This diverse crop of eBook readers delivers improved screen technology, battery life and better performance.
20 Dec 2011 |
Models tested include the latest Amazon Kindles and three tablet computers including the iPad 2.
Gadgets and gizmos always make great presents for the tech-savvy and tech-curious.
23 Nov 2011 |
We round up the best technology buys, from tablets, to televisions, to MP3 players, to eBook readers.
For many of us, a mobile phone does much more than just make and take calls, now they can talk to us as well.
17 Nov 2011 |
CHOICE reviews the latest smartphones, including the iPhone 4S and the Samsung Galaxy S II.
Use the motion controller in the latest consoles to keep fit at home.
14 Apr 2011 |
We asked 17 people to try out a selection of fitness, party games and multi-player titles on three consoles.
CHOICE puts the redemption process to the test.
7 Apr 2011 |
With so many hoops to jump through, are the free goodies offered by redemption promotions really worth it?
We put the top three console entertainment systems to the test: the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.
15 Nov 2010 |
The new battle for the hearts, minds and wallets of Australia’s electronic game playing population has hit fever pitch.
This add-on device for PlayStation3 owners has its limitations.
3 Dec 2009 |
The Sony PlayTV struggles to provide an effective two-in-one games console and personal video recorder machine.
Nintendo’s latest childish diversion may hook some adults as well.
23 Jun 2009 |
CHOICE enlisted the most expert tester available – a 10-year-old schoolboy – to evaluate Nintendo’s latest handheld gaming console and discover what’s new with one of the most popular gaming devices on the planet.
Can the Nintendo Wii Fit make fitness fun?
15 Aug 2008 |
The Wii Fit is an interactive fitness package for the Wii games console from Nintendo. It features 40 different activities designed to help you get into shape.
Is the latest games console a must-have or mere novelty?
1 May 2008 |
Nintendo’s Wii introduced a new era of gaming by eschewing the path taken by the other games console manufacturers and produced something a little innovative.
We test nine retractable hose reels, ranging in price from $65 to $199.
28 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE tests nine retractable hose reels for their ease of use and features.
This automated lawnmower will save you time and keep your lawn looking its best - but comes with a hefty pricetag.
27 Sep 2011 |
Husqvarna's robotic answer to the sheep could be a good option for the time-poor home-owner.
Mulcher mowers can give you a greener lawn and greener environment.
20 Sep 2011 |
In our updated test of 14 petrol-powered mulcher and catcher lawnmowers, we reveal which models keep your lawn looking its best.
The Bosch Ciso cordless secateurs offer powered pruning for the serious (or arthritic) gardener.
20 Jul 2011 |
This product claims to make pruning an effortless task; we put it to the test.
These garden tools are quicker than using a rake or broom, but also noisier and dirtier.
17 Mar 2011 |
We tested affordable petrol models as well as several corded electric models to see if they're a better option than the backyard broom.
Suitable for small city yards, and convenient to use.
13 Nov 2009 |
Great for small backyards, electric lawn mowers are fume-free, comparatively quiet and lightweight. CHOICE put 13 to the test.
Survival gardening is part of a shift in consumer demand for more nutritious and tastier food.
5 Sep 2009 |
As more people discover the savings and satisfaction of growing their own produce, CHOICE finds out how you can set up your own edible garden.
What type of mower for you? Petrol, electric, battery?
17 May 2009 |
What type of mower for you? Petrol, electric, battery? Generally petrol have the best cutting performance, though many electric models now come close.
The Lopper chainsaw is now available in a cordless version. We tested it to see how it compares to the original
19 Mar 2009 |
When CHOICE reviewed the corded Alligator Lopper we found it worked well and was easy to use but we had some reservations about safety.
A quiet and efficient outdoor sweeper - does it live up to expectations?
7 Oct 2008 |
The HAAGA TopSweep55 is a manual outdoor sweeper which claims to work quickly, quietly and efficiently at picking up almost anything in its path: leaves, stones, paper, empty cans and fine dirt.
Which lawn mower will not only cut your grass well but also have the least environmental impact?
29 Sep 2008 |
CHOICE tested both types of mowers for their performance and ease of use and checked the noise and safety of the petrol mowers as well.
High-tech gardeners count the cost of convenience.
23 Sep 2008 |
Billed as the world’s first self-contained indoor garden appliance, Aerogarden promises dirt-free and virtually set-and-forget produce.
