Fitness-focused shoppers looking to bulk up on a budget should head to Aldi, according to a new study comparing the cost of high-protein foods across six major UK supermarkets.
The research, carried out by Nutri Lean, analysed 50 protein-rich foods — including meat, fish, dairy, beans and powders — across stores including ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Waitrose. Prices were gathered online between 18–20 April 2025 and measured per 100g to ensure fairness.
Aldi Offers the Best Value
Aldi claimed the number one spot with a total basket cost of just £35.26 — that’s £28 cheaper than Waitrose, which came in last at £63.13. Aldi’s strong pricing was seen across both animal and plant-based proteins. Chicken breast, for example, came in at 80p per 100g compared to £1.72 at Waitrose, while tofu was 52p per 100g at Aldi versus 93p at Morrisons.
“Aldi consistently offers great value on protein-rich staples,” said Lynne Murphy, meal prep expert at Nutri Lean. “You don’t have to compromise on quality to eat well on a budget.”
How the Other Supermarkets Stack Up
- ASDA followed in second place with a basket cost of £44.03, offering solid value on items like cashews and cod fillets.
- Tesco came third at £46.71 and performed well on some grains and meats, though protein bars were pricey.
- Morrisons (£47.30) offered decent value on chicken and edamame but had the most expensive protein powder.
- Sainsbury’s (£53.41) delivered mixed results — affordable on egg whites and cottage cheese but costly for items like chickpeas.
- Waitrose ranked last, with the highest prices across the board. A salmon fillet cost £3.18 per 100g, compared to Aldi’s £1.77.
Tips for Cutting Protein Costs
Murphy suggests that savings can be found in any store with the right approach. “Mixing animal and plant proteins is a great way to stretch your budget,” she explained. “Lentils, beans, and tofu tend to cost far less per serving than meat, and still provide high nutritional value.”
She also recommends looking out for frozen options, which are often cheaper than fresh, and timing your shop around yellow-sticker reductions for bargains on fresh meat and fish. Buying own-brand items and staples in bulk can also lead to longer-term savings.
For more tips and the full study breakdown, visit Nutri Lean’s website.
