Everyone wants to win the battle of the aisles and walk away with a shopping basket brimming with discounts. Mastering the art of strategic purchasing is more vital than ever in today’s ever-changing world of ever-rising costs and ever-shifting pricing structures.
This article will empower you with the most recent tips, tricks, and strategies to navigate the supermarket landscape like a knowledgeable shopper. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a newbie seeking to save serious cash, this guide will arm you with the newest tips, tricks, and tactics.
Get ready to learn the ins and outs of stretching your dollar farther, locating the finest discounts, and coming away from experience with a larger wallet than ever.
So, take a list of the things you need to buy, put on your savings cape, and read on to the beautiful store discounts in the year 2023!
Australia’s Top Ten Supermarkets
There was a time when the only food shopping alternatives available to Australians were Coles and Woolworths, but those days are long gone.
Discovering new supermarkets is like venturing into a whole new universe these days. International behemoths like ALDI and Costco have found their way into local shopping malls, where they entice intelligent customers with the distinctive goods and services that they provide.
To assist you in navigating this dynamic environment, experts have produced a list of 10 of the top supermarkets in Australia, each offering its customers a unique set of features and advantages. Get ready to explore a whole new realm of possibilities regarding supermarket shopping!
1. Coles
Coles is a well-loved Australian institution for a good reason. With more than 2,500 stores nationwide, Coles, one of Australia’s biggest retailers, aims to sustainably feed all Australians to support their quest for better and happier lives.
Coles supermarkets carry several well-known Australian brands (Arnott’s parrot is a fixture in the cookie section). The store places a premium on selling only genuine products.
Coles Local shops are the only place to go! Major Australian cities like Sydney’s Surry Hills and Melbourne’s Chatswood have these upscale supermarkets.
Like conventional Coles supermarkets, they provide excellent value but with a unique twist. Even the most gourmet-loving customers will be impressed by Coles Local’s environmentally minded, locally produced speciality items and fresh food.
Prepare for a fantastic shopping experience combining convenience, quality, and sustainability!
The comfort provided by Coles Group continues beyond the grocery store. Customers can pick up a bottle of red at one of Coles Liquor’s 900 locations across Australia after grocery shopping. Coles Financial Services provides Australian families with insurance, credit cards, and personal loans.
Flybuys, Australia’s most significant supermarket reward program, is headquartered at Coles.
2. Woolworths
Woolworths is Australia’s most significant supermarket business, opening its doors in 1924 and expanding to 1,076 locations nationwide.
Woolworths is proud to be known as the ‘Fresh Food People’ because they directly buy all their fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat from Australian farmers and producers.
Like its rival Coles, Woolworths provides a swath of banking and insurance options.
Woolworths’ own Macro brand label is well-liked because of the abundance of affordable Certified Organic speciality health food goods it provides.
Woolworths acquired Macro hoping to become a destination for Australians searching for organic healthy food. Did you know that Macro Olive Oil in a 500-ml container, can be purchased for about $6.60?
Many of the products you use daily are probably made by the Woolworths Group, which owns some of the most well-known and respected names in Australia and New Zealand, including Countdown and Big W.
Woolies regulars may earn more than five points for every dollar they spend with the Everyday Rewards loyalty program. Continue reading to discover how this compares to supermarket reward schemes like Flybuys.
3. Aldi
Since the first ALDI store debuted in Sydney in 2001, the German supermarket brand has expanded throughout Australia.
As someone who dreads grocery shopping (perhaps due to having worked the checkout for over a decade), you may also love ALDI’s straightforward design and ‘Smarter Shopping’ philosophy.
While Tim Tams, Vegemite, and Wheat Bix are well-known in Australia, ALDI simplifies shopping by stocking just a few of its brand products. No more looking blankly at a mountain of spaghetti sauce; that’s German efficiency for you!
If you’re looking for a quick stop at the supermarket and straightforward, all-around discounts on premium goods in Australia, go no further than ALDI.
However, if you’re more of a groceries loyalty program fanatic, you will only visit an ALDI shop if they have something you want from their weekly Special Buys catalogue.
You must base ALDI’s loyalty program on something other than collecting points, still on instilling the store’s ‘no frills’ and cheap pricing philosophy in every customer.
4. Costco
Costco shopping might seem more like a trip to a museum than a trip to the supermarket.
This American conglomerate popularised buying in bulk to Australia, making trips to the store more affordable for families with many children.
Like ALDI, Costco customers may cross off their Grocery list while picking up various things, including name-brand clothes.
If you expect to buy at Costco infrequently, the $60 annual membership fee is well-spent. Considering your zip code is essential since only 13 Costco stores are in the country.
