Consumers across the UK have enjoyed another month of below average supermarket prices according to shopping and comparison website mySupermarket.
Research conducted by the independent comparison and shopping website found the cost of a basket of 35 popular products has dropped for the fourth month in a row, costing £84.36 in March.
It is the lowest recorded price since the mySupermarket Groceries Tracker was launched in December 2014.
Prices for items such as broccoli, bananas and onions have dropped, with broccoli now more than a third cheaper than it was this time last year. It also dropped more than 25 per cent in price in the last month alone.
The low prices follow an eventful month in the grocery sector, with Tesco releasing seven new own-brand ranges, Sainsbury’s announcing it has secured the purchase of Argos and the new soft drink levy being announced by Chancellor George Osborne in the Budget.
While mySupermarket managing director Kim Ludlow welcomed the price decrease, she warned changes across the supermarket sector could create uncertainty for consumers.
“One thing for certain is that you need to ensure you are getting the best possible price for your shop. While prices continue to drop, there are several key products that are rising, or fluctuating month to month," she said.
She pointed out that it is easy for shoppers to feel overwhelmed by prices and promotions while in-store. "By comparing prices before you leave and writing a list – and sticking to it – you’ll be much better off,” said Ludlow.
mySupermarket’s analysis showed other big price drops came from crisps and squash drink - both down more than per cent.
Cucumbers were down more than 3 per cent while bananas were more than 8 per cent cheaper than last month and more than 16 per cent cheaper than this time last year.
Items that rose in price included carrots, an increase of more than 5 per cent, deli bacon and ham - rising 3 per cent, and mushrooms, which were up 2 per cent. Mushrooms were, however, more than 13 per cent cheaper than this time last year.
According to mySupermarket, the same basket cost £87.70 in March of last year.
The mySupermarket Groceries Trackers monitors grocery pricing across the UK supermarkets Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Waitrose and Morrisons. As well as the above supermarkets, it also includes pricing updates on products at Poundland, Iceland Boots, Superdrug, Amazon and M&S.
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