How to Cut Your Grocery Bill Using Supermarket Catalogues (2026 Guide)

Grocery costs can take a substantial share of a household budget, and prices vary by product, retailer and location. A dated catalogue can help you compare advertised offers, but it does not show every local price or guarantee savings.

Supermarket catalogues advertise temporary offers on selected products. Planning around current offers — rather than shopping on autopilot — can help households make more deliberate grocery choices. Check the catalogue dates and local availability before relying on a price.

Why catalogues are free money

Retailers publish dated offers on selected products. Catalogue dates, availability and price changes can vary by retailer and location, so check the current offer details before planning a shop.

• Compare unit prices — check the cost per kilogram or litre and compare like-for-like pack sizes.
• Check availability — an advertised offer may vary by store, location or stock.
• Plan purchases you will use — a promotion only helps if the item fits your budget and household needs.

The 4-step catalogue method

1. Read the catalogue first, then decide what to cook.

One way to plan is to check the current offers first, compare unit prices and pack sizes, then choose meals around ingredients your household will use. For example, a discounted protein might be one option if the current local offer fits your budget.

2. Stock up on half-price non-perishables.

If a pantry item you regularly use is discounted, compare its unit price and buy only a quantity that fits your budget, storage and expected use. A discount label alone does not guarantee that a larger purchase is worthwhile.

3. Cross-reference across stores.

Prices for different products may vary across retailers and catalogue periods. Compare the same products and pack sizes for your location; a result for one basket does not determine the cheapest option for every household.

For a dated comparison of the same basket across all four supermarkets, see the MealPantry Weekly Grocery Index before you choose where to shop.

4. Write the list around the deals, not your cravings.

A planned list can help keep purchases focused on items your household intends to buy. Check the local price and offer dates before relying on a catalogue listing.

Getting the most from Woolworths specials

Check the current Woolworths catalogue and your local store for offer dates, availability and pack sizes. Compare unit prices and review any applicable rewards terms before shopping.

Getting the most from Coles deals

Check the current Coles catalogue and your local store for offer dates and availability. Any Flybuys offer or price promotion is subject to its displayed terms.

How much can you actually save?

CHOICE’s update published on 24 September 2026 reported June prices of $40.10 at ALDI and $50.42 at IGA for its eight-item base basket without specials. These dated survey results are not a live price quote or a prediction of savings; compare your own products, location and catalogue period.

Let MealPantry do the reading

The catalogue method takes time to do by hand. MealPantry helps by using published advertised specials from Woolworths, Coles, ALDI and IGA when available, then building a weekly dinner plan and shopping list around your budget and preferences. Prices and availability vary by store and location.

Use a current catalogue and a planned list to make more deliberate shopping choices.