The only way (on average) that a Costco shop will be cheaper than at ALDI is if the shopper uses their membership to save more than 25 cents a litre on petrol.
5. Drakes
Drakes is a major supermarket chain in South Australia and Queensland, but it began in very humble origins in Mitcham. Drakes has more than 60 stores open throughout South Australia and Queensland.
You can always depend on finding a wide variety of your favourite regional dishes at this supermarket, making it a good option if you’re a proud resident of South Australia.
Drakes distinguishes itself by delivering a unique shopping experience, highlighted by visually pleasing store designs and customer-focused staff.
With popcorn and orange juice machines and a variety of kombucha on tap, the deli sections at Drakes Supermarkets are the ideal places to rest and refuel before continuing your shopping trip.
Drakes has introduced a powerful customer loyalty program and rewards app to stay up with the standards set by major supermarkets and guarantee a competitive offering in the market.
6. Friendly Grocer
This more modest company began in New Zealand and operates more than 450 locations throughout Australia.
However, Friendly Grocer takes more of a quality-over-quantity approach, positioning itself as more of a corner convenience shop rather than a chain supermarket.
When browsing Friendly Grocer’s aisles, you could find some IGA home-branded Black and Gold goods. Friendly Grocer entered into a contract with Metcash, responsible for IGA distribution, to provide IGA brands at every shop in Australia.
Another thing that Friendly Grocer has in common with IGA (and Drakes, for that matter) is that they emphasise providing personalised attention to its customers.
Although this store has a smaller selection, as many aisles, or customer loyalty programs as other supermarkets, such as Coles and Woolworths, it claims to be the friendly and neighbourhood grocery just around the corner.
If you want the cashier to remember your name, you should buy at this establishment.
7. Foodland
Here, another South Australian supermarket proudly sells many different items produced in the state.
Do you need to whip up some delectable fare? Someone from another state or another nation may be here. Foodland is the place to go for authentic and novel regional cuisine.
Suppose your go-to item is no longer available at a rival shop in South Australia. In that case, you may get it at one of Foodland’s 92 independently owned and operated locations. Foodland was founded in South Australia.
Foodland’s supply chain has over 200 goods made by local businesses, and it also offers a wide selection of its own branded products in addition to the standard kid-friendly basics.
Foodland will no longer provide a loyalty program. There are other supermarkets in Australia; however, this one stands out with lower prices and more frequent unique sales.
If you want to support local businesses and save a ton of money by shopping from home, The Mighty South Australians is the place for you.
8. Foodworks
Shoppers can be sure that a FoodWorks location is always a short drive away because the chain’s nearly 700 locations are in seven states.
It is crucial to evaluate whether your purchasing habits are influenced by your intention to support local store owners, considering that some businesses are locally owned. In contrast, the independent retail conglomerate owns others, Australian United Retailers Limited.
The fact that the FoodWorks shops are individually owned and operated means that they always make it a point to get high-quality food that caters to the local community’s requirements. A business located in one of the neighbouring suburbs is likely to provide diverse selections to customers.
FoodWorks is the place to go if supporting independently owned, small, and local businesses while enjoying a more personalised shopping experience—the benefits of a loyalty program appeal to you.
9. Harris Farm Markets
This supermarket may have fewer locations, but its name is well-known. For almost 50 years, one family has owned and operated all 26 locations in New South Wales.
This supermarket puts a premium on family and the outdoors, and it’s clear that the market’s pricing, produce, and promotions are all affected by weather — something the big-box supermarkets overlook.
Better-tasting products are more common from sustainable suppliers because of the years of dedication and trust built with farmers. Harris Farm Markets even goes so far as to call itself the most well-known independent fresh food supermarket shop in Australia.
This supermarket continues to honour this tradition by providing special savings to repeat customers via the Friend of the Farm loyalty program.
Want to wow your guests at your next dinner party? Some people in your life are notoriously picky eaters. To make memorable meals, you can buy premium organic meats and other ingredients at Harris Farm Markets.
10. IGA
There may not be anything more stereotypically Australian than IGA. With more than 1400 locations, this well-known chain caters to regional preferences by stocking various items made in those areas.
With so many outlets around the country owned by Aussies, more customers have easy access to regional specialties and friendly service.
Many shops nationwide are undergoing renovations to better compete with the urban shopping experience offered by chains like Foodland and Coles Local. However, others retain their 1970s brick veneer façades and fading glossy carpeting.
IGA’s independence manifests in higher prices for standard groceries than Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi. For that price, you can be sure your money will go to an open mom-and-pop shop in the neighbourhood.
