Supermarkets and Groceries in Australia: A Newcomer's Routine

Grocery shopping in Australia has its own quirks — from how supermarkets are laid out, to the product brands, to how you save through catalogues and loyalty cards. This guide helps newcomers quickly build an efficient shopping routine.

The main supermarket chains

Woolworths and Coles

The two largest and most common supermarket chains in Australia. They’re found in almost every city and residential area. Both have an app and a website where you can view the weekly specials catalogue, order online (click and collect or home delivery), and earn loyalty points.

Woolworths runs the Everyday Rewards program; Coles runs Flybuys. Sign up for the loyalty card for free and use it when you shop to earn points you can redeem for vouchers.

Aldi

Aldi is a low-cost supermarket chain — it has fewer brands to choose from, but its prices are competitive, especially on essentials like bread, vegetables, and dairy. Aldi has no membership card program and fewer weekly specials than Woolworths/Coles, but its shelf prices are usually lower.

Aldi also runs Special Buys — one-off products (kitchenware, household items, clothing) sold at good prices that often sell out fast.

IGA and local supermarkets

IGA is a smaller supermarket chain, usually found in residential or fringe areas. Prices are generally higher than at Woolworths/Coles, but the location is convenient. If you live near an IGA and don’t have a car, IGA can be a practical choice.

Asian markets and Vietnamese food

Most large cities have an Asian market or grocery — where you’ll find fish sauce, water spinach, rice noodles and pho, Vietnamese seasonings, and other Asian items not stocked at Woolworths/Coles. Prices are usually more competitive for these specialty items. Ask the local Vietnamese community for the nearest Asian market.

How to shop on a budget

Follow the weekly specials catalogue

Woolworths and Coles change their specials every week (usually on a Wednesday or Thursday). View the catalogue on the app or website before you shop, so you can plan to buy what’s on sale. This is the most effective way to save without spending much time.

Buy “own brand” (home-brand) products

Both Woolworths and Coles have their own house brands (Woolworths Select, Coles) — usually 20–40% cheaper than the well-known brands, with quality that’s fine for many essentials.

Check the unit price

Price labels in Australian supermarkets usually show the unit price (for example, $/100g or $/100ml) next to the product price. Compare the unit price rather than just the shelf price — a bigger pack isn’t always cheaper per unit.

Buy fresh produce in season

Seasonal fruit and vegetables are usually cheaper and fresher. In Australia, summer (Dec–Feb) is cheap for tropical fruit; winter (Jun–Aug) is cheap for citrus and vegetables. Prices vary a lot with the season.

Buy frozen

Frozen vegetables are usually cheaper than fresh ones, keep their nutrients well, and are more convenient because they don’t spoil. They suit many everyday meals.

Habits of an efficient shopper

Make a list before you go

Going to the supermarket without a list usually leads to over-buying and waste. Use a note on your phone or a grocery-list app to jot down what you need for the week.

Shop weekly, not daily

Shopping once a week (or twice if you need fresh vegetables) saves more time than going every day. You’ll need to get used to planning meals for the whole week.

Shop at quieter times

Supermarkets are usually busy on weekends and at peak hour (5–7 pm on weekdays). Shopping early in the morning, or mid-week in the morning, is usually more relaxed.

Next steps

For how to buy second-hand goods safely on online platforms, see the related guide on buying second-hand in Australia.

To plan your food spending within your overall budget, see the related guide on living costs and how to set a budget.