Navigating the aisles of your local supermarket is an experience that can be as varied as the items on the shelves.

For many of us, a trip to the supermarket is a weekly ritual, one that involves a well-thought-out strategy: the right time to avoid crowds, the perfect route to take, and of course, the choice between trolley or basket.

But what happens when that choice is suddenly not as straightforward as it used to be?

Recently, a number of grocery shoppers have expressed their dissatisfaction with a controversial change in the world of supermarket shopping⁠—the new, larger single-handle baskets.

This seemingly unassuming shift has sparked a surprising amount of debate and frustration amongst customers, particularly those who frequent Coles, where the new baskets have become the only option.

The traditional two-handle basket, a familiar sight that could easily be slung over an arm, has been a staple for those quick trips where a trolley feels like overkill.

But the new baskets are completely different. Larger and equipped with a single thick handle, they've been described as cumbersome and difficult to manage, especially for those unable to carry a heavy load.


Women, in particular, have voiced concerns, with one frustrated mum saying, 'They're so much harder to carry, especially for women who might have less upper body strength or are trying to wrangle kids at the same time.'

While Woolworths offers a mix of the old and new basket designs and even a wheeled basket option in select stores, ALDI has remained loyal to the smaller, original two-handle baskets.

The colour-coded baskets⁠—red for Coles, green for Woolworths, and black for ALDI⁠—are a subtle branding touch that many of us may not have noticed.

Coles, in response to the feedback, has highlighted the environmental benefits of their new baskets, which are Australian-made from 100 per cent recycled milk and fruit juice bottles.

Each basket saves the equivalent of 18 2L milk bottles from landfill. While this is a commendable step towards sustainability, it doesn't address the ergonomic concerns raised by customers.

Consumer Psychologist Adam Ferrier points out that larger baskets may encourage shoppers to buy more, as we often use the visual signal of a full basket to decide when it's time to head to the register.

This could be seen as a clever marketing tactic, but for those of us who are budget-conscious or simply don't want to be nudged into purchasing more than we need, it's a point of contention.

The introduction of single-handle baskets, which Coles claims are more ergonomically friendly, has not been universally well-received. For shorter shoppers or those with physical limitations, the new design can be more of a hindrance than a help.

And let's not forget the little ones. Many parents have fond memories of their children proudly carrying the shopping basket, a small but significant responsibility that kept them engaged during the shopping trip.

The new larger baskets seem to have taken that experience away, as they are simply too unwieldy for young kids to handle.

While some supermarkets offer a third option⁠—a larger basket with wheels, similar to what you might find at a stationery store like Officeworks⁠—these are not yet widely available. They represent a middle ground that could satisfy those who find the new baskets too difficult to carry but don't require a full-sized trolley.

The variety of basket options at supermarkets is often tailored to the store format and the shopping habits of the local customer base. As such, it's clear that one size does not fit all when it comes to shopping convenience.

We understand that these changes can impact your shopping experience. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with the new supermarket baskets.
Have you found them to be a help or a hindrance? Do you have a preference for the traditional two-handle baskets, or have you adapted to the new design?