Aldi remains the lowest-cost supermarket in Australia according to the latest quarterly grocery basket survey, with shoppers paying nearly $23 less on average than at IGA for a basket of comparable household staples.
The survey, conducted by consumer advocacy group CHOICE, compared the cost of 16 grocery items across Aldi, Coles, Woolworths and IGA stores in March 2026. Researchers visited 104 supermarkets in 27 locations nationwide, assessing both regular shelf prices and promotional discounts.
Without specials, the basket cost $68.80 at Aldi, compared with $77.53 at Woolworths and $78.58 at Coles. IGA was the most expensive at $91.65.
When temporary discounts were included, Aldi’s total remained largely unchanged at $68.60, while Woolworths came in at $76.82, Coles at $78.50 and IGA at $86.33.
The survey included a mix of fresh produce and packaged goods commonly found in Australian households, including beef mince, milk, rice, fruit, vegetables, frozen chips, tissues, cooking sauce and Tim Tam biscuits.
CHOICE said care was taken to compare products with similar ingredients, pack sizes and specifications. However, differences in the availability of home-brand products affected some results. Aldi’s basket contained only one branded item, while IGA’s included five due to a more limited private-label range.
A separate comparison of a base basket containing eight everyday essentials again placed Aldi in front at $37.14. Woolworths and Coles were almost identical at just over $40, while IGA averaged $45.42.
The survey also examined a “winter comforts” basket featuring products such as a whole chicken, frozen apple pies, chips, tissues and soup ingredients. Aldi remained the cheapest option at $31.46, followed by Woolworths at $37.45 and Coles at $38.48. IGA recorded the highest cost at $46.23, although discounts narrowed the gap.
The findings highlighted how closely matched Coles and Woolworths remain. In the base basket, only a few cents separated the two chains. Woolworths held a slight advantage in the full basket comparison, helped by lower prices on some products and a promotion on tissues.
IGA’s higher average prices were partly attributed to its franchise model, with independently operated stores showing wider price variation than the national chains. The survey found some IGA stores were competitively priced, while others were considerably more expensive.
Location also played a role in grocery costs. Aldi and Woolworths prices were relatively consistent across states, with most differences linked to fresh produce. Coles showed greater regional variation, particularly in the Northern Territory, where some packaged goods cost more than elsewhere.
IGA recorded the largest state-by-state differences. The survey found customers in the Northern Territory paid an average of $109.69 for the full basket with specials, compared with $76.39 in Victoria.
CHOICE noted that grocery prices continue to fluctuate and that individual shopping habits, product substitutions and specials can influence household spending. The organisation said consumers could reduce costs by comparing unit prices, shopping across different retailers and considering home-brand alternatives where suitable.
The survey was conducted before the escalation of conflict in the Middle East that contributed to higher fuel prices and concerns about freight costs. CHOICE said any impact on supermarket pricing is more likely to become visible in future surveys.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
