Woolworths vs ALDI: which is actually cheaper?
We compared prices on 30+ staple products at Woolworths and ALDI. ALDI wins on most basics, but Woolworths has advantages too.
ALDI is 15-25% cheaper on everyday staples. A family spending $250 per week at Woolworths could save $30-50 by switching basics to ALDI. That is $1,500-2,600 per year.
But Woolworths wins on range, specials rotation, and convenience. The real win is split shopping: buy staples at ALDI, fill gaps at Woolworths. Most Australian families do this and save $20-40 weekly.
Price comparison: 10 key items
We tracked prices at both retailers in May 2026. Prices vary by location, but the pattern is consistent across Australia.
| Product | ALDI | Woolworths | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (2L) | $2.89 | $3.49 | -$0.60 (17%) |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.99 | $4.79 | -$0.80 (17%) |
| Bread loaf | $1.59 | $2.19 | -$0.60 (27%) |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.49 | $2.09 | -$0.60 (29%) |
| Pasta (500g) | $0.89 | $1.29 | -$0.40 (31%) |
| Chicken thighs (/kg) | $8.99 | $9.99 | -$1.00 (10%) |
| Beef mince (/kg) | $9.49 | $10.99 | -$1.50 (14%) |
| Butter (500g) | $4.49 | $5.29 | -$0.80 (15%) |
| Cheddar cheese (500g) | $5.99 | $7.49 | -$1.50 (20%) |
| Tinned tomatoes (400g) | $0.69 | $1.19 | -$0.50 (42%) |
Total on these 10 items: ALDI $31.91, Woolworths $48.21. You save $16.30 (34%) shopping ALDI.
Where ALDI wins
- Pantry staples. Pasta, rice, tinned goods, oils, and spices are 20-40% cheaper. No specials needed. The price is just lower.
- Own-brand quality. ALDI's home brand rivals Woolworths' for milk, butter, cheese, and frozen vegetables. Comparable or better for most staples.
- Frozen vegetables. Often cheaper and sometimes better quality. No added salt or sugar in the frozen range.
- Cleaning and household. Soaps, detergents, disinfectants consistently 20-30% cheaper.
- Chocolate and confectionery. Blocks and bars are often half the price of Woolworths branded equivalents.
- Consistent pricing. ALDI does not run weekly specials. The price you see is the price. No guessing, no missing out.
Where Woolworths wins
- Branded products on special. Woolworths rotates national brands (Arnott's, Coca-Cola, etc.) on deep discounts. You can beat ALDI some weeks if you shop the specials.
- Fresh range. More variety in fresh produce, deli items, and specialty foods. ALDI stocks less, but what they stock is good value.
- Everyday Rewards. The loyalty program offers points on every purchase. At $250/week, that is roughly $2.50 in points weekly. (ALDI does not have a loyalty program.)
- Online and delivery. Woolworths' online ordering and delivery is reliable. ALDI has limited online options in most areas.
- Store locations and hours. More Woolworths stores nationwide. Many open late or 24 hours. ALDI stores are fewer and close earlier.
- Specialty ingredients. International foods, dietary products, and premium brands. ALDI's range is narrower.
The split shop strategy
Most Australian families do not go all-in on one retailer. Instead, they split: buy staples at ALDI (milk, bread, eggs, rice, pasta, chicken, mince), then fill gaps at Woolworths (branded goods on special, fresh produce, specialty items).
This approach delivers the best of both: ALDI's low everyday prices on the items you buy every week, plus Woolworths' range and specials when it makes sense.
Example weekly shop (family of 4, $250 budget):
- ALDI: milk, bread, eggs, rice, pasta, tinned tomatoes, frozen vegetables, chicken, butter, cheese. Cost: $80-100.
- Woolworths: beef mince (on special), fresh produce (tomatoes, lettuce, herbs), a branded breakfast cereal on special, yoghurt, specialty item (e.g. pesto). Cost: $150-170.
Savings vs shopping everything at Woolworths: $20-40 per week, or $1,000-2,100 per year.
Quality: is ALDI as good?
For most staples, yes. ALDI's own-brand milk, butter, cheese, eggs, and frozen vegetables are comparable to or better than Woolworths' home brand. Taste tests often show no difference.
Exceptions: fresh deli (ALDI stocks less), some fresh produce (Woolworths offers more choice), and specialty items. But on everyday basics, ALDI quality is solid.
The Everyday Rewards question
Woolworths' Everyday Rewards program gives you points on purchases. At 1 point per dollar, that is $2.50 back per week on a $250 shop. Sounds good.
But ALDI's lower prices save you $30-50 weekly. The maths is clear: buying staples at ALDI saves far more than Woolworths loyalty points.
Use Everyday Rewards at Woolworths for special buys. Use ALDI for everyday staples. Both.
How to start
You do not need to commit. Try buying one week of staples at ALDI (milk, bread, eggs, rice, pasta, frozen veg, chicken, mince) and see if you like the quality. Most families do, and they stick with it.
If you have an ALDI near you, the nearest store locator is at aldi.com.au/stores.
If you want to track prices yourself and compare across retailers, Pinch tracks Woolworths and ALDI (plus Coles and Harris Farm). You can see prices in your local area and get alerts when your favourites drop.
Track prices yourself
ALDI vs Woolworths, plus Coles and Harris Farm. See real prices in your area, get alerts when staples drop, plan split shops with confidence.
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