Checkers vs Woolworths vs Pick n Pay: Which Supermarket Offers the Cheapest Braai Basket?

South Africans looking to enjoy a traditional braai without spending a fortune may want to think carefully about where they shop. With grocery prices continuing to put pressure on household budgets, choosing the right supermarket can make a significant difference to the final bill.

Checkers, Woolworths and Pick n Pay are three of the country’s biggest grocery retailers, but which one offers the best value when it comes to buying everything needed for a South African braai?

According to a price comparison by Daily Investor, Checkers emerged as the cheapest supermarket for buying the selected braai ingredients, beating both Pick n Pay and Woolworths.

The comparison found that shoppers would pay R629.87 for the selected basket at Checkers. Pick n Pay came second at R694.87, while Woolworths was considerably more expensive at R801.87.

This means shoppers could save R172 by buying the same basket at Checkers instead of Woolworths.

The comparison used regular shelf prices without applying promotional discounts or loyalty card specials.

The basket was designed around ingredients commonly used for a traditional South African braai.

One of the biggest differences came from meat prices.

A 2kg pack of frozen chicken cost R144.99 at Woolworths, compared with R94.99 at both Checkers and Pick n Pay.

This illustrates how choosing a different supermarket can significantly affect the cost of feeding family and friends.

The comparison comes as South African households continue to face rising food costs.

The latest Braai Index recorded annual inflation of 4.1% in October 2026, down from 5.2% in September.

However, food prices still increased by 0.1% month on month, marking the fifth consecutive month of increases.

Vegetables particularly tomatoes, potatoes and onions were among the main contributors to higher costs.

Meanwhile, meat prices showed some relief with beef, wors and chicken becoming cheaper.

Based on this particular comparison, Checkers is the clear winner for shoppers looking to keep their braai budget under control.

Pick n Pay offers a middle ground option, while Woolworths carries a noticeably higher price for the selected basket.

However, the cheapest supermarket can vary depending on the products purchased, location and available promotions.

For South Africans planning their next weekend braai, comparing prices before heading to the shops could help stretch their grocery budgets further.

Sources: Checkers vs Woolworths vs Pick n Pay: Where to buy the cheapest basket of goods for a South African braai – Daily Investor

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