Remember when buying a chocolate bar from a vending machine was highway robbery? Those days are officially over, and what's replacing them should concern every Australian household watching their grocery budget.
A recent discovery by an eagle-eyed traveller has exposed something quite extraordinary: airport vending machines are now undercutting major supermarkets on everyday treats, revealing just how far grocery prices have spiralled beyond reasonable expectations.
The Six-Dollar Wake-Up Call
The revelation came from a frustrated Reddit user who spotted Maltesers selling for $6.80 in an airport vending machine—traditionally the most expensive place to buy anything.
The shocker? The same bag costs $7 at Coles, making the airport option actually cheaper.
'So we have arrived at peak rip off,' the user posted. 'An airport vending machine is now cheaper than major supermarkets on chocolate. Surely something is seriously wrong here.'
The post struck a chord with thousands of Australians, many sharing their own experiences of finding better value at traditionally expensive venues. Cinema snacks, takeaway pizza, even convenience store prices were beating supermarket rates.
'Many consumers rely on discounts to help their grocery budgets stretch further, particularly during this time of cost of living pressures'
The Numbers Behind The Outrage
This isn't just about overpriced chocolate. Recent analysis shows grocery prices have jumped dramatically, with oils and fats leading the surge at 31 per cent increases, while breakfast cereals, bread, cheese, eggs, and milk have all risen between 22 per cent and 25 per cent.
Australia's supermarket landscape is dominated by an oligopoly, with Woolworths and Coles controlling 67 per cent of supermarket retail sales nationally, while Aldi accounts for 9 per cent and independent supermarkets just 7 per cent.
Perhaps most tellingly, while grocery costs have risen by 19 per cent since 2022, consumer stress around groceries has surged by an extraordinary 105 per cent.
This suggests Australians aren't just feeling the pinch—they're losing faith in the system entirely.
Market Share Snapshot
Woolworths: 37 per cent market share
Coles: 28 per cent market share
Aldi: 17 per cent market share
Independent supermarkets: 7 per cent market share
Other retailers: 11 per cent market share
When The Watchdog Steps In
The frustration captured in that social media post isn't occurring in a vacuum. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has acknowledged that 'grocery prices have become a major concern for the millions of Australians experiencing cost-of-living pressures'.
In September 2024, the ACCC took unprecedented action, launching separate legal proceedings against both Woolworths and Coles for allegedly misleading consumers through discount pricing claims, involving 266 products for Woolworths and 245 products for Coles.
The allegations paint a concerning picture: products would maintain regular prices for months, then be subject to temporary price spikes of at least 15 per cent, before being placed on 'Prices Dropped' or 'Down Down' promotions at prices still higher than the original cost.
A Complete Reversal Of Expectations
For anyone over 60, this situation represents a fundamental shift in how Australian retail operates. Historically, supermarkets offered the best value through bulk buying power and competitive pricing. Vending machines, airport shops, and convenience stores charged premium prices for their convenience factor.
That relationship has completely flipped. As former ACCC chairman Allan Fels noted in a recent report, 'Prices in Australia are often too high reflecting the many markets where there is less than fully effective competition,' adding that 'profit push pricing has added significantly to inflation in recent times'.
The Government Responds
The situation has attracted significant political attention. The government has acknowledged that 'Australians have been under pressure, and a lot of that pressure is felt on the weekly shop,' with easing cost of living being identified as the Albanese Government's 'number one priority'.
The response includes increasing ACCC funding by over $30 million to tackle misleading supermarket pricing tactics and making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory with tougher penalties.
Smart Strategies For Beating The System
While structural changes work their way through the system, there are immediate steps you can take to protect your grocery budget:
Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work
- Download both Woolworths and Coles apps to compare live prices
- Check Amazon for pantry staples—often significantly cheaper with next-day delivery
- Consider shopping at multiple stores for different categories
- Use unit pricing to find genuine value, not just headline prices
- Don't assume supermarkets are automatically cheapest anymore
Analysis shows that shopping strategically across different retailers could save more than $90 per year, and experts recommend using unit pricing to find genuine value and buying house-brand products where quality is comparable.