The IGA Rewards program is a way to show appreciation to regular customers by providing them with unique monthly specials and other savings on their everyday grocery purchases.
Supermarket Money-Saving Tips
Here are some ways to save costs when grocery shopping:
Find the Best Times To Go Food Shopping
It’s ideal for shopping later in the day when the price drops. An hour or two before closing time, or about 7 o’clock at 24-hour shops, is perfect. One thrifty mom even went so far as to compile a calendar of the ideal times to shop for sale prices on groceries.
Everything that will expire tomorrow will be marked down significantly. Keep a vigilant eye out for the yellow reduced tags, as the business aims to sell them instead of discarding them.
You can get food that has been marked down but is still in good condition for sale on this website. Numerous items on the website go for less than a pound!
Use Supermarket Cashback Apps
Cashback applications can help customers receive full refunds on food and drink goods purchased at the supermarket.
Shopmium is one of the expert-recommended options. As a new member, you’ll get 100% cash back on a tasty treat (in the past, this has been Nutella and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream). You may also get a £3 credit when you recommend a friend.
Before buying groceries, check cashback apps to see if you can find anything you need. You can save money by collecting cashback if you purchase the same products.
Cons and discounts are available for almost every shop on the web. Check out the student bargains area, regularly updated with new offerings, before starting your shopping trip.
In addition to their many online discounts, they also provide printable coupons that you may use in the stores.
But don’t go crazy trying to utilise every last one of those coupons. Put your head on straight. If tuna is on sale for half off, but you don’t eat fish, that’s not a bargain.
Then there are the student discounts offered by several grocery stores. Morrisons has a program called the Student Club that provides members exclusive deals and discounts. Students may save 10% at Co-op with a TOTUM card.
Wooden Spatula With Sticky Rice
Visit the foreign food section to stock up on pantry necessities like rice, spices, and sauces there. This is one of the most effective strategies to save costs while shopping for food. Products might be up to 75% less expensive than their domestic counterparts.
You will need a wooden spatula to prepare this popular Asian meal. This spatula helps manage the sticky nature of rice without allowing it to clump or lose its texture.
Its large handle makes for a comfortable grip and makes moving about in a hot pot or rice cooker simple.
The wooden spatula is essential for cooking sticky rice since it helps to achieve the ideal consistency and control the cooking process. Because of its smooth surface, it is possible to gently mix and fold the rice, ensuring that the grains are equally moistened.
The natural qualities of the wood make it easy to separate and serve rice without creating a mess since the rice won’t adhere to the spatula.
You may confidently prepare delicious delicacies with the wooden spatula, such as sushi, rice balls, or classic Thai mango sticky rice, all while retaining the integrity of the rice grains and their exquisite stickiness.
Plan Your Meals Before Going to the Supermarket
Making a shopping list before going to the grocery store is essential to reduce the money you spend there. Creating a weekly meal plan before going grocery shopping is one of the most effective ways to reduce the amount of money spent on groceries.
When you go to the store, you will be able to maintain your concentration on the kinds of goods that are essential to your diet. In addition to this, it will be much simpler for you to monitor and keep track of the money you spend each week.
Since of this, you won’t end up stuffing your kitchen cabinets with multiple of the same item since you’ll have a better idea of what you do and don’t need.
Scan Your Receipts To Get Vouchers
Is your wallet bursting at the seams with all of your receipts? Good! Use the money from those receipts to help support your next round of internet shopping.
The good news is that most applications will allow you to scan the same receipt into more than one of their databases. Put another way, you may get twice as many incentives, or even more, from just one retailer.
Before earning a coupon for £5 on Amazon, you must scan fifty to several hundred receipts.
However, the time required to scan them could be a lot higher title. It’s like getting money for nothing, especially considering you plan to shop anyway.
Always Check the Reduced Section
The area of supermarkets where prices are marked down includes more than just food that is getting close to its sell-by date.
You will likely be able to locate a variety of goods there, such as products with broken packing or other little defects. Regardless of the circumstance, the presence of the yellow sticker indicates the presence of a deal that is just ready to be snatched up.
This section of the grocery store is often well-stocked near the end of the shopping day (when the food with the earliest “best-before date” migrates over there). Nevertheless, no matter when you go shopping, something will always be available on the shelves—a mountain of yellow stickers.
Avoid Wasting Food
It seems obvious, yet it’s shocking how many students (and people in general) let food spoil in their fridges.
A chicken salad for the third night may not be your favourite, but you have other alternatives. Remove the chicken and use it to make a spaghetti sauce, or try something different by adding it to the leftovers.
Even after the “best-before” date has passed, you may safely consume many items. The internet also provides information on creative ways to use food scraps. BigOven is one of the popular applications because it gives you ideas for what to do with the leftovers after a meal.
