Addicted to Money – Smart spending starts with smart comparing.

In 2025, Aussies are still feeling the pinch at the checkout — which is why knowing where your $100 stretches the furthest matters more than ever. While ALDI consistently comes out on top for overall value, the real savings come from spending just five minutes checking weekly specials across all supermarkets. A tiny bit of research can save you more than choosing one supermarket alone.

Here’s what $100 typically gets you across the major supermarket chains in Australia this year.

ALDI – The Clear Winner for Everyday Value

ALDI continues to offer the best bang for your buck. Their business model keeps costs low, products are mostly private-label, and everyday pricing beats competitors without needing loyalty points or apps.

What $100 buys you at ALDI (approx.):
• Meat for 3–4 meals (mince, chicken breast, sausages)
• A week’s worth of fresh fruit + veg
• 2–3 pantry staples (pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes)
• Bread, milk, cheese, yoghurt
• Cleaning essentials
• A few snacks

ALDI often gives shoppers 20–30% more product than Coles or Woolworths for the same spend.

Best for bulk basics
Lowest average prices
Fewer impulse temptations

Woolworths – Mid-Range, Convenience & Specials

Woolworths prices sit higher than ALDI, but their half-price specials can make $100 stretch surprisingly far — if you shop strategically.

What $100 buys (approx.):
• 5–6 meat or deli items (if items are on special)
• Fresh fruit + veg for the week
• 5–8 pantry staples (more if half-price)
• Bread, milk, cheese
• Household items (often part of rotating specials)

Tip: The Woolworths app shows specials for the next week — planning meals around them can save $20–$40 per shop.

Great for half-price deals
Strong fresh produce quality
Everyday Rewards points

Coles – Competitive, Similar Pricing to Woolworths

Coles and Woolies are neck-and-neck. Coles’ Flybuys system and similar half-price promotions make $100 go further when shoppers lean into catalogue shopping.

What $100 buys (approx.):
• Similar quantity to Woolworths
• 3–5 meat items if on special
• Good range of fresh produce
• Snacks and pantry items (best value when half price)

Good weekly specials
Flybuys points convert to Flybuys dollars
Often beats Woolies on frozen + pantry items

IGA – More Expensive but Good for Fill-Ins

IGA stores vary widely, so $100 stretches differently depending on the suburb. Generally, prices are higher, but they do run strong local-only specials.

What $100 buys (approx.):
• 2–3 meat items
• Smaller basket of fresh produce
• A selection of pantry basics
• Bread + milk
• Occasional discounted local brands

Convenient
Supports local suppliers
Good small-store specials

The Real Secret in 2025: PRICE CHECKING Saves More Than Choosing a Store

Even though ALDI is the cheapest overall, that doesn’t always mean it’s the smartest shop.

By spending just 5 minutes checking weekly specials on:
• Woolworths app
• Coles app
• ALDI catalogue
• IGA local specials

You can “shop the sales” — buying cheap basics at ALDI, half-price pantry staples at Coles/Woolies, and fresh produce where it’s on special.

This strategy can save families an extra $30–$60 per week.
That’s over $1,500 saved a year — just from comparing.

Final Takeaway

• ALDI = cheapest overall
• Coles/Woolies = best for specials
• IGA = convenient top-up shops
• Taking 5 minutes to compare = biggest savings of all

Smart shoppers don’t stay loyal to one supermarket — they stay loyal to their budget.