Petrol trimmers outgun their cordless cousins.
1 Aug 2006 |
We tested grass trimmers for a number of things including horizontal trimming along fences and walls and ease of use.
Top price doesn't always mean top quality.
3 Jun 2006 |
Three models stood out as top performers, but if your garden doesn’t need a lot of tough pruning, you might prefer to pick one with a higher ease of use score.
Mulching the grass you cut makes a lot of sense, not just for environmental reasons.
9 Jan 2006 |
Most of the mowers performed well, but one of the cheaper models impressed on all fronts.
You can get a good petrol lawnmower for less than $400.
27 Oct 2005 |
Most of the models on test cut grass very well, but not all are easy to use.
Are they all equal?
8 Jan 2005 |
We put seven multipurpose ladders to the test as well as five stepladders to see if they'd pass a "walking" test.
Garden design software can help you plan and maintain your patch of green, but packages have their drawbacks.
7 Jan 2004 |
You could employ a professional landscaper to give your garden a makeover or try the cheaper, do-it-yourself approach — garden design software.
We test nine retractable hose reels, ranging in price from $65 to $199.
28 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE tests nine retractable hose reels for their ease of use and features.
More work is needed before solar garden lights become anything more than decorative.
11 Mar 2009 |
Improvements have been made in battery life since we last tested, although not a lot has changed in the solar technology.
High-tech gardeners count the cost of convenience.
23 Sep 2008 |
Billed as the world’s first self-contained indoor garden appliance, Aerogarden promises dirt-free and virtually set-and-forget produce.
We head to Las Vegas to check out some of the innovative products shaping consumer technology.
11 Jan 2012 |
We take a look at some of the latest gadgets, gizmos and technologies at CES 2012.
We round up some of the best buys for your globetrotting friends.
16 Dec 2011 |
We pick fun and handy products that will make great Christmas presents for anyone who loves to travel.
Gadgets and gizmos always make great presents for the tech-savvy and tech-curious.
23 Nov 2011 |
We round up the best technology buys, from tablets, to televisions, to MP3 players, to eBook readers.
We've trawled our test results to bring you a range of great gift ideas.
16 Nov 2011 |
From digital cameras to kitchen gadgets, our gift ideas cater to all budgets.
CHOICE takes a look at two GPS Bike offerings
1 Nov 2011 |
We put two GPS devices designed for bicycles through their paces to see what's on offer at the expensive and inexpensive ends of the market.
A waterproof watch that can tell you how far to the green.
15 Jun 2011 |
The Garmin Approach S1 Golf GPS watch could help shave some strokes off your handicap as well as speed up your play.
With sleek stainless steel, glass or enamel surfaces, the right modern cooktop can improve any kitchen design.
11 Aug 2011 |
CHOICE tests 19 square and rectangular gas cooktops, with prices ranging from $379 to $3389.
The cheapest of the five units tested cost more than $4000 installed, so it pays to buy wisely.
21 Apr 2010 |
Flued-gas heating, where fumes are released or pushed outside, offers an efficient and effective option for a big area.
Stay safe around the barbie.
25 Nov 2009 |
Don't spoil your holiday - here are some tips on safe backyard entertaining.
They can heat large spaces quickly and efficiently. But there are legal limitations on where you can use them.
4 Apr 2008 |
Unflued gas heaters deliver quick, energy-efficient and comparatively cheap warmth to individual rooms in your home.
Worried about rising fuel prices? Switching to LPG may be a way out - especially with the new rebate
15 Sep 2006 |
Currently, there are about 500,000 vehicles on our roads that run with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — that’s about 5% of all cars.
Imported vegetables appear no more likely to be contaminated with pesticides than Australian produce.
5 Mar 2010 |
Our random test of common canned and frozen vegetables showed little cause for concern.
The Australian market is being flooded with food made from genetically modified (GM) crops. Yet you'd never know from the label.
17 Feb 2010 |
Are GM crops jeopardising the safety and security of our food supply?
Genetically modified ingredients are slipping under the radar and into some foods – possibly your favourite glass of red.
8 Jul 2009 |
A pocket-sized guide listing alcoholic drinks free of genetically modified ingredients was launched by Greenpeace yesterday, with the support of farmers, chefs and well-known food industry figures.
