We all need to buy our food somewhere, and it's pretty likely you'll end up shopping in an outlet owned by one of the big two supermarkets chains in Australia. Feeding ourselves should be a simple task, but there's a lot to think about when going to the supermarket – like cost, country of origin, privacy, the environmental impact and market dominance. CHOICE takes you through the aisles to help you make the most of your weekly shop.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets
Get the low-down on supermarkets' tricks of the trade, loyalty rewards cards and market dominance.
Review and compare
Online grocery delivery reviews
Coles, Woolworths, IGA or Harris Farm – who provides the best home delivery experience?
Supermarket satisfaction survey review
We compare Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, IGA, Costco, FoodWorks and more.
Buying guides
Using online grocery delivery services
They may be convenient but there are risks and restrictions involved when buying food online.
Articles
Big Aldi change could help shoppers save
Having more products online is expected to help consumers budget, but advocates say Aldi could still do better.
Kmart Anko: Best buys and what to avoid
We reveal the products that impressed in our tests – and the duds that disappointed.
Which supermarket has the cheapest groceries?
In our first year of surveying prices, Aldi has consistently been the cheapest, while another supermarket has tracked upwards.
Everything we learned in the CHOICE supermarket survey
After a year of tracking grocery prices, we've learned a thing or two.
Supermarket inquiry calls time on Coles' and Woolworths' tricky pricing tactics
The ACCC's recommendations back changes we've been pushing for and validate the frustrations of shoppers.
Coles vs Woolies: Which is best for online fruit and vegetables?
The big two supermarkets each take a different approach to the way they sell fruit and vegetables online, but which is best for consumers?
Essential groceries to be price-capped for remote First Nations communities
Prime Minister cites CHOICE investigation in decision to bring down prices.
The top supermarket products of 2024
Our picks from the hundreds of household products we tested this year.
How we survey supermarket grocery prices
Our nationwide survey of grocery prices reveals which supermarket offers the greatest savings. Here's how we do it.
Groceries cost more than twice as much in remote First Nations communities
CHOICE investigates food prices in parts of the NT and WA to see how they compare to capital cities.
The cheaper supermarket home-brand products that outperform big-name brands
CHOICE testing reveals how you can get more for less with own-brand products from the major supermarkets.
Coles and Woolworths accused of misleading shoppers
The ACCC is taking both supermarkets to court for 'prices dropped' and 'down, down' offers.
Is it worth buying groceries in bulk from Costco, Amazon, Officeworks or Catch?
We compared prices on 100 grocery products – here’s what we found. Plus, tips for bulk buying and saving money on your shop.
How to break up with your supermarket
Has your weekly shop lost that loving feeling? Here's how to consciously uncouple from Coles, Woolies and Aldi.
Coles Local and Woolies Metro vs regular supermarkets
How do these stores vary from the traditional supermarkets and what can you expect if one pops up in your area?
Coles and Woolies say they're not to blame for high prices
The supermarket duopoly says its profit margins are tiny and competition is strong.
Cheapest fruit & veg: Fresh, frozen or tinned?
Can you save at the supermarket by swapping fresh produce for tinned and frozen?
Why we care so much about supermarket prices
Holding supermarkets to account is part of our history.
Is a Costco membership worth it?
We look at whether you'll get great deals or if it's all just a jumbo-sized novelty.
Are loose fruit and vegetables cheaper than buying packaged?
Buying the cheapest format could save you a lot, but whether that's loose or packaged varies from one item to the next.
Smart grocery swaps to save you money
A few switches in your shopping basket can save you hundreds or even thousands on your annual grocery bill.
Everyday Rewards and Flybuys: Real savings, or just a data grab?
Supermarkets give us plenty of incentives to join loyalty programs, but there are downsides you might not be aware of.
The cheap supermarket products to avoid
The discount duds you should dodge and the brilliant bargains to buy instead.
10 brands you didn't know were owned by big supermarkets
Home brand has had a glow-up. These independent-looking labels are actually owned by Coles, Woolworths and IGA.
Unclear supermarket 'specials' are confusing shoppers
New CHOICE survey says shoppers find it hard to identify a true discount.
The ACCC wants your thoughts on the supermarkets
The regulator has launched its inquiry into the supermarket sector and invited customers and suppliers to weigh in.
Can refillable products save you money?
We compare refillable products at Aldi, Coles and Woolworths to see what your options are and how much you can save.
CHOICE calls out tricky supermarket pricing
In our submission to the government's supermarket pricing inquiry, we recommend a better way forward for consumers.
Woolies online shopping leaves some customers out of pocket
The new system applies an estimated charge you may not get back for a week.
Should you do your Christmas grocery shopping online or instore?
We weigh up the pros and cons of going digital vs doing the Christmas shop the old fashioned way.
Coles caught red-handed raising 'locked' prices
Thousands of customers to be refunded following CHOICE's complaint to the ACCC, plus we list the affected products.
