Makro Tops the Charts as South Africa’s Cheapest Grocery Store in October 2025

Makro Shines as Most Affordable Grocery Retailer

For shoppers in South Africa looking to stretch their rands, Makro has emerged as the cheapest grocery retailer in October 2025. The popular wholesale chain beat heavyweight competitors like Pick n Pay, Spar, and Food Lover’s Market, according to a detailed grocery basket comparison by BusinessTech.

The study compared the online prices of a typical middle-income basket of nine staple items across seven major retailers: Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Spar, Woolworths, Food Lover’s Market, and Makro.

The basket that matters

The comparison focused on items commonly found in South African households, including:

• 700g Albany Superior sliced white bread

• 2-litre sunflower oil

• 2.5kg Iwisa maize meal

• 2.5kg Selati white sugar

• 2-litre milk

• 2kg Tastic rice

• 2.5kg Snowflake cake flour

• 175g Dettol herbal soap

• 9-pack two-ply toilet paper

Retailers selected the cheapest available brands for sunflower oil, milk, and toilet paper to ensure consistency. Where certain brands were unavailable, substitutes were justified and noted, such as Woolworths’ alternative for Albany bread.

Makro leads, Woolworths lags

According to the October 2025 data from Gauteng stores, the average basket cost across all retailers was R410.81, slightly up from September.

• Makro: R375.55 – the most affordable by far

• Food Lover’s Market: R387.21 – second cheapest

• Spar: R409.91

• Checkers: R415.91

• Pick n Pay: R438.91 – second most expensive

• Woolworths: R439.91 – the priciest basket

Makro’s basket was R64.36 cheaper than Woolworths and R63.36 cheaper than Pick n Pay, highlighting the savings for budget-conscious consumers.

Breaking down the savings

Makro consistently offered the lowest price for essentials such as:

• White bread: R14.95 (vs Woolies R20.99)

• Sunflower oil: R66.95 (vs Pick n Pay R74.99)

• Milk: R28.95 (vs Woolies R38.99)

• Toilet paper: R64.95 (vs Woolies R79.99)

Even with some items slightly higher, like cake flour (R44.95), Makro’s overall basket cost remained well below the competition.

Regional differences and consumer context

It’s important to note that prices may vary across provinces, cities, and store franchises, especially with franchised retailers like Spar. The basket comparison represents normal pricing, excluding temporary specials or non-branded alternatives that could offer additional savings.

Social media has reacted enthusiastically to the report, with shoppers praising Makro for its affordability. Many users shared personal stories of switching to Makro to save on essentials while keeping quality consistent.

What it means for South African shoppers

For middle-income households, these findings highlight the importance of price awareness and strategic shopping, particularly during periods of inflation. Makro’s competitive pricing may prompt other retailers to adjust their pricing strategies, benefiting consumers nationwide.

While Woolworths and Pick n Pay continue to cater to premium or convenience-focused shoppers, Makro remains the go-to option for those seeking value without compromising on essential groceries.

As grocery prices continue to fluctuate, this comparison provides a helpful snapshot of where South Africans can get the most bang for their buck this month.

{Source: BusinessTech}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com