When it comes to your grocery bill, every dollar counts.

With so many options on the shelf, finding the best value can feel like a game of chance.

But what if there was a clear winner in the battle for your wallet? Read on to find out.

ALDI is once again the reigning champion of budget-friendly shopping, leading the pack in a recent government-funded supermarket comparison conducted by CHOICE.

The consumer watchdog surveyed 104 stores nationwide to see which major supermarket offered the best value, and ALDI topped the charts for the third quarter in a row.

ALDI tops the charts again as the most budget-friendly supermarket! Image source: Pexel/Rollz International

The comparison involved a basket of 14 everyday items, including essentials like beef mince, apples, carrots, and milk.

ALDI's total for this basket was $50.63, significantly cheaper than Coles ($66.18), Woolworths ($69.17), and IGA ($73.80).

This price advantage has only grown since CHOICE’s initial comparisons in March, where ALDI was also the most affordable.

Despite consistently lower prices overall, ALDI has struggled to gain more than 10% of the Australian market share, a figure that still translates to about five million shoppers monthly across its 590 stores.

CHOICE highlighted that while ALDI's prices were lowest for the full 14-item basket, Coles and Woolworths offered cheaper prices for specific items like leg of lamb when sales were factored in.

Interestingly, ALDI's approach is part of its low-cost model, which offers around 1,800 products compared to the 25,000 items available at its competitors.

There’s no loyalty program or online shopping platform, focusing instead on maintaining consistently low prices and the occasional Special Buys.

Jordan Lack, ALDI Australia’s managing director, pointed out that this strategy saved customers $3.4 billion last year alone, inviting those looking to cut grocery expenses to make the switch.

The report highlighted the government’s push for fair pricing. The Albanese government has given the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) an additional $30 million to tackle deceptive pricing tactics.

They have also introduced laws to fight shrinkflation and boost competition.

ALDI’s straightforward, low-price approach continues to win over cost-conscious Australians, even as the big players try to stay competitive through promotions and specials.

Did you know that there was once another budget-friendly grocery giant that set the stage for ALDI’s rise? This forgotten supermarket empire played a significant role in shaping the landscape of budget shopping.

To discover the story behind this original grocery powerhouse, read our full article.

Key Takeaways

• ALDI has been named the cheapest supermarket for the third consecutive quarter, consistently beating major competitors Coles and Woolworths in pricing.
• CHOICE's report showed ALDI’s basket of 14 everyday items was significantly cheaper than Coles, Woolworths, and IGA, with prices dropping from previous quarters.
• Coles and Woolworths offered cheaper prices on specific items like leg of lamb when specials were included, but ALDI remained the overall leader for regular pricing.
• The Albanese government is supporting fair pricing by funding the ACCC with $30 million to fight deceptive practices and enacting laws to tackle shrinkflation and promote competition.

Do you think ALDI’s success is a sign of a bigger change in how we shop for groceries? Or will the major players find a way to reclaim their spot at the top? Share your thoughts in the comments.

 

[harrywwc]

while we do a regular shop at Aldi, there are some products there were won't buy (again). their quality, especially in the meats, seems to be a bit 'hit and miss'.

additionally, if there is only 'one' of a product, and it's from <somewhere I'd prefer not to buy from> then there is (rarely) a second option. at least in Coles there is a better chance of getting something that is 'product of australia (or, if we must new zealand '

I get why Aldi source from where they do - keeping the input costs down means the cost to the consumer is also low(er). but sometimes, cost is not the only consideration.

 

[Colette 3799]

while we do a regular shop at Aldi, there are some products there were won't buy (again). their quality, especially in the meats, seems to be a bit 'hit and miss'.

additionally, if there is only 'one' of a product, and it's from <somewhere I'd prefer not to buy from> then there is (rarely) a second option. at least in Coles there is a better chance of getting something that is 'product of australia (or, if we must new zealand '

I get why Aldi source from where they do - keeping the input costs down means the cost to the consumer is also low(er). but sometimes, cost is not the only consideration.

Exactly! It’s the cheapest but I prefer quality which I rarely find at Aldi. I try but I usually go home disappointed

 

[goodmorning]

I watched a show called eat well for less and they went into homes and checked out the cupboards then they said that they could save the family xx amount then for a week they would replace some not all the food with cheaper and the same or in some cases dearer and everything had a white and black label on it then they gave them recipes that they thought the hole family would like to eat. it is so funny to see the people saying that they know there brands and the taste and in most cases they are wrong so you don't know until you try something whether it is better than what you are buying . I would like to see something like that done here in oze

 

[Caron]

I shop regularly at Aldi, but I still need to go to Coles or Woolies for items Aldi doesn’t stock or more often in my local store , has run out of.