If you find yourself with an excess of food for the week, we’ve compiled a list of items you may be surprised to learn can be frozen.
Get Leftover Food on Olio and Too Good To Go
If you purchase or prepare more than you need, it is simple for experts to advise you on what to do. But, if you don’t have enough, get yourself to Olio and Too Good To Go as soon as possible if you ever find yourself in a scenario like that.
These applications serve as virtual markets for the exchange of unwanted food items. Whereas Olio is a community for people with things to give away, Too Good To Go is a platform that enables restaurants and cafés to sell any additional product at a much-reduced price.
If you don’t have anything prepared for supper, check the apps on your phone before going to the store (or, even worse, looking up a takeout menu).
Buy Seasonal Fruit and Vegetables
Consider which foods are at their peak of freshness during the week you plan your meal.
Purchasing food that is in season will help you lower the carbon dioxide emissions you produce, and it will likely be less expensive than buying something delivered from the other side of the planet.
Also, as a general guideline, you should avoid spending money on pre-packaged fruit or vegetables. The plastic coatings will drive up the cost, and they aren’t favouring the environment.
Buy Supermarket Own-Brand Products
It’s easy to get into the routine of purchasing certain brands you are familiar with and confident in. But if you have yet to experience the charm of low-cost items sold under the company’s brand name, get ready.
Regarding the ingredients, many branded meals are not that different from store-brand versions sold in supermarkets. They are even superior in certain circumstances. The only distinctions are in the product’s packaging and the prices, which may be absurdly different.
When you go grocery shopping the next time, challenge yourself by purchasing just the store’s brand-name products. You have the opportunity to save a significant amount of money, and they promise that the quality of the product will not be significantly affected in any way.
They offer a comprehensive guide on how to make the switch to items under their brand name.
Never Shop for Food When Hungry
You’ve undoubtedly already heard this a million times, but how often do you break the golden rule and spend too much money on snacks that are too tempting to resist?
If you spend all day without eating and then go to the grocery store, you will get to the point where you just start tossing random things into your shopping cart.
Eat something before you go grocery shopping to prevent making rash decisions because of hunger-driven urges to purchase items you don’t need.
Do Your Food Shop Online
One of the most excellent methods to save money is to buy groceries online. Online grocery shopping is available from most chain supermarkets, and many even provide promotional coupons for additional savings.
You can easily avoid the temptations of retail displays may by shopping online. And this way, the tempting aromas from the on-site bakery won’t cause you to purchase every single one.
You can easily find the pricing of items at other big supermarkets when you shop online, making it much simpler to make price comparisons. And make sure you’re getting the best value by looking at the cost per kilogram rather than just the total.
Alternatively, you may use these same-day delivery apps if you need your goods quickly.
Squeeze the Most Out of Loyalty Cards
Supermarkets have a loyalty program. You may use them to get discounts on future purchases at your store.
Experts suggest signing up for a loyalty card at each grocery store in your neighbourhood. The secret to saving money is to take control of your shopping habits and not allow loyalty cards to dictate them.
When you sign up for a loyalty card, the company will keep track of the brands and items you purchase most often. They offer you coupons they anticipate you’ll utilise so you’ll shop at their shops more often.
However, you should only use the coupon if the things they are giving are essential. Most vouchers have long expiration dates, so start collecting them and stashing them away for future use.
Become a Flexitarian
You may save much money by going meatless a few days a week. You may occasionally enjoy meat, and there are many delicious vegetarian dishes to explore. Just shake things up.
If you don’t eat meat every day, you’ll learn to appreciate it more when you do.
Buy Food in Bulrealiseder by grocery shopping with your roommates or housemates if you share living quarters. It may be more cost-effective to purchase some things in bulk and split the cost across the group.
Rather than each person purchasing their two-pack of toilet paper, you could all save money by buying a larger quantity and sharing the cost.
However, before making any large purchases, carefully perform the math. You may only sometimes receive a better value despite what the store may lead you to believe.
Be Wary of Bad Supermarket Deals
When grocery shopping, you may come across offers that seem too good to be true, and occasionally they are.
Don’t be fooled by the flashy colours and discounts on signage; they’re only there to make you believe you’re getting a good deal.
Compare Prices Before Shopping
You may use this website (and accompanying app) to research the lowest pricing for your favourite items at grocery stores around the United Kingdom.
Although most costs are from online retailers, they are usually comparable to those in physical locations. Favourite goods might have price notifications set up for them.
Shop at Budget Supermarkets
Many people will want to shop at the supermarket in the immediate vicinity, even if it is a Tesco Metro with outrageous markups.
