Deli-cious discoveries: Expert uncovers hidden savings at Coles and Woolworths
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As people navigate the aisles of their local supermarkets, many are on a mission to find the best deals and the freshest products to fill our pantries and fridges.
However, have you ever taken a moment to consider the hidden gems and potential savings that might be lurking in the deli sections of Coles and Woolworths?
Jo Abi of 9Honey on her ‘Supermarket Sleuths’ has done just that, and what she uncovered might surprise you!
Tucked away, often in the back corners of Coles and Woolworths stores, the deli sections sit quietly beside their louder, more colourful counterparts: the pre-packaged deli items.
It's easy to overlook these sections, but Abi’s investigation suggested that it might be worthwhile to give them a second glance.
Let's delve into the findings and see whether the deli counters at these Australian supermarket giants are worth the extra steps.
Woolworths deli vs pre-packaged
At Woolworths, the deli section is a treasure trove of small goods, chicken items, and cheeses. However, it's not just about the variety but also the cost.
When comparing the prices of deli items to their pre-packaged equivalents, Abi found some interesting discrepancies.
For instance, the most affordable deli ham, Deli Leg Ham Sliced From The Deli 1kg, is priced at $19.50 per kilo, whereas the Riverland Ham Sliced Quad Pack 500g in the pre-packaged section is only $14.60 per kilo. That's a significant saving of $4.90 per kilo!
And when it comes to Chicken Drumsticks, the deli offers them at $4.50 per kilo, just 50 cents more than the pre-packaged Woolworths RSPCA Approved Chicken Drumsticks.
Coles deli vs pre-packaged
Coles presents a similar scenario. The deli is distinct from the butcher section, yet both are conveniently located near each other.
The most affordable sliced ham at the Coles deli, Don Deli Leg Ham From The Deli, is $19.50 per kilo, while the Thomson's Deli English Style Ham Quad Pack in the pre-packaged aisle is $15.00 per kilo, saving you $4.50 per kilo.
At Coles' deli, Coles Deli RSPCA Approved Chicken Drumsticks are available for $4.50 per kilo, while the Coles RSPCA Approved Chicken Drumsticks Large Pack version is priced at $3.50 per kilo.
Unfortunately, you're forced to buy the nearly two-kilo package instead of having the option to pick just one or two drumsticks at a time.
So, why do Coles and Woolies maintain these deli sections when the savings aren't always apparent?
According to Consumer Psychologist, Behaviouralist and Brand Strategist Peter Resanceff, ‘The deli counter contributes to the 'village market' feel of the shopping experience, swaying perceptions away from supermarkets being merely stockists of pre-packaged foods.’
‘[It takes us] back to that idea of the supermarket wanting to create the impression of being merchants of fresh produce, rather than just retailers of branded products.’
Resanceff noted that although the ‘per-kilo price’ at the deli can occasionally be higher than that of pre-packaged options, ‘selecting your ham and having it weighed-out and wrapped-to-order delivers a feel-good moment within the otherwise DIY supermarket experience’.
‘Indeed, it's not unusual to see some shoppers asking those behind the deli counter for their advice on which fish is freshest or which ham may be sweetest, perhaps even asking for a taste before making their final selection,’ he explained.
Resanceff also mentioned that deli sections offer ‘a little personal interaction’ in what can often feel like a ‘lonely, Groundhog Day experience’.
‘Also, there are times when you just need one or two rashers of smoky bacon for that dinner recipe, and the deli counter will happily provide that for you at a fraction of the cost of the pre-packaged alternative,’ he continued.
‘No waste, no unnecessary expenditure during times when we are all tightening our belts a little tighter.’
It is important to note that prices are accurate at the time of publication and may vary by region and availability.
The recent comparison of grocery costs in Australia, particularly the price differences between deli meats and pre-packaged options at Coles and Woolworths, sparked considerable discussion.
The debate reached new heights, with shoppers expressing diverse opinions on value and convenience.
This growing interest in supermarket shopping experiences also led to heated discussions among customers, as evidenced by a recent rant about Woolworths' deli counter.
The passionate exchange highlights the varying perspectives on the quality and service supermarket delis provide.
