In a comprehensive price comparison study funded by the Australian government, consumer group CHOICE has declared Aldi as the country's cheapest supermarket.

The first quarterly report on supermarket prices in the country involved 81 supermarkets, including major chains Aldi, Woolworths and Coles. 

The research saw mystery shoppers sent by the consumer group to supermarkets to record prices for a basket of 14 common items: 12 packaged products and two fresh fruit and vegetable items. 

The report indicated that a basket at Aldi was approximately 25% less expensive than those at either Coles or Woolworths.  

CHOICE CEO Ashley de Silva said: “Aldi was the clear leader on value for money in our first supermarket basket survey for 2024, with our basket of 14 products costing just $51.51.” 

The same selection cost $69.33 at Coles and $68.58 at Woolworths - a marginal difference of 75 cents between the two without considering special offers. 

The study also highlighted regional disparities in grocery pricing, with Tasmania and the Northern Territory (NT) facing higher costs due to limited shopping options.  

"This is mainly because these areas have more limited options for shopping than the rest of the country, with no Aldi in Tassie or the NT," Ashley de Silva added. 

Western Australians pay slightly more for their groceries, with an average of one dollar more for the basket compared to other regions. 

CHOICE plans to continue its price research quarterly until 2027.

Ashley de Silva said: "We look forward to providing consumers across the country with clear, reliable information about supermarket prices. This kind of transparency is more important than ever as the cost-of-living crisis continues, and prices of basic grocery items climb."