What's the actual difference between Coles, Woolies, Aldi and IGA?

Anonymous Grateful Brushtail · 15 May 2026

Genuine question. They're all supermarkets. They all sell similar stuff. The prices look similar. Why do people have such strong opinions? I've been alternating randomly for two months and I genuinely can't tell. Is there a "Woolies is better for fresh, Coles for snacks, Aldi for everything else" rule? Or is it pure tribalism?

3 replies

Anonymous Practical Brushtail · 15 May 2026
Woolies fresh > Coles fresh, Aldi for staples and pantry, IGA for late-night and specialty. Aldi for cheese is criminally good value.
Anonymous Sincere Numbat · 15 May 2026
Coles Down Down brand for canned goods, Woolies Essentials for cleaning, Aldi's Hofer milk if your store stocks it.
Anonymous Friendly Lyrebird · 15 May 2026
IGA is usually pricier but your local IGA stocks things the big two don't — international groceries, specific cuts of meat, etc. Worth a wander on a quiet morning.

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