Supermarket giant Aldi has issued a stark warning to UK households, revealing that a 'postcode lottery' is costing shoppers hundreds of pounds extra each year on their grocery bills.
New analysis from the discount retailer shows that families in more than 200 towns across the country are paying significantly more for their weekly shop, simply because they lack access to a budget supermarket.
The Growing 'Postcode Penalty'
The research, published in January 2026, identifies a sharp divide in shopping costs. It found that households without an Aldi store nearby pay an average of £826 more per year for their groceries.
This financial gap widens dramatically in areas dominated by the UK's highest-priced supermarkets, where the annual penalty can soar to as much as £2,437 for a typical family.
The figures are based on price comparisons of a standard 68-item shopping basket, tracked by the consumer group Which?. Aldi has held the title of the UK's Cheapest Supermarket from Which? for five consecutive years.
Where is the Impact Being Felt?
Aldi has mapped 220 locations across the UK where this 'postcode penalty' is a pressing issue for local residents. These areas span every region, including 35 towns in the South East, 30 in the East of England, and 25 in Scotland.
Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, commented on the findings. "No one should pay more for their weekly shop simply because of where they live," he said. "We believe every household should have access to high-quality, affordable food."
He emphasised the critical role of local discounters amid the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, stating that access to an Aldi "can save families hundreds of pounds a year."
Aldi's Expansion Plans to Bridge the Gap
In response to this geographic inequality in food pricing, Aldi is pushing forward with significant investment in its UK store estate. The company invested £650 million in 2025 on new store openings and refurbishments, with each new site creating around 40 local jobs.
Looking ahead, the discounter has announced an even more ambitious commitment. It plans to invest a further £1.6 billion over the next two years, opening approximately 40 new stores annually.
This expansion strategy is central to Aldi's goal of operating 1,500 stores across the UK, aiming to bring its lower prices within reach of more communities and directly tackle the postcode penalty it has identified.