Have you noticed this price difference when shopping at Woolworths and Coles? Do you have other tips on maximising your savings while buying groceries? Share your insights and suggestions in the comments below!
However, have you ever taken a moment to consider the hidden gems and potential savings that might be lurking in the deli sections of Coles and Woolworths?
Jo Abi of 9Honey on her ‘Supermarket Sleuths’ has done just that, and what she uncovered might surprise you!
Tucked away, often in the back corners of Coles and Woolworths stores, the deli sections sit quietly beside their louder, more colourful counterparts: the pre-packaged deli items.
It's easy to overlook these sections, but Abi’s investigation suggested that it might be worthwhile to give them a second glance.
Let's delve into the findings and see whether the deli counters at these Australian supermarket giants are worth the extra steps.
Deli sections at Coles and Woolworths often have higher prices than pre-packaged items. Credit: Shutterstock
Woolworths deli vs pre-packaged
At Woolworths, the deli section is a treasure trove of small goods, chicken items, and cheeses. However, it's not just about the variety but also the cost.
When comparing the prices of deli items to their pre-packaged equivalents, Abi found some interesting discrepancies.
For instance, the most affordable deli ham, Deli Leg Ham Sliced From The Deli 1kg, is priced at $19.50 per kilo, whereas the Riverland Ham Sliced Quad Pack 500g in the pre-packaged section is only $14.60 per kilo. That's a significant saving of $4.90 per kilo!
And when it comes to Chicken Drumsticks, the deli offers them at $4.50 per kilo, just 50 cents more than the pre-packaged Woolworths RSPCA Approved Chicken Drumsticks.
Coles deli vs pre-packaged
Coles presents a similar scenario. The deli is distinct from the butcher section, yet both are conveniently located near each other.
The most affordable sliced ham at the Coles deli, Don Deli Leg Ham From The Deli, is $19.50 per kilo, while the Thomson's Deli English Style Ham Quad Pack in the pre-packaged aisle is $15.00 per kilo, saving you $4.50 per kilo.
At Coles' deli, Coles Deli RSPCA Approved Chicken Drumsticks are available for $4.50 per kilo, while the Coles RSPCA Approved Chicken Drumsticks Large Pack version is priced at $3.50 per kilo.
Unfortunately, you're forced to buy the nearly two-kilo package instead of having the option to pick just one or two drumsticks at a time.
So, why do Coles and Woolies maintain these deli sections when the savings aren't always apparent?
According to Consumer Psychologist, Behaviouralist and Brand Strategist Peter Resanceff, ‘The deli counter contributes to the 'village market' feel of the shopping experience, swaying perceptions away from supermarkets being merely stockists of pre-packaged foods.’
‘[It takes us] back to that idea of the supermarket wanting to create the impression of being merchants of fresh produce, rather than just retailers of branded products.’
Resanceff noted that although the ‘per-kilo price’ at the deli can occasionally be higher than that of pre-packaged options, ‘selecting your ham and having it weighed-out and wrapped-to-order delivers a feel-good moment within the otherwise DIY supermarket experience’.
‘Indeed, it's not unusual to see some shoppers asking those behind the deli counter for their advice on which fish is freshest or which ham may be sweetest, perhaps even asking for a taste before making their final selection,’ he explained.
Resanceff also mentioned that deli sections offer ‘a little personal interaction’ in what can often feel like a ‘lonely, Groundhog Day experience’.
‘Also, there are times when you just need one or two rashers of smoky bacon for that dinner recipe, and the deli counter will happily provide that for you at a fraction of the cost of the pre-packaged alternative,’ he continued.
‘No waste, no unnecessary expenditure during times when we are all tightening our belts a little tighter.’
It is important to note that prices are accurate at the time of publication and may vary by region and availability.
The recent comparison of grocery costs in Australia, particularly the price differences between deli meats and pre-packaged options at Coles and Woolworths, sparked considerable discussion.
The debate reached new heights, with shoppers expressing diverse opinions on value and convenience.
This growing interest in supermarket shopping experiences also led to heated discussions among customers, as evidenced by a recent rant about Woolworths' deli counter.
The passionate exchange highlights the varying perspectives on the quality and service supermarket delis provide.
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