Sainsbury’s has announced a major change for its online home delivery service, effective from April 2026. The supermarket chain will increase the minimum spend required for free delivery from £40 to £50, a move that has provoked strong negative reactions from customers across the UK.
Currently, shoppers with a Delivery Pass—priced at £7.50 per month—enjoy free delivery on orders of £40 or more. Under the new policy, this threshold will rise by £10, meaning any order under £50 will incur a delivery charge of £7.50, up from the existing £7 fee.
Customers have voiced serious concerns about the impact of this change, particularly on pensioners, single occupants, and those who rely on deliveries for essential shopping. One customer, Ron, commented on Facebook: “£50 per delivery is scandalous, especially for pensioners and those living alone who depend on this service for food and social contact. It’s completely unfair.”
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Others echoed similar worries. Karen remarked, “This will hit pensioners and people who use delivery as a lifeline. I’m already considering switching to other supermarkets due to this price hike.” Another shopper lamented having to carry heavy bags themselves due to struggling to meet the new minimum spend.
Critics argue the change disproportionately affects vulnerable groups and may push customers toward competitors. “Sainsbury’s isn’t the great company it once was,” said Bob, who is considering alternatives like Amazon Foods.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson explained the rationale behind the adjustment: “The £40 minimum spend for free delivery has not changed for over a decade. Increasing it to £50 reflects the rising costs of providing this service. Most customers already spend above this amount, so the impact will be limited. Delivery Pass and Click and Collect options remain available to help reduce costs.”
Meanwhile, customers without a Delivery Pass still pay delivery fees ranging from £1 to £5.50 if their orders exceed £50.
Overall, Sainsbury’s new delivery policy highlights the ongoing challenges retailers face balancing costs with consumer expectations, especially amid inflationary pressures affecting household budgets.