The product may cause an electric shock
17 Nov 2011 |
The Go4Green EnergySmart energy saving device, is being recalled as it may cause an electric shock.
Go4Green reaches the next level of shonkiness.
16 Nov 2011 |
Just when you thought it couldn't get any shonkier, Go4Green is recalled due to the risk of electric shock.
CHOICE's awards for the shoddiest services and the shonkiest products.
24 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE's annual showcase of the worst of the worst consumer products and services.
This device fails to deliver on its claims of slashing up to 10% from your electricity bill.
22 Sep 2011 |
We run tests on another power saver that claims it will save you up to 10% on your electricity bill.
It's traumatic enough losing your jewellery without having to worry about insurance problems as well.
17 Oct 2011 |
It’s a good idea to check your contents insurance policy to make sure you have the right cover in case your jewellery gets stolen.
Gold-buying kiosks offer you convenience, but they don't always give the best price.
20 Oct 2010 |
CHOICE visited 10 gold-buying shops in Sydney with a ring and two necklaces, and was offered between 39% and 89% of the gold value for the items.
Gold is considered a safe haven in uncertain times, but will it lose its shine?
7 May 2009 |
As shares and property crashed and the world nudged closer to recession, canny investors steadily turned their attention to one of the world’s oldest asset classes – gold.
We delve into the murky world of penny auctions.
18 Nov 2011 |
CHOICE looks into reports of dodgy dealings in online penny auctions, where you may win items for low prices.
Senate approves inquiry into unfair retail surcharging
18 Nov 2010 |
The Australian Government has agreed to investigate whether retailers are engaging in profiteering from additional surcharges
Protecting internet users from illegal material is important, however the proposed mandatory ISP-based filter won’t do the job.
19 Feb 2009 |
CHOICE holds a number of concerns about the government’s current proposal to introduce mandatory internet filtering at an ISP-level.
Consumer protection laws are not being enforced as well as they could be.
10 Dec 2008 |
Consumer protection laws exist to ensure markets operate fairly. Good quality regulation is essential to the fair and practical operation of markets.
It's time to modernise Australia's consumer policy framework.
20 May 2008 |
Do Australia’s consumer policy settings meet consumers’ needs in the 21st century?
We head to Las Vegas to check out some of the innovative products shaping consumer technology.
11 Jan 2012 |
We take a look at some of the latest gadgets, gizmos and technologies at CES 2012.
We round up some of the best buys for your globetrotting friends.
16 Dec 2011 |
We pick fun and handy products that will make great Christmas presents for anyone who loves to travel.
For its price, this car GPS unit from Aldi is a winner.
5 Dec 2011 |
Despite its low price, the Go Cruise includes all the features and functions you’d expect to see on a modern car GPS.
Gadgets and gizmos always make great presents for the tech-savvy and tech-curious.
23 Nov 2011 |
We round up the best technology buys, from tablets, to televisions, to MP3 players, to eBook readers.
We've trawled our test results to bring you a range of great gift ideas.
16 Nov 2011 |
From digital cameras to kitchen gadgets, our gift ideas cater to all budgets.
CHOICE takes a look at two GPS Bike offerings
1 Nov 2011 |
We put two GPS devices designed for bicycles through their paces to see what's on offer at the expensive and inexpensive ends of the market.
Find the best system for city and rural driving.
20 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE tested 17 of the latest car GPS units, priced from $149 to $449.
Let your smartphone guide the way.
21 Jul 2011 |
They answer calls, send emails, and now, mobiles can take you from point A to point B with a range of handy applications.
A waterproof watch that can tell you how far to the green.
15 Jun 2011 |
The Garmin Approach S1 Golf GPS watch could help shave some strokes off your handicap as well as speed up your play.
We test nine turn-by-turn voice navigation apps for the iPhone.
8 Jul 2010 |
Turn your iPhone into a satellite navigation GPS with one of these handy new apps.
A handheld GPS makes it easier to find your way in the wilds of city or bush, but don't rely on it alone.
1 Jul 2010 |
If you know the co-ordinates of a destination, anywhere in the world, a handheld GPS will show you how to get there on foot.
Find the best GPS system for both city and country driving, whether in a car or on a motorcycle.
26 Nov 2009 |
CHOICE took 12 car GPS units to the streets and we also looked at three devices designed for motorcycles.
It finds speed cameras while you’re driving, but only sometimes.
