Aussies 'saving more than $1300 a year by buying groceries online'

Australians who buy their groceries online on average save more than $1300 a year, likely by limiting impulse purchases and making more mindful choices.

New research by ING showed the average shopper saved $1369 a year off their grocery bill by shopping online, the equivalent of about $26 a week.

The research surveyed over 1000 shoppers and found most shopped online to save time (62 per cent) while others did it deliberately to save money (33 per cent) or to avoid impulse purchases (31 per cent) while perusing the shelves.

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In the wake of multiple strains of COVID-19, avoiding crowds was another highly cited reason for buying groceries online.

"Buying your groceries online could be one of the easiest ways to save money," said Amy Cunningham, Head of Digital at ING Australia.

"The $1,369 saved by the average shopper may cover two months' of utility bills or the costs for a year's worth of swimming lessons for one child."

Of the shoppers who were surveyed, one in five were also signed up to a meal kit subscription serviced that delivered ready-made or fast ingredients to their door.

ING found that those who used meal kit subscription services saved $1503 by doing so.

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"The money saved through using meal kit subscriptions is approximately the same price as a one way economy ticket to Los Angeles from the east coast of Australia," Ms Cunningham said.

"This research shows that Australians are not always paying for convenience, and they could actually be saving as a result of using it. Small changes to how you shop could really save you a lot of money and time."

The option of buying groceries online comes as the cost of living enters sharp focus for many Australian families.

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Australia's Consumer Price Index – which measures the cost living via a standard basket of goods and services – rose 3.5 per cent in just three months.

According to the ABS, the annual price inflation of goods saw its highest level since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008.

According to Budget Direct, the average Australian household's weekly grocery spend was around $250, with huge variation based on the number of dependents in a home.

Couples with children aged five to 14 had the highest average weekly spend, topping more than $330.