenience store will be paying 20p more than if they were to purchase it from a Sainsbury’s supermarket.

A basket of 42 groceries would cost, on average, around £11 more at Sainsbury’s Local and £10 at Tesco Express for loyalty scheme members. Totalling more than £500 extra over a year for customers.

For those without any loyalty perks, the average price difference for Tesco was 10 percent, but 5 percent for Sainsbury’s. 

Sainsbury’s does not offer Nectar points in their smaller stores; however, they have promotions available to all customers, which makes their prices closer to their supermarket stores. 

Although the research did find some items that were cheaper in convenience stores, those who do shop at them often will face an increase in their grocery budget.