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ALDI delivers knockout blow to supermarket giants with $900+ annual grocery savings

Food and Lifestyle

ALDI delivers knockout blow to supermarket giants with $900+ annual grocery savings

compressed-marques-thomas-UpbPKxukZdE-unsplash.jpeg ALDI delivers knockout blow to supermarket giants with $900+ annual grocery savings
ALDI's basket of everyday groceries costs just $55.34 - while the same shop at Coles, Woolworths, or IGA would cost significantly more. Image source: Marques Thomas / Unsplash.

For Australian seniors watching every dollar stretch further, the latest supermarket price battle results deliver both relief and strategy.



ALDI has once again trounced the big players, offering a basket of everyday groceries and home brand items for just $55.34—while the same shop at Coles, Woolworths, or IGA would cost you significantly more.





Consumer group CHOICE's government-funded quarterly tracking has consistently found ALDI offers the cheapest groceries nationwide, with baskets typically 25 per cent cheaper than the major chains. For a household doing their weekly shop, that difference compounds quickly into serious savings.



In this article




'ALDI remains the best-value grocery basket'

Ashley de Silva, CHOICE CEO



The numbers that matter to your weekly budget



CHOICE's latest survey found ALDI's basket cost $55.35, compared to Woolworths at $58.92, Coles at $59.22, and IGA at $69.74. But these aren't just abstract figures—they represent real money that stays in your pocket.








Looking specifically at home brand products, where savvy shoppers can make the biggest impact, ALDI topped the list at $20.08.



Coles followed at $21.30, Woolworths at $21.40, and IGA at $23.89. For seniors making strategic choices about where every dollar goes, these differences add up remarkably quickly.




Annual savings from shopping at ALDI vs competitors



  • vs Woolworths: Save approximately $186 per year

  • vs Coles: Save approximately $202 per year

  • vs IGA: Save approximately $748 per year

  • Based on weekly shopping differences compounded over 52 weeks




A year-long pattern of savings emerges



CHOICE's tracking from March 2024 to December 2024 shows ALDI's basket price remained almost unchanged (decreasing by just 0.3 per cent), while Coles decreased by 2.5 per cent but Woolworths increased by 3.7 per cent. This consistency makes ALDI particularly appealing for seniors on fixed incomes who need predictable grocery expenses.









The price gap between Coles and Woolworths has widened slightly to $1.79, which CHOICE calculates would cost shoppers more than $90 annually just between these two major chains.



The home brand revolution continues



Australian supermarkets are responding to cost-of-living pressures with significant investments in their private label ranges. Both Woolworths and Coles have slashed prices on popular items, with Woolworths lowering shelf prices on 550 products until at least 2026.



The original article noted impressive growth figures: Woolworths saw 5 per cent growth in own and exclusive brands during the 2025 financial year, while Coles achieved 5.7 per cent growth in own brand products, with its premium Coles Finest range growing by 13 per cent.









These aren't the generic products of decades past. Modern home brands often match or exceed name-brand quality, with many winning industry awards. For seniors who might have once been hesitant about store brands, today's offerings represent genuine value without compromise.



Quality matters as much as price



The CHOICE survey didn't just focus on price—it also tested strawberry freshness across the chains. CHOICE noted that labels in supermarkets are 'often confusing' and make it 'difficult to tell if there is a true discount on offer or not'.




Strawberry freshness test results (Day 1 vs Day 5)


Coles: 100 per cent fresh → 58 per cent fresh


Woolworths: 92 per cent fresh → 44 per cent fresh


ALDI: 75 per cent fresh → 45 per cent fresh


IGA: 50 per cent fresh → 25 per cent fresh




This quality assessment matters particularly for seniors who may shop less frequently and need produce that lasts longer in the fridge.









Geographic reality: where you live affects what you pay



The absence of ALDI in Tasmania and the Northern Territory means shoppers pay higher prices, with IGA baskets costing $41.05 in Tasmania compared to $33.50 at Woolworths, and $46.75 in the Northern Territory compared to $33.54 at Woolworths.



For seniors living in these regions or in areas with limited supermarket competition, the price differences become even more pronounced. Western Australian shoppers also pay about one dollar more on average than eastern states residents.



Smart shopping strategies for Australian seniors



One way shoppers can cut through pricing confusion is to focus on unit pricing, comparing costs by gram or litre, but ultimately the best savings come from shopping between supermarkets where convenient and being flexible with weekly purchases.









