Who doesn’t love a hot roast chook for dinner? Whether you’re feeding the grandkids, prepping for a picnic, or just want an easy meal after a long day, the humble supermarket roast chicken is a true Australian staple.
But what if we told you there’s a little-known policy at Coles that could see you walking out with a free one, no strings attached?
That’s right! Thanks to a policy that’s flown under the radar for years, you might be able to score a complimentary roast chicken if you time your visit just right.
The policy came to light recently when a savvy shopper, Miranda Brady, shared her experience on social media. Arriving at her local Coles in Karrinyup, WA, around 6.30pm, she was disappointed to find the chicken display empty.
But instead of going home empty-handed, a staff member handed her a voucher for a complimentary roast chicken, thanks to the store’s promise to have at least one available until 8pm.
‘The lady came back to me with this voucher to get a complimentary roast chicken, because they have a policy that they need to have at least one in stock until 8pm,’ she said.
Miranda’s story quickly went viral, with many Australians expressing surprise that such a policy even existed. Some even joked about making a habit of visiting Coles just before closing time in hopes of scoring a free chook!
Coles’ RSPCA Approved Hot Roast Chickens are among the most popular items in their stores, and for good reason. To keep customers happy, Coles introduced the ‘Hot Roast Chicken Promise’.
The gist? If you pop in during certain hours and find the chicken warmer empty, you can ask for a voucher for a free roast chicken.
The policy is designed to ensure that customers can always rely on picking up a hot chook for dinner. If they’re out of stock during the promised hours (which can vary by store and state), you’re entitled to a voucher for a free one next time.
Here’s where it gets a little tricky. While Coles says the ‘Hot Roast Chicken Promise’ is available in most stores nationwide, the exact hours can differ depending on your local store’s trading hours. Some stores promise availability until 8pm, others until 6pm, and a few may have different arrangements altogether. The best way to check? Look for signage in the deli area or ask a staff member at your local Coles.
It’s also worth noting that not every staff member may be aware of the policy, especially if it’s not a frequent occurrence. If you find the warmer empty during the promised hours, don’t be shy—head to the Service Desk and ask about the voucher.
At Woolworths, roast chickens are discounted if they remain unsold within four hours before being taken off the shelves, but there’s no official ‘free chicken’ promise. Instead, you might score a bargain if you’re lucky enough to be there when the markdowns happen.
With the cost of living on the rise and the price of a supermarket roast chicken now sitting at $12.50, every little saving helps. If you’re feeding a family or just trying to stretch your budget, knowing about these policies can make a real difference.
Plus, with many of us looking for ways to make our dollars go further, supermarket hacks like this are worth their weight in gold—or at least in golden, crispy chicken skin! Happy chook hunting!
Have you ever experienced this free roast chicken offer at Coles? How do you feel about this supermarket policy? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Coles, Woolworths are reviving an old-school policy—are you cashing in?
Free chook policy has been around for ages, 7pm is the time.