Why Saving on Groceries Matters for Australians in 2025

In recent years, Aussies have faced rising living expenses, with grocery prices climbing faster than household incomes. According to ING, Australians are saving billions annually by adopting smarter shopping habits (“Australians saving $5.3 billion annually,” ING, 2023). With the average household spending over $250 per week on groceries, small savings can add up significantly over time. 

Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or managing a tight budget, finding ways to cut costs is essential. Thankfully, you don’t need to sacrifice quality or convenience — you just need the right tools and strategies. That’s where the Save On Groceries (SOG) app comes in. It helps you compare prices across major supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA in real-time, so you always get the best deal. 

Top Tips for Saving on Groceries in Australia 

1. Use the SOG App to Compare Prices Across Stores 

One of the biggest hidden expenses for Aussie households is not shopping smartly. Traditionally, shoppers would check store flyers manually, which is time-consuming and often inaccurate. The Save On Groceries app simplifies this by giving you an instant comparison of prices from Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA: 

• Real-time Price Comparison: View current discounts, special offers, and regular prices side-by-side. 

• Find the Best Deals: Identify which store offers the lowest prices on your frequently purchased items. 

• Save Time and Money: Avoid impulse buys at missed price drops. 

Tip: Use the app weekly before heading shopping — a quick check can save you dozens of dollars monthly. 

Supporting Data: Research shows Aussies who actively compare prices save an average of $50+ a month (National Seniors Australia, 2022). 

2. Shop the Half-Price Sale Sections 

Supermarkets often have a dedicated half-price section for items close to expiry or seasonal clearance. These are often high-quality products sold at a significant discount and are perfect for bulk buying or meal prep. 

• Examples include: Packaged meats, bakery items, or canned goods. 

• Tip: Always check the expiry date; buy items you can use quickly or freeze for later. 

Why it works: According to YouTube channels focused on budget shopping, shopping the clearance sections can save up to 30% on your grocery bill. 

3. Buy Generic or Store Brands 

Switching from branded items to generic or store-brand products is one of the simplest ways to reduce spending without sacrificing quality. 

• Benefits: Same quality as name brands but at a fraction of the price. 

• Tip: Use the SOG app to compare prices of popular products across stores and identify where store brands are cheapest. 

Statistic: Australians who choose generic brands save an average of $180 annually (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, 2021). 

4. Meal Planning and Preparation 

Meal planning is a proven strategy to avoid impulsive buys and reduce food waste. When you plan your weekly meals based on weekly discounts, you can: 

• Shop smarter according to what’s on sale.

• Use ingredients across multiple recipes.

• Freeze leftovers for future meals. 

Tip: Download shopping lists from the SOG app, which can help track the best prices on ingredients needed. 

Insight: Studies show that households practicing meal planning save up to 20% on their grocery bills. 

5. Avoid Impulse Buys and Unnecessary Items 

Impulse buying can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly grocery bills. Stick to a planned shopping list, and use the SOG app to verify discounts rather than purchasing on instinct. 

• Tip: Shop alone, avoid shopping when hungry, and always carry your list. 

6. Bulk Buying During Sales or with Loyalty Programs 

Buying in bulk during store sales or through loyalty programs leads to long-term savings.  

• Example: Purchase large packs of rice, pasta, or cleaning supplies when prices drop. 

• Tip: Combine bulk buying with meal planning for maximum savings. 

Note: Many supermarkets have ongoing loyalty programs — use them wisely alongside the SOG app to see which offers provide the best value. 

How the SOG App Works: Your Grocery Savings Companion 

The Save On Groceries app is designed to be your one-stop solution for smarter shopping. Here's how it helps you save: 

• Multi-Store Price Comparison: Instantly compare the prices of thousands of products across Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA. 

• Highlight Discounts & Special Offers: Stay updated on weekly specials, clearance deals, and coupons. 

• Personalized Shopping Lists: Create and customize shopping lists based on the best deals. 

• Barcode Scanner: Scan items in-store to see if a better deal is available nearby. 

• Weekly Updates: Receive notifications about price drops on your favorite items. 

Pro Tip: Use the app before heading to the supermarket — even a 5-minute comparison can save you money. 

Real-Life Savings Examples: Australians Who’re Smarter Shoppers 

Case Study 1: 

Sarah, a single mother from Brisbane, started using the SOG app last year. By comparing prices weekly and shopping clearance sections, she saved over $600 annually, which she used to enroll her children in after-school activities. 

Case Study 2: 

James, a university student in Sydney, bulk bought non-perishable items during big sales combined with store-brand equivalents. His grocery bill reduced from $85 to $65 per week. 

Additional Strategies for Saving Money 

Beyond the main tips, consider these extra strategies: 

• Join Store Loyalty Programs: Earn points or discounts that stack with app deals. 

• Use Discount Vouchers & Cashback Offers: Check cashback sites and newsletters for extra discounts. 

• Plan Meals for the Week: Avoid last-minute restaurant or takeaway orders. 

• Use Online Shopping & Delivery Offers: Sometimes, online deals or delivery discounts can save money and time. 

How Aussies Save with Smart Shopping