For seniors with transport limitations, this might mean:





  • Combining shopping trips with family or friends to access different stores
  • Focusing on non-perishables from the cheapest retailer
  • Using online shopping delivery from ALDI where available
  • Taking advantage of specials cycles when they align with your shopping schedule



Did you know?


Did you know?
Nearly 96 per cent of Australians surveyed by CHOICE in January 2025 reported seeing household expenses and bills increase in the previous 12 months, making strategic grocery shopping more important than ever for managing fixed incomes.



The government backs transparency



CHOICE's quarterly government-funded reports represent an official commitment to helping Australian consumers make informed choices. These reports will continue quarterly, with the next scheduled by the end of September 2024 (now extended through 2025).



This government backing ensures the research continues, giving Australian families—including seniors managing tight budgets—reliable, independent information about where their grocery dollars go furthest.









What this means for your weekly shop



The research methodology involves mystery shoppers visiting 104 supermarkets across 27 locations nationwide, ensuring the data reflects real-world shopping experiences rather than promotional pricing. Locations were chosen to provide good coverage of socio-economic areas and geographic spread, with supermarkets surveyed in competitive clusters.



For seniors making every dollar count, these findings offer clear direction: ALDI consistently delivers the most value, but don't ignore the potential savings from specials at other chains. The key is strategic flexibility combined with an understanding of your local options.



The quarterly surveys also adapt their baskets seasonally—winter items like drinking chocolate and vegetable stock, summer items like fresh berries—ensuring the comparisons reflect what Australians actually buy throughout the year.



What This Means For You


What's your experience with switching between supermarkets to save money? Have you noticed the quality improvements in home brand products, and do you have any favourite discoveries that deliver both value and taste? Share your grocery shopping wisdom with fellow members below.





  • Original Article


    https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/a...battle-with-55-home-brand-shop-190024091.html





  • Quarterly tracking finds Aldi and Coles prices decreased, Woolworths prices increased during first year of surveys: CHOICE

    Cited text: Aldi remains the best-value grocery basket.


    Excerpt: Consumer group CHOICE's government-funded quarterly tracking has consistently found Aldi offers the cheapest groceries nationwide, with baskets typically 25 per cent cheaper than the major chains



    https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/...025/march/supermarket-basket-wave-four-survey





  • CHOICE releases first quarterly report on supermarket prices

    Cited text: New research finds Aldi has the cheapest groceries nationwide.The research revealed that Aldi's basket was about 25 per cent cheaper than baskets at Coles or ...


    Excerpt: Consumer group CHOICE's government-funded quarterly tracking has consistently found Aldi offers the cheapest groceries nationwide, with baskets typically 25 per cent cheaper than the major chains



    https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/media/media-releases/2024/june/supermarket-basket-report





  • Aldi wins supermarket price war as Coles, Woolworths, IGA left in the dust: ‘Best bet’

    Cited text: The report found Aldi’s basket was the cheapest at $55.35 for the 14 items without specials. Woolworths came in second place at $58.92, followed by Co...


    Excerpt: CHOICE's latest survey found Aldi's basket cost $55.35, compared to Woolworths at $58.92, Coles at $59.22, and IGA at $69.74



    https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/a...-iga-left-in-the-dust-best-bet-200015988.html





  • Quarterly tracking finds Aldi and Coles prices decreased, Woolworths prices increased during first year of surveys: CHOICE

    Cited text: 'From March 2024 to December 2024, Aldi's basket price with specials remained almost unchanged, decreasing by just 0.3 per cent.


    Excerpt: CHOICE's tracking from March 2024 to December 2024 shows Aldi's basket price remained almost unchanged (decreasing by just 0.3 per cent), while Coles decreased by 2.5 per cent but Woolworths increased by 3.7 per cent



    https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/...025/march/supermarket-basket-wave-four-survey





  • Quarterly tracking finds Aldi and Coles prices decreased, Woolworths prices increased during first year of surveys: CHOICE

    Cited text: · 'The Coles basket with specials cost on average $68.52 in March, compared to $66.84 in December—a 2.5 per cent decrease. The Woolworths basket with specia...


    Excerpt: CHOICE's tracking from March 2024 to December 2024 shows Aldi's basket price remained almost unchanged (decreasing by just 0.3 per cent), while Coles decreased by 2.5 per cent but Woolworths increased by 3.7 per cent



    https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/...025/march/supermarket-basket-wave-four-survey





  • Quarterly tracking finds Aldi and Coles prices decreased, Woolworths prices increased during first year of surveys: CHOICE

    Cited text: · 'The first quarter of our grocery basket survey saw Coles and Woolworths prices were closely matched, with only 75 cents between them for a basket w...


