Price busted

If you’ve ever thought that Coles and Woolies are virtual clones, at least when it comes to prices, you’re right. Consumer group Choice recently sent undercover shoppers to 145 supermarkets around the nation, including Coles, Woolworths/Safeway, Aldi, IGA and FoodWorks to buy an average basket of groceries, consisting of 35 common items, including bread, bananas and rice.

The results showed that nationally, the price difference between Coles ($127.67) and Woolworths ($126.87) was less than a dollar. The same basket of Aldi home brand products cost 25% less ($94.30), while IGA ($142.68) and FoodWorks ($154.73) were most expensive.

If home brand products aren’t your thing or there isn’t an Aldi in your area, consider buying fruit, vegies, meat and other goodies from independent providores – they may or may not be cheaper but at least you’ll be supporting local businesses and taking a stand against the big guys who’d like to see them shut up shop for good.