Supermarket Guides

CHOICE Grocery Basket Survey: March vs June 2026

A dated summary of CHOICE’s September 2026 release, comparing its eight-item base basket without specials in March and June 2026.

7 min read September 2026MealPantry Team

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This article summarises CHOICE’s supermarket basket update published on 24 September 2026. It compares the eight-item base basket without specials using prices from March and June 2026. These dated survey figures are not live prices or a complete household-shop quote.

In June 2026, ALDI had the lowest total for this particular base basket at $40.10. Results for another basket, location or catalogue period may differ.

For MealPantry’s current published comparison, visit the Weekly Grocery Index. It compares a separate fixed five-item basket and is not a full household-shop comparison.

CHOICE base basket: March vs June 2026

SupermarketMarch 2026 (8 items, no specials)June 2026 (8 items, no specials)Change
ALDI$37.14$40.10+8%
Woolworths$40.08$40.95+2%
Coles$40.10$42.54+6%
IGA$45.42$50.42+11%

Source: CHOICE’s 24 September 2026 survey update. The eight-item base basket excludes specials; fieldworkers priced groceries at 104 supermarkets in 27 locations in March and June 2026. This is a dated comparison, not a live quote.

ALDI: lowest total in this survey basket

ALDI had the lowest total in June 2026 for this eight-item base basket without specials: $40.10, up 8% from March. This result applies to the surveyed items and locations, not every household or current shop.

Woolworths: $40.95 in June

Woolworths’ basket total was $40.95 in June, up 2% from March. The survey compared a fixed basket without specials; it does not establish the lowest price for other products or local baskets.

Coles: $42.54 in June

Coles’ basket total was $42.54 in June, up 6% from March. This is the same eight-item base basket without specials and should not be treated as a comparison of every product or catalogue offer.

IGA: $50.42 in June

IGA’s basket total was $50.42 in June, up 11% from March. IGA stores are independently operated, so local prices and availability can differ from the survey locations.

MealPantry helps organise weekly meal planning and shopping around available advertised specials, your household and your budget. Prices and availability vary.

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The catch: cheapest store ≠ cheapest shop

The cheapest option can vary by product, store and catalogue period, so the lowest-priced complete basket does not mean every individual item is cheapest at that store.

A single survey cannot tell you which store has the best value for every current basket. Comparing advertised prices across retailers takes time, and the result depends on the products and locations you include.

Plan around available specials and your budget

MealPantry helps organise weekly meal planning and shopping around available advertised specials, your household and your budget. Its Weekly Grocery Index compares one fixed five-item basket; it does not identify the cheapest store for every product or household basket.

Use MealPantry to organise a weekly meal plan and shopping list around your household settings.

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Frequently asked questions

Which supermarket is cheapest in Australia in 2026?

In the CHOICE update published on 24 September 2026, ALDI had the lowest June total for the eight-item base basket without specials at $40.10. This is a dated survey result, not a current comparison of all products or local baskets.

Is ALDI always the cheapest?

The cheapest option can vary by product and week, so the lowest-priced complete basket does not mean every individual item is cheapest at that store.

How do I get the cheapest grocery shop overall?

Buy each item wherever it's cheapest that week. MealPantry compares the Woolworths, Coles, ALDI and IGA catalogues and builds your meal plan around the best combination of deals.

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Price promise: The Weekly Grocery Index and calculator show dated planning evidence. Prices, stock, brands and pack sizes can vary by store and week.

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