Sainsbury's has announced the launch of 'Nectar Prices' a new initiative to help Nectar card customers 'save more on every trip to Sainsbury's'. The scheme is similar to Tesco's Clubcard prices but also offers personalised discounts for customers that shop in-store with SmartShop.
In this article, we look at how Nectar Prices work, how to get Nectar Prices and how Nectar Prices compare to other supermarkets and loyalty schemes.
What are Nectar Prices?
Nectar Prices, launched by Sainsbury's on 11th April 2023, provides a way for up to 18 million Nectar loyalty members to benefit from discounts and personalised offers when shopping online and in-store at Sainsbury's. The discounted prices are available on over 300 items initially, with more discounts being added throughout the year.
Nectar Prices are available to customers with an existing Nectar loyalty card as well as new customers that sign up. The Nectar loyalty scheme also allows customers to earn Nectar points as they shop at Sainsbury's, get personalised rewards via the Nectar app as well as the option to earn additional Nectar points when shopping at a number of Nectar partner retailers such as Argos and Esso.
How do Nectar Prices work?
Nectar Prices are discounted prices on certain selected products, available to those who have a Nectar loyalty card. This means when you purchase an item in-store or online that has a Nectar Price shown alongside its original price, Nectar members will be charged the reduced price. To ensure you get the Nectar price you'll need to scan your Nectar card at the checkout in-store or if you are shopping online, you'll need to link your Nectar card to your online Sainsbury's account.
How to shop Nectar Prices
In order to benefit from Nectar Prices you will need to be a Nectar loyalty card member. You can sign up for a Nectar card for free online, by downloading the Nectar app or by picking up a Nectar card in-store.
Once you are registered you will be able to access Nectar Prices by scanning your Nectar card or app in-store when paying, by shopping in-store using SmartShop or by linking your Nectar card to your online Sainsbury's account.
How do Nectar prices compare?
In the following tables, we compare Sainsbuyr's Nectar Prices to Tesco Clubcard and alternative supermarket prices. For further comparison between the loyalty cards offered by a number of the main supermarket stores, read our article, 'Which is the best supermarket loyalty card?'.
We also share additional ways you can save money on your food shop in the following article, '5 apps to save money on your food shop' and 'How to save money on food shopping'.
Nectar Prices vs Clubcard Prices
In the table below, we highlight how Nectar Prices compare to Tesco Clubcard prices. We also highlight how much you can save if you are a Nectar or Clubcard member.
| Product | Sainsbury's Nectar Price | Sainsbury's Non-Nectar Price | Saving | Tesco Clubcard Price | Tesco Non-Clubcard Price | Saving |
| Coca-Cola Zero Sugar (24 pack) | £5 | £10 | £5.00 | N/A | £10 | N/A |
| Walkers Quavers crisps (6 pack) | £1.35 | £1.95 | £0.60 | £1.50 | £1.75 | £0.25 |
| Heinz Baked Beans (415g) | £0.95 | £1.40 | £0.45 | 2 for £2.50 | £1.40 | £0.30 |
| Pampers Baby Dry Nappy Pants Size 8, 19kg+ (22 pack) | £5.00 | £10.00 | £5.00 | N/A | £10.00 | N/A |
| Purina One Adult Dry Cat Food Salmon And Wholegrain 3kg | £14.75 | £17.50 | £2.75 | N/A | £18.50 | N/A |
| Tanqueray London Dry Gin 1L | £19.00 | £27.50 | £8.50 | £22.00 | £27.50 | £5.50 |
| Oral-B Pro 3 3D White Pink Electric Toothbrush | £45.00 | £100 | £55 | £45.00 | £100 | £55 |
| Stella Artois Lager (18 cans) | £13.00 | £17.00 | £4.00 | N/A | £12.99 | N/A |
| Fairy Non-Bio All-in-1 Pods Washing Liquid Capsules Original (39 washes) | £5 | £10.50 | £5.50 | £10.80 (51 washes) | £12.00 (51 washes) | £1.20 |
(Prices, as found on Sainsbury's and Tesco websites, are correct as of 12/04/23, Nectar and Clubcard are required for the discounted prices)
Nectar Prices vs alternative supermarkets
In the table below, we compare Sainsbury's Nectar Prices to the cost of the same or similar items at an alternative supermarket. Where the branded product was not available at Aldi we have listed the cost of the closest product for comparison purposes.
| Product | Sainsbury's Nectar Price | Aldi | Asda | Waitrose |
| Coca-Cola Zero Sugar (24 pack) | £5 | £4.69 for 10 cans | £12.50 for 30 cans | £10 |
| Walkers Quavers crisps (6 pack) | £1.35 | £1.29 (10 pack snackrite) | £1.75 | £2.00 |
| Heinz Baked Beans (415g) | £0.95 | £0.27 (420g essentials range) | £1.40 | £1.40 |
| Pampers Baby Dry Nappy Pants Size 8, 19kg+ (22 pack) | £5.00 | N/A | £5 (on offer, usually £10) | N/A |
| Purina One Adult Dry Cat Food Salmon And Wholegrain 3kg | £14.75 | £2.99 (Vitacat 800g) | £14.99 (on offer, usually £18.70) | £18.40 |
| Tanqueray London Dry Gin 1L | £19.00 | £14.99 (Greyson's) | £27.50 | £29.00 |
| Oral-B Pro 3 3D White Pink Electric Toothbrush | £45.00 | N/A | £45.00 (on offer, usually £90) | £95 (save 1/3 with myWaitrose) |
| Stella Artois Lager (18 cans) | £13.00 | £12.99 | £15.00 | N/A |
| Fairy Non-Bio All-in-1 Pods Washing Liquid Capsules Original (39 washes) | £5 | £4.49 (18 washes) | £6 (25 washes) | £6 (25 washes) |
(Prices, as found on Sainsbury's, Asda, Aldi and Waitrose websites, are correct as of 12/04/23, Nectar card is required for discounted rates, costs will vary if you do not have a Nectar card)
Are Nectar Prices worth it?
Overall, the newly launched Nectar Prices offer a good discount on a number of products and is particularly good for those who already regularly shop at Sainsbury's. Additionally, Nectar card holders can boost the number of offers available by shopping in-store using its 'SmartShop' feature.
It is, however, worth comparing the prices of some items before purchasing as it could be cheaper to buy them elsewhere, for example, an 18-pack of Stella Artois is £12.99 at Tesco without Clubcard prices compared to £13.00 with Nectar Prices at Sainsbury's. Additionally, you may be able to make further savings on your shopping by swapping to a cheaper supermarket altogether such as Aldi. You are likely to get more for your money, however, it is worth mentioning that not every brand will be stocked and so you'll need to make some compromises when it comes to your regular weekly shop.
Our article '12 ways to save money on your food shop' offers additional money-saving tips for those looking to cut back on grocery spending. Additionally, our complete Cost of Living guide has a number of helpful tips and guidance to help your money go further.
