Choice survey shows Tasmania runs second to ACT in nation’s cheapest grocery stakes

HOBART has among the cheapest groceries in the nation.

Shopping basket with variety of grocery products isolated on white. Generic from Thinkstock

HOBART has among the cheapest groceries in the nation.

The Choice survey of four city supermarkets made Tasmania the second cheapest state, behind only the Australian Capital Territory.

Among cities, Hobart came fifth out of 17.

Past studies have often shown Tasmania to have among the costliest groceries.

In the last Choice survey, when four Hobart and four Launceston stores were surveyed in 2009, the state was the most expensive.

A basket of 31 groceries with 28 leading brand products and three fresh food items in Coles and Woolworths showed a basket in Hobart cost on average $174.88, or $166.55 including specials.

The cheapest city was Canberra on $174.04.

When states were compared, ACT was cheapest at $174.04 excluding specials and $163.80 with specials.

Grocery costs per basket by state – made up of 28 leading brand products and three fresh food items. (n) = number of stores surveyed (Coles and Woolworths only). Prices include specials.

The survey showed Aldi — which is not in Tasmania — was far cheaper than the big two supermarkets.

“Our survey has revealed that by foregoing leading brands at the big two supermarkets and heading to Aldi, you can save about 50 per cent off your weekly grocery bill,” Choice spokesman Tom Godfrey said.

“Coles and Woolworths bombard consumers with advertising jingles and flashy promotions designed to convince us we are getting great prices, but our latest survey shows the big retailers’ price claims are going down.”

A basket of leading brand products cost on average $87.29 more at Coles ($174.97) and $89.09 more at Woolworths ($176.77) than a basket of equivalent products at Aldi ($87.68).

The news comes following CHOICE’s April national consumer pulse research that found food and grocery prices remain one of the top cost of living concerns with 75 per cent of Australians feeling the pressure at the checkout.

“Savings, low prices and value for money are the top priorities for grocery shoppers, so it’s likely the growth of private label will continue and Aldi is in the box seat,” says Mr Godfrey.

But the difference between Coles and Woolworths was only $1.80.

Basket items were leading brands and their private label equivalents across 28 product categories from sliced bread, cheese and chocolate to canned tuna, toilet paper and frozen peas, as well as three fresh food items.