16 Sep 2009 |
The AlerteGPS G200 is designed for drivers who want a device that indicates speed camera locations only, however our tester found that you should look at our car GPS test first.
Finding your way in the world can cost the earth with some of these handheld GPS.
6 Apr 2009 |
An 'adventure' handheld GPS can reveal your position if you're lost, or record every step you take so you can find your way back.
GPS test results for both city and country driving.
1 Mar 2009 |
CHOICE took 17 car GPS units to the streets, including our first ever ALDI model, and found that while most performed well, following their directions unequivocally isn't recommended.
What alternative GPS options are available?
16 Dec 2008 |
Car GPS devices are becoming increasingly common. But what alternative are there if you do not own a car or don’t wish to carry a handheld unit?
What to look for in a car GPS.
23 Nov 2006 |
Use our guide to know what features you need in a car GPS to suit your driving needs.
Go4Green reaches the next level of shonkiness.
16 Nov 2011 |
Just when you thought it couldn't get any shonkier, Go4Green is recalled due to the risk of electric shock.
Household living expenses will be less than Treasury estimates according to a joint study by The Climate Institute, CSIRO and AECOM.
14 Nov 2011 |
An independent study shows the impacts of the carbon tax on on households are likely to be smaller than anticipated.
Energy prices are on the rise around Australia but there are steps you can take to cut energy use and save on bills.
1 Jul 2011 |
In this video, we take you behind the scenes at the CHOICE labs to get some expert advice from our testers on appliance energy savings.
Some operators are bypassing safety considerations in their effort to cash in on fast-disappearing government money.
23 May 2011 |
Solar panel uptake is surging, but as installers are rushing through jobs, incorrect wiring and circuit breakers are being used.
Freedom Furniture has been selling eco-wood, a product made of plastic, for several years.
4 Apr 2011 |
Freedom Furniture's eco-wood products have been renamed following action by CHOICE.
We look at energy savings everyone can make.
30 Mar 2011 |
We've used our CHOICE testing to bring you a comprehensive list of energy-efficient products for your home.
Making your home water-efficient needn’t cost a fortune. You can do a lot with a few dollars, and even more with a few hundred.
14 Feb 2011 |
While we may have experienced plenty of rain during the summer just past, there are still plenty of environmental and cost advantages to saving water.
We trawled the supermarket aisles and found 21 brands of toilet paper, then star-rated them according to their sustainability claims.
28 Sep 2010 |
Toilet paper packaging sports a massive amount of greenwash, so which green claims are true?
We look beyond the catchy logos to tell you which endorsement schemes you can really trust.
2 Mar 2010 |
CHOICE reviews the programs behind the top 10 health and sustainability endorsement logos you see on foods.
Will consumers really be protected from misleading ‘green’ claims when self-regulation by the advertising industry begins?
3 Jul 2009 |
Consumers are bombarded by green claims for products and services, but not all of them can be backed up, giving rise to “greenwash”.
They are promoted as a “green” alternative to wasteful plastic bags, but are those handy polypropylene bags really so much better for the environment?
27 May 2009 |
CHOICE found out that some "green" polypropylene bags bags are not made to last and end up in landfill just as a plastic bag would. Most of these bags made from polypropylene fibres come from China where hundreds of manufacturers compete with each other to sell them to the rest of the world.
Use our guide to ensure that going green doesn’t cost the earth.
24 Apr 2009 |
With climate change in mind, more Australians are installing power- and water-saving equipment. As this can mean significant upfront costs, governments are offering a range of rebates.
There are ways you can lighten the cost of fuel for both you and the environment.
9 Dec 2008 |
Your choice of car and fuel and your behaviour affect the environment and your wallet. You can make some decent changes with what's already available.
Supermarket items make all sorts of green claims but can you trust them?
6 May 2008 |
CHOICE is campaigning to make sure green claims are honest and useful, because consumers should be able to sort the true green products from the greenwash.
Find out how to be green around your home with our virtual tour.
4 May 2008 |
From the kitchen and laundry to the living room and backyard find out how your efforts can be best spent to help reduce your carbon footprint and create a greener future.
Most of the goods we buy need to be protected by packaging. But how much is too much?
17 Oct 2007 |
From gourmet chocolates to beauty products, an increasing number of consumer goods are buried in layers of packaging these days.
There are ways you can lighten the cost of fuel for both you and the environment.
