Grocery shopping in a new country can feel like an adventure. You may not recognise the brands, the store layouts are different, and even simple things like buying milk or bread can take a bit of adjustment.
This guide will help you feel confident walking into any UK supermarket, understanding how it works, and finding what you need — whether you are shopping in person or online.
What to Expect in a UK Supermarket
Layout
Most supermarkets follow a similar pattern. You will usually find:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables near the entrance
- Chilled items like milk, cheese, and meat in the back
- Bakery items in their own section
- Packaged foods and dry goods in aisles
- Toiletries and cleaning products near the end
- Checkout or self-checkout near the exit
Bagging
You pack your own groceries. Bring a reusable bag or buy one at checkout. Single-use plastic bags are no longer free.
Trolleys and baskets
You can use a trolley (shopping cart) or basket. Trolleys usually require a one pound coin deposit which you get back when you return it.
Major Supermarket Chains in the UK
There are several types of supermarkets — from large stores to small local shops. Here are the main ones:
Tesco
- The largest chain in the UK
- Found in almost every city and town
- Tesco Express is the smaller version
- Good for everyday shopping and online delivery
👉 Browse Tesco online groceries
Sainsbury’s
- Known for quality and mid-range prices
- Large stores plus small Sainsbury’s Local shops
- Good range of fresh food and household products
Asda
- Budget-friendly with wide selection
- Good for large families or bigger weekly shops
- Often found near retail parks
Morrisons
- Strong focus on fresh produce and bakery items
- Often has a café inside
- Slightly more common in the North of England
Aldi and Lidl
- Discount supermarkets with limited brands
- Very affordable
- Stock changes often
- You bag your groceries at a separate shelf
👉 See Aldi weekly specials here
Waitrose
- More premium and higher prices
- Good for special treats or organic products
- Often found in wealthier areas or near city centres
Co-op and Iceland
- Co-op: Small, convenient, good for top-up shopping
- Iceland: Focuses on frozen foods and ready meals
Price Tiers and Own Brands
Most UK supermarkets sell both big-name brands and their own in-house brands. These are often called:
- “Everyday Value” (Tesco)
- “Smart Price” (Asda)
- “Essentials” (Sainsbury’s)
Own-brand products are usually cheaper and good quality.
Food Labelling
Labels in the UK include:
- Use by: Eat before this date (for safety)
- Best before: Still safe after this date, but quality may reduce
- Allergens: Common allergens are highlighted in bold
Most items use grams or millilitres, not ounces or cups.
International and Specialty Foods
Looking for ingredients from home? You may find:
- World food aisles with basics from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and more
- Halal and kosher sections in larger cities
- Local Asian supermarkets or international grocers in most UK cities
Also try:
- Wing Yip or Hoo Hing for Asian foods
- Polski Sklep for Polish products
- Turkish or Middle Eastern grocers for spices, breads and halal meats
Online Grocery Shopping
Most major supermarkets offer online delivery. You can order groceries to your home with a delivery slot from:
- Tesco
- Sainsbury’s
- Asda
- Ocado
- Morrisons
You will need to:
- Create an account
- Choose a delivery time slot
- Pay by card
- Be home during the delivery window
👉 Try Tesco or Ocado grocery delivery
Delivery fees vary based on the day and time.
Loyalty Cards
Each supermarket has its own loyalty program. You scan a card or app to earn points or get lower prices.
- Tesco Clubcard
- Sainsbury’s Nectar Card
- Morrisons More Card
- Co-op Membership Card
You can sign up in store or online. These are free and worth using — many prices are lower for members.
What Do Groceries Cost?
Here is a rough idea of prices in 2025:
| Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| 4 pints of milk | £1.65 |
| Loaf of bread | £1.20 |
| Eggs (12) | £2.40 |
| Bag of pasta (500g) | £0.80 |
| Apples (6) | £1.50 |
| Chicken breast (1kg) | £6.00 |
Discount stores like Aldi and Lidl are cheaper. Waitrose and Marks & Spencer are more expensive.
Tips for New Shoppers
- Use Google Maps to find the nearest large supermarket
- Start with a basket shop before doing a full weekly shop
- Bring your own bags
- Shop early morning or late evening to avoid crowds
- Use a contactless card or phone to pay
What If You Do Not Have a Kitchen Yet?
You can still buy:
- Pre-made sandwiches and salads
- Microwavable meals
- Fruits and snacks
- Bottled drinks, tea and instant coffee
Supermarkets usually have a fridge section for quick meals and a shelf for hot food in the front of the store.
Final Thoughts
Grocery shopping in the UK is simple once you learn where to go and what to expect. With a mix of large supermarkets, budget shops and online options, you can quickly find everything you need — from everyday staples to the flavours of home.
Start small, try different stores and make use of delivery services if you are short on time or transport.