Change things around a little to ensure you get the most terrific deal possible and save as much money as possible. Those ready to move out of their comfort zones and shop at discount supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi may find fantastic offers at these stores.
The same is true when shopping at all kinds of small or independent retailers, not only food markets local to your area. You may save some substantial costs by doing some comparison shopping.
Don’t Shop on Payday
It is a recipe for financial catastrophe for a student to go shopping when the money from a student loan or income is sent into their bank account.
You may get the impression that you are swimming in an unending pool of gold when you first get your hands on the money, but the loan will run out of money far sooner than you anticipate.
You will only realise what’s happening once it’s too late; at this point, you’ll be begging cash from your parents and living off of baked beans until your next payment comes due.
Grow Your Food
To cultivate items like cress or potatoes, you don’t need a garden. A window box, an indoor pot, or a container made from recycled materials would be wonderful.
If you cultivate your fruit, vegetables, and herbs, you will save money and feel tremendous pride and accomplishment in your accomplishments.
Have a Frugal Day Each Week
It is essential to practice extreme frugality at least once or twice every week to maximise the amount of money you save.
On these days, you should eat in a manner that is as frugal as possible (while still, if at all feasible, maintaining a healthy diet) by focusing your meals on grains and vegetables.
Tomato spaghetti may be monotonous, but if you eat it for lunch and supper once a week, you may save your food costs significantly. In addition, you will always have the meals for the next day to look forward to.
Cook Meals From Scratch
Purchasing premade carbonara from the store has its appeal. However, if you purchase the materials and create them yourself, it will cost significantly less.
Try this fundamental cooking advice if you need more clarification in the kitchen. They’ll be a huge time saver in the kitchen.
Send Back Poor-Quality Food
Have you ever seen a product’s packaging boast that you may return if you’re dissatisfied? You probably haven’t given it a go before.
However, if you aren’t satisfied with your most recent soup or chocolate spread order, you may always return it and provide feedback.
You may get a refund or a free consolation gift from the makers if you email them an explanation and receipt.
Treat Yourself
Finally, it’s important to remember that it’s OK to reward yourself occasionally.
You’ll be less inclined to overbuy on impulse throughout the week when you want chocolate if you include a few sweets on your shopping list. At least, that’s the idea.
Leveraging Supermarket Loyalty Programs
Supermarket shoppers often have strong brand loyalty to certain grocery stores. As with most recurrent expenditures, it makes sense to accrue points in a loyalty program that pays you for returning to a certain retailer.
Some grocery stores, knowing they will earn your continued business, may reward you with exclusive deals and discounts if you sign up for their loyalty program.
Some of the most prominent supermarket loyalty programs in Australia are as follows:
Coles Flybuys
With so many ways to rack up points on groceries, booze, travel, insurance, and car washes, it’s no surprise that this is Australia’s most popular supermarket loyalty program.
Simply put, as a Flybuys member, you may earn points for every dollar spent at participating retailers in a wider variety of areas than Woolworth’s Everyday Rewards. You may probably earn Coles Flybuys points anywhere you shop, from Kmart to NAB and Liquorland.
Gain Flybuys points with a wide variety of retail partners
Coles Flybuys is great since you can exchange your points for gift cards at participating retailers or csave them to Velocity Frequent Flyer for limitless travel benefits.
To learn more about the program and how to join up, check out The Champagne Mile’s Coles Flybuys beginner’s guide to earning points and incentives.
You may earn rewards in this top-tier program every time you are asked “Flybuys?” at the register.
Woolworths Everyday Rewards
To get the most out of your shopping at Woolworths and its partner stores like Caltex, BWS, and Big W, you should sign up for Everyday Rewards.
The relationship with Qantas Frequent Flyer makes this program competitive with Coles Flybuys by letting members convert Everyday Rewards points to Qantas Frequent Flyer at a rate of 2:1.
One of the best features of Everyday Rewards is the variety of ways in which members may spend their points at their preferred partner stores, both in-store and online.
If you’re a member currently or thinking about signing up so you may enjoy the rewards of an everyday shop, don’t forget to scan (or input information of) your Everyday Rewards Card at the register.
You can learn everything about the Everyday Rewards Woolworths program and how to maximize your points by reading The Champagne Mile’s in-depth guide.
Woolworths Everyday Rewards is an Australian grocery chain’s new way to save money immediately.
It just takes two minutes to sign up for a Woolworths Everyday Rewards card and start saving.
IGA Rewards
Members with an IGA rewards card get access to exclusive discounts and perks at their community’s locally owned and operated IGA supermarkets.