9 Dec 2008 |
Your choice of car and fuel and your behaviour affect the environment and your wallet. You can make some decent changes with what's already available.
A government website rates environmental impact and lets you pick the greenest model.
23 May 2008 |
The guide gives each model an overall star rating: the more stars, the lower the environmental impact.
Worried about rising fuel prices? Switching to LPG may be a way out - especially with the new rebate
15 Sep 2006 |
Currently, there are about 500,000 vehicles on our roads that run with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — that’s about 5% of all cars.
Choosing the greenest model that meets your needs is good for the environment and your wallet.
28 Jul 2006 |
By taking the green rating into account when buying a new car, you can reduce your impact on the environment and save on your fuel costs.
All new cars sold must carry a fuel consumption label — so it's easier to compare and buy a fuel-efficient one.
28 May 2006 |
All new passenger cars, 4WDs and commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes have to show the new fuel consumption label, we explain how it works.
Fed up with high petrol prices? A hybrid car might be just the answer.
4 Jan 2005 |
We test-drove the two hybrid models currently available in Australia - the TOYOTA Prius and HONDA Civic Hybrid - and found there's a lot to like.
Go4Green reaches the next level of shonkiness.
16 Nov 2011 |
Just when you thought it couldn't get any shonkier, Go4Green is recalled due to the risk of electric shock.
Household living expenses will be less than Treasury estimates according to a joint study by The Climate Institute, CSIRO and AECOM.
14 Nov 2011 |
An independent study shows the impacts of the carbon tax on on households are likely to be smaller than anticipated.
CFLs are now common in most homes, but LEDs are beginning to move in.
4 Nov 2011 |
We test 14 CFLs plus one LED lamp, including screw and bayonet fittings in a variety of shapes.
CHOICE takes the mystery and political bluster out of the new carbon price.
10 Jul 2011 |
We navigate the landscape of carbon tax talk to find out exactly what the changes mean for the average Australian.
Aussie households bin close to three million tonnes of food each year.
28 Jun 2011 |
CHOICE explains how you can do your bit to reduce household food waste, save money and help the environment in the process.
Some operators are bypassing safety considerations in their effort to cash in on fast-disappearing government money.
23 May 2011 |
Solar panel uptake is surging, but as installers are rushing through jobs, incorrect wiring and circuit breakers are being used.
We look at energy savings everyone can make.
30 Mar 2011 |
We've used our CHOICE testing to bring you a comprehensive list of energy-efficient products for your home.
Performance and price have greatly improved since our last test of CFLs.
4 Aug 2010 |
We test 15 "warm white" CFL bulbs of about 15W, including screw and bayonet fittings in a variety of shapes.
LG compensates consumers for greenwashing
18 Mar 2010 |
This major fridge manufacturer claims the GC-L197NFS’s and GC-P197WFS annual energy consumption is 738kWh but CHOICE tests revealed it uses about 876kWh when bypassing the energy-saving mode.
Our campaign to expose misleading environmental claims notches up another win as former renewable energy retailer Greenswitch is brought to task for breaching the Trade Practices Act.
14 Jan 2010 |
Use our guide to ensure that going green doesn’t cost the earth.
24 Apr 2009 |
With climate change in mind, more Australians are installing power- and water-saving equipment. As this can mean significant upfront costs, governments are offering a range of rebates.
Carbon pollution reduction scheme needs to ensure reduced emissions.
8 Mar 2009 |
If a new bill becomes law, nearly one million households could be paying for renewable energy that does nothing to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
There are ways you can lighten the cost of fuel for both you and the environment.
9 Dec 2008 |
Your choice of car and fuel and your behaviour affect the environment and your wallet. You can make some decent changes with what's already available.
Nanotechnology is already here, yet most of us know nothing about it.
22 Jun 2007 |
Nanotechnology is heralded as making products and processes smaller, smarter, cleaner and safer, but could also spell trouble for our health and the environment.
In Australia, electricity consumption, powered mainly by coal, is high.
1 May 2007 |
Switching to accredited GreenPower would significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions your household is responsible for, and it’s now available to all Australian households.
Worried about rising fuel prices? Switching to LPG may be a way out - especially with the new rebate
15 Sep 2006 |
Currently, there are about 500,000 vehicles on our roads that run with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — that’s about 5% of all cars.
