Supermarket comparison · Prices checked
ALDI vs Coles: which is cheaper in October 2026?
Is ALDI cheaper than Coles?
On 14 October 2026, ALDI was $27.09 (13%) cheaper than Coles for the 52 items both stores had in our seven-dinner basket in Parramatta, Sydney: $188.51 at ALDI against $215.60 at Coles. Item by item, ALDI was cheaper on 38, Coles on 12, and 2 cost the same. ALDI didn’t have 8 items that Coles had. Add those from Coles and the complete shop came to $214.41, against $241.50 with everything from Coles.
Cheaper this week
ALDI
$188.51
for the 52 items both stores had · Cheaper on 38 items
Complete shop $214.41 with 8 items from Coles
ALDI Parramatta, 175 Church Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
$27.09 more
Coles
$215.60
for the 52 items both stores had · Cheaper on 12 items
Complete shop $241.50, all at Coles
Coles Parramatta, 159-175 Church Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
ALDI vs Coles prices on 14 October 2026
Every item both stores had in our seven-dinner basket, with the product we priced at each store and what the recipes need. The lower price is highlighted.
| Item and amount needed | ALDI | Coles | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat and seafood | |||
| Whole chicken (about 1.8kg)1 chicken, 1.75 to 2kg | $7.18 (lowest)1.8kg at $3.99/kgBroad Oak Farms Whole RSPCA Approved Chicken per kg | $7.741.8kg at $4.30/kgSpecial, was $5.50/kgColes RSPCA Approved Medium Whole Chicken | ALDI |
| Herb and garlic beef sausages8 thin sausages (about 500g) | $4.99 (lowest)1 × 500gReady, Set…Cook! Herb & Garlic Beef Sausages 500g | $6.501 × 550gColes Beef Garlic & Herb Sausages | ALDI |
| Beef mince500g bolognese + 500g tacos | $13.98 (lowest)2 × 500g at $6.99Jindurra Station Regular Beef Mince 500g | $15.402 × 500g at $7.70Coles No Added Hormone Beef Regular Mince | ALDI |
| Chicken thigh fillets350g noodles + 750g butter chicken | $14.62 (lowest)1.1kg at $13.29/kgBroad Oak Farms RSPCA Approved Chicken Thigh Bulk per kg | $15.951.1kg at $14.50/kgColes RSPCA Approved Chicken Thigh Fillets Large Pack | ALDI |
| Salmon fillets4 fillets of about 180g | $23.99 (lowest)1 × 720gThe Fishmonger Salmon Fresh Skin On 720g | $38.002 × 460g at $19.00Special, was $22.00Coles Tasmanian Salmon Portions Skin On 4 Pack | ALDI |
| Fruit and veg | |||
| Brown onions4 onions | $2.99 (lowest)1 × 1kgBrown Onions 1kg | $4.001 × 1kgColes Brown Onions | ALDI |
| Red onions1 for roasting + half for taco topping | $1.75 (lowest)350g at $4.99/kgRed Onions per kg | $1.93350g at $5.50/kgColes Onions Red Local | ALDI |
| Garlicabout 20 cloves plus 1 whole bulb (3 bulbs) | $2.99 (lowest)1 × 3-packGarlic 3 Pack | $4.201 × 3-packColes Australian Garlic Prepack | ALDI |
| Fresh ginger1 tbsp + 2 tsp grated | $0.75 (lowest)25g at $29.99/kgGinger per kg | $0.8325g at $33.00/kgColes Australian Ginger Loose | ALDI |
| Lemons1 for the roast + juice for butter chicken | $2.58 (lowest)2 items at $1.29Lemon Each | $3.202 items at $1.60Coles Lemons | ALDI |
| Iceberg lettuce1 lettuce | $2.99 (lowest)1 itemIceberg Bagged Lettuce Each | $3.501 itemColes Iceberg Lettuce | ALDI |
