The May 2026 retailer basket comparison revealed relatively close competition among the seven retailers surveyed, with total basket costs ranging from N$915.80 to N$970.80.
While no single retailer dominated across all product categories, differences in the pricing of staple foods, household essentials, and fresh produce influenced the overall rankings.
Overall Basket Comparison
The total basket costs recorded during May 2026 were as follows:
- Metro (Eros): N$915.80 🟢
- OK Foods (Independence): N$921.80
- Shoprite (Independence): N$930.80
- Checkers (Grove Mall): N$940.80
- Model (Wernhil): N$952.80
- Spar (Westlane): N$965.80
- Choppies (Otjomuise): N$970.80 🔴
With a basket cost of N$915.80, Metro emerged as the most affordable retailer for May, while Choppies recorded the highest basket cost at N$970.80. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive basket amounted to N$55.00, indicating a fairly competitive retail environment.
Category Analysis
Metro Secures Top Position Through Consistent Pricing
Metro’s leading position was supported by competitive pricing across several staple products, including:
- White bread (N$13.99)
- White sugar (N$57.99)
- Chicken (N$89.99)
- Mince (N$109.99)
- Polana macaroni pasta (N$82.99)
- Rama butter (N$29.99)
Although Metro did not offer the lowest price in every category, its ability to remain consistently competitive across a broad range of products helped secure the lowest overall basket cost.
OK Foods Remains Highly Competitive
OK Foods finished a close second, only N$6.00 above Metro. The retailer offered strong pricing on:
- Mince (N$104.99)
- Potatoes (N$19.99)
- Tomatoes (N$29.99)
- Onions (N$21.99)
Its performance in fresh produce categories helped offset slightly higher prices in household and grocery items.
Shoprite and Checkers Continue to Compete on Core Staples
Both Shoprite and Checkers remained competitive on essential food products.
Checkers offered:
- The lowest milk price (N$19.99)
- The lowest dishwashing liquid price (N$27.99)
- The lowest corned meat price (N$32.99)
- Competitive rice pricing (N$36.99)
Shoprite recorded:
- The lowest sugar price (N$54.99)
- The lowest corned meat price alongside Checkers (N$34.99)
- Competitive cooking oil and rice prices
Choppies and Spar Record Higher Basket Costs
Choppies and Spar occupied the upper end of the basket rankings.
Choppies’ position was influenced by higher prices on:
- Top Score maize meal
- Mince
- Dishwashing liquid
- Fresh produce items
Similarly, Spar recorded relatively high pricing on pasta, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, which contributed to its overall basket cost.
Conclusion & Consumer Takeaway
The May 2026 retailer basket comparison highlights a highly competitive grocery retail market, with relatively small differences separating most retailers. Metro (Eros) emerged as the most affordable retailer for the month, supported by consistent pricing across staple foods and household essentials.
Consumers seeking the lowest overall grocery basket in May 2026 would have found the best value at Metro (Eros). However, shoppers focusing on fresh produce may have achieved additional savings at OK Foods, while those purchasing dairy products and household cleaning items could still benefit from selected promotions and competitive pricing at Checkers and Shoprite.
