The same eight staples, from milk and rice to oil, tea and labneh, cost between AED 138.90 and AED 172.50 before delivery, depending on where you shop. Each item is the same brand and pack size at Lulu, Spinneys and Union Coop, so the totals compare like for like.
Go to: The basket · Delivery
The basket, with the exact packs
The three are different kinds of shop. Lulu runs hypermarkets, Union Coop is a consumer cooperative, and Spinneys describes itself as a "fresh-focused food retailer" with "a reputation for premium quality". Choose by the items you buy most, the branch near you and the delivery terms.
| Item | Pack | Lulu AED | Spinneys AED | Union Coop AED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almarai full fat milk | 2 litres | 12.50 | 15.25 | 12.75 |
| Almarai full fat yoghurt | 1 kg | 7.90 | 9.25 | 7.95 |
| Al Ain drinking water | 6 x 1.5 litres | 5.75 | 12.50 | 6.50 |
| Tilda Pure basmati rice | 2 kg | 32.75 | 41.00 | 33.00 |
| Noor sunflower oil | 1.5 litres | 25.25 | 31.25 | 23.75 |
| SIS white sugar | 2 kg | 10.20 | 11.50 | 9.50 |
| Lipton Yellow Label tea | 100 bags | 26.70 | 31.25 | 26.50 |
| Almarai Premium labneh | 400 g | 19.50 | 20.50 | 18.95 |
| Eight items | 140.55 | 172.50 | 138.90 |
Prices seen on the shops' websites on 6 October 2026: Lulu for Dubai Festival City, Union Coop for delivery to Mirdif, and Spinneys' UAE catalogue. Some prices were promotions: milk at Lulu (AED 12.50 instead of 13.75) and at Union Coop (AED 12.75 instead of 13.75), and water at Lulu (AED 5.75 instead of 5.90). Prices differ by area, and promotions change daily.
Eggs, fruit and vegetables are not in the basket, because the brands, sizes and origins differ between the shops. Compare the price per egg for the size you want, and the price per kilogram for produce. Spinneys explains that weighted items are billed at their exact weight.
For a full month's food budget, see the Dubai or Abu Dhabi cost-of-living guide.
Delivery and minimum orders
| Shop | Minimum order | Delivery fee |
|---|---|---|
| Lulu | Not stated in its FAQ | Depends on your location and shows in the cart |
| Spinneys | AED 100 for scheduled delivery | AED 15 below AED 350, free above AED 350 |
| Union Coop | AED 100, excluding VAT | AED 10 near its Barsha and Wasl stores, AED 15 for longer distances |
This eight-item basket clears both stated minimums. Check the fee for your address in the cart before you compare final totals.
Prices and official sources checked on 6 October 2026. Cover generated with AI for illustration.