| Tomatoes2 tomatoes | $4.491 × 500gGourmet Tomatoes 500g | $2.37 (lowest)300g at $7.90/kgColes Tomatoes Gourmet | Coles |
| Spring onions1 bunch (8 stems plus garnish) | $2.69 (lowest)1 itemSpring Onion Bunch | $3.001 itemColes Spring Onions | ALDI |
| Red capsicum1 capsicum | $1.75 (lowest)250g at $6.99/kgRed Capsicum per kg | $2.23250g at $8.90/kgColes Red Capsicum Loose | ALDI |
| Green cabbage3 heaped cups shredded; the smallest piece sold | $3.49 (lowest)1 itemCabbage Half | $4.701 itemColes Half Drumhead Cabbage | ALDI |
| Buk choy (Asian greens)2 bunches, steamed for four (our estimate) | $4.98 (lowest)2 items at $2.49Pak Choy Each | $6.002 items at $3.00Coles Asian Choy Pak | ALDI |
| Potatoes1.5kg for mash + 400g for roasting, from one bag | $3.99 (lowest)1 × 2kgBrushed Potatoes 2kg | $7.701 × 2kgColes Brushed Potatoes | ALDI |
| Carrots2 carrots | $1.49 (lowest)1 × 1kgCarrots 1kg | $2.501 × 1kgColes Carrots | ALDI |
| Fresh rosemary3 sprigs + 2 tsp chopped | $2.99 (lowest)1 itemRosemary 10g | $3.301 itemColes Herb Punnets Rosemary | ALDI |
| Fresh parsley3 tbsp chopped | $2.99 (lowest)1 itemContinental Parsley Bunch | $3.301 itemColes Sleeved Herbs Parsley Continental | ALDI |
| Dairy and fridge | |||
| Unsalted butter100g roast + 25g gravy + 60g mash + 30g butter chicken | $3.99 (lowest)1 × 250gPure Valley Unsalted Butter 250g | $4.501 × 250gColes Simply Unsalted Butter | ALDI |
| Full cream milkhalf a cup for the mash | $1.751 × 1LFarmdale Full Cream Milk 1L | $1.751 × 1LColes Dairy Full Cream Milk | Same price |
| Thickened cream1 cup | $2.99 (lowest)1 × 300mLFarmdale Thickened Cream 300ml | $3.201 × 300mLColes Thickened Cream | ALDI |
| Plain yoghurt (full fat)half a cup | $3.29 (lowest)1 × 500gLyttos Greek Style Thick & Creamy Natural Yogurt 500g | $3.751 × 240gFarmers Union Greek Style Yoghurt Natural | ALDI |
| Sour creamto serve four (our estimate) | $2.89 (lowest)1 × 300gFarmdale Sour Cream 300g | $3.101 × 300gColes Sour Cream | ALDI |
| Shredded cheeseto serve four (our estimate) | $4.59 (lowest)1 × 250gWestacre Dairy Tasty Shredded Cheese 250g | $5.001 × 250gColes Dairy Shredded Tasty Cheese | ALDI |
| Parmesanto serve (our estimate) | $1.89 (lowest)1 × 100gRemano Long-life Grated Parmesan Cheese 100g | $2.001 × 100gColes Grated Parmesan Cheese | ALDI |
| Pasta, noodles and taco shells | |||
| Spaghetti400g | $0.89 (lowest)1 × 500gCucina Pasta Spaghetti 500g | $0.901 × 500gColes Simply Pasta Spaghetti | ALDI |
| Hokkien noodles500g | $3.38 (lowest)2 × 400g at $1.69Urban Eats Wok Ready Hokkien Style Noodles 400g | $3.702 × 400g at $1.85Coles Asia Hokkien Noodles Ready To Eat 2x200g | ALDI |
| Taco shells10 to 12 shells | $2.79 (lowest)1 × 12-packEl Tora Crunchy Corn Taco Shells 12 Pack 156g | $3.001 × 12-packColes Mexican Hard Taco ShellsSold by weight (158g); counted as a 12-shell box like the 156g 12-packs at the other stores. | ALDI |
| Cans and jars | |||
| Diced tomatoes (for crushed)800g (two 400g cans); diced stand in for crushed because ALDI’s website lists no crushed tomatoes | $1.902 × 400g at $0.95Remano Italian Diced Tomatoes 400g | $1.902 × 400g at $0.95Coles Simply Chopped Tomatoes Canned | Same price |
