Australia’s biggest grocery stores are back in the news as the price war between supermarkets heats up in February 2026. People are paying more attention to every dollar they spend at Coles and Woolworths because the cost of living is going up. The results of a new full basket cost comparison are surprising. Coles has the best overall value this month. There is a lot of competition for everything from basic food items to fresh fruits and vegetables to household goods. This could mean big savings at the register for families in Australia.
In February 2026, the price war between supermarkets in Australia gets worse.
It’s not just a marketing stunt that the supermarket price war is happening in February 2026; it’s happening in real shopping carts all over the country. Both stores had big sales, added more of their own brands, and focused on things that were in high demand. On the other hand, Coles got a lot of attention for having a lower total for a basket of everyday items. Analysts said that the main reason was that prices for basic things like bread, milk, and chicken went down. Woolworths, on the other hand, relied a lot on digital rewards and deals that were only available to members. For the average Australian who wants to save money on groceries each week, the difference may not seem like much per item, but it adds up quickly when you buy a lot of things.
When you look at the whole basket, Coles is cheaper than Woolworths.
In a full basket cost comparison, Coles did a little better than its competitor when it came to total checkout price. The comparison included cleaning supplies, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, and things you keep in your pantry. Woolworths had lower prices on some things, but Coles had better prices overall on the whole list. Price tracking showed that the prices of fruits and vegetables on the shelf were competitive, and that the prices of packaged goods were going down steadily. Woolworths lowered prices on some brands for a short time, but these cuts were usually only for certain brands. For families on a tight budget, prices that stay the same can be just as important as big sales.
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What the 2026 Grocery Price War Means for Australian Shoppers
This fight over grocery prices in 2026 is more than just bragging rights; it affects people’s money directly. Many people are now using price-comparison apps or going to more than one store to shop. Coles’ plan was to keep prices the same every day so that customers wouldn’t have to look for deals. Woolworths, on the other hand, gave customers even more digital loyalty rewards to keep them coming back. Competition has also led to more choices for home brands, which are cheaper for customers. People who are watching their money because prices are going up might be able to save more money in the coming months because of the ongoing competition.
What This Price War Between Grocery Stores Means for the Future
The fight between Coles and Woolworths in February 2026 shows how hard they are trying to win over Australian customers. Coles won this round in terms of total basket cost, but prices can change every week. People who keep up with the news and compare prices often will probably get the most out of it. Competition is important because it helps stores figure out how much they can charge and how much they can make. This kind of competition in stores could help families deal with the stress of prices going up. In the end, the best way for Australian families to shop when the economy is uncertain is still to make smart buying decisions.
| Category | Coles Average Price | Woolworths Average Price | Cheaper Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Produce Basket | $42.80 | $44.10 | Coles |
| Meat & Poultry | $36.50 | $37.20 | Coles |
| Dairy & Eggs | $21.40 | $20.90 | Woolworths |
| Pantry Staples | $55.30 | $56.80 | Coles |
| Total Basket Cost | $156.00 | $159.00 | Coles |
Commonly asked questions (FAQs)
1. Which grocery store was cheaper in February 2026?
The total cost of Coles’ basket was a little less than Woolworths’.
2. Did Woolworths have any categories that were cheaper?
Yes, Woolworths was a little cheaper for some things, like eggs and dairy.
3. Are these prices the same in every part of the country?
Prices may be a little different depending on where you are, but this chart shows the average price across the country.
4. What is the best way for people to save money during the price war?
By comparing weekly sales and using loyalty programs, you can save money on groceries.
