Aussie mum shares shocking price disparity between Coles and ALDI—'It's disgusting’

In the age of soaring living costs, where every cent counts, savvy shopping has become more than just a skill—it's a necessity.

For those who are always on the lookout for ways to stretch their dollars, a recent comparison between supermarket giants Coles and ALDI by an Aussie mum has shed light on the significant price disparities that can affect your weekly budget.


Budget-conscious shopper Lidia has always been strategic about her grocery trips.

She typically starts at ALDI, where she fills her cart with the bulk of her shopping list, and then heads to Coles for the remaining items.

However, her latest shopping experience left her—and now the internet—astonished.

After a substantial haul of over 35 items from ALDI, which included a variety of fresh produce, pantry staples, and household items, Lidia spent a total of $255.

She said, ‘This is enough to make me seven meals for the week...we're trying to eat more vegetable-based meals and I already have some schnitzels frozen so we don't need too much meat this week.’


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A shopper was shocked at the alarming price difference between Coles and ALDI. Image Source: Facebook


Lidia's cart was brimming with three types of cheese, a bag of avocados, mince meat, cucumbers, yoghurt, cauliflower, peas, frozen chips, paddle pops, sweet potatoes, apples, onions, lemons, berries, and much more.

She even picked up snacks for the kids' lunchboxes and a few indulgent treats like muffins and hot cross buns.

But the real shock came when Lidia visited Coles for a few additional items.

Despite only picking up a handful of products, including bread, carrots, and tuna, her bill at Coles came to a staggering $78.


The stark contrast between the two receipts highlighted a concern many Australians share: the rising cost of living and how it's reflected in our grocery bills.

Lidia said, ‘I just find it so interesting. I actually can't believe the price gouging. It's disgusting and shame on Coles and Woolies for making people have to do this. Good on you, ALDI.’

Lidia's experience, which she shared in a video posted on social media, has resonated with many shoppers.

The clip has been viewed over 1.5 million times, sparking a conversation about the value for money offered by different supermarkets.


Many viewers echoed Lidia's sentiments, expressing their surprise at the price differences and sharing their strategies for keeping grocery costs down.

One viewer said, ‘You don't realise how ripped off you are shopping at Woolies and Coles until you go to ALDI!’

‘ALDI is amazing. It's my go-to shop and has better food anyway,’ another agreed.

Other viewers shared their experiences when shopping at ALDI.

‘So true, I was scared to buy veg because everyone is complaining that it's so expensive. I went to ALDI and got a whole cauliflower, two potatoes, a tomato and a jar of minced garlic for just over $7,’ said one viewer.


While some shoppers swear by ALDI for its affordability, others raised concerns about the quality of produce or the lack of variety compared to other supermarkets.

One viewer said, ‘Every time I buy fruit from ALDI it's gone bad within 24 hours.’

In response to the video, a Coles spokesperson said, ‘We are working hard to keep grocery prices affordable for customers, particularly as they face escalating living costs with higher mortgages and rents and increasing expenses like energy and fuel.’

They added, ‘We are always looking for ways to lower the cost of groceries and invest in value through campaigns like Great Value Hands Down and thousands of weekly specials.’


Source: TikTok / @jlhz22


As the cost of living continues to rise and the effects of inflation are felt across the nation, many find themselves under financial pressure.

To help you cope with this pressure, we’ve compiled a list of genius money-saving tips from experts to help you slash your grocery bill. Read about it here!
Key Takeaways
  • An Australian mum documented a significant price discrepancy between her grocery bills at ALDI and Coles, with ALDI being considerably cheaper for a large haul of items.
  • The shopper's ALDI purchase included over 35 items and cost $255, while a much smaller selection of additional items at Coles came to $78.
  • The price contrast was shared in a video that spread like wildfire on social media, sparking discussion about supermarket pricing and budgeting.
  • A Coles spokesperson addressed the issue, stating the supermarket is committed to keeping grocery prices affordable and highlighted their value campaigns and weekly specials.
Have you noticed a difference in prices between supermarkets? Do you have any tips for saving money on groceries? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
 
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Since when is 3 loaves of bread, 9 cans of tuna, kabana, veges & some sauces a handful of groceries. Aldi is ok if you want to buy brands you have never heard of. I have a fussy family who will only eat certain brand food. A lot of Aldi products are produced overseas, so you are not supporting Australian made.
 
Since when is 3 loaves of bread, 9 cans of tuna, kabana, veges & some sauces a handful of groceries. Aldi is ok if you want to buy brands you have never heard of. I have a fussy family who will only eat certain brand food. A lot of Aldi products are produced overseas, so you are not supporting Australian made.
That is simply untrue! Quite the opposite in fact. I have dealt with all 3 companies and Aldi is the one that always wants to deal with Australian manufacturers and farmers! Not so Coles and Woolworths! We used to make their home brand cordial and at every run, they would have someone there to ensure our specs were correct so don't worry about the quality of their products!
 
Since when is 3 loaves of bread, 9 cans of tuna, kabana, veges & some sauces a handful of groceries. Aldi is ok if you want to buy brands you have never heard of. I have a fussy family who will only eat certain brand food. A lot of Aldi products are produced overseas, so you are not supporting Australian made.
Keep getting ripped off by buying brand item's plenty off item's at Aldi are Australian made
 
From my observation, apples are not being compared to apples. The report MAY be designed to show Aldi in a more favourable light but who knows.