| Tomato passata1 cup | $1.89 (lowest)1 × 700gRemano Authentic Italian Passata 700g | $2.001 × 700gColes Italian Passata Sauce | ALDI |
| Freezer | |||
| Frozen peasa side for four (our estimate) | $2.49 (lowest)1 × 1kgMarket Fare Garden Peas 1kg | $2.501 × 1kgColes Simply Peas Snap Frozen | ALDI |
| Pantry: rice, stock and baking | |||
| Basmati riceabout 1.5 cups uncooked for each of two dinners (our estimate) | $3.99 (lowest)1 × 1kgImperial Grain Basmati Rice 1kg | $4.001 × 1kgColes Basmati Rice | ALDI |
| Beef stock (liquid)2 cups gravy + half a cup in place of wine | $1.79 (lowest)1 × 1LChefs' Cupboard Beef Liquid Stock 1L | $1.901 × 1LColes Liquid Real Stock Beef | ALDI |
| Chicken stock (liquid)1 cup in place of wine | $1.79 (lowest)1 × 1LChefs' Cupboard Chicken Flavour Liquid Stock 1L | $1.901 × 1LColes Liquid Real Stock Chicken | ALDI |
| Beef stock cubes2 cubes | $1.99 (lowest)1 × 21-packChefs' Cupboard Beef Flavour Stock Cubes 21 Pack 105g | $2.801 × 12-packOxo Beef Stock Cubes71g box of 12 cubes | ALDI |
| Plain flour3 tbsp | $2.391 × 2kgWhite Mill Plain Flour 2kg | $1.30 (lowest)1 × 1kgColes Simply Plain Flour | Coles |
| White sugar2 tsp + 1 tbsp | $2.591 × 2kgWhite Mill White Sugar 2kg | $1.80 (lowest)1 × 1kgColes Simply Australian White Sugar | Coles |
| Tomato paste4 tbsp | $1.391 × 500gCucina Tomato Paste 500g | $1.00 (lowest)1 × 140gColes Italian Tomato Paste | Coles |
| Pantry: sauces | |||
| Worcestershire sauce2 tsp | $1.89 (lowest)1 × 250mLColway Worcestershire sauce 250 ml | $2.001 × 250mLColes Worcestershire Sauce | ALDI |
| Soy sauce (light or all-purpose)4 tbsp | $1.79 (lowest)1 × 500mLAsia Green Garden Sauce Soy 500ml, Regular | $1.901 × 500mLColes Soy Sauce | ALDI |
| Oyster sauce6 tbsp | $2.19 (lowest)1 × 300mLAsia Green Garden Oyster Sauce 300ml | $2.301 × 300mLColes Oyster Sauce | ALDI |
| Sweet chilli sauce4 tbsp | $2.491 × 700mLAsia Green Garden Sweet Chilli Sauce 700ml | $2.10 (lowest)1 × 500mLColes Sweet Chilli Sauce | Coles |
| Pantry: herbs and spices | |||
| Garlic powder1 tsp | $2.791 × 70gStonemill Ground Garlic 70g | $2.40 (lowest)1 × 63gColes Garlic Powder | Coles |
| Onion powder1 tsp | $2.891 × 55gStonemill Onion Powder 55g | $2.50 (lowest)1 × 42gColes Onion Powder | Coles |
| Dried oregano1 tsp | $2.791 × 14gStonemill Oregano Leaves 14g | $2.00 (lowest)1 × 10gColes Oregano Leaves | Coles |
| Ground cumin3 tsp | $2.891 × 46gStonemill Cumin Ground 46g | $2.65 (lowest)1 × 42gColes Cumin Seeds Ground | Coles |
| Paprika2 tsp | $2.391 × 45gStonemill Paprika Ground 45g | $2.15 (lowest)1 × 39gColes Ground Paprika | Coles |
| Ground turmeric1 tsp | $3.391 × 60gStonemill Turmeric Ground 60g | $2.70 (lowest)1 × 47gColes Turmeric Ground | Coles |
| Chilli powderhalf a tsp | $2.09 (lowest)1 × 41gStonemill Chilli Ground 41g | $2.301 × 43gColes Chillies Ground Hot | ALDI |
| Dried bay leaves2 leaves | $2.591 × 4gStonemill Bay Leaves 4g | $2.25 (lowest)1 × 15gHoyts Bay Leaves | Coles |
| Total for the 52 items both had | $188.51 | $215.60 | ALDI |
Items only one store had
ALDI didn’t have 8 items that Coles had. Add those from Coles and the complete shop came to $214.41, against $241.50 with everything from Coles.
