South Africans are feeling every rand at the till. Food inflation has cooled from its 2023 peak, but monthly shop totals still bite, and promotions are increasingly the difference between a strained budget and a manageable one. In 2025 the obvious question is: where is the cheapest place to fill a trolley when choosing between the country’s three biggest full-line chains — Shoprite, Checkers, and Pick n Pay?
This Rateweb guide pulls together independent basket checks, official programme details, and on-the-ground realities to give a clear, practical answer for different kinds of shoppers and shops.
The short answer
- Cheapest on everyday staples, most consistently: Shoprite. Across repeated, like-for-like “essentials” basket comparisons in 2025, Shoprite typically undercuts Checkers and Pick n Pay by a few rand on the total — and sometimes more on individual staples. (BusinessTech)
- Best for mid-to-premium range and frequent app deals: Checkers. Checkers competes closely with Shoprite on essentials when member prices apply, while offering a broader, often more premium range, strong in-app promotions via Sixty60, and a paid delivery membership option. (shopriteholdings.co.za, Checkers)
- Best for bank-linked rewards stacking and couponing: Pick n Pay. While Pick n Pay’s shelf totals are often a touch higher on small “essentials” baskets, Smart Shopper’s personalised discounts, double-points promos, and bank partnerships can tilt the maths for loyal customers — particularly if you plan and stack benefits. (Pick n Pay, Pick n Pay, cdn-prd-02.pnp.co.za)
The “cheapest” answer therefore depends on what you buy, how you shop (in-store vs delivery), and how well you use the loyalty levers.
How we compared
To avoid cherry-picking specials, we triangulated three lenses:
- Independent basket checks. BusinessTech’s repeated nine-item “essentials” basket (bread, oil, maize meal, sugar, milk, rice, flour, soap, toilet paper) compared across the major chains at standard prices, without time-limited specials. In March 2025 and again in July 2025, Shoprite’s total beat Checkers and Pick n Pay among these three, although Makro and Food Lover’s Market sometimes beat everyone else. (BusinessTech)
- Official loyalty and delivery terms. We verified how Xtra Savings (Shoprite/Checkers) and Smart Shopper (Pick n Pay) actually work in 2025, including delivery memberships, partner rewards and notable benefits. (Checkers, Pick n Pay, BusinessTech)
- Broader price climate. For context on underlying food costs (beyond any single retailer), we drew on the PMBEJD Household Affordability Index, which tracks shelf prices of a 44-item low-income basket across major metro areas every month. This is not chain-specific, but it shows which staples are driving or easing pressure month-to-month.
Price results at a glance (2025 basket checks)
| Month 2025 | Shoprite | Checkers | Pick n Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March (9-item essentials) | R416.91 | R439.91 | R455.91 | Gauteng pricing; normal prices; no limited-time specials. Makro was cheaper than all at R376.40. (BusinessTech) |
| July (9-item essentials) | R419.91 | R421.91 | R427.91 | Woolworths and Pick n Pay were most expensive in that run; Makro again cheapest overall. (BusinessTech) |
What this means: If you buy a small set of pantry staples on a typical non-promo week, Shoprite usually wins on the total versus Checkers and Pick n Pay. The gap is not massive (often single-digit rands), but it is consistent enough to matter over a month.
Loyalty programmes and how they change the maths
Shoprite & Checkers: Xtra Savings
- Immediate member-only shelf discounts when you swipe. No points ledger to track; you see the price drop at the till.
- Checkers Xtra Savings Plus (paid option): unlimited free Sixty60 deliveries when you spend the minimum per order, and one 10% off in-store shop per month (capped). This is ideal if you do big, planned baskets and want delivery. (Checkers)
- Shoprite Xtra Savings Funeral Benefit: a notable non-price extra — a R4,500 grocery voucher paid to your nominated beneficiary if the registered cardholder passes away, provided you met the monthly swipe criteria (four qualifying swipes per month). This is unique among large grocers. (ShopRite, termsconditions.co.za)
Impact on “cheapest”: Xtra Savings often flips individual line items from “average” to “best today”, especially on oil, rice, sugar and chicken portions. If you shop to the promotions grid and stick to those member prices, Shoprite’s lead can widen and Checkers can temporarily undercut both rivals on select items.
Pick n Pay: Smart Shopper
- Member prices and personalised coupons in the app or via email; frequent double-points events on Smart Shopper deals. (Pick n Pay, cdn-prd-02.pnp.co.za)
- Partner stacking: TymeBank, fuel partners and bank tie-ups add meaningful extras. Example: catalogues in 2025 advertise “up to 30% back in eBucks” for eligible FNB customers on participating products when you use linked cards — on top of Smart Shopper earn. This is highly situational but powerful if you are already in the ecosystem. (cdn-prd-02.pnp.co.za)
Impact on “cheapest”: If you are disciplined about coupon redemption and bank-partner windows, Pick n Pay can deliver net-of-rewards totals that compete with or beat a bare Shoprite ticket — especially for households that buy the exact promoted lines and convert points or eBucks smartly.