    Excerpt: The price gap between Coles and Woolworths has widened slightly to $1.79, which CHOICE calculates would cost shoppers more than $90 annually just between these two major chains



    https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/...025/march/supermarket-basket-wave-four-survey





  • Aldi wins supermarket price war as Coles, Woolworths, IGA left in the dust: ‘Best bet’

    Cited text: It comes as both Woolworths and Coles slash prices on a range of popular items in a bid to lure shoppers.


    Excerpt: Both Woolworths and Coles have slashed prices on popular items, with Woolworths lowering shelf prices on 550 products until at least 2026



    https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/a...-iga-left-in-the-dust-best-bet-200015988.html





  • Aldi wins supermarket price war as Coles, Woolworths, IGA left in the dust: ‘Best bet’

    Cited text: Woolworths has lowered shelf prices on 550 products until at least 2026, up from the nearly 400 products initially announced, along with lowering pric...


    Excerpt: Both Woolworths and Coles have slashed prices on popular items, with Woolworths lowering shelf prices on 550 products until at least 2026



    https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/a...-iga-left-in-the-dust-best-bet-200015988.html





  • Grocery prices: Aldi cheapest as Coles specials beat Woolworths

    Cited text: De Silva said labels in supermarkets are “often confusing” and make it “difficult to tell if there is a true discount on offer or not”. “Our second qu...


    Excerpt: CHOICE noted that labels in supermarkets are 'often confusing' and make it 'difficult to tell if there is a true discount on offer or not'



    https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2024/09/26/coles-woolworths-aldi-prices





  • Supermarket price monitoring to help Australians make informed choices at the checkout | Treasury Ministers

    Cited text: The absence of Aldi in Tasmania and the Northern Territory, means that shoppers end up paying higher prices.


    Excerpt: The absence of Aldi in Tasmania and the Northern Territory means shoppers pay higher prices, with IGA baskets costing $41.05 in Tasmania compared to $33.50 at Woolworths, and $46.75 in the Northern Territory compared to $33.54 at Woolworths



    https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/m...market-price-monitoring-help-australians-make





  • Supermarket price monitoring to help Australians make informed choices at the checkout | Treasury Ministers

    Cited text: In Tasmania, the cost of the 10 item IGA basket was $41.05, compared to $33.50 at Woolworths and $34.40 at Coles. In the Northern Territory, the 10 it...


    Excerpt: The absence of Aldi in Tasmania and the Northern Territory means shoppers pay higher prices, with IGA baskets costing $41.05 in Tasmania compared to $33.50 at Woolworths, and $46.75 in the Northern Territory compared to $33.54 at Woolworths



    https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/m...market-price-monitoring-help-australians-make





  • Supermarket price monitoring to help Australians make informed choices at the checkout | Treasury Ministers

    Cited text: The average price of the basket in Western Australia was about one dollar higher than in the eastern states.


    Excerpt: Western Australian shoppers also pay about one dollar more on average than eastern states residents



    https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/m...market-price-monitoring-help-australians-make





  • Grocery prices: Aldi cheapest as Coles specials beat Woolworths

    Cited text: One way shoppers can try and cut through the confusion is to focus on unit pricing, which compares how much products cost based on quantity, such as b...


    Excerpt: One way shoppers can cut through pricing confusion is to focus on unit pricing, comparing costs by gram or litre, but ultimately the best savings come from shopping between supermarkets where convenient and being flexible with weekly…



    https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2024/09/26/coles-woolworths-aldi-prices





  • Which is the cheapest supermarket chain in Australia? | CHOICE

    Cited text: · In our most recent survey, conducted in January 2025, nearly everyone in our nationally representative survey—96 per cent—told us they'd seen household ...


    Excerpt: Nearly 96 per cent of Australians surveyed by CHOICE in January 2025 reported seeing household expenses and bills increase in the previous 12 months



    https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/...markets/articles/cheapest-groceries-australia





  • Aldi wins supermarket price war as Coles, Woolworths, IGA left in the dust: ‘Best bet’

    Cited text: CHOICE has released the results of its latest quarterly, government-funded report on supermarket prices.


    Excerpt: CHOICE's quarterly government-funded reports represent an official commitment to helping Australian consumers make informed choices



    https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/a...-iga-left-in-the-dust-best-bet-200015988.html





  • Aldi wins supermarket price war as Coles, Woolworths, IGA left in the dust: ‘Best bet’

    Cited text: CHOICE has been tracking the price of groceries at Australian supermarkets since March last year with its quarterly government-funded report.


