Supermarket Price Survey Reveals Significant Savings Potential for Israeli Shoppers
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A survey of 141 products across eight Israeli supermarket chains found a 31% price difference between the cheapest and most expensive baskets, totaling 564.72 shekels. Rami Levy and Osher Ad were among the cheapest chains, though sale prices can alter rankings. The study advises consumers to compare prices carefully, as individual product variations and sale conditions significantly impact overall savings.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A survey found a 31% price difference for a basket of 141 products across eight Israeli supermarket chains.
- The cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive shopping baskets reached 564.72 shekels.
- Sale prices can significantly alter a supermarket chain's ranking compared to its regular shelf prices.
- Consumers should scrutinize sale conditions to ensure actual savings on their purchases.
- Price variations on everyday items like pasta and baby formula contribute to higher grocery bills.
- Comparing prices on personal shopping lists is more effective than relying on general store reputations.
A recent price survey conducted by the Retail Research Institute has highlighted substantial price differences among Israeli supermarket chains, with the cost of a basket of 141 common products varying by as much as 31%. The survey, which compared prices across eight major supermarket chains, found a difference of 564.72 shekels between the cheapest and most expensive shopping baskets as of October 19, 2026. This indicates that consumers can potentially save a considerable amount by choosing their grocery store wisely, although individual savings will depend on personal shopping habits and specific purchases.
The competition at the top of the price list is tight, with only small differences separating chains like Rami Levy and Osher Ad, and Rami Levy and Yohananof. However, the price gaps widen further down the list. Even when excluding Tiv Ta'am, which has a different business model, a significant price difference of 342.72 shekels, or approximately 18.6%, was found between Rami Levy and Shufersal Deal.
The survey also revealed that sale prices can significantly alter a chain's ranking compared to its regular shelf prices. For instance, while Osher Ad was slightly cheaper than Rami Levy based on shelf prices alone, Rami Levy emerged as the cheapest when sale prices were factored in. The study cautions consumers to carefully examine sale conditions, such as minimum purchase requirements or club memberships, as a sale price per unit might not always translate to overall savings if larger quantities are purchased than needed.
Furthermore, the survey emphasized that seemingly uniform prices for certain products across different chains can be misleading. While some items like a specific brand of coffee had identical prices everywhere, others, such as pasta and baby formula, showed considerable price variations. The cumulative effect of these small differences across numerous products can lead to a significantly higher grocery bill. The findings suggest that relying on a store's general reputation for low prices is not a substitute for comparing prices on a personal shopping list, and that while splitting purchases can save money, the time and travel costs involved should also be considered.
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