My Australian Supermarket Guide

Moving to Australia comes with plenty of exciting firsts. Your first trip to the beach. Your first Aussie barbecue. And, believe it or not, your first supermarket shop.

Mine is one I’ll never forget.

I walked into the supermarket thinking I’d just grab a few essentials to get us through the first couple of days. Washing powder. Toilet paper. Milk. Bread. Tea. A few cupboard basics. Nothing extravagant.

I walked out almost $80 poorer with just two small carrier bags.

And that was back in 2013.

I remember sitting in the car staring at the receipt wondering how we’d possibly afford to live here if every grocery shop was going to cost that much. Looking back now, I laugh about it. At the time though? I honestly wanted to cry.

The cost wasn’t even the hardest part.

Everything felt unfamiliar.

None of the brands I’d grown up with were on the shelves. There were rows and rows of products I’d never heard of. Which washing powder was good? Which milk tasted closest to what I was used to? Was the cheap home brand actually any good? Which supermarket was supposed to be the cheapest?

It sounds silly now, but choosing something as simple as laundry detergent suddenly felt overwhelming when every single product was new. If you’ve ever found yourself standing in a supermarket aisle wondering which washing powder to buy and feeling completely defeated, you’re definitely not alone.

Settling into a new country is mentally exhausting. Every decision, no matter how small, requires thought. Even your weekly grocery shop suddenly becomes another thing you have to learn.

Over the years, I’ve become much more strategic with how I shop.

When we first moved to Australia, I was determined to save every possible dollar. I’d visit three or sometimes even four different supermarkets every single week, chasing the specials. Aldi for one thing. Coles for another. Woolworths for something else. Then perhaps Spudshed for fruit and vegetables. Although I never found Spudshed to be much good, most fruit and veg went off within a day or two, which was annoying.

Did I save money? Sometimes.

But I also spent hours driving between supermarkets, used more fuel and inevitably bought things simply because they were on special. The reality is that supermarkets deliberately stagger their promotions, so the same products are rarely discounted at the same time. It’s easy to convince yourself you’re saving money while your trolley slowly fills with bargains you hadn’t actually planned to buy.

These days, I’ve gone in almost the opposite direction.

I usually do one main weekly shop at a single supermarket and only pop elsewhere if I genuinely need something specific. Surprisingly, I’ve found I’m actually spending less because I’m sticking to my shopping list instead of being tempted by every half-price special across town.

Everyone shops differently, and you’ll soon find what works best for your family, your budget and your lifestyle.

To help make those first few grocery shops a little less overwhelming, here’s a guide to Australia’s most popular supermarkets and what each one has to offer.

My Australian Supermarket Guide

Coles

Coles is one of Australia’s two supermarket giants. Founded in 1914 by George Coles in Melbourne, it’s grown into one of the country’s largest retailers with more than 850 supermarkets nationwide.

If you’re living anywhere in Australia, chances are there’s a Coles just a short drive away. It’s often one of the first supermarkets new arrivals visit simply because it’s everywhere.

Coles stocks everything you’d expect from a full-service supermarket. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood, bakery items, dairy products, frozen foods, household essentials, toiletries, baby products and pet supplies all sit under one roof. Most larger stores also have a deli and bakery.

You’ll find plenty of well-known Australian brands alongside Coles’ own private label products. Their own-brand range has improved significantly over the years and now includes everything from budget pantry staples to premium gourmet products.

Pricing generally sits in the middle of the market. A typical family basket of groceries is usually comparable to Woolworths, although weekly specials can make one cheaper than the other depending on what you’re buying. For an average family grocery shop, many households spend around $180 to $250 per week, although this obviously varies depending on family size and shopping habits.

One of Coles’ biggest strengths is convenience. Many stores are open from early morning until late evening, with some metropolitan locations operating 24 hours. Sadly, none in Perth that I know about! Online shopping, click-and-collect and home delivery are also widely available.

If you shop regularly, it’s worth signing up for Flybuys. The free loyalty program allows you to collect points every time you shop, which can later be redeemed for discounts or rewards.

For many Australians, Coles is simply the reliable, everyday supermarket that does a little bit of everything well.

Woolworths

Often affectionately called “Woolies” by Australians, Woolworths is Coles’ biggest competitor.

It’s a bit like Pick ‘N Pay vs Checkers. Or Tesco vs Sainsbury’s. Not to be confused with South African Woolworths, which has no real Aussie equivalent.

Founded in 1924, it now operates more than 1,100 supermarkets across Australia, making it the country’s largest supermarket chain.