Go4Green reaches the next level of shonkiness.
16 Nov 2011 |
Just when you thought it couldn't get any shonkier, Go4Green is recalled due to the risk of electric shock.
CFLs are now common in most homes, but LEDs are beginning to move in.
4 Nov 2011 |
We test 14 CFLs plus one LED lamp, including screw and bayonet fittings in a variety of shapes.
CHOICE takes the mystery and political bluster out of the new carbon price.
10 Jul 2011 |
We navigate the landscape of carbon tax talk to find out exactly what the changes mean for the average Australian.
Action needed to cut bills
20 Jun 2011 |
CHOICE has joined calls for a national energy efficiency program to reduce household energy bills.
Some operators are bypassing safety considerations in their effort to cash in on fast-disappearing government money.
23 May 2011 |
Solar panel uptake is surging, but as installers are rushing through jobs, incorrect wiring and circuit breakers are being used.
The government will implement a carbon price from 2012.
25 Feb 2011 |
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced a plan to implement a carbon price in Australia from 1 July 2012.
Performance and price have greatly improved since our last test of CFLs.
4 Aug 2010 |
We test 15 "warm white" CFL bulbs of about 15W, including screw and bayonet fittings in a variety of shapes.
Our campaign to expose misleading environmental claims notches up another win as former renewable energy retailer Greenswitch is brought to task for breaching the Trade Practices Act.
14 Jan 2010 |
Consumers shouldn't pay more to pollute less so big business can pay less to pollute more.
10 Mar 2009 |
A flaw in the emissions trading scheme means the extra bits we do – like purchasing GreenPower or carbon offsets – will not actually reduce Australia’s emissions.
A government website rates environmental impact and lets you pick the greenest model.
23 May 2008 |
The guide gives each model an overall star rating: the more stars, the lower the environmental impact.
Nanotechnology is already here, yet most of us know nothing about it.
22 Jun 2007 |
Nanotechnology is heralded as making products and processes smaller, smarter, cleaner and safer, but could also spell trouble for our health and the environment.
In Australia, electricity consumption, powered mainly by coal, is high.
1 May 2007 |
Switching to accredited GreenPower would significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions your household is responsible for, and it’s now available to all Australian households.
Choosing the greenest model that meets your needs is good for the environment and your wallet.
28 Jul 2006 |
By taking the green rating into account when buying a new car, you can reduce your impact on the environment and save on your fuel costs.
Making your home water-efficient needn’t cost a fortune. You can do a lot with a few dollars, and even more with a few hundred.
14 Feb 2011 |
While we may have experienced plenty of rain during the summer just past, there are still plenty of environmental and cost advantages to saving water.
Sorting the dodgy green claims from the genuine ones can be a minefield.
27 Nov 2009 |
From food and everyday household items to cars and plane flights, growing numbers of consumers want to make more sustainable choices. But can all 'green claims' be trusted?
Water from washing machines could end up harming your precious plants.
21 Oct 2009 |
Using grey water on your garden could save hundreds of litres of water per day. We tested wash and rinse water for potentially harmful chemicals.
We take you through greywater options, from simple diversion to 'Class A' treatment systems.
2 Jan 2008 |
Recycling greywater is one way of saving water: after all, you don’t need drinking-quality water to water the garden or flush the toilet.
Saving water is important, but re-using waste water will help too.
20 Mar 2007 |
Greywater is the waste water from showers, baths, hand-basins, laundry tubs, washing machines, dishwashers and kitchen sinks. Using greywater on your garden could help save hundreds of litres of water a day.
Coles drops prices of fruit and veg but what are the wider ramifications?
31 Jan 2012 |
While we welcome cheaper food and groceries and greater competition in the supermarket sector, CHOICE also believes consumers need to consider potentially wider costs.
Read nutrition labels carefully - a 'low-fat' claim doesn't mean it's healthy.
6 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE reviews a range of desserts marketed with low-fat labelling from the fridge and freezer section of supermarkets.
Nutrition claims on food labels often don't tell the full story.
15 Sep 2011 |
Seductive labels on food that promise less saturated fat, no added sugar or a bumper amount of wholegrains often don't tell the whole nutritional story.
The brownie mixes contain an undeclared allergen, milk.
14 Sep 2011 |
Any consumers who have a milk allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed.
