For many Aussies, a trip to the supermarket is a familiar routine—but a recent discovery has revealed something unexpected hiding in plain sight.

It’s a subtle feature that could quietly transform how you shop, compare, and choose everyday items.

What began as a simple aisle browse quickly turned into a surprising find that left one shopper seriously impressed.


A Woolworths shopper uncovered a surprising feature during a routine visit to her local store—one that many Australians may have walked past without noticing.

Although Woolworths rolled out digital price tags several years ago to save time and reduce paper waste, most customers might not realise just how much technology is packed into these little displays.

While the tags clearly show information like product names, pricing, savings, and whether something is on special, Lake Macquarie mum Chantel discovered a lesser-known trick that caught her attention.

‘I found it handy to instantly access reviews, pricing, and stock levels online. It definitely helped when comparing similar products,’ she shared.

The revelation came as Chantel was browsing the aisles in New South Wales. She tapped her phone against one of the electronic tags—and what happened next took her by surprise.

With just a tap, the tag brought up the exact product page from the Woolworths website on her phone, giving her instant access to everything she needed to know before buying.


‘I think it’s a really clever integration of digital tools into the in-store experience,’ she said.

The technology behind this trick lies in something many already use every day. Known as NFC, or Near Field Communication, it’s the same short-range tech used for tap-and-go payments with your phone, card or smartwatch.



Each tag contains a screen, long-life battery, and internal transmitters designed to communicate with nearby devices—essentially turning each label into a tiny digital assistant.

Chantel called the experience ‘really interesting’, adding that it was eye-opening to see this level of tech in action during a simple grocery run.


And for shoppers eager to compare items, check online reviews, or even confirm what’s in stock, this under-the-radar feature may be one of Woolworths’ most helpful tools yet.

As supermarkets ramp up the battle for your grocery budget, it’s not just tech upgrades making waves—pricing strategies are shifting too.

If you’re keeping an eye on specials and savings, this quick update is worth a look.




Have you ever come across a surprising piece of technology while doing your weekly shop? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

In a previous story, we looked at the growing backlash against cashless parking meters—a change that’s left many seniors feeling overlooked and frustrated.

Just like with supermarket tech, these shifts toward digital-only options can feel more like a barrier than a convenience for those who prefer familiar methods.

If you’ve ever struggled with tapping to pay or finding the right app, this one’s worth a read too.

Read more: Backlash against parking meter change: Calls to ban 'cashless' payments grow