Cost-of-living relief: Coles matches Woolworths with major grocery price cuts

You’re not alone if you’ve been feeling the pinch at the checkout lately. With the cost of living continuing to climb, every dollar counts—especially when it comes to the weekly grocery shop. 

But there’s some good news on the horizon for Australian shoppers: a full-blown supermarket price war has erupted, and it could mean real savings for your household budget. 

Australia’s two supermarket giants, Coles and Woolworths, are battling to win over cost-conscious customers. 

It all started when Woolworths announced it would permanently lower the prices of nearly 400 essential products, promising an average savings of 10 per cent. 

Not to be outdone, Coles fired back just two days later, slashing prices on more than 680 items, claiming an average savings of a whopping 21 per cent.

‘We know customers are on the lookout for great value all year round, and we remain focused on delivering that through thousands of weekly specials, including half-priced items as well as “down down” products across popular brands and exclusive Coles Own Brand products,’ a Coles spokesperson said.

So, what can you expect to save on? Both supermarkets focus on the basics—think pantry staples, fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery items, and frozen foods. 

Woolworths has highlighted family favourites like chicken schnitzels, Greek yoghurt, frozen berries, and 2l bottles of Coca-Cola. 

Coles, meanwhile, is touting over 680 ‘down down’ products, plus more than 1000 half-price specials each week.

‘We are continuing to invest in value and will have further savings to announce for the Winter months,’ the Coles spokesperson added.

Coles is also pushing its ‘I’m perfect’ range, which offers up to 20 per cent off on fruit and vegetables that might look a little wonky but are just as tasty and nutritious. It’s a great way to save money and reduce food waste simultaneously.

If you’re a Flybuys member, Coles is sweetening the deal even further. You can access personalised offers, bonus points, discounts, and even the occasional freebie through the Coles app. Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards program offers similar perks, so it’s worth signing up if you haven’t already.

It’s not just groceries getting cheaper. Coles’ liquor arm, Liquorland, matches competitors’ lower prices on identical items within the same state. 

Here’s a list of items included in the Coles price drop:

Meat and seafood

• Rump medallions 300g – $11.00 (down from $12.50), customers save 12 per cent
• Coles Graze grassfed scotch fillet 250g – $11.00 (down from $13.50), customers save 11 per cent
• Coles lamb shanks 2pk – $11.00 (down from $12.50), customers save 12 per cent
• I&J salmon portions 500g – $20.00 (down from $26.00), customers save 23 per cent

Bakery

• Vegemite scroll – $2.75 (down from $3.25), customers save 15 per cent
• Tip Top Café raisin toast – $5.50 (down from $7.20), customers save 23 per cent (excluding Tasmania)
• Coles choc chip muffin bars 10pk – $5.90 (down from $6.60), customers save 11 per cent
• Coles Bakery high fibre low GI 7 seeds & grain sandwich loaf – $3.70 (down from $4.00), customers save 7 per cent

Pantry

• Calbee Harvest snap peas – $6.00 (down from $7.80), customers save 23 per cent
• Gold Sunset vegetable oil 2L – $9.00 (down from $16.00), customers save 44 per cent
• MasterFoods cooking sauce butter chicken 485g – $3.60 (down from $4.90), customers save 26 per cent
• Heinz Big Red tomato soup 420g – $2.00 (down from $2.50), customers save 20 per cent

Frozen

• Heinz frozen mixed vegetables 1kg – $4.20 (down from $5.40), customers save 22 per cent
• Coles Sweetporium Co sticks salted caramel 4pk – $7.00 (down from $9.00), customers save 22 per cent
• Four’N Twenty frozen jumbo sausage rolls 6pk – $7.50 (down from $9.00), customers save 17 per cent
• McCain Quick Cook crinkle cut chips – $5.00 (down from $5.80), customers save 14 per cent

Health and home

• Pine O Cleen disinfectant 1.25L – $5.60 (down from $8.00), customers save 30 per cent
• Quilton 4-ply toilet tissue – $13.50 (down from $15.00), customers save 10 per cent
• Fairy Platinum Plus lemon dishwashing tablets 31pk – $19.50 (down from $39.00), customers save 50 per cent
• Nurofen QuickZorb ibuprofen capsules 24pk – $8.00 (down from $9.00), customers save 11 per cent

Amanda Bardwell, chief executive officer of Woolworths, said the new price cuts could help the average family spending $150 a week save around $15. 

While that might not sound like a fortune, it adds up over time, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars a year. And with both supermarkets promising these aren’t just short-term specials but long-term commitments, the savings could stick around until at least 2026.

These price cuts aren’t happening in a vacuum. Coles and Woolworths have come under increasing scrutiny from the public and politicians over rising grocery prices. 

With many Australians struggling to keep up with household bills, the supermarkets are under pressure to show they’re doing their bit to help.

Have you noticed lower prices at your local Coles or Woolworths? Are you changing your shopping habits to take advantage of the price war? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you’re making your dollar go further!

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