As cost-of-living pressures continue across Australia in July 2025, grocery shopping remains a key concern for many households. With prices for fresh food, dairy, and pantry staples fluctuating, shoppers are increasingly comparing major retailers to stretch their budgets. That brings us to the ongoing supermarket price war between Woolworths and Coles—two of the country’s largest grocery chains.
So, which store actually offers better value this month? We conducted a full basket comparison in July 2025 across 20 common household items to find out where your dollar goes further.
Why Grocery Prices Are Still Rising in 2025
While inflation has stabilised in some sectors, food prices remain elevated due to:
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High transportation and fuel costs (driven by a national petrol price spike)
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Labour shortages in the agriculture and distribution sectors
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Climate-related disruptions affecting produce yields
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Continued impact from global shipping delays
These factors have pushed many Australians to become more strategic shoppers, switching between stores or even bulk buying from discount retailers.
The July 2025 Price Comparison: Woolworths vs Coles
We compared 20 popular grocery items, including milk, bread, pasta, meat, vegetables, cleaning products, and personal care goods. Each item was priced from the standard shelf rate (not promotional or loyalty discounts) at both Woolworths and Coles stores across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Sample Full Basket Items Compared:
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1L Full Cream Milk
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White Bread Loaf (700g)
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Eggs (12 pack, free-range)
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Spaghetti Pasta (500g)
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Chicken Breast (1kg)
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Minced Beef (500g)
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Apples (1kg)
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Tomatoes (1kg)
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Potatoes (2kg)
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Weet-Bix (1.2kg box)
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Laundry Detergent (1L)
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Toothpaste (110g)
Total Basket Cost in July 2025
| Retailer | Total Basket Price | Average Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Coles | $106.70 | — |
| Woolworths | $104.20 | $2.50 cheaper |
While the price gap may seem small, a $2.50 saving per week equals over $130 annually—significant during a time when every dollar counts.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Dairy and Bread
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Woolworths offered slightly cheaper prices on milk ($2.10 vs $2.20) and bread ($1.80 vs $2.00).
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Eggs were marginally less expensive at Coles ($4.90 vs $5.00).
Fresh Produce
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Coles had more competitive pricing on potatoes and apples, but Woolworths won on tomatoes and carrots.
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Seasonal promotions may impact produce prices more frequently than packaged goods.
Meat and Pantry Staples
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Woolworths edged out Coles on meat pricing: chicken breast was $10.90 vs $11.30, and mince was $6.50 vs $6.80.
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Pasta and rice pricing was nearly identical.
Household and Personal Items
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Woolworths was cheaper on both laundry detergent and toothpaste, reflecting stronger deals in the health and hygiene category.
Which Supermarket Offers Better Value in July 2025?
Based on our analysis, Woolworths comes out slightly ahead overall, especially if you’re buying meat, dairy, and cleaning products. Coles may be a better choice for fresh produce and eggs depending on location. However, with prices being so close in many categories, it’s worth checking both retailers’ weekly catalogues and specials before shopping.
Price War: Promotional Strategies in 2025
Both supermarkets have ramped up their promotional strategies in response to consumer demand:
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Woolworths: Expanding its “Prices Dropped” campaign to cover 500+ essentials.
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Coles: Offering more combo deals (e.g., “Buy 2, Save $1.50”) and digital-only app discounts.
Both chains have also improved their loyalty programs:
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Woolworths Everyday Rewards offers points that convert to Qantas miles or shopping credits.
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Coles Flybuys continues to offer fuel discounts and points redemption options.
If you shop regularly at either, using these loyalty schemes can lead to meaningful savings over time.
How to Save More on Groceries in 2025
Regardless of where you shop, here are some tips for cutting costs this year:
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Buy in bulk for non-perishables
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Use price comparison apps like Frugl or WiseList
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Shop early in the week to get markdowns on fresh items
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Buy seasonal produce for the best value
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Consider home brands, which can be up to 40% cheaper
Both Coles and Woolworths offer comprehensive home-brand options, and many now match or exceed the quality of premium labels.
FAQs
Which is cheaper in July 2025: Woolworths or Coles?
Based on our basket comparison, Woolworths is slightly cheaper than Coles, with a total basket price of $104.20 compared to $106.70 at Coles.
Why are food prices still going up in 2025?
Ongoing supply chain disruptions, high fuel prices, and extreme weather affecting crops have kept grocery prices high in 2025, even as general inflation slows.
Which supermarket has better discounts in July 2025?
Woolworths leads with broader price-drop campaigns, while Coles offers strong combo deals and weekly online specials. Both are competitive, so checking their apps is advised.
Are Coles and Woolworths home brands good quality?
Yes, both chains have invested in improving their private label products, which are now comparable in taste, nutrition, and reliability to branded goods.
How can I reduce my grocery bill in 2025?
Use loyalty points, shop seasonal produce, compare catalogues weekly, and opt for bulk-buy specials or generic brands to save consistently.
Conclusion
In the ongoing supermarket price war in Australia, Woolworths has a slight edge in July 2025, but both retailers remain highly competitive. The best savings come from informed, flexible shopping—using discounts, timing purchases, and mixing between brands. As prices remain elevated, shoppers who compare and adapt will win the most at the checkout.
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