Discount supermarket chain ALDI continues to deliver the best value to shoppers, according to Australia’s leading consumer advocacy group.
Choice recently conducted its first price survey for the year… and the results might surprise Hunter households.
For a basket of 14 regularly-priced items, which included 10 fresh and four packaged products, the “good, different” specialists shone ahead of Woolworths, Coles and IGA.
It came after fieldworkers assessed groceries at 104 supermarkets in 27 locations across Australia in March.
After packing chicken breasts (bulk pack), carrots, Royal Gala apples, Cavendish bananas, strawberries, butternut pumpkin, garlic, brown onions, Sanitarium Weetbix, full cream milk, hot chocolate, vegetable stock, sour cream and Quick oat sachets into the trolley, ALDI was the winner at $55.35.
Woolworths finished second at $58.92, marginally in front of Coles ($59.22), with IGA languishing behind at a whopping $69.74.
The outcome wasn’t much different when “specials” were considered, too.
ALDI was still the cheapest at $54.44, lower than Coles ($57.67), Woolworths ($58.86) and IGA ($67.54).
“Despite recent cuts to interest rates that have provided some relief to mortgage holders, the cost-of-living continues to trouble many Australians,” a Choice spokesperson said.
“Since 2022, our quarterly Consumer Pulse surveys have found household budgets are under pressure more than ever.
“The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) tells a similar story, recording a rise of 2.4% in a representative basket of goods in the 12 months to the March 2025 quarter.
“Food and non-alcoholic beverages had some of the most significant increases in the most recent period, climbing by 1.2%.
“So, buying items on special can make a huge difference to overall grocery costs, which is why it’s a good idea to shop around.
“It’s also worth noting that it isn’t always clear when fruit and vegetables are on special, so we’re comparing regular prices for fresh produce.”
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