| Item and amount needed | ALDI | Coles |
|---|---|---|
| Parsnip1 large parsnip | Not listed | $3.00250g at $12.00/kgColes Parsnips Loose |
| Fresh thyme7 sprigs | Not listed | $3.301 itemColes Herb Punnets Thyme |
| Fresh sage1 tbsp chopped + 3 sprigs | Not listed | $3.301 itemColes Herb Punnets Sage |
| Dark soy sauce1.5 tbsp + a dash for the gravy | Not listed | $3.001 × 500mLColes Asia Dark Soy Sauce |
| Mirin1 tbsp | Not listed | $3.501 × 250mLSpecial, was $4.40Obento Mirin Seasoning |
| Sesame oil1 tbsp | Not listed | $4.101 × 150mLColes Asia Pure Roasted Sesame Oil |
| Sesame seedsto garnish | Not shown for this store this weekStonemill Sesame Seeds 60g | $2.501 × 150gColes Sesame Seeds |
| Garam masala2 tsp | Not listed | $3.201 × 42gColes Garam Masala |
Where ALDI was cheaper
ALDI was cheaper on 38 of the 52 items both stores had, by $34.95 in all. The biggest differences:
| Item | ALDI | Coles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillets1 × 720g against 2 × 460g | $23.99 | $38.00 | $14.01 |
| Potatoes1 × 2kg against 1 × 2kg | $3.99 | $7.70 | $3.71 |
| Herb and garlic beef sausages1 × 500g against 1 × 550g | $4.99 | $6.50 | $1.51 |
| Beef mince2 × 500g against 2 × 500g | $13.98 | $15.40 | $1.42 |
| Chicken thigh fillets1.1kg against 1.1kg | $14.62 | $15.95 | $1.33 |
| Garlic1 × 3-pack against 1 × 3-pack | $2.99 | $4.20 | $1.21 |
| Green cabbage1 item against 1 item | $3.49 | $4.70 | $1.21 |
| Buk choy (Asian greens)2 items against 2 items | $4.98 | $6.00 | $1.02 |
Where Coles was cheaper
Coles was cheaper on 12 of the 52 items both stores had, by $7.86 in all. The biggest differences:
| Item | Coles | ALDI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes300g against 1 × 500g | $2.37 | $4.49 | $2.12 |
| Plain flour1 × 1kg against 1 × 2kg | $1.30 | $2.39 | $1.09 |
| White sugar1 × 1kg against 1 × 2kg | $1.80 | $2.59 | $0.79 |
| Dried oregano1 × 10g against 1 × 14g | $2.00 | $2.79 | $0.79 |
| Ground turmeric1 × 47g against 1 × 60g | $2.70 | $3.39 | $0.69 |
| Tomato paste1 × 140g against 1 × 500g | $1.00 | $1.39 | $0.39 |
| Sweet chilli sauce1 × 500mL against 1 × 700mL | $2.10 | $2.49 | $0.39 |
| Garlic powder1 × 63g against 1 × 70g | $2.40 | $2.79 | $0.39 |
Category by category
The same 52 items, grouped as they are in the basket.
| Category | ALDI | Coles | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat and seafood5 items | $64.76 | $83.59 | ALDI |
| Fruit and veg15 items | $42.91 | $52.76 | ALDI |
| Dairy and fridge7 items | $21.39 | $23.30 | ALDI |
| Pasta, noodles and taco shells3 items | $7.06 | $7.60 | ALDI |
| Cans and jars2 items | $3.79 | $3.90 | ALDI |
| Freezer1 item | $2.49 | $2.50 | ALDI |
| Pantry: rice, stock and baking7 items | $15.93 | $14.70 | Coles |
| Pantry: sauces4 items | $8.36 | $8.30 | Coles |
| Pantry: herbs and spices8 items | $21.82 | $18.95 | Coles |
Specials, own brands and range: what the basket doesn’t show
On 14 October 2026, Coles had 2 of the 52 items both stores had on special, and ALDI had none.
