Inflation is biting hard at the checkout, and it has completely transformed how we tackle the grocery aisles. New Canstar research has revealed 80% of Australians have dramatically shifted their shopping habits over the past six months to help reduce the strain on household budgets.
The nationwide survey of more than 3,000 shoppers found that a stubborn 14% have managed to stick to their old routines. For the remaining majority, the weekly shop has become a tactical mission. Nearly six in 10 (58%) are now strictly buying what's on sale, while half (50%) are actively ditching brand loyalty to split their groceries across multiple supermarkets.
Of those who have changed their shopping habits in the last six months to save costs: | |
|---|---|
Choose products based on what’s on sale | 58% |
Shop across multiple supermarkets | 50% |
Buy more home-brand products | 41% |
Buy in bulk where possible to save money | 41% |
Spend more time comparing unit prices | 40% |
Stopped buying treats or non-essential items | 37% |
Visit discount stores | 30% |
Shop at different times to catch discounts (e.g., later in the day or on specific days) | 21% |
Other | 1% |
Source: Canstar, 2,603 respondents surveyed in April 2026.
Savings could be made by switching
Two in five Australians are already fighting high costs by opting for home-brand products—a shift that could deliver significant savings. Canstar research shows a family of four could save up to $2,424 a year by switching half their grocery basket to home-brand alternatives.
Switching doesn't mean compromising on quality either, with many supermarket own-brand products recognised with Canstar Customer Satisfaction Awards, which are based on the opinions and ratings of Australian shoppers. Some of the current award-winning home brands include:
- ALDI’s Almat and Trimat for laundry liquid and powder, and its Westacre brand for sliced cheese
- Coles for breakfast oats, wholemeal bread, and Coles Bakery for white bread
- Woolworths for cream, and its Bell Farms home-brand for frozen vegetables
Cross-shopping and discount stores dominate
Australians are willing to put in the legwork to keep grocery bills in check, with half of those surveyed who have changed their habits visiting multiple supermarkets, while nearly one in three (30%) include discount stores in their regular rotation.
Rather than a single trolley at one store, shoppers are splitting their list by retailer, hunting the best prices on meat at one store, produce at another, and pantry staples at a discount grocer. It can be time intensive, but reflects how serious Australians are about relieving checkout pressure.
Focus on unit prices to determine key value
Scrutiny on pricing has intensified, with 40% taking the time to compare unit prices. This comes as the ACCC’s allegations against major supermarkets, Woolworths and Coles, play out in court, with the regulator alleging the retail giants misled customers on discount pricing.
Focus on supermarket pricing will come into effect on 1 July, with new regulations in place that will ban large retailers from charging excessive prices, with significant penalties for non-compliance.
Canstar’s tips at the supermarket
- Go frozen: Canstar research shows frozen staples like broccoli, spinach, and strawberries are, on average, 53% cheaper than fresh alternatives.
- Check catalogues: Reviewing weekly supermarket deals helps you compare prices and plan your shop ahead of time.
- Compare unit prices: Know your budget and seek the best unit price for the quality you need.
- Buy in bulk: Stock up on frequently used items, and consider splitting bulk purchases with family or friends for extra value.
- Learn restocking times: Knowing your local store's schedule can help you score markdowns on items nearing their use-by dates.
- Shop seasonal: In-season produce is typically cheaper, so plan meals and your grocery list around it.
Canstar spokesperson, Eden Radford, says: “The majority of Australians have changed how they shop in a bid to save money, showing how the climbing cost-of-living has turned a weekly chore into a strategic exercise”.
“Households are spending real time and mental energy trying to stretch their dollar at the supermarket, and Canstar’s research shows they're getting increasingly savvy about it.”
“Switching to home-brand products is one of the simplest ways to take back control of your grocery bill. A family of four could save over $2,400 a year just by swapping half their basket, and with many of those products winning Canstar Customer Satisfaction Awards, they don't have to sacrifice quality to do it.
“The new price gouging laws coming into effect in July are a step in the right direction, but they certainly won’t replace the need for consumers to stay informed and shop smart.
“Until laws prove their impact at the checkout, the most powerful tool shoppers have is their own behaviour.
“One of the most underutilised tools in any shopper's trolley is the unit price. Comparing the cost per 100g or per litre—rather than the price on the often-very brightly coloured sticker—can reveal savings hiding in plain sight."
