Families in over 200 UK towns pay up to £2,437 more per year on grocery shopping due to a lack of access to a discount supermarket, according to new research from Aldi.

The data found that there is a “discounter gap” where over 220 locations across the UK pay significantly more, with households paying £826 more on average, increasing to £2,437 in areas dominated by the highest-priced supermarkets.

The figures are based on the cost difference between Aldi and the average UK 68-item basket which is monitored by Which?.

Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “No one should pay more for their weekly shop simply because of where they live. We believe every household should have access to high-quality, affordable food.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

“With household budgets under intense pressure, local access to a discounter isn’t just convenient – it can save families hundreds of pounds a year. These findings show that expanding access to Aldi is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of living for many.”

The retailer plans to double down on its investment across Britain with a £1.6bn commitment over the next two years to open 40 stores as it works towards its goals of over 1,500 UK stores.

Aldi has already invested £650m in the UK through its refurbishment and opening programme in 2025, with every location creating 50 jobs.