March 2025 Grocery Price Check: Woolies vs Checkers vs Pick n Pay & More

South Africans face a challenge every month: balancing their budgets for groceries while getting the best value for money. Staying informed about ever-changing food prices due to seasonality, inflation, and supply chain disruptions is essential to making intelligent shopping decisions.

This March 2025 Grocery Price Check dives into price comparisons across major supermarkets- Woolworths, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Spar, Shoprite, Makro, and Food Lover’s Market- so you can stretch your rands further and shop smarter.

Shop for Discounts and See What We Found

You’re probably like the majority of shoppers who are always trying to find ways to save money without compromising on essentials. We compared the prices of nine grocery staples, such as bread, milk, and maize meal, across South Africa’s leading retailers. We found the following:

• Makro is the cheapest option with a total price of R376.40.
• Pick nPay is the most expensive, with a total basket value of R455.91.
• Food Lover’s Market offers a price that is in the middle, with Spar offering a basket priced at R413.38 or R415.91.
• Woolworths surprised with a small price drop from last year. R435.91.
• Checkers had the highest basket total, at R439.91.

What are the prices in supermarkets?

Here’s the breakdown of our Grocery Check for March 2025 to give you a better idea.

Experts’ Viewpoint

Food inflation is slowing down. 

This trend is driven by stable agricultural production and improved supply chains. This trend is largely due to stable agricultural production, and improved supply chain.

The economist Wandile Sihlobo has also commented on the topic:

The recent good rains have increased agricultural yields and kept staple food prices stable. Global market fluctuations are still a risk.

ALSO READ: Price Check: How Much Bread Costs, Checkers vs Pick n Pay vs Shoprite

Where should you shop?

• The best for budget buyers: If affordability and low prices are your top priorities, Makro will be your best choice.
• The Best for Convenience Shoprite and Checkers are not the cheapest, but they offer a wide range of availability and often run specials.
• Best Quality: For premium products, Woolworths is the best choice, despite its high prices.

Smart Grocery Shop Tips

Want to save on your next shopping trip? Here are some proven strategies.

1. Plan ahead: Create a shopping checklist to avoid impulse purchases.
2. Bulk Purchases: Basic staples such as rice, flour, and sugar are cheaper when purchased in large quantities.
3. Keep an eye out for promotions: Supermarkets often run specials – keep an eye on flyers or apps.
4. Loyalty programs: Earn cashback and points with Checkers Xtra Savings or Woolworths WRewards.
5. Compare prices: Search multiple stores for the best deals.

The March 2025 Grocery Price Check

The March 2025 Grocery Price Check shows that prices can vary greatly depending on where you buy. Pick n Pay is still the most expensive option, while Makro offers the best prices. South Africans can now control their grocery budgets more easily, thanks to stabilised inflation, but it is still important to shop strategically.

You can save money by making informed decisions and staying up-to-date.

ALSO READ: Alcohol Price Check (Top 5 Wines): How Much Are You Paying at Checkers vs Pick n Pay Liqour?