Coupon King's 4,000-Mile Grocery Trip Highlights UK Supermarket Price Disparities
In a bold experiment that has left shoppers astonished, bargain hunting expert Jordon Cox, famously known as the Coupon King, traveled to Turkey to conduct a weekly food shop, uncovering stark price differences compared to British supermarkets.
Jordon embarked on a six-hour journey to the holiday hotspot, aiming to determine if flying abroad for groceries could be more economical than visiting his local Tesco in the UK. He documented his adventure on TikTok, sharing insights that have sparked widespread discussion about the cost of living crisis.
Breaking Down the Costs: Flights, Transport, and Groceries
The savvy shopper managed to secure a flight for just £33, with a return tram ticket in Turkey costing a mere £1.44. To break even, Jordon needed to save at least £35, and the results were shocking. His total expenses, including flights, public transport, and groceries, amounted to £68.79.
In Turkey, Jordon visited the supermarket BIM, where he compared prices on familiar brands. He purchased three tubes of Oral-B 3D White Luxe toothpaste for £1.71 each, a product he claims costs £5 per tube in the UK. A multi-pack of Coco Pops was priced at £2.24, which he estimated would be over £10 at Tesco.
Other notable bargains included 84p Doritos and 49p Haribos, highlighting the significant savings available abroad. In total, his grocery haul cost £34.34 in Turkey, whereas the same items would have set him back £89.38 at Tesco, or £86.18 with a Clubcard discount.
Savings and Environmental Considerations
By shopping in Turkey, Jordon saved £20.59, or £17.39 with a Clubcard, despite only carrying a backpack. He noted that the savings could be even greater with checked luggage. In his video caption, Jordon expressed concern over UK grocery prices, which he said have increased by 37% between 2020 and 2025.
Addressing environmental concerns, Jordon acknowledged that flying for groceries is not the most eco-friendly option but pointed out that he filled an otherwise empty seat on the plane. He argued that even with carbon offsetting, the trip remained cheaper than shopping locally.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The revelation has sparked a mix of amazement and frustration among consumers. One social media user commented, "That's some difference!! British prices have gone through the roof!" Another highlighted the wage-price cycle, noting how rising living costs drive up wages and prices in a continuous loop.
However, some critics pointed out that Jordon did not account for travel costs to the airport in the UK, questioning the overall feasibility for most people. Despite this, the experiment underscores the growing burden of supermarket prices in Britain.
Jordon concluded with a call to action, urging supermarkets and policymakers to address the issue before more people consider extreme measures like flying abroad for basic groceries. He posed serious questions about whether supermarket prices have gone too far and what can be done to make grocery shopping more affordable in the UK.