The shift has also accelerated the growth of discount alternatives. Data indicates Australians are increasingly turning to Aldi as a cheaper option than both Woolworths and Coles, or spreading their shopping across several retailers to maximise value.
What This Means For Your Weekly Shop
The Maltesers moment represents more than just a pricing quirk—it's a signal that Australia's retail landscape has fundamentally changed. As the ACCC noted, 'Many consumers have told us that they are losing trust in the sale price claims by supermarkets'.
For households managing fixed incomes, this erosion of trust combined with genuine price increases creates a double burden. You're not just paying more—you're also spending more time and energy trying to navigate an increasingly complex pricing environment.
What This Means For You
The irony isn't lost on many: places we once avoided due to inflated prices are now offering genuine alternatives to supermarket shopping. Whether that's sustainable long-term remains to be seen, but for now, it's worth checking those vending machine prices next time you're travelling.
Have you noticed similar pricing oddities in your shopping? Have you found unlikely bargains in traditionally expensive places, or discovered new strategies for keeping your grocery bill manageable? Share your experiences and money-saving tips in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyl...r/news-story/53e2f39f8cda48a2e752c8f471658285
New Woolworths and Coles analysis reveals $406 grocery shop shock for millions of Aussies
Cited text: We all feel the pinch while buying groceries these days, but the latest inflation data reveals just how hard some everyday staples are hitting our wal...
Excerpt: airport vending machines are now undercutting major supermarkets on everyday treats, revealing just how far grocery prices have spiralled beyond reasonable expectations
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/n...-shock-for-millions-of-aussies-103801482.html
New Woolworths and Coles analysis reveals $406 grocery shop shock for millions of Aussies
Cited text: I've calculated the average 2024 price of 21 items across Woolworths and Coles. Using the Australian Bureau of Statistics Consumer Price Index data, I...
Excerpt: The same bag cost $7 at Coles, making the airport option actually cheaper
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/n...-shock-for-millions-of-aussies-103801482.html
New Woolworths and Coles analysis reveals $406 grocery shop shock for millions of Aussies
Cited text: Leading the pack is a staggering 31 per cent price increase for oils and fats. Breakfast cereals, bread, cheese, eggs, and milk have all jumped betwee...
Excerpt: Recent analysis shows grocery prices have jumped dramatically, with oils and fats leading the surge at 31 per cent increases, while breakfast cereals, bread, cheese, eggs, and milk have all risen between 22 per cent and 25 per cent
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/n...-shock-for-millions-of-aussies-103801482.html
ACCC Supermarkets Inquiry moves into next phase after hearing consumer and supplier concerns | ACCC
Cited text: Supermarket retailing in Australia is an oligopoly, with Woolworths and Coles accounting for 67 per cent of supermarket retail sales nationally. Aldi ...
Excerpt: Australia's supermarket landscape is dominated by an oligopoly, with Woolworths and Coles controlling 67 per cent of supermarket retail sales nationally, while Aldi accounts for 9 per cent and independent supermarkets just 7 per cent
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-relea...-after-hearing-consumer-and-supplier-concerns
Huge factor driving Aussies ‘heightened’ Coles and Woolworths grocery bill stress: ‘Significant’
Cited text: The standout statistic, however, is the disconnect between grocery prices and stress. While grocery costs have risen by 19 per cent, stress around gro...
Excerpt: while grocery costs have risen by 19 per cent since 2022, consumer stress around groceries has surged by an extraordinary 105 per cent
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/h...rocery-bill-stress-significant-212132447.html
ACCC to examine prices and competition in supermarket sector | ACCC
Cited text: “We know grocery prices have become a major concern for the millions of Australians experiencing cost of living pressures,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottl...
Excerpt: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has acknowledged that 'grocery prices have become a major concern for the millions of Australians experiencing cost of living pressures'
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-to-examine-prices-and-competition-in-supermarket-sector
ACCC takes Woolworths and Coles to court over alleged misleading ‘Prices Dropped’ and ‘Down Down’ claims | ACCC
Cited text: The ACCC alleges the conduct involved 266 products for Woolworths at different times across 20 months, and 245 products for Coles at different times a...
