Are Australian Groceries Getting More Expensive? What the Latest Supermarket Basket Survey Shows
If your usual grocery shop feels more expensive lately, you may not be imagining it. New research from Australian consumer group CHOICE found that the price of its eight-item grocery basket rose at Aldi, Woolworths, Coles and IGA between March and June 2026.
The results, published on 24 September, offer a useful snapshot of supermarket prices. But how much can a national basket comparison tell us about our own weekly grocery bill?
What the Latest Supermarket Survey Found
CHOICE sent mystery shoppers to 104 supermarkets in 27 locations across Australia in June 2026. Its research covered Aldi, Woolworths, Coles and IGA, with products selected to make the comparisons as consistent as possible.
The regular eight-item basket included apples, bananas, strawberries, potatoes, avocado, milk, basmati rice and beef mince. Across the four supermarket chains, its average price without specials rose by $2.79, or 7%, compared with March.
Not every item contributed equally to the increase. CHOICE reported that strawberries accounted for around half of the average basket price rise, showing how seasonal produce can affect a grocery comparison.
How Supermarket Prices Changed from March to June
The comparison below uses CHOICE's eight-item basket and excludes temporary specials. Each figure is an average basket total, not the price of an individual grocery item.
| Supermarket | March | June | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldi | $37.14 | $40.10 | +$2.96 |
| Woolworths | $40.08 | $40.95 | +$0.87 |
| Coles | $40.10 | $42.54 | +$2.44 |
| IGA | $45.42 | $50.42 | +$5.00 |
Source: CHOICE supermarket survey, updated 24 September 2026. March prices are calculated from the published June totals and dollar increases.
The selected basket became more expensive at all four chains. IGA recorded the largest dollar increase at $5.00, while Woolworths had the smallest at $0.87. Aldi's basket rose by $2.96 and Coles' by $2.44.
These results describe the products in the survey. They do not mean that every grocery item increased in price or that every Australian household's weekly bill rose by the same amount.
Why a Basket Is Not a Weekly Grocery Bill
A standard basket makes it easier to compare supermarkets, but it cannot represent every household. One family may buy more fresh produce, while another spends more on lunchbox supplies, cleaning products or pantry staples.
Location also matters. Product availability and prices can differ between stores and states, particularly for fresh produce. IGA stores are independently operated, which can also contribute to variation between locations.
A national basket survey is a useful starting point, but your own shopping list is still the better guide to what a supermarket costs you.
Why Specials Can Change the Comparison
Temporary discounts can make an individual shop cheaper, but they also make supermarket comparisons harder. A basket priced during a promotion may look different a week later.
CHOICE reports prices with and without specials for this reason. In its June survey, Aldi, Woolworths and Coles had no specials on the eight-item base basket. At IGA, specials reduced the average base-basket price by six cents.
For everyday shopping, it helps to check whether a discount applies to something you already planned to buy. A promotional price is less useful if it encourages an extra purchase that was not on your list.
A Simple Way to Compare Products
One of the easiest ways to compare similar groceries is to look beyond the price printed on the front of the shelf label. The unit price shows the cost per standard measure, such as a kilogram, litre or 100 grams.
A larger pack is not automatically better value, and a special offer is not always the cheapest option. Comparing unit prices helps when brands and pack sizes differ.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) provides guidance on grocery unit pricing. Look for the smaller unit price beside the selling price when comparing similar products in-store or online.
What Australian Shoppers Can Take Away
The latest CHOICE survey found that its selected eight-item grocery basket became more expensive across all four supermarket chains between March and June 2026. It does not establish that one supermarket will always be cheaper for every household.
For a more realistic comparison, start with the groceries you buy regularly, check unit prices and compare the final cost of your own basket. A national survey can show the broader picture; your shopping list shows what matters at home.
Sources
Note: The survey prices were collected in March and June 2026 and may differ from current prices at individual stores. This article is for general consumer information.
