Australian Grocery Prices Rise 7% at Major Supermarkets 2026

Australian grocery prices have risen by 7% across all major supermarket chains, according to the latest Choice survey. The consumer advocacy group found that a basket of eight essential items became $2.79 more expensive between March and June, climbing from $40.83 to $43.62. The survey, funded by the government, assessed prices at 104 stores nationwide, including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA.

What Choice Found in Its 10th Quarterly Survey

Choice conducted its 10th quarterly supermarket price survey by filling a standard basket with eight common grocery items: milk, royal gala apples, strawberries, bananas, potatoes, avocado, basmati rice, and beef mince. The average total cost across all stores increased by 7% since the last survey in March. This rise outpaced the overall consumer price index (CPI) increase of 0.6% for the same period, highlighting that food inflation remains a significant burden for Australian households.

About half of the overall increase came from strawberries, which surged by 37% on average. Other items also contributed to the rise, though specific percentages were not detailed in the report. The survey underscores the ongoing pressure on consumers as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is widely expected to deliver its fourth interest rate hike of 2026 next week to tame inflation.

How Supermarket Chains Compare

While the survey did not provide a detailed breakdown by chain, it confirmed that all four major supermarkets—Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA—raised prices. Aldi, known for its low-cost model, typically offers lower prices, but still saw an increase. The table below summarises the average basket cost changes based on the survey data.

Note: The average basket cost is calculated across all stores surveyed and is not chain-specific. The table illustrates the overall average increase observed.

Key Takeaways for Shoppers

• Grocery prices rose 7% between March and June across all major Australian supermarkets.
• Strawberries saw the largest increase, up 37% on average, contributing half of the overall rise.
• Food inflation outpaces overall CPI, which increased by only 0.6% in the same period.
• The RBA is expected to raise interest rates again, adding further pressure to household budgets.
• Comparing prices across chains and using loyalty programs can help mitigate costs.

Strategies to Save on Your Grocery Bill

With grocery prices climbing, savvy shopping is more important than ever. Consider these tips to reduce your spending:

• Plan meals around seasonal produce to avoid expensive out-of-season items.
• Use unit pricing to compare the cost per gram or millilitre across brands and sizes.
• Shop at multiple stores if convenient, as prices can vary significantly for the same items.
• Take advantage of loyalty programs and digital coupons offered by major chains.
• Buy in bulk for non-perishable staples when prices are low.

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