UK supermarkets to show unit prices under new 2026 rules

New regulations designed to standardize price displays and enhance transparency for shoppers have taken effect at major UK supermarkets. The updated rules, which amend the Price Marking Order 2004, officially came into force on April 6, 2026, and apply to chains including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, and Waitrose.

The government stated the changes are intended to help consumers make informed choices by providing clearer information, particularly on pricing. Officials noted that the variety of prices, promotions, and loyalty discounts can make direct comparisons between products difficult. The reforms significantly expand the range of products that must display a unit price—such as price per kilogram or litre—alongside the selling price. New categories now covered include cereals, pasta, dried fruits, detergents, cleaning products, and cosmetics.

A key provision standardizes the metric measurements used for unit pricing. Retailers must now use consistent units—kilograms, litres, metres, square metres, or cubic metres—and are prohibited from mixing measurements, such as pricing one item per 100 grams and another per kilogram on the same shelf. This is intended...