By participating in this loyalty program, customers are able to reap the benefits of both supporting independent merchants by making purchases there and saving money in the process.
However, in addition to the standard dollar-off shopping (so members who visit an IGA store twice a week will save over $100 a year! ), IGA Rewards members receive monthly member-only benefits like travel deals and exclusive prize draws.
With an IGA Rewards card, you can save money on every purchase you make.
Australia’s Top 10 Supermarkets Comparison
| Supermarket chain | Loyalty program | Australian? | Stores in Australia | Online shopping | Independently owned | Membership fee |
| Coles | FlyBuys | Yes | >2500 | Yes | No | No |
| Woolworths | Everyday Rewards | Yes | >1000 | Yes | No | No |
| Aldi | N/A | No | >500 | No | No | No |
| Costco | N/A | No | 13 | No | No | $60 |
| Drakes | myDrakes Rewards | Yes | >60 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Friendly Grocer | N/A | Yes | >450 | No | Yes | No |
| Foodland | N/A | Yes | >90 | No | Some | No |
| Foodworks | Smart Rewards | Yes | >700 | No | Some | No |
| Harris Farm Markets | Friend of the Farm | Yes | 26 | Yes | Yes | No |
| IGA | IGA Rewards | Yes | >1400 | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Maximise Supermarket and Grocery Discounts
Saving as much money as possible while grocery shopping is essential.
The weekly grocery price may be lowered significantly by participating in a supermarket’s rewards program. In addition to cash-off coupons, participants of rewards programs often get reductions on petrol.
If you pay your credit card balance in full each month, rewards credit cards are another option to maximize savings. You may get three points for every dollar spent at supermarkets with the American Express Platinum Edge Card, or you can earn even more points with a credit card that has a rewards program that is affiliated with either Coles or Woolworths.
In order to stretch your grocery budget further, consider picking up some supermarket gift cards at a discount. Gift cards to popular retailers like Coles and Woolworths are sometimes available at a discount on their respective websites. Cashback sites like CashRewards and Shopback, trade groups, and even insurance companies can provide discounts you can take advantage of.
Knowing the pricing of the items you often buy is a tried and true method for cutting costs at the supermarket. Knowing the going rate for the items you buy most often at the store can help you find the best deals. What, you couldn’t find it at Aldi? If you know bananas are on sale this week at Coles and you plan to shop there anyhow, you may want to wait.
Smart shoppers should use weekly catalogues as their holy book in the search for sales and discounts. It’s helpful to keep a mental check on sales at various stores because weekly supermarket catalogues tend to be issued on Wednesdays.
Items discounted towards the end of the day often have a sell-by date one day before their expiration date. Whether you need it for a party that night or want to save some for later, this is a terrific choice.
You may save a lot of money by purchasing ‘ugly’ food from brands like Woolworths’ Odd Bunch or Coles’ I’m Perfect. Harris Farm Markets, not to be outdone by the ugly food craze, offers “Imperfect Picks,” a section of deeply discounted foods that may be imperfect in appearance.
Using Facebook groups to learn about sales and the most recent half-price catalog offerings is a terrific idea. Communities like Markdown Addicts Australia provide a wealth of knowledge and a live feed of localized day-end discounts.
Buying in bulk is a great method to save money on groceries and maintain a thrifty lifestyle. The warehouse-style warehouses of Costco sell merchandise in large quantities at a discount, and doing so is both economical and environmentally friendly since it reduces wasteful packing.
Not part of a large family? Participate in the rising popularity of forming a group to make bulk purchases. Make sure the cost of membership can be covered by the money you save by buying in bulk before you join Costco.
Which Supermarkets in Australia Offer Online Shopping?
Check out one of Australia’s many online grocery delivery services to prevent last-minute shopping trips. These virtual supermarkets may satisfy your hunger by stocking your home with fresh food, meat, and necessities like toilet paper.
Some of Australia’s most prominent merchants are temporarily unable to deliver to all locations, are backlogged, or are giving priority to vulnerable consumers because of the sudden surge in demand.
But have no dread! During the epidemic, you may put your hunger at bay by ordering supplies from one of Australia’s many online grocery stores. These are the top Australian online grocery delivery providers.
1. Coles Online
Coles, a popular grocery chain in Australia, has everything you could ever want. The costs are low, and it’s simple to use the convenient online delivery options.
Live chat with the support staff is available, and items over $150 are sent for free. The only catch is that you may have to wait longer than usual for service since Coles now prioritises elderly and disabled customers who can’t go to the store alone.
2. Woolworths
Woolworths, a long-standing competitor of Coles and one of Australia’s most popular supermarkets is a fantastic option for ordering groceries online. If you place your order with Woolworths before 6 PM, you can count on receiving your goods the following day.