Excerpt: launching separate legal proceedings against both Woolworths and Coles for allegedly misleading consumers through discount pricing claims, involving 266 products for Woolworths and 245 products for Coles
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-relea...isleading-prices-dropped-and-down-down-claims
ACCC takes Woolworths and Coles to court over alleged misleading ‘Prices Dropped’ and ‘Down Down’ claims | ACCC
Cited text: The ACCC has commenced separate proceedings in the Federal Court against Woolworths Group Limited (Woolworths) (ASX: WOW) and Coles Supermarkets Austr...
Excerpt: launching separate legal proceedings against both Woolworths and Coles for allegedly misleading consumers through discount pricing claims, involving 266 products for Woolworths and 245 products for Coles
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-relea...isleading-prices-dropped-and-down-down-claims
Are Coles, Woolies and Aldi solely to blame for rise in cost of Aussie household groceries?
Cited text: 'Prices in Australia are often too high reflecting the many markets where there is less than fully effective competition,' Mr Fels wrote in his execut...
Excerpt: As former ACCC chairman Allan Fels noted in a recent report, 'Prices in Australia are often too high reflecting the many markets where there is less than fully effective competition,' adding that 'profit push pricing has added…
https://www.savings.com.au/news/actu-price-gouging
Cracking down on the supermarkets to get a better deal for Australians | Treasury Ministers
Cited text: We know Australians have been under pressure, and a lot of that pressure is felt on the weekly shop. Easing the cost of living is the Albanese Governm...
Excerpt: The government has acknowledged that 'Australians have been under pressure, and a lot of that pressure is felt on the weekly shop,' with easing cost of living being identified as the Albanese Government's 'number one priority'
https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/m...down-supermarkets-get-better-deal-australians
Cracking down on the supermarkets to get a better deal for Australians | Treasury Ministers
Cited text: Increasing ACCC funding by over $30 million to go after supermarkets using misleading pricing tactics.
Excerpt: The response includes increasing ACCC funding by over $30 million to tackle misleading supermarket pricing tactics and making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory with tougher penalties
https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/m...down-supermarkets-get-better-deal-australians
Cracking down on the supermarkets to get a better deal for Australians | Treasury Ministers
Cited text: Making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory, with tougher penalties to stop supermarkets from unfairly squeezing suppliers.
Excerpt: The response includes increasing ACCC funding by over $30 million to tackle misleading supermarket pricing tactics and making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory with tougher penalties
https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/m...down-supermarkets-get-better-deal-australians
Prices dropping for all major supermarkets bar Woolies—News | InDaily, Inside South Australia
Cited text: “While the difference doesn’t seem that much, over a year of weekly shops, the difference would add up to more than $90.” · The Albanese government st...
Excerpt: Analysis shows that shopping strategically across different retailers could save more than $90 per year, and experts recommend using unit pricing to find genuine value and buying house-brand products where quality is comparable
https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/business/2025/03/27/grocery-prices-report
Prices dropping for all major supermarkets bar Woolies—News | InDaily, Inside South Australia
Cited text: De Silva said there were simple ways to save on grocery bills, including using unit pricing to find the cheapest option, shopping across multiple stor...
Excerpt: Analysis shows that shopping strategically across different retailers could save more than $90 per year, and experts recommend using unit pricing to find genuine value and buying house-brand products where quality is comparable
https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/business/2025/03/27/grocery-prices-report
Huge factor driving Aussies ‘heightened’ Coles and Woolworths grocery bill stress: ‘Significant’
Cited text: Our data indicates that Aussies are increasingly turning to Aldi, a cheaper option than both Woolies and Coles, or spreading their shop across several...
Excerpt: Data indicates Australians are increasingly turning to Aldi as a cheaper option than both Woolworths and Coles, or spreading their shopping across several retailers to maximise value
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/h...rocery-bill-stress-significant-212132447.html
ACCC Supermarkets Inquiry moves into next phase after hearing consumer and supplier concerns | ACCC
Cited text: “Many consumers have told us that they are losing trust in the sale price claims by supermarkets,” Mr Keogh said.
Excerpt: As the ACCC noted, 'Many consumers have told us that they are losing trust in the sale price claims by supermarkets'
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-relea...-after-hearing-consumer-and-supplier-concerns
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