Supermarket Sleuths: Shoppers shocked at broccoli price difference at Costco and Aldi

Broccoli is one of the most popular vegetables purchased by families each year, with 68 per cent of Australian households purchasing broccoli, buying an average of 397 grams per shopping trip.

But this particular green vegetable hasn't been without its controversies, particularly as inflation began to increase the cost, leading desperate shoppers to snap the florets from the stems before purchasing, to save money.

Costco customers don't have to do this anymore, with the discount supermarket only selling broccoli florets, for this very reason.

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However Costco customers will also pay more than four times as much for broccoli compared to Aldi customers, with Aldi choosing to continue selling it with the stems.

9Honey Money visited Costco and Aldi this week in Marsden Park in NSW to compare the cost of the vegetable at both discount retailers and we're able to confirm this price difference.

Costco is selling 'broccoli florets' in bags of 750 grams at a cost of $8.00, whereas Aldi is selling it in bunches at a cost of $2.79 per kilo.

Breaking down Costco's offering, it costs $11.98 per kilo, $9.19 more than Aldi.

While some customers enjoy broccoli stems as much as they do the florets, it seems Costco customers don't feel so strongly about them, causing the retailer to take this step.

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A more affordable alternative for shoppers after broccoli florets only is to purchase the vegetable frozen. Coles is selling frozen broccoli florets for $5.98 per kilo and Woolies is selling it for $6.00 per kilo.

While the price displayed is the main decider for most savvy families, it does pay to look closely at what you are purchasing.

Broccoli with or without the stems?

Where was it grown?

How much stock is waiting to be sold?

Will your family consume a full 750 gram bag before it spoils?

All these factors contribute to the sale price and are worth considering before heading to the checkout.

My advice here is, if you do choose Costo's more expensive 750 gram bag of florets, cook it up that day or freeze some after rinsing. For those looking to save, consider Aldi's broccoli offering and try cooking it with the stems in tact.

The stems can be just as delicious as the florets, or cut up and frozen for use in soups, casseroles or mashed and included in pasta sauces and the like.

Just wash them, chop them up and place them in sandwich bags for freezing.

Price comparisons in this article are dependent on region and availability at Costco and Aldi stores. Coles and Woolworths prices are as per their online stores.

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.