Bumper-size items making bumper-sized profits for supermarkets

SUPERMARKETS are cashing in on shoppers by racking up the cost of bumper-sized groceries which most consumers automatically assume are cheaper.

An investigation discovered giants like Tesco charging almost 2 more for a pack of 12 cans of Pepsi than the combined total for two packs of six cans – a hike of 42 per cent.

Everyday shoppers would almost certainly assume the bigger pack offered better value as the general rule is that items are cheaper when bulk bought.

But Tesco, as well as rivals Sainsbury’s, Asda and Ocado, all use the sneaky trick on some of the biggest branded names in the grocery aisles.

The research by website mySupermarket.co.uk uncovered examples from Gillette razor blades to Marmite in a quick trawl online.

It warned shoppers might be “short-changed” if they automatically assumed they would save money by buying bigger, supersized versions of their favourite products.

Asda sells a packet of eight Gillette razor blades for 14.91, but a packet of four for just 5. So buying two packs of four would save a shaver a massive 4.91.

Sainsbury’s sells a big 800g jar of Hellman’s mayonnaise for 2.99, but a 400g jar for 1 – a 33 per cent hike on the bigger container compared to two of the smaller ones.

And Ocado sells a 500g of Marmite for 4.79, but one half the size for just 2.03, leaving unsuspecting shoppers 73p out of pocket if they buy the big one instead of two small ones.

Supermarkets say the price differences are often the result of special promotions on the smaller versions rather than an attempt to try and cash in on shoppers who do double-check prices.