    Excerpt: CHOICE's quarterly government-funded reports represent an official commitment to helping Australian consumers make informed choices



    https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/a...-iga-left-in-the-dust-best-bet-200015988.html





  • Supermarket price monitoring to help Australians make informed choices at the checkout | Treasury Ministers

    Cited text: CHOICE’s next quarterly grocery price report will be released by the end of September 2024.


    Excerpt: These reports will continue quarterly, with the next scheduled by the end of September 2024



    https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/m...market-price-monitoring-help-australians-make





  • CHOICE releases first quarterly report on supermarket prices

    Cited text: Supermarket locations were chosen to give good coverage of socio-economic status based on ABS Indexes and geographic spread across the country. We sur...


    Excerpt: Locations were chosen to provide good coverage of socio-economic areas and geographic spread, with supermarkets surveyed in competitive clusters



    https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/media/media-releases/2024/june/supermarket-basket-report



Last edited:

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sorry but I have to ask how much you've invested in Aldi. I'm heartily sick of them held up as the be all and end all. One time I went there they had a wireless mouse in their catalogue. It was day 1 one the sale and I was 2nd in the door. I followed the gentleman in front of me, watched him pick up the only one. I asked a staff member where the rest were and was told "oh they all sold out last Thursday"....a week before.. I had always felt uncomfortable in their shop so needless to say, after this, I haven't been back.
 
I am certainly a fan of Aldi for specific items but don't do all my shopping there snd never will but save significantly on the several items I do buy so I can afford to buy better quality fruit and veg from an independent so doing my best to stay away from Coles and Woolworths more.
 
I found the same trick at Aldi as with 'gamiry'.
A specific item was advertised, & of course, when I went to buy it, they were all sold out.
It's all a calculated way to get customers into their stores. This by only having a couple of the items in stock to solve fraudulency in advertising.
It all scratches the sides of a scam.

If Aldi relied on us, they'd be broke.
 
I, too, am not a big fan of Aldi. In particular, I find their met products very suspect. The packaging is very suspect and the colour of their beef products put me off completely. The groceries section is actually quite small when compared to, say, Woolworths, and I do understand that their discount offerings are genuine. I have tried a number of their branded products, and in many cases, they don't taste as I would expect them to. They do a great job in maintaining a price war with other supermarket chains but if you want to buy something you need which is a neccessary item for you in particular, you would probably not find it at Aldi and then you would have to get out of the Aldi store, jump into your car and find the nearest supermarket, park, walk and purchase which would all add a cost. Any discount you may have sought from Aldi would have changed to an additional cost for your search. Was it really worth it?
 
Wife and I , last night, tried their award winning " South Point Estate Pinot Grigio" at less than $5/bottle.
I tell you what!
For a cheap quaffing wine, it's not too shabby at all.
We will be keeping a bottle or 3 for summer BBQ lunches.
 
Your newsletter article looked like this which is click baiting if ever I've seen it. Dont try so hard to keep the obvious a mystery in the hope readers will click. Thankfully your website version mentioned Aldi upfront.
Re the content i get a free coffee at Woolies most times so I reckon I'm saving against Aldi. :)
 

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I am very fortunate in that I have Aldi, Coles, IGA and 2 Woolworths within a 5 minute drive from my current house. It's unfortunate I am moving early November but I akready there is at least a Coles and a Woolworths and I am sure the other 2 are pretty close as well in that area, just a matter of googling it.
 
In a centre that contains the top 3 supermarkets my first stop is Aldi, if they had more variety making a Cole’s visit necessary wouldn go anywhere else.
With the aid of online shopping prices and my Aldi shop I saved $15. That to a senior is gold.
 
This article was compiled by Choice. I subscribe and read it yesterday. I'm very happy with Aldi and my strawberries last for a long time. 🍓
 
While we are all interested in who's taking the crown, consider where the profits are going and where the products are made. :unsure:
 
This article was compiled by Choice. I subscribe and read it yesterday. I'm very happy with Aldi and my strawberries last for a long time. 🍓
Agree
 
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I, too, am not a big fan of Aldi. In particular, I find their met products very suspect. The packaging is very suspect and the colour of their beef products put me off completely. The groceries section is actually quite small when compared to, say, Woolworths, and I do understand that their discount offerings are genuine. I have tried a number of their branded products, and in many cases, they don't taste as I would expect them to. They do a great job in maintaining a price war with other supermarket chains but if you want to buy something you need which is a neccessary item for you in particular, you would probably not find it at Aldi and then you would have to get out of the Aldi store, jump into your car and find the nearest supermarket, park, walk and purchase which would all add a cost. Any discount you may have sought from Aldi would have changed to an additional cost for your search. Was it really worth it?
I agree with you re meat. I don't like the look of it in Aldi. I find lots of reduced meat in Coles and woollies at the end of the day. All 3 supermarkets are very close to each other, so competition is good!
 
