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Bargain buys: 500 value items that can cut your cost of living

A shopper pushes a trolley in a supermarket in London, Britain April 11, 2017. British retail sales shrank at the fastest rate in nearly seven years during the past three months, despite a pickup in February, adding to signs that a major driver of Britain's economy is faltering after last year's Brexit vote. REUTERS/Neil Hall
Do you know which things in your shopping trolley are 'great value'. Photo: Reuters/Neil Hall. (Neil Hall / reuters)

A new 'Great Value' label has been created to help UK shoppers get the best bargains as the cost of living crisis bites.

British consumer champion Which? has researched a list of products that offer the best value for money, including bargain buy items such as nappies, rechargeable batteries, TVs, fridges and mattresses.

Each product that was researched has been awarded a ‘Great Value’ badge to indicate how they combine value for money with good quality.

Some examples of the 500 products that were deemed 'great value' are Aldi nappies that work out at 5p each, rechargeable batteries from Ikea that hold an exceptional amount of charge and an easy-to-use £35 electric shaver from Braun.

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Read more: How does inflation in the UK compare to the EU?

Other great examples include a product that can help people save money by not buying takeaway coffee.

The Which? research highlights the Melitta Look IV Therm Timer Filter Coffee Machine, coming in at a price of £48.

One fridge freezer was awarded the Great Value badge, the Samsung RB34T602ESA (005930.KS) comes in at £479 per unit.

Shoppers browse in an IKEA store in Wembley, north London January 28, 2015.   IKEA Group, the world's biggest furniture retailer, posted on Wednesday a fiscal full-year net profit that was unchanged from the year before and said the European market continued to improve. REUTERS/Neil Hall (BRITAIN - Tags: BUSINESS)
Shoppers browse in an IKEA store in Wembley, north London. Photo: Reuters/Neil Hall. (Neil Hall / reuters)

The product was tested in the Which? labs and was found to keep the temperature inside accurate and reliable, no matter the temperature outside.

In terms of TVs, at £549 the LG 50NANO766QA is around £250 cheaper than the average tested by Which? in this category.

The Which? lab put it through their consumer testing regime and found that the TV had sharp image, although its 4K HDR was less impressive when compared to competitors.

Another product that got a 'Great Value' badge is a mattress from Ikea that costs £99.

The Vadsö 204.513.36 firm was considered to be a substantive £550 cheaper than the average pocket sprung and open coil mattresses.

Read more: Labour Conference: Rachel Reeves blasts Tory economic plans as pound nears parity

However, Which? advise that the mattress is best for those who sleep alone rather than couples, as it was found to be quite bouncy.

Referring to the products that were found to be a bargain principle researcher at Which? Matt Knight said:“Whether you are buying nappies, thinking of gifting someone an electric shaver for Christmas or really need a new mattress, savings can add up on everyday items and you could potentially save an awful lot on more expensive purchases.

“Our testing covers thousands of products and while they may not all score as highly as our Best Buys, Which?’s Great Value recommendations will make sure you don’t spend a fortune and end up disappointed with something that doesn’t work.”

Which? also has an Eco Buy badge, that highlights the products that are best for the environment, while still performing their main job well.

Eco Buy badge products include washing machines and dishwashers that should last a long time, use the least energy and water and can be repaired if something goes wrong, without compromising on their cleaning performance.

Consumer purchasing power has diminished in the UK because of rising prices.

There is an increasing need to save money amid the rising costs of the essentials and this has made consumers more cautious when making purchases.

Watch: Cost of living: UK economy edges closer to stagnation with factory slump