A note on bank rewards and Checkers in 2025
FirstRand’s eBucks partnership with Checkers/Shoprite ended around the start of Q2 2025, removing a popular stack for many customers. If you relied on that pair for aggressive cashback, your optimal strategy may have shifted towards Pick n Pay + FNB in 2025. (shopriteholdings.co.za)
Private-label (house brand) value
House brands are the quiet lever behind many “cheapest” baskets. The trade-off is consistent quality versus named brands, but 2025 ranges are wide and, in many categories, solid.
- Shoprite (Ritebrand): Explicitly positioned for price leadership on the shelf across staples. Ritebrand lines commonly sit at or near the lowest available price in-store. If you build a basket that leans into Ritebrand maize meal, rice, flour, canned goods and cleaning basics, you will maximise Shoprite’s edge. (shopriteholdings.co.za)
- Checkers (Housebrand; Simple Truth for “better-for-you”): Checkers’ Simple Truth pulls shoppers seeking preservative-free or diet-specific options; the range has expanded materially and often carries strong promo pricing in the Sixty60 app. Savings are less about rock-bottom prices and more about premium-leaning lines at fair member prices. (shopriteholdings.co.za)
- Pick n Pay (No Name; PnP brand; Finest): PnP’s private label spans value to premium. While independent coverage in 2024 flagged underperformance in private-label penetration, you can still assemble cheaper baskets using No Name for basics and PnP brand for mid-tier items, then stack Smart Shopper coupons. (BusinessLIVE)
Bottom line: If you are comfortable switching to house brands, Shoprite tends to deliver the lowest total, Checkers offers health-oriented and premium PL choices at competitive member prices, and Pick n Pay rewards the coupon-driven planner.
Online shopping and delivery fees in 2025
- Checkers Sixty60: Widest on-demand coverage and catalogue; a small delivery fee applies per order, and Xtra Savings Plus can neutralise delivery costs for frequent users who meet the basket minimum. Checkers confirmed a R36 delivery fee change in July 2025. (X (formerly Twitter), Checkers)
- Pick n Pay asap!: 60-minute delivery promise in many areas, and in June 2025 PnP rolled out desktop ordering too — handy for planning larger shops and stacking Smart Shopper offers. (BusinessTech)
- Shoprite’s focus: Shoprite leans into Low Price Promise-style in-store value and large-format promotions; for app-first convenience, Checkers (same group) is the stronger play.
What this means for “cheapest”: Delivery fees and substitution risk can erode savings on small orders. For under-R400 top-ups, delivery convenience can cost more than the few rand you would save by chasing the absolute lowest shelf price. For big, planned baskets, a delivery membership or free-delivery promotion can make Checkers competitive on the total against a Shoprite in-store run.
The price climate behind the till
Even before loyalty levers, the underlying cost of staples shapes what is possible for every chain:
- PMBEJD’s August 2025 release shows mixed movements in core staples year-on-year: maize meal up around 9%, rice down about 18%, potatoes down ~16%, frozen chicken portions up ~6%, beef up sharply; and so on. These swings explain why “cheapest” can shift month to month on a few key items.
- Shoprite’s own disclosures point to lower selling price inflation in early 2025, which usually helps preserve headline “everyday low price” positioning at Shoprite and punchier promotions at Checkers. (shopriteholdings.co.za)
Which retailer is cheapest — by shopper type
1) The budget-first monthly stock-up (staples, non-negotiables)
- Go to: Shoprite.
- Why: Shelf totals on core pantry items typically come out lower than Checkers and Pick n Pay; Xtra Savings member prices deepen the advantage without admin.
- How to shop: Build around Ritebrand for basics; scan member price tags for oil, maize, rice, sugar, chicken; buy the promo sizes; avoid delivery on small tops-ups.
2) The convenience-seeking, quality-leaning weekly shop (fresh, variety, meal kits, fast delivery)
- Go to: Checkers.
- Why: Strong assortment for mid-to-premium tastes, Sixty60 convenience, and Xtra Savings Plus can wipe out delivery fees and give you a once-a-month 10% in-store shop.
- How to shop: Plan one large Xtra Savings Plus shop to use the 10% benefit fully; in the app, sort by “member price” and opportunistically swap named brands for Simple Truth equivalents.
3) The rewards-maximiser who stacks bank benefits, points, and coupons
- Go to: Pick n Pay.
- Why: Smart Shopper personalised discounts + double-points events + bank partner promos (for example the FNB eBucks tie-ins advertised in 2025) can shift the net cost significantly.
- How to shop: Lock in personalised coupons before you shop; target products in eBucks or partner promos; redeem points or eBucks strategically on big baskets to offset any shelf premium. (cdn-prd-02.pnp.co.za)
Advanced money-saving tips for 2025
- Chase the member price, not the brand. Build the core of your basket around that week’s member-price leaders (oil, rice, sugar, chicken, nappies, toilet paper). Member prices frequently leapfrog headline shelf differences.
- Match the store to the mission.
