Groceries rise by 7% across Australian supermarket chains, Choice finds
News Source
β’Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:01:51 GMT
π° What Happened
A new Choice survey found a basket of eight common groceries rose 7% between March and June at Australia's four major supermarkets. Prices went from $40.83 to $43.62 on average, a jump of $2.79.
The basket included milk, apples, strawberries, bananas, potatoes, avocado, basmati rice and beef mince. It was checked at 104 stores across Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA.
Strawberries caused about half the overall rise, becoming 37% more expensive on average, from $4.68 to $6.41. Mince, milk and avocados also rose, while apples and rice got cheaper.
π The Backstory
The survey is the 10th quarterly check run by consumer group Choice and paid for by the government. Food prices rose faster than Australia's official inflation rate, which was 0.6% for the quarter.
IGA had the biggest jump at 11%, while Woolworths had the smallest at 2%. Aldi stayed the cheapest overall despite an 8% rise.
It came as the Reserve Bank was widely expected to raise interest rates again, the fourth hike of 2026, in a bid to tame inflation.
π― Why It Matters
Food is a basic cost every household feels. The results add pressure on supermarkets and the government as shoppers struggle with rising prices and higher interest rates.
A new Choice survey found a basket of eight common groceries rose 7% between March and June at Australia's four major supermarkets. Prices went from $40.83 to $43.62 on average, a jump of $2.79.
The basket included milk, apples, strawberries, bananas, potatoes, avocado, basmati rice and beef mince. It was checked at 104 stores across Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA.
Strawberries caused about half the overall rise, becoming 37% more expensive on average, from $4.68 to $6.41. Mince, milk and avocados also rose, while apples and rice got cheaper.
The survey is the 10th quarterly check run by consumer group Choice and paid for by the government. Food prices rose faster than Australia's official inflation rate, which was 0.6% for the quarter.
IGA had the biggest jump at 11%, while Woolworths had the smallest at 2%. Aldi stayed the cheapest overall despite an 8% rise.
It came as the Reserve Bank was widely expected to raise interest rates again, the fourth hike of 2026, in a bid to tame inflation.
Food is a basic cost every household feels. The results add pressure on supermarkets and the government as shoppers struggle with rising prices and higher interest rates.