Ireland’s Cheapest Supermarket in 2025: Lidl, Tesco, SuperValu and Dunnes Tops the List In 2025, the cost of living in Ireland continues to be a major concern for households, especially when it comes to grocery shopping. With inflation impacting everyday items, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to save on their weekly shop. So, which supermarket offers the best value for money? Lidl has emerged as the cheapest supermarket in Ireland for 2025, beating competitors like Tesco, SuperValu, and Dunnes Stores. This article takes a closer look at how these supermarket giants stack up in terms of price and what this means for Irish shoppers.
Lidl has been conducting a bi-weekly price comparison since the start of 2025, pitting itself against major Irish retailers Tesco, SuperValu, and Dunnes Stores. Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, with grocery bills rising month after month, the decision of where to shop has become more important than ever for Irish households.
With offers like Dunnes’ money-off vouchers and Tesco’s Clubcard discounts, everyone has their favorite supermarket where they believe they’re getting the most for their money. However, as many households look to cut back on their spending, the question remains: which store truly offers the lowest prices without compromising on quality?
To answer that, Lidl has taken matters into its own hands by launching regular price comparison studies, measuring its prices against those of SuperValu, Dunnes Stores, and Tesco (Aldi was not included in this analysis). These studies involve Lidl shopping for a range of staple items that a typical family would buy, including bread, milk, pasta, fruit, chicken fillets, and more. At each competitor, Lidl selects similar products, factoring in quality, weight, branding (whether private-label or premium), and price.
For example, Lidl offers a 500g pack of Atlantic Salmon Natural Fillets for €8.99. At SuperValu, the nearest equivalent is a 400g pack of salmon fillets priced at €14.99. By calculating the cost of 500g of SuperValu salmon at a pro-rata price of €18.74, Lidl’s offering turns out to be more than double the value for the same amount of product.
Lidl’s goal with these price comparisons is clear: they want to prove that they provide the best value while maintaining the high-quality standards customers expect.
The latest comparison, conducted on January 6, shows just how much customers can save at Lidl:
- Lidl: €150.05 before discounts, €147.26 after Lidl Plus savings
- Dunnes Stores: €207.87 before vouchers, €172.87 after €35 voucher savings
- Tesco: €195.83 before discounts, €185.97 with Clubcard savings
- SuperValu: €209.96 with no Real Rewards savings
The Battle for Supremacy: Supermarkets Face Off
When it comes to pricing, the main contenders for the title of cheapest supermarket in Ireland are Lidl, Tesco, SuperValu, and Dunnes Stores. Let’s break down the competition based on 2025 pricing data.
1. Lidl – The Clear Winner
Lidl has been consistently ranked as the most affordable option for Irish shoppers. In 2025, they solidified their position at the top by offering lower prices across a wide range of items, from fresh produce to household essentials. In independent price surveys, Lidl was found to have a significant price advantage compared to its rivals. This is especially evident in staples like bread, milk, and eggs, where Lidl consistently undercuts the competition.
2. Tesco – A Strong Contender
While Tesco is often seen as the second-most affordable option, it has its share of loyal customers who appreciate its variety and frequent promotions. Tesco’s prices are competitive, but they typically fall slightly higher than Lidl’s on many staple products. However, Tesco compensates with loyalty programs like Clubcard Points, which can offer added savings for regular shoppers.
3. SuperValu – Quality at a Higher Cost
SuperValu offers a strong emphasis on quality, particularly in fresh food and local products. However, their prices tend to be higher than Lidl and Tesco, especially in the areas of meat, dairy, and organic produce. SuperValu is often seen as the premium option, appealing to shoppers looking for higher-end products, but not necessarily the best choice for price-conscious buyers.
4. Dunnes Stores – Competitive but Pricey
Dunnes Stores falls into a similar category as SuperValu, with a focus on quality and customer service. While they do offer some competitive prices, particularly during sales, their overall pricing structure tends to be higher compared to Lidl. Dunnes is known for offering special promotions and discounts, but regular prices are generally steeper.
Key Findings from Recent Price Surveys
In 2025, several independent surveys comparing grocery prices across Ireland showed that Lidl consistently offers the lowest overall price for a typical grocery basket. Shoppers who prioritize cost-efficiency may find Lidl the most reliable choice for their weekly shop.
- Lidl’s pricing advantage: Across categories such as fresh produce, canned goods, and dairy, Lidl has a noticeable price edge.
- Tesco’s loyalty program: While Tesco’s prices are slightly higher, their loyalty program helps shoppers earn savings over time.
- SuperValu’s higher quality: SuperValu is known for offering premium items but at a premium price.
- Dunnes Stores offers occasional discounts: Although their prices can be higher, Dunnes provides excellent deals during sales events.
What This Means for Shoppers in 2025
With rising living costs, finding the right supermarket to shop at is more important than ever. Lidl stands out as the go-to option for those looking to maximize their grocery budget. However, it’s important to note that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Shoppers may prefer other supermarkets for reasons beyond price, such as product variety, quality, or loyalty programs.
For those looking to balance cost with quality, Tesco and SuperValu might be the better options, especially if they benefit from loyalty discounts or prefer higher-end products. Meanwhile, Dunnes Stores offers great promotions but generally comes at a higher base price.
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Conclusion
In 2025, Lidl has earned the title of the cheapest supermarket in Ireland, offering significant savings for budget-conscious shoppers. However, understanding your personal shopping preferences—whether it’s loyalty programs, premium quality, or specific product needs—can help you make an informed decision.
FAQs:
Which supermarket is the cheapest in Ireland for 2025?
Lidl is the cheapest supermarket in Ireland for 2025, offering the lowest prices across a variety of products.
How does Tesco compare in terms of pricing?
Tesco is slightly more expensive than Lidl but offers loyalty programs like Clubcard Points that can save money over time.
Is SuperValu more expensive than Lidl?
Yes, SuperValu generally has higher prices, especially on fresh produce, but it offers premium quality products.
What about Dunnes Stores?
Dunnes Stores tends to be more expensive than Lidl, though it offers occasional discounts and promotions.
Why is Lidl considered the cheapest?
Lidl’s consistent pricing across many categories and its focus on affordability make it the cheapest option for most shoppers.
Can I save money with loyalty programs?
Yes, Tesco offers a Clubcard program that rewards frequent shoppers with discounts and points.