How to save money on groceries in Sydney in 2026, including the best apps, markets, and strategies for reducing your supermarket bill without
Cost of Living Desk is a contributing writer covering cost-of-living and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Grocery prices in Sydney are influenced by several factors, including the cost of transport, the cost of labour, and the market power of the major supermarkets. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has found that Coles and Woolworths, which together control approximately 65 percent of the Australian grocery market, use their buying power to negotiate prices with suppliers that are below the cost of production for some products. The result is higher prices for consumers and lower returns for suppliers.
ALDI has expanded rapidly in Sydney and has put downward pressure on prices for the products it sells. However, ALDI's product range is narrower than Coles or Woolworths, so you cannot do all your shopping at ALDI. The major supermarkets have responded to ALDI's competition by lowering prices on some products, but they have also introduced loyalty programs and specials that are designed to encourage you to shop with them.
Too Good To Go is an app that connects consumers with restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets that have surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away. You can purchase a surprise bag of food for $3 to $8. The app has several participating supermarkets in Sydney, including Harris Farm Markets and some IGA stores.
ShopSavvy is a price comparison app that allows you to scan barcodes and compare prices across supermarkets. The app shows you the price of the same product at Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and other retailers. The app is useful for identifying which supermarket has the lowest price on a particular product.
Cashrewards is a cashback app that gives you money back when you shop online at participating supermarkets. The app has partnerships with Coles Online and Woolworths Online and provides cashback of between 1 and 5 percent depending on the product category.
FoodBuster is an app that allows you to search for specials and discounts at supermarkets across Sydney. The app pulls data from supermarket catalogues and updates in real time. The app is useful for planning your shopping list around the specials.
Orange Grove Market in Marrickville is a weekly farmers market with fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bread. The produce is generally cheaper than supermarkets and is fresher because it is sourced directly from farmers. The market is open on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
Paddy's Markets in Flemington is a large market with a range of fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and seafood. The produce is generally cheaper than supermarkets, but quality varies. The market is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8am to 4pm.
Haymarket Fresh Produce Market in Haymarket is a wholesale market that is open to the public. The market has a range of fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and seafood. The produce is generally cheaper than supermarkets, but the market is busiest early in the morning. The market is open from 5am to 11am on weekdays and from 5am to 6pm on weekends.
Shop with a list. A shopping list prevents you from buying things you do not need. The list should be based on a meal plan for the week. Before you go to the supermarket, check what you already have in your pantry and fridge and add only what you need to the list.
Buy generic or store brands. Generic or store brands are usually cheaper than branded products and are often made by the same manufacturer. Coles' Coles Brand and Woolworths' Woolworths Select products are generally 20 to 30 percent cheaper than branded equivalents.
Buy in bulk. Non-perishable items, such as rice, pasta, and canned goods, are cheaper when bought in bulk. ALDI and Costco are the best places to buy in bulk. Costco requires a membership, which costs $60 per year, but the savings on bulk purchases can offset the membership fee.
Buy seasonal produce. Seasonal produce is cheaper than out-of-season produce because it does not need to be transported long distances. In summer, buy stone fruit, berries, and tomatoes. In winter, buy citrus, apples, and broccoli.
Avoid pre-packaged and pre-cut produce. Pre-packaged and pre-cut produce is more expensive than whole produce. A whole watermelon is cheaper than pre-cut watermelon. A whole lettuce is cheaper than a bag of pre-washed lettuce.
Food waste is a significant cost for Australian households. The average Australian household throws away approximately $3,800 worth of food each year. Reducing food waste is one of the most effective ways to save money on groceries.
Plan your meals. Before you go shopping, plan your meals for the week. Write down what you need for each meal and add only those items to your shopping list. This prevents you from buying things you do not need.
Store food correctly. Store food in the correct conditions to extend its shelf life. Keep fruit and vegetables in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Store meat and dairy products at the correct temperature. Use freezer bags and containers to store leftovers.
Use leftovers. Leftovers can be used for lunch the next day or frozen for later. Cooked rice, pasta, and meat can be frozen and used in soups, stews, and stir-fries.
Use a compost bin. Food scraps can be composted instead of thrown in the bin. Composting reduces your waste and provides nutrients for your garden. Many councils in Sydney provide free compost bins to residents.
More information about reducing food waste is available at Love Food Hate Waste.
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