If you’ve recently arrived in Australia, you’ll probably find yourself comparing Coles and Woolworths quite quickly. Locals certainly do, and plenty of friendly debates happen over which one is better.

Like Coles, Woolworths offers a full supermarket experience. You’ll find fresh produce, meat, bakery items, dairy, frozen foods, international foods, liquor stores nearby in many locations and a huge range of household essentials.

Many shoppers rate Woolworths particularly highly for its fresh fruit and vegetables, although opinions vary depending on the individual store. Larger stores often have an impressive fresh food section and a wide selection of ready-made meals, making them popular with busy families.

Woolworths also has several own-brand ranges. Their Everyday Essentials products provide budget-friendly options, while their premium ranges cater to shoppers looking for higher-quality ingredients.

Prices are generally very similar to Coles. The two retailers compete aggressively on specials, so I like to keep an eye on both catalogues before doing my weekly shop.

The Everyday Rewards loyalty program is another major drawcard. Members earn points on purchases that can be converted into shopping discounts or airline points, making it worthwhile if you’re a regular shopper.

You’ll also find online delivery, click-and-collect, scan-and-go technology in some stores and excellent mobile apps that make planning your weekly grocery shop much easier.

I must admit I was a Coles woman, and used to get select items from Woolworths on top of my Coles shop, but recently with the fuel crisis, I started switching to Woolworths as it’s my closest option. I have ended up spending less as I’m not buying ALL THE THINGS when on special, so shopping at one place is actually saving me money these days. One of the things I prefer about Woolworths is their bakery – much nicer quality than Coles in my opinion.

IGA

IGA stands for Independent Grocers of Australia, and unlike Coles or Woolworths, each store is independently owned and operated.

There are around 1,400 IGA stores across Australia, making it one of the country’s largest supermarket networks despite each store being independently managed.

One of the biggest differences you’ll notice is that every IGA feels slightly different. Some are small neighbourhood supermarkets, while others as large as Coles or Woolworths.

IGA stores often focus heavily on supporting local suppliers. Depending on where you live, you’ll find locally baked bread, regional cheeses, locally grown produce and products from nearby businesses that you simply won’t find in the larger chains.

Prices can sometimes be a little higher than Coles or Woolworths, particularly on branded products. However, the convenience often makes up for the extra cost, especially if your nearest major supermarket is some distance away.

Many regional towns rely heavily on IGA as their primary supermarket. They’re also common in suburban shopping centres where residents appreciate having a locally owned option.

If supporting small business is important to you, IGA is well worth visiting.

Aldi

Aldi arrived in Australia in 2001 (but only got to WA in 2016!) and completely changed the supermarket landscape.

The German discount retailer now operates more than 600 stores across Australia and continues expanding into new locations.

If you’re used to shopping at Aldi overseas, much of the experience will feel familiar. Bring your own bags. Unlock your trolley with a gold coin. Pack your groceries yourself. And don’t expect dozens of brands for every product.

Instead, Aldi focuses heavily on its own private-label products. Surprisingly, many of these consistently receive excellent reviews and regularly win awards against more expensive brands.

Aldi is widely regarded as Australia’s cheapest major supermarket. Numerous independent comparisons have shown Aldi baskets often costing between 15% and 25% less than equivalent shops at Coles or Woolworths.

The range is smaller, but that’s intentional. Rather than offering twenty different brands of pasta, you may only find two or three options.

You’ll also discover Aldi’s famous “Special Buys“. Every Wednesday and Saturday, stores receive limited-time products ranging from garden furniture and power tools to kitchen appliances and ski gear. Some become incredibly popular and sell out within hours. They usually have a South African week in mid to late May each year, and can be worth stocking up on your favourite Saffa products.

Many Australians split their shopping between Aldi and another supermarket, buying staples at Aldi before picking up specialty items elsewhere.

Farmer Jacks (WA)

If you’re living in Western Australia, Farmer Jacks is a supermarket you’ll quickly become familiar with.

Founded in 1979, Farmer Jacks has grown into a respected independent supermarket chain with dozens of stores throughout Perth and regional Western Australia.

Farmer Jacks places a strong emphasis on fresh produce, quality meat and supporting local WA suppliers. Many shoppers particularly rate their butcher sections and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Prices can vary depending on promotions, but they’re generally competitive with the larger chains on many everyday items.

The stores also tend to have a more community-focused feel, with friendly service and a strong connection to local suppliers.

If you enjoy shopping local while still having access to a full supermarket, Farmer Jacks is well worth adding to your regular rotation.

