A new national comparison has revealed which of Australia’s leading supermarkets is the most affordable for winter grocery shopping, with Aldi once again coming out ahead of its rivals.
The latest findings, published by consumer advocacy group CHOICE, are based on an extensive survey of 104 supermarkets across 27 locations nationwide. The assessment focused on the pricing of a basket of commonly purchased grocery items, including milk, chicken breast, carrots, and strawberries, as well as winter essentials like drinking chocolate, garlic, and brown onions.
When the totals were tallied, Aldi proved to be the cheapest option with a basket price of $55.35. Woolworths followed at $58.92, then Coles at $59.92, while IGA came in as the most expensive at $69.64. These prices are reviewed quarterly, but despite slight fluctuations, the ranking has remained relatively consistent, with Aldi maintaining its spot as the lowest-cost retailer.
The survey highlighted that while Aldi leads overall, there are savings to be found at other supermarkets depending on the product. Woolworths offered the lowest prices for items such as chicken breast and pumpkin. Coles came out ahead on apples, and IGA was the cheapest for garlic and carrots. However, for the majority of items included in the study, Aldi had the best prices.
The findings support the importance of comparing prices across stores and making use of practical shopping strategies. Beyond selecting the most affordable retailer, consumers can save by checking unit pricing, monitoring specials, shopping around for different brands, and choosing supermarket-owned products.
The report also sparked political commentary, particularly from Tasmanian representatives concerned about the lack of Aldi stores in the state. With Tasmania having the lowest average wages in the country, the absence of a lower-cost supermarket option like Aldi is seen as contributing to the financial pressure on local households.
Despite increasing competition among major retailers, the gap between Aldi and the rest remains significant. Yet the report also indicates that Coles and Woolworths are working to stay competitive. Woolworths has expanded its “Lower Shelf Price” programme, which now applies to more than 550 products, helping shoppers better manage their weekly food budgets.
In addition to pricing, supermarkets are differentiating themselves through convenience and service offerings. Woolworths, for instance, continues to invest in services such as home delivery and click-and-collect options to attract time-poor shoppers. These offerings provide added value that goes beyond shelf pricing, especially for families seeking convenience alongside affordability.
However, not all retailers were satisfied with the methodology behind the comparison. IGA expressed concern over the fairness of being compared to larger, full-range supermarkets. As a network of independently owned stores, IGA locations can differ significantly in terms of size, product range, and pricing. These factors, the retailer argues, make direct comparisons with national chains less meaningful and potentially misleading.
Despite the criticism, the broader takeaway remains clear: Australian shoppers are feeling the cost-of-living squeeze, and price competition between supermarkets is intensifying. Research like this gives consumers a clearer picture of where savings can be made, helping them make more informed choices during a time of economic uncertainty.
Aldi’s continued performance as the lowest-cost option positions it as the go-to supermarket for budget-conscious Australians, particularly for essential goods during the colder months. But shoppers can still find value across all major chains by taking a strategic approach to their weekly grocery run.
Earlier this year, the ACCC released a report confirming that although Australian supermarkets are among the most profitable globally, there was no evidence of price gouging or unlawful pricing conduct. However, scrutiny remains high as households grapple with rising food and utility costs.
As winter settles in, this research provides a timely reminder that even small choices—such as comparing basket prices or switching to house-brand products—can add up to significant savings over time. For many Australians, those savings can make a real difference.
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