Woolworths also offers a ‘Priority Assistance’ home delivery service for the elderly, handicapped, and the socially isolated to bring groceries to their door.
3. Uber Eats
We’ve all been there, too exhausted to even go to the corner shop for quick supper fixings. Fortunately, Uber Eats brings ready-to-eat meals from restaurants and delivers goods from convenience shops.
This is the way to go when your primary grocery shop is closed, or it’s late, and you need a snack. Shipping is quick and inexpensive. What could be better during lockdown than having snacks whenever you want them?
4. MILKRUN
If you think having groceries sent to your home in less than 10 minutes is a far-fetched fantasy, you’re in good company. The need for a midnight snack or the realisation that you’re out of milk for Saturday morning coffee has led to a proliferation of rapid-fire grocery delivery services in Australia’s main cities and for a good reason.
Thankfully, MILKRUN is here to help with its affordable rates (most things are marked up by approximately 10%) and low delivery fees (roughly $2.99). As a word of caution, know that MILKRUN may become handy. MILKRUN is now Australia’s quickest online grocery service.
5. Produce Drop
Phill Lagudi and Jason McIlwaine Produced Drop during COVID-19 in early 2020. Is that it? Change things up and show how to introduce the next generation to the fresh produce business.
After humble beginnings as a weekend hobby, the company now has vans on the road and more than 1200 clients, ushering in a novel and convenient method of obtaining fresh produce directly to one’s home. Regarding fresh food and vegetable delivery in the wider Sydney region, experts highly recommend this service.
6. Dinnerly
The fact that this service only delivers meals sets it apart from other online grocery delivery options, yet, the convenience of having meal kits delivered to your door is absolutely something that should be explored.
During lockdown, Dinnerly will provide you with simple recipes full of high-quality products and help encourage you to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal for your family.
They provide a two-person or four-person box, and the delivery is relatively inexpensive compared to most meal delivery services, so you do not have to empty your bank account.
7. Voly
Voly is the most significant rival to MILKRUN in the Australian market. Even while it takes an average of 10-15 minutes longer than MILKRUN to deliver, the delivery charge is just $1.99, making it the most cost-effective option. Take advantage of the convenience by clicking on the link below. It is easy to forget the limes, so it doesn’t matter how tiny your purchase is here, either. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that it doesn’t matter how small your order is here either. MILKRUN does provide free shipping on all purchases that are more than AUD 30.
8. HelloFresh
HelloFresh is yet another food delivery service that is well-known for its accessibility. During a lockdown, this service is an excellent way to maintain a balanced diet. HelloFresh is a weekly delivery service that provides customers with fresh, local foods and simple recipes. The fact that the meal kits and the recipes are colour-coded makes the whole process much more straightforward. You are free to alter, skip, or cancel the service anytime with no hassle, provided you are unsatisfied with it.
9. MarleySpoon
You are looking for a meal delivery service but would want to avoid paying for the shipment. MarleySpoon may be the solution to all of your problems. When it comes to having a wide range of options, MarleySpoon is an excellent choice.
They provide meals that are suitable for vegetarians, meals that are low in calories, and several alternatives for meats and fish so that they can cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and interests. Because the meals are consistently excellent and full of variety, you won’t find yourself becoming tired of eating at all.
10. DoorDash
If you’ve ever been to the United States, you’re familiar with this grocery delivery service. We’re relieved to see the service finally available Down Under. DoorDash is the world’s most extensive meal delivery service: free delivery and a wide variety of restaurants.
The service collaborates with area restaurants so that you can have your go-to meals delivered anytime, whether a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely weekend brunch. DoorDash can satisfy your hunger at any hour of the day or night.
11. IGA Online
Everyone has a lot of affection for their neighbourhood IGA, and even if you didn’t work there when you were younger, it’s likely that you knew someone who did. You may now continue to support your neighbourhood IGA by taking advantage of their home delivery service. IGA Online provides free delivery of the thousands of items that are stocked in their physical stores, and you can choose the delivery time that is most convenient for you.
12. Harris Farm
You may still buy at your favourite grocery store from the convenience of your home, even if you prefer organic foods or are otherwise considered “bouge.” Produce of the highest quality, organic meats, and a diverse selection of items derived from plants are what makes Harris Farm famous. Even if you cannot leave your house, the delivery service provided by Harris Farm will make it possible for you to prepare a gourmet meal without leaving the convenience of your own home!
13. Amazon
Amazon sells everything, including food and household goods. Amazon is the best place to go for all of your COVID requirements since they have a broad range of foods available for delivery on their website; unfortunately, they do not transport any cold things.