CHOICE has joined with the Australian Food and Grocery Council to propose options for a Supermarket Ombudsman
20 Apr 2011 |
CHOICE and the Australian Food and Grocery Council are calling for the establishment of a Supermarket Ombudsman
In the wake of the milk price war, we look at how the milk brands stack up.
21 Mar 2011 |
30 CHOICE staffers took part in a blind taste test of 12 milks. The results are surprising.
How do the supermarket brands compare with the market leaders for taste, nutrition and value for money?
7 Sep 2010 |
CHOICE purchased a total of 163 supemarket products, across 30 different popular food items, and put them to the test.
Very few meat pies are tasty or packed with meat, while the majority are a very unappetising prospect.
18 May 2010 |
The Australian food standards authority stipulates meat pies must contain a minimum of 25% "meat flesh". But not all do.
Our national survey reveals the true price we pay at the supermarket
26 Nov 2009 |
Two years on from our last survey, CHOICE hit the supermarket aisles with a shopping list of staples. We found grocery prices have risen against a background of little competition.
CHOICE discovers some delicious varieties of tomatoes to look out for - and how to pick them.
7 Oct 2009 |
Tomatoes you find at the supermarket are often as hard and as tasty as cricket balls. But there are still some tasty tomatoes to be found.
If you’re craving an Asian-style meal, don’t expect authenticity from a jar of simmer sauce, finds the CHOICE tasting panel.
1 Aug 2009 |
CHOICE tasting panel tried 26 simmer sauces – none of them impressed and few came even close to conjuring up authentic Asian flavours.
Defying the global downturn with sales growth, the supermarket and retail giant is attempting to shift blame for the ever-increasing price of groceries.
24 Jul 2009 |
The peak body for the food and grocery manufacturing sector has slammed Woolworths for suggesting the industry was to blame for the rising food prices in Australia .
You don't have to go to a deli to get good parmesan.
28 Jun 2007 |
One of our experts’ favourites is a prepacked parmesan nationally available in supermarkets.
Ready-made pasta sauces are quick and easy to prepare but our expert tasters were unimpressed.
4 Jun 2006 |
We served 14 big-name pasta sauces to three food experts and asked for their verdict. They weren’t enthusiastic about any of them.
Coles and Woolworths have launched new ‘private label’ ranges.
4 Mar 2006 |
Coles and Woolworths have recently launched new ‘private label’ (aka house brand) ranges, and announced plans to increase the number of these lines in stores. Judging by the experience of retailers overseas, it’s a smart move.
It can look beautiful and taste a little different — but designer salt is still about 99% sodium chloride.
5 Feb 2006 |
All the celebrity chefs have their favourites: Jamie’s is Maldon salt; Maeve O’Meara say Australian sea salt is “as good as you can get”.
We check out over 90 spreads and dairy blends, and pick the healthier options.
1 Jan 2005 |
Margarine’s now a "spread" and butter can come from the fridge soft enough to spread on your toast. But which is the healthiest?
Food shopping in the fast lane
4 Feb 2004 |
In Australia, online food and grocery stores range from very large supermarkets to small, specialist shops like organic grocers, butchers and kosher-food stockists.
We look at how to meet your new year goals while avoiding the traps.
4 Jan 2012 |
We look at common New Year resolutions such as joining the gym, giving up smoking or saving money.
A few CHOICE buys will give you an effective home gym that costs less than $100.
25 Nov 2009 |
Think you need lots of space and money to set up an effective home gym? CHOICE's shopping list of equipment comes in at about $100.
CHOICE reveals the pressure tactics gyms use to lock you into their contracts.
29 Apr 2009 |
It's a common scenario: you decide it's time to do something about your health and fitness and head to the nearest gym, keen to change some bad habits.
Look for someone who's qualified, registered and with good interpersonal skills.
10 Feb 2006 |
Personal training should be a holistic, lifestyle approach to health and fitness — not just having someone make you run around for an hour.
Exercise equipment can be fun at first, but what does it take to keep you happy, hooked and healthy?
5 Sep 2005 |
We asked readers who own exercise bikes, treadmills and elliptical trainers what makes for a good or bad purchase decision.
It’s a jungle out there and our gym survey discovered plenty of pitfalls for the unwary.
12 Jul 2004 |
Interested in discovering the scope and prevalence of consumer issues with regard to gyms, CHOICE conducted an Australia-wide online survey.