Just goes to prove that IGA and its affiliates are the price gougers that they are.

Wonder Soft white bread - $5.60 at IGA, $4.90 at Woolworths/Coles.

Generic long life full cream milk 1 litre - $1.90 at IGA, $1.60 at Woolworths/Coles.

A few years ago, IGA had a "half price special" on Birds Eye crumbed fish fillets advertised at $4.85. The two I bought scanned at $9.70 each! The cashier refused to honour the "half price special" until I showed her the catalogue, when she begrudgingly agreed to the special price. How many other products are falsely advertised in the same manner.

Just a few months ago, IGA had Tip Top Raisin Bread "half price" at $2.75. The display was filled with Tip Top Cafe Style Raisin Bread at $7.20.

Deception at its finest!
 
Horses for courses, but if you are prepared to put up with a few weaknesses in their service model, then there are definite savings to be made. When my wife swapped to ALDI a few years ago, I was dead against it, but I am now a "Born Again" ALDI fan. Their no name brands are largely made in Australia and taste almost the same as the name brands, and are way cheaper. there special buys such as decking oil is also made in Australia and I have found out performs expensive name products. Their products have to be made by the large companies and rebranded. Having said that, we still need to top up some items at our Drakes Supermarket (Sth Aust and Qld only). But both supermarkets and a Woolies are in the same shopping centre, so no big deal. ALDI does not suit everyone, but it works for us and they have saved us significant money.
 
I've been shopping at Aldi for some time now, and the savings have been considerably more than the Mystery Shoppers. Aldi's my first grocery shop as it's further away from home, followed by Coles on the way back for items I can't get from Aldi. I'm pretty savvy when it comes to grocery shopping and looking for a bargain for excellent quality produce. The majority of Aldi's grocery brand-name produce is made in Australia, supporting our local businesses, including fruit and vegetables, unless otherwise indicated. Meat and seafood are a combination of local and imported, the same with frozen. I've cut back on meat, more chicken and seafood, mince for spaghetti, and Mexican dishes.
Regarding Aldi specials, located in the middle isles, they only get limited stock, so you have to be in the store early, otherwise you miss out. I've missed out on a few items as they were sold out.
A neighbour who manages a local bakery located by an Aldi store advised me that this was the reason I'd missed out. She mentioned that Customers would line up before the Aldi store opened to ensure that they were lucky enough to purchase some of these weekly popular specials.
IGA is the closest store to me, my emergency backup store, and they have some great thick T-Bone steaks supplied from Country. Yum!!! after being marinated in soy sauce with freshly chopped garlic, a dash of finely sliced hot chillies, and chopped coriander. That's a treat now and then. IGA's Country mixed salads are always great, including the price for the T-Bones and salads is pretty good as well!
 
I like Aldi and always make savings when I shop there, have not had any trouble with the quality of their products either, however my local Aldi is not as close as Coles and the IGA is small and limited stock. So most of the shopping is done at Coles. The quality of produce at Coles can also be hit and miss at times.
 
I always did some of my shopping at Aldi, until one day when l saw their meat section. The steakes were literally half black and the cutlets grey and green. From that day onwards, l never set foot into Aldi. That's not the colour that fresh meat should be. And not a single staff member in sight other than the checkout area. They appear to be understaffed and fresh meat products are not being checked for their freshness. I see a lot of members do appreciate shopping at Aldi, but l am only stating my experience with the store in my location. 🙏🦋
 
I live in Tasmania but I don't pay higher prices because I only buy when on special the only things I buy regardless of special or not is milk and bread
 
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I live at Beenleigh and there is a big supermarket there called Fresh and Save. My goodness the prices of the fruit and vegies are solo cheap and the produce is always fresh. There other items are cheap as well most of them cheaper than the othersupermarkets. Baked chickens are always $9.90. Their meat and chicken are cheaper than Coles and Woolies. I shop their first and always compare prices then go to Woolies or Coles for the items I need that are on a good special.
 

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