Forget Supermarket Sweep, supermarket switch is a good game for lockdown – Helen Martin

It was like joining a club, getting a little “benefit” card, being familiar with the lay-out, aisles and shelves, and sticking to the same supplier.

Things have really changed now. Aldi and Lidl are recognised as good quality, lower prices, plus all sorts of intriguing household, clothing, gardening or even work tool “specialities”. Tesco and now Sainsbury’s are competing with them by slashing food prices. M&S is maintaining its upmarket status, and so is Waitrose but it also has its lower price “Essential” home brand.

A new addition to all this is Iceland and its “the Food Warehouse” branches. Quality has certainly risen but it’s achieved something else – a vast range of vegetarian and vegan frozen food, far more than other supermarkets offer.

To be honest, I use all of them (with car parks). Some have good pet food aisles, some don’t. Some have better herbs, spices, meats and sauces than others.

If I’m looking for cheap, luxury or low alcohol wine, that tells me where to go. Clothes? I’d choose between Sainsbury’s, Asda or Tesco if I was shopping for food and household stuff too.

The whole supermarket industry is changing. I know some friends who are still loyally devoted to one supermarket, but I’ve suggested a few take up the challenge of a change – if they have the time. In a Covid-19 lockdown it can be an interesting, domestic adventure.

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