In my experience, the price gap between equivalent items at Aldi when compared to Woolworths/Coles has been steadily decreasing over recent years.

For example:- 1 litre generic long life milk - Aldi $1.59 W/C $1.60
1.25 litre generic sugar free soft drink - Aldi $1.15 W/C $1.20
2 litre generic vaniila ice cream - Aldi $4.99 W/C $4.99

With respect to another store, namely Spudshed in Perth, they had Dr Oeckter Pizza varieties for $2.99. Woolworths $8.50! Rump steak is just $15.99/kg.

With just being here a week, I have discovered a gem in the West! It might be a 15 minute drive to get there but Spudshed is my go to supermarket!
 
Since when is 3 loaves of bread, 9 cans of tuna, kabana, veges & some sauces a handful of groceries. Aldi is ok if you want to buy brands you have never heard of. I have a fussy family who will only eat certain brand food. A lot of Aldi products are produced overseas, so you are not supporting Australian made.
If you don’t try new brands you will never know ! Your loss. Aldi's meat is second to none all their cleaning products leave others far behind as Choice has proven more than once. And you save money. What could be better 🤷‍♀️
 
Woolworths fruit and veg are often half soft and nearly rotten but expensive - Aldi is cheaper but seem to not last very long, have not tried Coles. It's all about ripping off the customer whichever way you can! At Woolworths prices can go up 20% in one week to the next. Specials are often not special! Tickets are not always in the correct spot for a particular item and are often misleading. All in all Woolworths at Woodford are not up to scratch by a long way!! We need an Aldi out here as soon as possible to give them a run for their money and help the customers out!
 
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As a regular shopper at Aldi I have to agree with June E . I used to buy meat direct from the farmer.But now I can get enough meat & all my groceries for less than the cost of one delivery of meat from the farm. That includes up to 14 types of meat (for the fortnight). The only thing I buy from Woollies is my NORCO milk that cost me $4.40 a bottle as I am a very fussy person who won't buy watered down cheap milk.
 
Since when is 3 loaves of bread, 9 cans of tuna, kabana, veges & some sauces a handful of groceries. Aldi is ok if you want to buy brands you have never heard of. I have a fussy family who will only eat certain brand food. A lot of Aldi products are produced overseas, so you are not supporting Australian made.
"(Since when is 3 loaves of bread, 9 cans of tuna, kabana, veges & some sauces a handful of groceries. )"

Where did you get that list of groceries bought from Coles from.? In case I missed it can you please lead me as to where the article from SDC is saying that.?
I will wait for your respones. Thank you.
 
Since when is 3 loaves of bread, 9 cans of tuna, kabana, veges & some sauces a handful of groceries. Aldi is ok if you want to buy brands you have never heard of. I have a fussy family who will only eat certain brand food. A lot of Aldi products are produced overseas, so you are not supporting Australian made.
And neither is Coles or Woollies selling 100% Australian made products.
 
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Coles used to be my first stop, but no more big shop Aldi what can’t get there which isn’t much Coles . I don’t understand why Aldi can reduce goods so much. I don’t mean just overseas products but well known Australian made.
 
Unfair comparison.
How many items were bought at Coles? The exact number of items bought at Aldi was mentioned.
Vague comparisons are misleading.
Visually, the ALDI items looked about 3 times the Coles things.

I agree that the comparisons should be with 'like' items.

The ALDI Catalogue has these comparisons weekly, the only problem is that ALDI is comparing known name brands to ALDI's generics.

To be fair, ALDI should compare a basket of its items to a basket of Coles and Woolworths generic branded items.
 
From my observation, apples are not being compared to apples. The report MAY be designed to show Aldi in a more favourable light but who knows.

In my experience, the price gap between equivalent items at Aldi when compared to Woolworths/Coles has been steadily decreasing over recent years.

For example:- 1 litre generic long life milk - Aldi $1.59 W/C $1.60
1.25 litre generic sugar free soft drink - Aldi $1.15 W/C $1.20
2 litre generic vaniila ice cream - Aldi $4.99 W/C $4.99

With respect to another store, namely Spudshed in Perth, they had Dr Oeckter Pizza varieties for $2.99. Woolworths $8.50! Rump steak is just $15.99/kg.

With just being here a week, I have discovered a gem in the West! It might be a 15 minute drive to get there but Spudshed is my go to supermarket!
I agree with you re ALDI. It used to sell many items at a marked difference (cheaper). Over some years though, it's increased lots of its prices to be a cent or five cheaper.
 
"(Since when is 3 loaves of bread, 9 cans of tuna, kabana, veges & some sauces a handful of groceries. )"

Where did you get that list of groceries bought from Coles from.? In case I missed it can you please lead me as to where the article from SDC is saying that.?
I will wait for your respones. Thank you.
Despite only picking up a handful of products, including bread, carrots, and tuna, her bill at Coles came to a staggering $78.

This is the only reference to the purchases made at Coles. No quantities are mentioned.
 
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Why would she not buy bread, carrots and tuna with her shop at Aldi if it’s so much cheaper?
I must buy the wrong items because whenever I shop at Aldi all my items are only 1c cheaper than Coles and I won’t pack my own bags to save 1c.
 
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