 

[Wayneo]

We have been shopping at Aldi since it’s inception years ago and only shop at our local food works for incidentals like bread and milk and we find the quality of their products is really good, while there are some things l wouldn’t buy you just need to find what you like. As for the meat we think the quality is excellent only occasionally a little bit disappointing but we’ve had that from supermarkets and butchers alike. Over the years we’ve saved thousands of dollars .

 

[Clancieblue]

while we do a regular shop at Aldi, there are some products there were won't buy (again). their quality, especially in the meats, seems to be a bit 'hit and miss'.

additionally, if there is only 'one' of a product, and it's from <somewhere I'd prefer not to buy from> then there is (rarely) a second option. at least in Coles there is a better chance of getting something that is 'product of australia (or, if we must new zealand '

I get why Aldi source from where they do - keeping the input costs down means the cost to the consumer is also low(er). but sometimes, cost is not the only consideration.

I agree with most you have said, however be careful with product of New Zealand. Many items are packed in New Zealand with foreign produce

 

[darrellh]

I agree with most you have said, however be careful with product of New Zealand. Many items are packed in New Zealand with foreign produce

I agree but I do buy the mainland butter and Kapiti ice cream. They are really delicious and tasty especially the ice cream though eat it sparingly. I only have it occasionally but now I have tried it, it will be my go to. The raspberry and white chocolate is to die for in my opinion.

 

[Towing]

Aldi's fruit and vegetables might be cheaper but be aware they often aren't as fresh as they should be - especially if they are pre-packed (you may find some in the "middle" of the bags that are already "off".
They have a lot of overseas products, not only NZ.

 

[Clancieblue]

Aldi's fruit and vegetables might be cheaper but be aware they often aren't as fresh as they should be - especially if they are pre-packed (you may find some in the "middle" of the bags that are already "off".
They have a lot of overseas products, not only NZ.

Yes, they do. My point was that the New Zealand label doesn't necessarily mean New Zealand product.

 

[Frida1944]

I have shopped at Aldi for many years and can honestly say I have very rarely been disappointed with their produce. They don't always have the choice you find in other supermarkets, but that is one of the reasons they can keep their prices low. I have always found the quality of their food very good, something I can't always say about Coles which is my other regular supermarket. My late husband's favourite area of Aldi was the centre aisle, especially for electronic items, where bargains abound. We purchased large screen tvs from Aldi which we used as screens for our desktop computers, and we still have them many years later. When the Aldi company was first set up their mission statement was to provide good quality, affordable food for the population and they still adhere to that philosophy. So, yes, I'm a big fan of Aldi and appreciate the savings I can make by shopping in their stores.

 

[darrellh]

But if you are careful about what you buy, you can save alot of money at Aldi and get the balance of your groceries at one of the others. I have got some beautiful fillet steak at Aldi and it cooked beautifully and I love their fishmonger smoked salmon and salmon fillets. They are also much cheaper than anywhere else.

 

[Veggiepatch]

You may scream about Aldi selling products from overseas, but Woolworths and Coles have perishables such as Barramundi sourced from Vietnam and Navel Oranges from Argentina. Do you purchase those products?

 

[Littleboy8]

You may scream about Aldi selling products from overseas, but Woolworths and Coles have perishables such as Barramundi sourced from Vietnam and Navel Oranges from Argentina. Do you purchase those products?

I buy woollies barramundi fresh and bagged frozen and they come from a farm in the Northern Territory. And the oranges I buy from woollies are Australian grown naval oranges

 

[NotNats]

it may well be the cheapest but most of the time they do not have the stuff I like (especially in taste) and it's very hard to get anything that is Australian owned or made.

 

[Veggiepatch]

it may well be the cheapest but most of the time they do not have the stuff I like (especially in taste) and it's very hard to get anything that is Australian owned or made.

Don't shop at Kmart. You will be disappointed....

 

[Jennylolo]

The Aldis near me are tiny. Very little variety. Don't cater to everybody giving one brand of d/f milk, g'f bread etc. fruit and veg were poor quality every time I went, soft and bruised and not much variety. I shop between Woolies, Coles and Drakes and An independent grocer (whose produce lasts and lasts).I would prefer to pay a little more to have choice and the goods not carried by a cheaper store. Cheaper is not always better. Mind I do have6 stores under 7 min drive from me to go to. I don't flit between them for single shop, it will depend on what I need. A max of 2 stores in a shopping trip only.

 

[darrellh]

I don't buy any fish from overseas

You may scream about Aldi selling products from overseas, but Woolworths and Coles have perishables such as Barramundi sourced from Vietnam and Navel Oranges from Argentina. Do you purchase those products?