Plastic-free shopping aisles proposed, but MSE investigation reveals in many cases buying fruit & veg in plastic packaging is CHEAPER than the same produce loose

We visited six supermarkets close to MSE Towers on one day and compared several items of fresh produce that could be bought packaged or loose, and only those that were very similar in size, or could be purchased by weight.

In over half the examples we checked, you’re being penalised for helping the environment, though in some cases buying loose was cheaper. These were our findings…

Asda

6-pack Gala apples – £1.256 loose Gala apples – £1.9254% cheaper packaged

3-pack courgettes – £1.203 loose courgettes – £1.6235% cheaper packaged

10-pack bananas – £1.5910 loose bananas – £1.506% cheaper loose

Lidl

3-pack mixed peppers – 95p3 loose peppers – £1.4434% cheaper packaged

5-pack oranges – 95p5 loose oranges – £1.5037% cheaper packaged

2-pack avocado – £1.752 loose avocado – £1.9812% cheaper packaged

Morrisons

5-pack limes – £1.315 loose limes – £1.406% cheaper packaged

5-pack oranges – £15 loose oranges – £1.6038% cheaper packaged

6-pack Royal Gala apples – £1.506 loose Royal Gala apples – £2.5541% cheaper packaged

5-pack bananas – 94p5 loose bananas – 64p32% cheaper loose

Packaged broccoli – £1.58 per kgLoose broccoli – 55p per kg65% cheaper loose

3-pack onions – 67p3 loose onions – 35p48% cheaper loose

Sainsbury’s

5-pack bananas – £15 loose bananas – £1.1010% cheaper packaged

6-pack Granny Smith apples – £1.656 loose Granny Smith apples – £2.1022% cheaper packaged

3-pack mixed peppers – £1.203 loose mixed peppers – £1.6527% cheaper packaged

300g packaged broccoli – £2 per kgLoose broccoli – £1.45 per kg28% cheaper loose

3-pack onions – £2 per kgLoose onions – 85p per kg57% cheaper loose

Tesco

5-pack bananas – £15 loose bananas – £1.1010% cheaper packaged

3-pack peppers – £1.053 loose peppers – £1.7139% cheaper packaged

3-pack onions – 90p3 loose onions – 87p3% cheaper loose

6-pack Granny Smith apples – £2.51 per kgLoose Granny Smith apples – £2.31 per kg8% cheaper loose

Waitrose

300g packaged mushrooms – 90p300g loose mushrooms – 90pSame price

6-pack bananas – £16 loose bananas – 84p16% cheaper loose

4-pack Royal Gala apples – £24 loose Royal Gala apples – £1.2438% cheaper loose

3-pack courgettes – £1.503 loose courgettes – £1.3510% cheaper loose

Does loose fruit and veg ever save you a packet?

Apart from Waitrose, where all the fresh produce we checked was cheaper (or the same price) loose than packaged, at least half of the produce we checked at Asda, Lidl, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco was between 10%-54% cheaper to buy wrapped in single-use plastic, rather than the more environmentally-friendly loose option.

From a MoneySaving point-of-view, don’t assume that loose fruit and veg bought at the supermarket is always cheaper and be sure to compare the price tags, paying close attention to the price per kg if the produce is sold by weight.

Can you still save money and help the environment?

If you’re concerned about the use of plastic packaging but still want to save money on your fruit and veg, here are some suggestions…

• Your local greengrocer or market may be cheaper than some of the supermarkets and use less non-recyclable plastic packaging.

• Check our Cheap vegetable deals page for offers – we’ll tell you which produce is loose.

• Morrisons offers a £3 ‘wonky’ veg box which doesn’t use any plastic packaging, just a recyclable cardboard box. Asda also offer a similar box for £3.50.

• You could consider growing your own veg, from windowsill containers to allotments – see the MSE Forum for tips.

But what if you’re still using a plastic bag for loose veg?

You might find you’re not reaching for a bag for onions or other vegetables you peel before use, but for delicate or multiple items like mushrooms, carrots or potatoes, sometimes the only option the supermarket gives is plastic. If you’ve got any smaller washable canvas bags for life, you could use these as an alternative or make your own – Morsbags has instructions and a free downloadable pattern.

Have you ever seen outrageous pricing on fruit and veg? Do you always buy loose? Leave your comment below, on Twitter, or Facebook.