Spudshed (WA)

Spudshed is something of a Western Australian institution.

Started by Tony Galati in 1998, the business began as a produce market before expanding into full supermarkets. Today there are more than 20 locations across WA.

Originally famous for affordable potatoes and fresh vegetables, Spudshed now sells almost everything you’d expect in a supermarket, including meat, dairy, bakery products, frozen foods and pantry staples.

One of the biggest attractions is price. Fresh produce is often significantly cheaper than the major supermarkets, making it popular with families trying to stretch their grocery budget.

Many stores are open 24 hours a day, which is fairly unusual in Australia and incredibly convenient if you work shifts or simply prefer shopping outside peak times.

While the stores may not always have the polished feel of Coles or Woolworths, many Western Australians swear by Spudshed for affordable fruit, vegetables and weekly specials.

Costco

Costco is quite different from traditional Australian supermarkets.

The American warehouse retailer operates a relatively small number of warehouses across Australia, but its popularity continues to grow.

To shop there, you’ll need an annual membership.

Costco specialises in bulk buying. You’ll find enormous packs of pantry items, meat, frozen foods, drinks, toiletries and household products. It’s particularly popular with large families and small businesses.

The famous food court is another attraction, with inexpensive hot dogs, pizza and other meals that have become something of a cult favourite.

Costco isn’t always the cheapest option for every individual item, but if you have storage space and regularly buy in bulk, it can deliver significant savings over time.

I haven’t been myself, but with a new one opening in Alkimos in 2027, it’s definitely on my radar to check out.

Foodland (SA)

Foodland is South Australia’s largest independent supermarket group.

Rather than operating as one large corporate chain, Foodland stores are independently owned while sharing buying power and branding.

The biggest strength of Foodland is its commitment to local South Australian producers. Many stores proudly stock wines, cheeses, meats, fresh produce and gourmet products made within the state.

Shoppers often comment on the excellent fresh food departments and friendly customer service.

Prices vary between stores, but the focus is often on quality and supporting local businesses rather than competing purely on price.

If you’re moving to Adelaide, you’ll almost certainly become familiar with Foodland.

Friendly Grocer (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC)

Friendly Grocer is another independently operated supermarket network with stores across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT and Victoria.

These neighbourhood supermarkets are designed for convenience rather than huge weekly shops.

You’ll find everyday groceries, fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods and household essentials, often with extended trading hours that make them useful for last-minute shopping.

Many Friendly Grocer stores actively support local communities and stock products from nearby suppliers alongside national brands.

While prices may occasionally be slightly higher than the larger chains, the convenience and personalised service are often worth it.

SPAR (QLD, NSW, ACT)

SPAR is a globally recognised supermarket brand that also operates in parts of Australia. South Africans will recognise this brand immediately!

The Australian stores tend to be independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets focusing on convenience shopping.

You’ll find a solid range of everyday groceries, fresh produce, dairy products, bread, snacks and household essentials.

SPAR stores are particularly useful in suburban areas where shoppers want quick access to groceries without travelling to a large shopping centre.

Like many independent supermarkets, each store has its own personality and product range.

Drakes Supermarkets (SA & QLD)

Drakes is Australia’s largest independent supermarket retailer.

Founded in South Australia in 1974 by Roger Drake, the business now operates more than 60 supermarkets across South Australia and Queensland.

Drakes has built a reputation for exceptional customer service and supporting local producers. Many stores stock regional products that aren’t available through the national supermarket chains.

The supermarkets feature excellent fresh food departments, quality butcher sections and a wide range of Australian-made products.

Prices are generally competitive, particularly when weekly specials are running, and many customers appreciate the family-owned feel that still exists despite the company’s growth.

If you’re living in Adelaide or parts of Queensland, Drakes is definitely worth exploring.

Australia offers far more supermarket choice than many new arrivals initially expect. While Coles and Woolworths dominate the market, stores like Aldi, IGA, Costco and the various regional supermarkets each offer something unique.

Many Australians don’t stay loyal to just one supermarket. Instead, they mix and match depending on what they’re buying. You might buy your pantry staples from Aldi, fresh produce from Spudshed, specialty items from IGA and bulk household products from Costco.

As you settle into life in Australia, you’ll soon discover which supermarkets suit your budget, lifestyle and shopping habits best.

If you’re still finding your feet after moving to Australia, or want to work out what a weekly shop might cost you, check out my cost of living calculator and my first month in Australia checklist to help you prepare and be organised!