Aussie shoppers saving $675 a year with one simple grocery swap

Aussie shoppers can save up to $675 on groceries each year with one simple swap.

New research by consumer group Canstar has found supermarket customers can save a significant amount by choosing frozen fruits and vegetables instead of fresh produce.

Canstar analysed the cost of staple fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and strawberries at major supermarkets and found frozen options were, on average, 53 per cent cheaper than their fresh counterparts.

Some frozen items were more than 70 per cent cheaper than fresh varieties.

The research showed those who swapped just half of their typical weekly fruits and vegetables could save $13 per week, which adds up to just over $675 each year.

Seventy-five per cent of shoppers surveyed said they often choose frozen fruits and vegetables for the "convenience".

Fifty-two per cent said they choose frozen items because they are "always in stock regardless of the season".

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Forty-three per cent made the choice to purchase frozen items because frozen "offers better value".

And 36 per cent of those surveyed said frozen is their first choice because "fresh produce spoils too quickly".

Canstar.com.au spokesperson Eden Radford said of the findings: "Switching just half the regular fruit and vegetable shop could deliver significant savings for households at a time when the cost of groceries is set to rise.

"Opting for frozen food can also help stabilise the budget, with seasonal volatility playing less of an impact on pricing, while the ease of convenience can save families precious time.

"Frozen isn't the only switch that could help shoppers save, with the decision to go for home-brand products also a great way to help drop the cost of a shop.

"Whether buying frozen ingredients for a breakfast smoothie, or finding party snacks for a weekend get-together, Canstar's 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Award winners are a good place to start.

"At a time when every dollar counts, the freezer aisle is proving to be a powerful ally for Australian households – and the savings really do add up."

Dietician Susie Burrell previously told nine.com.au some frozen produce can come with health benefits because they are "snap-frozen at time of harvest".

"As frozen veggies are snap-frozen at time of harvest, key nutrients including Vitamins B, C and K tend to be higher than those found in fresh veggies that were harvested some time ago," she said of frozen green, leafy vegetables.

Canstar has found frozen foods continue to grow in popularity, with 66 per cent of shoppers surveyed saying they eat at least one frozen meal each week, up from 60 per cent in 2025.

They also found 80 per cent of shoppers are "adjusting their shopping habits to combat rising grocery costs" by choosing supermarket home brands.

Consumers are also saving by shopping in bulk at Costco or other discount retailers, waiting for grocery items to be marked down, and using catalogues and apps to find the lowest prices.

While Canstar research shows 80 per cent of shoppers are already adjusting their shopping habits to combat rising grocery costs, there are still plenty of tactics to try, including choosing home brands.

Shoppers are also buying in bulk at Costco and other discount retailers, waiting for items to be marked down, and using catalogues and apps to find the lowest prices.

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