UK Grocery Delivery Apps Compared: Tesco vs. Asda vs. Sainsbury

• Ashka Panchal
• August 24, 2023
• 5 min read

The UK grocery delivery market is one of the most competitive, with more than 20 companies offering their services to consumers. There are several options on the market, and knowing which is right can be challenging. Whether a student or a working professional, consumers might need more time to shop for groceries. But that doesn’t mean they can’t get their favorite snacks and drinks delivered straight to their door!

Companies like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s have delighted their customers through supermarket app development, giving them an edge over others for their same-day delivery service.

A comprehensive review of these three popular supermarkets in the UK and their apps will provide an idea for those retailers who need clarification about how grocery app development is a good idea for their business.

1. Tesco

Tesco, a leading name in the UK’s supermarket landscape, offers a robust and convenient online shopping platform that caters to the diverse needs of its customers. With a focus on variety, flexibility, and affordability, Tesco is one of the most flexible grocery delivery apps in the UK and a go-to option for modern shoppers.

Users can capitalize on savings by getting notifications for deals, ensuring they never miss out on advantageous offers. The diverse delivery options, including Home Delivery, Click+Collect, and Whoosh, cater to varying schedules and preferences. The app’s reminder feature informs users about their order status, reducing uncertainty and enhancing the shopping experience.

Core features that set Tesco’s online shopping experience apart:

• Minimum Spend: Customers must have a minimum spend of £40 to place an order, ensuring a substantial shopping experience.
• Cost of Delivery: The cost of delivery starts from £4.99, making doorstep convenience accessible and reasonably priced.
• Earliest Delivery: Tesco offers same-day delivery, enabling customers to receive their orders promptly, aligning with busy schedules.
• Clubcard Discounts: Clubcard holders enjoy regular “Clubcard Price” discounts on various products, enhancing cost savings.
• User-Friendly App: The Tesco app seamlessly integrates with users’ lifestyles, facilitating easy shopping while on the go.
• Aldi Price Matching: Many essential products are price matched with Aldi, allowing customers to enjoy competitive prices.
• Delivery Coverage: Tesco’s delivery network encompasses a substantial portion of the UK, ensuring accessibility for many customers.
• Flexible Slots: Customers can choose from designated one-hour delivery slots ranging from £3 to £7 or opt for lower-cost flexi saver slots ranging from £1 to £4.
• Delivery Saver Option: For enhanced convenience, a “Delivery Saver” subscription is available at £7.99 per month, providing free home delivery (excluding same-day slots) and free click-and-collect services.

2. Asda

Asda, another major online supermarket in the UK, offers an extensive range of products at wallet-friendly prices, accompanied by a dedicated loyalty program named ‘Asda Rewards’ for its loyal patrons. Asda’s online prices match those in its physical stores, ensuring value and convenience for shoppers.

Users can modify orders with booking, changing, or cancelation options with its mobile app. They can easily shop for essentials, adding extra favorites with rollbacks and special offers. A barcode scanner is provided for quick item location. Users can access new recipes and instantly populate their trolley or shopping list with the required items in just one tap, simplifying meal planning and shopping.

Core features that set Asda’s online shopping experience apart:

• Affordable Product Range: Asda maintains online prices that mirror in-store prices, emphasizing affordability without compromising quality.
• Comprehensive Selection: Asda’s online platform offers an array of product choices, ensuring customers find a diverse range of items to suit them.
• Loyalty Program ‘Asda Rewards’: Asda rewards its loyal customers through the ‘Asda Rewards’ loyalty program, enhancing the shopping experience.
• No Minimum Spend Requirement: Unlike some, Asda does not impose minimum spending limitations, granting flexibility and catering to various shopping needs.
• Delivery Fee Structure: Orders below £40 incur a nominal £3 delivery fee, while orders above £40 are charged between £1 to £7, based on slots.
• Flexible Delivery Slots: Opt for less busy hours to save on delivery charges and enjoy same-day delivery by placing orders before 12 PM.
• Convenient Same-Day Collection: Collect orders from physical stores on the same day, just an hour after placing an online order, for added convenience.
• Delivery Pass Subscription: Asda offers Delivery Pass options: ‘Anytime Delivery Pass’ from £8/month or ‘Midweek Annual Pass’ at £35 for convenience.
• Extensive Coverage: Operating over 600 stores across the UK, Asda ensures widespread accessibility, making online shopping convenient for many.
• Asda’s Own-Brand Advantage: Asda’s own-branded products, including fresh produce and non-food items, often come at even more competitive prices.

3. Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s online supermarket app not only meets the convenience of online shopping but also underscores affordability, quality, and personalization through features such as the Nectar loyalty program, diverse delivery options, and a user-centric app.

Users can seamlessly explore, search, and purchase products, enjoying a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process. The app facilitates both the creation of new orders and the modification of existing ones, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in shopping plans. The app’s notifications ensure users stay updated on the latest offers and deals, enabling them to capitalize on savings effectively.

Core features that set Sainsbury’s online shopping experience apart:

• Wide Product Selection: Sainsbury’s boasts extensive products, ensuring a comprehensive shopping experience for various needs.
• Competitive Pricing: Sainsbury’s stands out for its competitive prices, delivering value without compromising product quality.
• Nectar Loyalty Program: Sainsbury’s offers the Nectar loyalty program, enabling customers to earn points on purchases for discounts and rewards.
• User-Friendly Ordering: Ordering groceries online at Sainsbury’s is simple and convenient, providing a streamlined shopping process.
• High-Quality Own-Brand Products: Sainsbury’s is renowned for its premium own-brand items, often priced more attractively than leading brands.
• Personalized Dietary Preferences: The online app and website let customers set dietary preferences and receive tailored product recommendations.
• Flexible Delivery Options: It provides diverse delivery choices, accommodating same-day and next-day delivery to suit different schedules.
• Delivery Pass Subscription: Customers can opt for a Delivery Pass subscription, granting cost-effective midweek deliveries with minimum spending.
• Green Delivery Slots: Sainsbury’s introduces ‘Green’ delivery slots, optimizing efficiency by aligning deliveries with driver routes.
• Convenient Small Shop Option: A small shop with a minimum spend of £25 incurs a £7 delivery cost, while larger orders over £40 enjoy reduced fees.
• Nectar Integration: The online shopping app integrates Nectar features, allowing rewards collection and offer notifications.
• Delivery Coverage: It ensures broad delivery coverage across the UK, complemented by the option of Click & Collect in stores.

How to Identify the Best Supermarket App in the UK?

When it comes to online grocery shopping, major supermarket brands in the UK offer many products that match those found in their physical stores. Since most of the grocery shopping is now done online, it is clear that supermarkets are taking note of this market trend.

Grocery delivery app development services are becoming increasingly popular as more and more consumers opt for the convenience of online shopping. However, the best supermarket app depends on consumers’ preferences and which brand offers the most enticing incentives. Factors such as delivery options, product range, and pricing can all influence decisions.

How Much Will It Cost to Develop a Grocery App?

The cost to develop a grocery app hinges on evaluating your business requirements and project expectations. While a definitive figure emerges after this analysis, considering the highlighted feature set and tech stack yields an estimated range of approximately $40K to $50K, encompassing all app versions.

However, these numbers remain flexible due to several influential variables. Delving into the details, these are the key determinants:

• Development Team Size

• Features and Functionalities

• Platform Choice

• App Marketing

• Maintenance and support

Alternatively, startups may opt for readymade grocery app clone development if they have budget constraints, as they offer the same features at an affordable price.

Final Words!

The online grocery retail market is rapidly growing and becoming increasingly lucrative. With giants like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda Groceries successfully operating online, it is clear that having a robust online presence is essential for any supermarket looking to capture a significant share of this market. XongoLab is a leading app development company that can help you develop a grocery app clone. Going with the trend is the best advice for startups in this niche. Reaching a maximum target audience and spreading the word about your online presence is essential. Contact our experts today to take advantage of this ever-increasing market.