Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) has been accused of using incomparable products for its price-matching scheme with Aldi.
Research by the BBC found that 122 products including chicken nuggets, blackcurrant squash and chicken kievs contained less of the key ingredient than Aldi’s alternative.
Tesco’s chicken nuggets contained 39% chicken compared to 60% in the Aldi version, the kievs had 44% chicken compared to Aldi’s 57% while its chile con carne contained almost half as little beef.
Twelve Tesco products were found to have more of the main ingredient, said the BBC.
Tesco said it had clear processes in place to ensure its price-match products were comparable to Aldi, while higher amounts of one ingredient did not mean it was better quality.
Other supermarkets Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons were found not to have major differences in the amount of the key ingredient.
A Tesco spokesman told the BBC: “Since we launched our Aldi Price Match four years ago it has proved very popular with customers."