Own brands, mostly. We price each store’s everyday own-brand product where it has one, so most of this comparison is ALDI’s brands against the Coles own brand. If you buy national brands or different pack sizes, your result can be different, and the way to know is to price your own list. RecipeRun does that at the Woolworths, Coles and ALDI stores you choose, and shows the product behind each price so you can pick the one you actually buy.
Specials. The totals use whatever shelf price each store showed on the day, specials included, and the price table marks every item that was on special. Specials change from week to week, and so does the gap between the two stores.
Range. A cheaper store only helps if it has what you need. Items only one of the two stores had are left out of the totals and listed under the price table, with what they cost at the store that had them. For your own list, RecipeRun shows what each store is missing, and its Cheapest mode groups the list by whichever store has the lowest price for each item, so you can see whether a split shop is worth the second trip.
How we compare prices
- Stores. ALDI: ALDI Parramatta, 175 Church Street, Parramatta NSW 2150. Coles: Coles Parramatta, 159-175 Church Street, Parramatta NSW 2150.
- When. Prices were checked on 14 October 2026, starting at 9:29 am Sydney time, from each supermarket’s website.
- The basket. Seven RecipeTin Eats dinners for a family of four: 60 ingredients in whole packs, using each store’s everyday own-brand product where it has one. The same products are priced every week.
- What counts. The totals cover only the items both stores had. Items only one store had are listed separately, and the complete shop buys them at the store that had them. An ingredient neither store had that week is left off the list.
- Prices. The shelf price shown on the day, including specials. Member-only prices and multi-buy deals are not used.
The full method, with every meal and all three supermarkets, is on our page to compare grocery prices at Woolworths, Coles and ALDI.
For a wider view, CHOICE’s June 2026 supermarket survey, published on 24 September 2026, priced a 17-item basket at 104 supermarkets across Australia and found ALDI cheaper than Coles with and without specials. Our Woolworths vs Coles vs ALDI guide has its figures.
Questions about ALDI vs Coles prices
Is ALDI cheaper than Coles?
For our basket, yes. On 14 October 2026, ALDI came to $188.51 for the 52 items both stores had and Coles to $215.60, so ALDI was $27.09 (13%) cheaper. Coles was still cheaper on 12 items.
How much cheaper is ALDI than Coles?
$27.09, or 13%, for the 52 items both stores had on 14 October 2026: $188.51 at ALDI against $215.60 at Coles. ALDI didn’t have 8 items that Coles had. Add those from Coles and the complete shop came to $214.41, against $241.50 with everything from Coles. The gap moves from week to week as prices and specials change.
Is Coles or ALDI better for specials?
Our basket can’t say which store runs better specials overall, only which of our items were on special. On 14 October 2026, Coles had 2 of the 52 items both stores had on special, and ALDI had none. We use the shelf price each store shows on the day, specials included, so they’re already in the totals. Member-only prices and multi-buy deals aren’t used.
Does ALDI stock everything Coles does?
Not in our basket. On 14 October 2026, ALDI’s website lists no parsnip, fresh thyme, fresh sage, dark soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil or garam masala, and showed no sesame seeds for this store. Coles had all 8.
How often are these prices updated?
Every week. We price the same 60 ingredients at both stores each week, and this page updates with them. These prices were checked on 14 October 2026.
Your list, your stores
Compare your own list at ALDI and Coles.
Our basket is one family’s week. RecipeRun prices the list you’re actually buying:
- Save your recipes. From websites, TikTok and YouTube links, photos and handwritten cards, in one searchable library.
- Plan your meals. Give each recipe a day in the weekly plan.
- Generate the shopping list. One list from the whole plan, with duplicate ingredients combined.
- Compare prices. See what the list costs at the Woolworths, Coles and ALDI stores you choose, and what each store is missing.
Free to download, no ads. Prices are estimates, so check the final price with the retailer.
Sources and disclosure
Prices come from the ALDI and Coles websites and were collected by RecipeRun’s price checker on 14 October 2026. Recipes are by RecipeTin Eats. This page is published by the team that makes RecipeRun, which is not affiliated with RecipeTin Eats, ALDI or Coles.
Published . Last updated .