Food prices remain one of the biggest headaches for South African households in 2025. While inflation has cooled slightly, the cost of filling a shopping basket is still painfully high. Yes, bread, maize meal, and cooking oil are a little cheaper than they were last year — but meat, dairy, and imported products are still biting into family budgets.
This means one thing: finding the cheapest supermarket has never been more important. And with every major grocery chain fighting for your business, the right shopping choices could put a lot more change back in your pocket.
Who’s Winning the Price War?
Between June and July 2025, a basket of everyday essentials was compared across five of South Africa’s biggest supermarket brands. The results show big differences in what you pay, and a clear winner for the lowest prices.
Here’s the breakdown of the average cost of a 700g loaf of bread, 2 liters of milk, 18-pack of eggs, 5kg of maize meal, and 2 L of cooking oil:
| Store | Bread | Milk | Eggs | Maize Meal | Cooking Oil | Basket Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxer | R13.49 | R25.20 | R41.99 | R51.50 | R78.50 | R210.68 |
| Shoprite | R14.20 | R25.80 | R44.50 | R53.99 | R81.20 | R219.69 |
| Pick n Pay | R15.20 | R27.00 | R46.20 | R55.00 | R84.00 | R227.40 |
| Checkers | R15.80 | R27.50 | R47.80 | R56.20 | R85.50 | R232.80 |
| Spar | R16.50 | R28.20 | R48.50 | R59.00 | R87.00 | R239.20 |
The winner? Boxer — again.
Why Boxer Comes Out on Top
Boxer’s strategy is simple: focus on the essentials. By keeping shelf prices low and offering bulk-buy discounts, the chain attracts both everyday shoppers and small traders. The no-frills store layout also helps you get in, grab what you need, and get out without being tempted by extras.
Close behind is Shoprite, which offers strong value thanks to its massive store network and regular promotions, especially on non-perishables like rice, pasta, and canned goods. Pick n Pay, while slightly pricier, is a favourite for regular shoppers thanks to its Smart Shopper loyalty program, which can lead to big savings over time.
Checkers and Spar tend to target customers looking for a wider product range and premium options, which come at a higher price.
What Makes a Supermarket Affordable
It’s not just about the price tag on the shelf. True affordability also depends on:
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Loyalty programs – Cashback or points rewards can make a huge difference over a year.
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Store-brand products – These are often just as good as big-name brands but cost less.
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Consistent low prices – Some retailers drop prices only during promotions, while others keep staples affordable year-round.
Tips to Cut Your Grocery Bill in 2025
If you want to save more on food, try these strategies:
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Shop midweek – Many stores launch new specials on Wednesdays.
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Use loyalty cards – Boxer Club, Smart Shopper, and Xtra Savings unlock member-only discounts.
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Compare prices online before leaving home.
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Go for store brands – Perfect for staples like sugar, rice, and flour.
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Buy in bulk – Especially for items that last, like maize meal, cooking oil, and canned food.
Will Grocery Prices Drop This Year?
The bad news: a massive drop in food prices isn’t likely. Experts say costs will only ease gradually. The good news: local fruit and veggies could get cheaper during harvest seasons. Imported products, however, will probably remain expensive due to fuel and exchange rate pressures.
This means smart shopping — knowing when and where to buy — will remain your best weapon against high food bills.
Bottom Line
Boxer is still the king of value for South African shoppers in 2025, delivering the cheapest basket for core grocery items. Shoprite comes in close, especially for convenience and promotions, while Pick n Pay rewards loyal customers with points that can add up.
By shopping smart, using loyalty programs, and keeping an eye on monthly specials, you can take the sting out of rising food prices without cutting quality from your diet.
Hi, I’m Siddharth Gokhale – the founder and voice behind Vatadosha.in. I’m a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for smartphones, gadgets, and everything mobile. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the mobile industry, testing devices, and keeping up with the latest trends.
I started Vatadosha.in with a simple goal: to help people make smarter choices when it comes to mobile phones. Whether you’re hunting for your next device, comparing features, or just curious about the newest tech – this site is built for you.