Why sticking to one supermarket is costing you money
You could save 40% by splitting your grocery shop between Coles, Aldi, Woolies and others.
Can you really save money by shopping around?
We visited the Reject Shop, a discount chemist, Coles, Woolworths and Aldi to find the cheapest household essentials.
Will you get the same prices at Aldi's new Corner Stores?
We check out the product range and prices to see if you should shop at this new type of Aldi.
The pantry heroes that can help you save
These low cost pantry staples can help you create delicious and nutritious meals on a budget.
CHOICE survey: Shoppers use unit pricing to combat rising grocery bills
Unit pricing can help you make your food budget go further, but many of us are not getting the most from this system.
Supermarket psychology: Tactics to get you to spend more
How to stay alert to the sales tricks used in the supermarket aisle and save money when you shop.
Top 10 household products from CHOICE tests in 2022
Our pick from all the food we tasted and the hundreds of household products we tested this year.
Simple kitchen swaps to save time and money
Changing the way you do things in the kitchen can be economical – and help the environment.
Woolworths Online vs Coles Online
Which is better for online shopping, and should you pay for supermarket subscription services?
How we test online grocery delivery services
Here's how we compare the services offered by Woolworths, Coles, IGA and Harris Farm Markets.
Woolworths vs Coles vs Aldi: Which house brands win on taste?
Aldi has revealed their top 10 fan-favourite products for 2022 – see which budget buys shone in CHOICE taste tests.
Shopping at Aldi: Best buys and what to avoid
Should you just buy everything at Aldi? Not necessarily. We look at TVs, groceries, cleaning products, nappies and more.
Sydney, you're paying 41% more for bread than pre-pandemic
CHOICE compares food prices from multiple categories over the past five years to find out what's changed.
From pet food to cereal, see which products are suffering ‘shrinkflation’ in 2022
When it comes to choosing a product, size matters – so watch out for shrinking packet sizes, coming to a store near you.
Are your online groceries priced correctly?
We look at IGA, FoodWorks and Harris Farm Markets to see how compliant they are with unit pricing requirements.
Save money on groceries: how unit pricing can help
Take a closer look at supermarket pricing labels to see where you can save.
The best and worst food products we tested this year
What came out on top for taste, nutrition and more?
Christmas groceries: Is Aldi, Coles or Woolies cheaper?
We compare the price of a basket of Christmas grocery essentials.
Supermarket Christmas 2021: festive food from Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA
A taste of what you can buy for this year’s festive table.
5 tips to eat organic on a budget
Want to get more organic produce in your diet? Try these tips.
Food expiry dates and online grocery shopping
What happens when supermarkets deliver out-of-date food?
5 reusable swaps for everyday items
The pros and cons of reusable items, from 'unpaper' kitchen towels to menstrual pads.
Is Aldi's snow gear sale worth the hype?
The supermarket's yearly ski sale is coming up – but is the stuff any good?
Supermarket satisfaction: Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, IGA and more
Our survey reveals your best and worst supermarkets for 2021.
How to shop safely at the supermarket during the COVID-19 outbreak
Steps you can take to ensure everyone's shopping experience is a safe one.
How much are you getting for your money? Unit pricing will tell you
Unit pricing in big supermarkets became mandatory in 2009, but there’s still a way to go to make it really work for consumers.
Big W Contempo best appliance buys
We reveal the products that impressed, and those you might want to think twice about before adding to your cart.
10 thoughts you have shopping at Aldi
I am not going into the centre aisle, I am not going into the centre aisle.
Food substitutes for when you've run out of ingredients
These stand-ins will help you finish your dish without having to nip to the shops.
Why it's still hard to find toilet paper at the supermarket
Panic buying, a lagging supply chain and being housebound have contributed to shortages in stores across the country.
10 foods that topped CHOICE taste tests in 2019
These products were rated best in our tests this year – do they make it onto your shopping list?
Best and worst household products of 2019
Winners and sinners from this year's CHOICE lab tests.
Changes needed to improve unit pricing
The system is effective, but needs to be more accessible to everyone.
The best and worst supermarkets according to Australian shoppers
Coles, Woolworths, Costco and Aldi versus Harris Farm, Foodland, FoodWorks and IGA.
Using your own plastic containers at Coles, Woolworths and IGA
You already bring your own bags to the supermarket, so why not BYO plastic containers?
Market monopolies in Australia
Is Australian suffering from a market concentration crisis?
Fresh food tricks
How fresh is it really? We reveal the tricks producers and supermarkets use to keep food looking fresh.
Bottleshop prices
Supermarkets dominate bottleshop sales, but not everyone's toasting their success.
Related
Shopping
Know your rights, know when you're being manipulated, and most of all know where to sniff out the best bargains.
Taking action and making a complaint
Don't just yell and scream to let off steam, get the outcome you want with some targeted complaining.