MKR replaces Coles partnership with Woolworths leaving fans wondering ‘what happened’

Fans of popular reality television show My Kitchen Rules have noticed a big difference to this year’s series.

Eagle-eyed fans of reality television cooking show My Kitchen Rules (MKR) have noticed that long-time sponsor, Coles, has been replaced by rival Woolworths.

The Channel 7 series, which began in 2010, has primarily featured Coles products in the contestants’ kitchens as well as Coles advertisements during the ad breaks.

However, this year the contestants are shopping at Woolies.

On X (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter), fans were quick to point out the new partnership.

“So Woolies is sponsoring it now?” one fan quipped.

“#mkr partner with Woolies now!?” another shocked fan wrote.

Judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge are shopping at Woolies these days. Picture: Channel 7.

On MKR’s Facebook page, more fans were commenting on the switch.

“They are shopping at Woolies,” one noted.

“I’m glad it’s not Coles as they are so expensive and make billions of profit,” another person wrote.

“I just noticed that, it’s always been Coles, wonder what happened.”

“Maybe there’s no Coles in their town?” another suggested.

This may be the biggest shake-up since former judge Pete Evans was replaced.

A Woolworths spokesperson said: “We’re thrilled to be involved in this season of My Kitchen Rules to celebrate the best of Australian home cooks. As the Fresh Food People, we aim to give our customers all the best value, quality ingredients and fresh produce, and we’re excited to see what the contestants cook up this year.”

MKR premiered Monday night with Manu Feidel and Colin Fassnidge as the judges of the home-cooked meals.

The first cooking couple were friends Tommy and Rach from Western Australia. The pair wowed the judges with their main but made a costly mistake with their dessert by adding garlic flowers.

Tommy and Rach scored 44 out of 60 from the judges for their three dishes, and 78 out of 110 from their competitors.

The show continues on Tuesday night with South Australian mother and son, Sonia and Marcus cooking up a storm.

MKR 7.30pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Channel 7 and 7plus.