Sainsbury’s has incited backlash by raising the minimum spend required for its standard home delivery service. Currently set at £40 for delivery pass holders, the new minimum spend will be £50 starting from April 7. Failure to meet this threshold will result in a £7.50 fee, increased from the previous £7 charge.
For those with a delivery pass, Sainsbury’s offers various subscription options, including £7.50 per month, £43 for six months, or £80 for 12 months for an anytime delivery pass. The midweek pass costs £4 per month or £40 for a year.
Customers without a delivery pass who spend over £50 will still incur a delivery fee ranging from £1 to £5.50 based on the delivery time.
The announcement of the minimum spend increase has sparked dissatisfaction among shoppers, with many expressing their frustration on social media. One individual tweeted, “@Sainsburys is upping the minimum spend on online groceries for delivery pass holders to £50, which is inconvenient for single individuals like me.” Another customer lamented, “Disappointed that @Sainsburys is raising the minimum Delivery Pass spend to £50; I struggle to reach £40 most weeks, leading to frequent supermarket visits.”
Responding to customer queries, Sainsbury’s confirmed the change in an email to its patrons. The email stated, “Starting April 7, 2026, a minimum spend of £50 per order (currently £40) will be required to utilize your Delivery Pass. While most customers already meet this threshold for free delivery, we acknowledge that some may be affected by this adjustment.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to making online shopping convenient and affordable. They explained that the decision to raise the minimum spend was necessary after a comprehensive review to align with the costs associated with providing the service. The spokesperson highlighted that the majority of customers already surpass the new threshold and emphasized cost-saving options like the Delivery Pass and Click & Collect services.
In conclusion, while the increase in minimum spend has provoked customer discontent, Sainsbury’s aims to balance affordability with the operational costs of its delivery services to continue offering a convenient online shopping experience.
