In the dance of supermarket pricing, the music has changed once again, and it's not to the tune that budget-conscious shoppers would like to hear.

A common food in many Australian households has seen its price flutter upwards in a move that has left many consumers ruffling their feathers.

As inflation continues to impact grocery bills, it has prompted concerns about the affordability of everyday staples.


It's disappointing news for roast chicken lovers, as both Woolworths and Coles have quietly raised the price of one of Australia's favourite go-to meals.

For those who have been keeping a keen eye on their grocery bills, this isn't the first time the cost of a roast chook has taken flight.


Back in May 2023, Woolworths, often referred to as the ‘Fresh Food People’, ‘reluctantly’ confirmed that their Country Style Roast Chicken would peck an extra dollar from wallets, bringing the price from $11 up to $12.

Coles, not to be outdone, matched the price with their RSPCA Approved Whole Chicken Roast.

However, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to peck away at our budgets, and with an ACCC inquiry looming over the industry, neither Woolworths nor Coles is content to let their chickens roost at the $12 mark.


Both of these grocery giants have now decided to increase the price of their home-brand roast chickens by an additional 50 cents.

That's right, a roast chook from either Woolworths or Coles will now set you back $12.50.

‘The price of our roast chickens has recently increased by 50 cents as a result of the higher prices we are paying our suppliers,’ a Woolworths spokesperson explained.

‘The wholesale cost of chicken has increased across the market over the last 12 months due to a range of factors including higher feed costs.’


It's a significant increase from the days of 2015 when the price war saw roast chickens plummet to a mere $8. Those days now seem like a distant memory, a golden era of affordable convenience.

However, in 2018, the dream ended when both Woolworths and Coles raised their roast chicken prices by one dollar, bringing the total to $9.

Then, in February 2022, the price returned to $11, where it stayed for 15 months until Woolworths acknowledged that the cost-of-living crisis had affected the once-affordable staple.


‘At Woolworths, we understand that every dollar counts and work hard to provide value for customers every time they shop with us while balancing the needs of our suppliers,’ another spokesperson stated in May 2023.

‘For the first time since February 2022, we reluctantly increased the price of our roast chickens by $1 due to an increase in input costs.’

‘We still believe our delicious hot roast chooks provide excellent value whether it's for a dinner for the family or to share at a picnic with friends,’ they added.

As for Coles, they have been reached out for comment, but at the time of writing, there has been no response.

It's clear, though, that both supermarkets are navigating the same turbulent waters when it comes to supply chain costs.


With the price of roast chickens climbing to $12.50 at both Woolworths and Coles, shoppers are feeling the pinch on this once-affordable staple.

However, savvy customers have found clever ways to ease the burden, with some revealing their secrets to scoring free roast chickens from Woolworths and Coles.

Whether through loyalty programs or promotional offers, there are still ways to enjoy a delicious roast chook without breaking the bank.
We'd love to hear from you, our Seniors Discount Club members, on how these price increases are affecting your grocery shopping habits. Have you found creative ways to stretch your dollar further? Are you opting for different meal choices? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other navigate these challenging times with wisdom and resourcefulness.