- Big, once-a-month pantry load? Shoprite in-store, heavy on Ritebrand.
- Same-day convenience with a fuller range? Checkers Sixty60; consider Xtra Savings Plus if you order often.
- Rewards stack weekend? Pick n Pay with Smart Shopper coupons and any active bank partner promos. (Checkers, BusinessTech, cdn-prd-02.pnp.co.za)
- Use house brands intelligently. In commodities (flour, sugar, rice, cleaning basics), house brands are usually the arbitrage. In “taste” categories (coffee, sauces), use member prices or coupons to pull named brands down to parity. (shopriteholdings.co.za)
- Do a mid-month re-price. Prices shift more than you think; staples like maize, potatoes, and onions moved materially over 2024–2025 on PMBEJD’s index. Revisit your “go-to” list monthly.
- Avoid fee leakage. A R36 delivery fee on a R300 top-up is a 12% penalty. Consolidate orders, meet the free-delivery thresholds if you subscribe, or collect in-store when practical. (X (formerly Twitter))
- Use the “big shop” booster wisely. If you hold Checkers Xtra Savings Plus, time your 10% off in-store for the month’s largest basket and ensure you max the cap; complement the rest via Sixty60. (Checkers)
- Protect against shocks. If you regularly swipe at Shoprite, register the free funeral benefit and maintain the monthly qualifying swipes — it is a low-admin safety net for families. (ShopRite)
Frequently asked questions
Is Shoprite always cheaper than Checkers and Pick n Pay?
Not always. On the 9-item “essentials” basket checks in March and July 2025, yes — Shoprite’s total was lower among the three — but specific weeks and categories can swing either way once member prices and coupons are applied. (BusinessTech)
Why does Checkers sometimes feel pricier?
Checkers is intentionally positioned for the mid-to-upper market with a broader and often more premium range. It competes sharply on member-priced staples, but if you fill your trolley with premium lines without checking member tags, your basket can skew higher. (shopriteholdings.co.za)
Can Pick n Pay really work out cheaper with points and eBucks?
For some households, yes. If you are already an FNB customer and a diligent Smart Shopper who redeems personalised coupons and hits double-points events, your net-of-rewards cost can compare very favourably — particularly on bigger, planned baskets. (cdn-prd-02.pnp.co.za)
What about Boxer and Food Lover’s Market?
They are not in this head-to-head, but it is worth noting that Makro and Food Lover’s Market often topped the overall affordability table in 2025 basket checks. If you are truly price-maximising and have access, include one of these in your monthly rotation. (BusinessTech)
Verdict for 2025
If you want a decisive hierarchy among the big three this year, it is this:
- Shoprite is the baseline cheapest for most South Africans building a trolley of everyday staples, especially when you lean into Ritebrand and weekly Xtra Savings deals.
- Checkers competes closely when member prices line up and is the more convenient choice for premium-leaning weekly shops and on-demand delivery, with Xtra Savings Plus sweetening the value for frequent app users.
- Pick n Pay is the rewards hacker’s pick: if you live in the Smart Shopper + bank partner ecosystem and plan around personalised discounts and points, your out-of-pocket totals can be surprisingly low — but this demands discipline.
For most households, the smartest 2025 play is multi-homing: do your big pantry restock at Shoprite, use Checkers Sixty60 to plug gaps and indulge premium lines on member price, and run Pick n Pay when your personalised coupons and bank promos are strongest. Rotate, plan, and let the apps do the price-hunting for you.
Sources
- BusinessTech grocery basket comparisons (March and July 2025) — methodology, item list and totals across major chains. (BusinessTech)
- PMBEJD Household Affordability Index (August 2025) — monthly movement of core staples and methodology.
- Shoprite Holdings results and brand positioning — price inflation context and brand roles (Shoprite vs Checkers). (shopriteholdings.co.za)
- Shoprite/Checkers loyalty and delivery: Xtra Savings Plus terms; Sixty60 delivery fee update (July 2025); Shoprite Low Price Promise emphasis. (Checkers, X (formerly Twitter), ShopRite)
- Shoprite Xtra Savings Funeral Benefit — benefit value and monthly swipe requirement. (ShopRite, termsconditions.co.za)
- Pick n Pay Smart Shopper — member pricing, personalised discounts and partner benefits; 2025 catalogue references to FNB eBucks stacking; TymeBank and fuel partner earn. (Pick n Pay, cdn-prd-02.pnp.co.za, Pick n Pay)
- Shoprite Holdings Newsroom — ending of eBucks partnership with Shoprite/Checkers; new bank partners. (shopriteholdings.co.za)
Note: Prices vary by region and store format. Franchised stores (for example some Spars) may diverge materially. Always confirm member prices in your local store or app before purchase.
Lethabo Ntsoane holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of South Africa. He is a Financial Product commentator at Rateweb. He is an expect financial product analyst with years of experience in reviewing products and offering commentary. Lethabo majors in financial news, reviews and financial tips.
He can be contacted:
Email: lethabo@rateweb.co.za
Twitter: @NtsoaneLethabo
