If you’ve been feeling the pinch at the grocery store lately, you’re not alone. But here’s some great news the Makro cheapest basket just proved that saving big on essentials is still possible in South Africa. A new price comparison by BusinessTech crowned Makro the country’s most affordable grocery retailer for October 2025, with a nine-item basket totaling just R375.55.
Let’s unpack why shoppers are buzzing about this and how Makro managed to beat household names like Pick n Pay, Woolworths, and Food Lover’s Market.
What’s Inside the Makro Cheapest Basket
BusinessTech checked the online prices of nine staple grocery items sold by top retailers in Gauteng, ensuring fair comparison by excluding specials or discounts. The basket included:
- White bread (700 g Albany Superior)
- Sunflower oil (2 L)
- Iwisa maize meal (2.5 kg)
- Tastic rice (2 kg)
- Milk (2 L)
- Selati white sugar (2.5 kg)
- Snowflake cake flour (2.5 kg)
- Dettol soap (175 g)
- 9-pack two-ply toilet paper
Nothing fancy — just everyday staples that most South African families buy weekly.
How Makro Outpriced Everyone Else
When the totals were tallied, Makro came out on top — or rather, at the bottom of the price chart:
- Makro: R375.55
- Food Lover’s Market: R387.21
- Pick n Pay: R438.91
- Woolworths: R439.91
That’s roughly R60 less than what you’d pay at the pricier stores for the same basket.
The Secret Behind Makro’s Savings
Makro’s warehouse-club style lets it buy in bulk and keep mark-ups low. Add streamlined supply chains and minimal frills, and you’ve got a recipe for unbeatable grocery value.
Why This News Matters to You
In tough economic times, even small savings count. The Makro cheapest basket might seem like just another comparison, but those R60 differences stack up fast over a month of grocery runs. For large families, that’s hundreds of rands saved.
Changing Shopping Habits
Many South Africans are rethinking where they shop, blending traditional supermarket visits with bulk runs to Makro. This shift toward value-driven retail shows how price transparency is reshaping consumer loyalty.
Makro’s Evolution From Bulk to Basket
Makro was once seen as the place for TVs, furniture, and party packs — not weekly groceries. But with Walmart-owned Massmart backing its strategy, Makro’s grocery section has quietly expanded and become fiercely competitive. The Makro cheapest basket proves the brand’s evolution from bulk supplier to family-budget favorite.
The Bigger Picture – Retail Price Wars
Retail analysts say this comparison could heat up South Africa’s grocery market. Expect competitors to adjust their prices or offer more loyalty perks. Still, Makro’s structural advantage — buying scale, efficient warehousing, and logistics — makes it tough to beat on essential goods.
Conclusion
So next time you plan your grocery trip, remember the Makro cheapest basket result. It’s not just about saving a few rand — it’s about smart shopping that keeps your household budget steady.
Makro has set a new benchmark for affordability, proving that great value and quality can absolutely go hand in hand.
FAQs
1. How much does the Makro cheapest basket cost?
It costs R375.55 for nine essential grocery items.
2. Who compared the prices?
The comparison was conducted by BusinessTech in October 2025.
3. Which store was most expensive?
Woolworths, at R439.91.
4. Where were prices sourced?
From online retail stores in Gauteng.
5. Why is Makro so affordable?
Makro’s warehouse model and bulk purchasing lower costs passed to shoppers
