Asda has once again faced criticism from shoppers over its controversial value Just Essentials range - and this time it is for increasing the prices across a range of items.
Shoppers recently flocked to social media to slam the supermarket giant after they noticed some of the budget range items had risen in price, with some seeing up to a 75p increase. The supermarket's own value brand - which is a rebrand of the Smart Price range - has faced controversy ever since it debut in stores back in May this year.
It initially faced criticism from shoppers who took aim at the range's bright yellow packaging that some shoppers claimed "embarrassed poorer families." The supermarket also faced further backlash after its popularity meant that they have had to limit customers to just three of the same item in one purchase.
And now shoppers are noticing the supermarket's value range has been steadily rising in price across some items, including steaks, pasta, mince cheese and much more.
The debate was started after one shopper took to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Group to make members aware they had noticed the steaks had risen from £2 to £2.25, while garlic bread and apple juice had also risen by 7p.
In a lengthy post, the shopper also said: "Not everything has been raised in price it only seems the most popular items. While I get that supply and demand, but extending the JE range, and luring people in and then raising the prices when people are relying on those foods to feed their families seems a bit unfair after such exposure of their JE range to help struggling families.
"Just thought I would let people know that even with a JE range shop your bill will be increased."
Other members of the money-saving Facebook page were quick to flock to the comments to mention they had noticed the rising prices, with some even saying they felt like the ranges lower prices were a "marketing ploy."
A packet of mince increasing from £1.69 to £2.25, grated cheese increased from £2.40 to £2.50 and eggs rising from £1.35 to £1.50, according to shoppers. Additionally, others pointed out that kitchen roll had increased from 99p to £1.50.
While it was noted that not ever item had seen an increase in price, quite a few shoppers were also quick to slam the supermarket for the "ridiculous" price hikes.
"Been shopping with Asda for years, these last few months my online shop has been showing non stop increases. Whiskas alone has gone from just over £9 to almost £14.", replied a second.
"I did comparison shop with delivery I had booked with Asda to same stuff in Sainsburys and Sainsburys was cheaper so cancelled Asda, think they are getting more expensive and choice is getting smaller", explained a third.
"That was probably there intention all along. Most retailers do this with new own brand products sadly.", replied a fourth.
"Every week its going up bloody ridiculous", fumed a fifth.
An Asda spokesperson told The Manchester Evening News: "We know how much the cost of living is worrying our customers right now and we’re doing everything we can to keep prices as low as possible on their shopping.
We launched Just Essentials earlier this year to offer customers the largest value range on the market and we continue to be the best value of the traditional supermarkets as shown by independent research carried out by the Grocer and Which? magazines.”
The Daily Record has approached Asda for further comment.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