Because you may make purchases in larger quantities, this is an excellent choice if you are trying to save costs. You may also join Amazon Prime to get free shipping and returns on your orders.
14. eBay
eBay is another massive online marketplace offering about every kind of product imaginable for purchase. There is a wide variety of vendors on eBay, and many of them provide vital pantry requirements. This might be helpful in situations in which other online food delivery services are either delayed or unavailable.
Additionally, if you join eBay Plus, your purchases may be sent at no cost to you. You also can utilise PayPal when you shop on eBay, which makes food buying much simpler and more time-effective for you. One more advantage of using eBay as your primary shopping platform is this.
15. Catch
Catch should be on your radar if you like to look for deals. Catch always has incredible offers available for you to take advantage of, and they even provide a free trial period of 30 days so that you can determine whether or not you will like their services before committing to becoming a subscriber.
With Catch’s speedy delivery option, you can stock up on necessities, seize daily bargains, and expect prompt delivery of your groceries.
16. Delish Deliveries
The support of local farmers is something that should always be a top priority, and it is something that is passionately believed in by Delish Deliveries. The finest food in Australia is chosen by hand by Delish from among the offerings of local farmers and distributors, and orders are packaged using recyclable materials on the morning of the day of delivery. Your fresh food will come later, delivery included, and you may look forward to it with a joyful and healthy conscience.
17. Golden Grocery
Golden Grocery is a premier online delivery business that specialises in Asian cuisine and provides all of your Asian grocery requirements in one convenient location. If you’ve been daydreaming about preparing a traditional Asian feast, you can be confident that Golden Grocery will have everything you need, including sauces, noodles, rice, and dumplings. You may even give one of their Asian snacks a go if you want something different. The preparation is simple, and it takes very little time.
18. Ooooby
Ooooby is yet another ethical online grocery store delivery service. Oooby’s mission is to make purchasing healthy, locally-grown food accessible and affordable. They provide weekly deliveries of locally grown and organically farmed produce like your neighbourhood farmers’ markets.
You can relax knowing that your weekly delivery is scheduled to arrive on time without thinking about it. Oooby is on a quest to restore the central role of small-scale, sustainable farming in the global food chain.
19. Naked Foods
Naked Foods is an organic whole foods shop that sells products with little packaging to promote healthy diets and environmental sustainability.
It’s cheap and easy to get your hands on, and you can receive a variety of natural foods for home delivery. Naked Foods has everything you need for your home baking needs. The most significant part: purchases over $50 get free shipping!
20. iPantry
iPantry is a virtual grocery store where you can buy your usual staples. They provide a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, tasty ready-to-eat meals, freshly baked products, and much more.
iPantry has you covered if you need your meal delivered immediately since it offers next-day delivery on all orders. If you’re looking to send someone a gift basket or box, you have several alternatives to do it here.
21. Dinner Sorted
Dinner Sorted, as the name implies, is a premium service that sends you a large box stocked with fresh supplies and instructions so you can easily prepare gourmet dinners at home.
Because of this, you can finally kick back and relax without worrying about what to prepare for supper. The creators of Dinner Sorted are based in Melbourne, and they use only locally grown foods.
In conclusion
Food costs are likely to remain constant no matter what changes may occur in your life.
However, there is plenty of loyalty schemes, discounts, or member deals at Australian supermarkets to assist consumers save costs on their weekly buy.
Supermarkets in Australia, from the Fresh Food People to the Mighty South Aussies, are getting creative to win over consumers with lower prices, more foodie-friendly options, and spruced-up decor.
Australia has many supermarket options, satisfying shoppers with various priorities, including those who prioritise saving money, buying locally, or both.
The supermarket industry often makes customers choose between economising and helping the community.
The choice is whether you will spread the joy or remain faithful to one store.
FAQ – Supermarkets in Australia
What Is the Most Popular Supermarket in Australia?
Woolworths is Australia’s largest supermarket chain. Operating 1,076 stores across Australia, Woolworths employs 115,000 team members nationally.
What Supermarkets Does Australia Have?
The leading supermarkets in Australia are Woolworths, Coles, IGA and Aldi. Other popular chains include Costco, Drakes, Harris Farm Markets, Foodland and FoodWorks.
How Many Supermarkets Are in Australia?
As of 2023, Australia has 2,186 supermarkets and grocery store businesses, a decline of -0.7% from 2021.
Is Coles Cheaper or Woolworths?
On average, a basket of supermarket brand groceries at Coles costs $87.56; Woolworths’ is slightly cheaper with a $86.93 basket. However, the most affordable basket was $80.75 at Aldi.