Dettol, Bunnings, Cadbury among Australia's most trusted brands as shoppers reveal their picks

Bunnings, Cadbury and Dettol are some of Australia's most trusted brands, according to the results of a shopper survey.

Reader's Digest has officially announced the 2026 results. While 20 brands achieved the highest overall trust scores – including Twinings tea – there were winners across 67 different categories, including the Cancer Council.

The full list of 2026 winners can be found at: www.trustedbrands.com.au

According to the 2026 Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Survey, Australia's most reputable companies are intensifying their efforts to support consumers through shifting economic pressures.

These brands have made the cut by "retaining trust during a cost-of-living crisis" by their "relentless focus on relevant innovation, genuine value-for-money, and, above all, authenticity".

Cameron Gentle, managing director of Catalyst Consultancy, said "top-performing brands understand that tightening purse strings have changed how Australians shop".

"Blind brand loyalty is no longer enough," Gentle added.

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"Instead, consumers are conducting a much more careful assessment of whether a brand truly delivers on its word through consistent innovation and proven dependability."

While legacy reputation alone wasn't enough to make it onto this year's list, some household icons managed to maintain their stronghold, as Dettol and Panadol placing first and second on the list perfectly showcased.

Both remain essential staples in Australian homes and have consistently won their categories every year.

Toyota came in at number three, holding the title of Australia's most trusted car brand for 27 consecutive years.

Bunnings came in at number four, and was a firm favourite in the 'Most Iconic' category, celebrated for its affordable range and community presence, thanks to its legendary sausage sizzle fundraisers.

The Weber BBQ range jumped to sixth place this yea,r making it the the winning BBQ brand for 13 years in a row.

Australia's most loved chocolate brand is Cadbury, in seventh place.

For those wanting a cup of tea with their chocolate, Twinings landed in 10th spot, while Sanitarium Weet-Bix is Australia's most trusted cereal brand at 17th on the list.

Algy Pereira, CEO of Direct Group incorporating Reader's Digest, said award-winning trusted brands "work tirelessly to uphold core values, regardless of the challenges".

"Whether it's the morning bowl of Sanitarium Weet-Bix or a treat of Cadbury chocolate, these brands prove that the labels we trust most in Australia are built on a genuine spirit of generosity and care for their customers," Pereira said.

The full list of 20 Trusted Brands Winners:

1. Dettol
2. Panadol
3. Toyota
4. Bunnings
5. Dulux
6. Weber
7. Cadbury
8. Royal Flying Doctor Service
9. Vicks
10. Twinings
11. Bridgestone
12. Selleys
13. Vanish
14. Samsung
15. Singapore Airlines
16. Victa
17. Sanitarium Weet-Bix
18. Sealy
19. Yates
20. Daikin

Reader's Digest commissioned independent market research firm Catalyst Consultancy & Research to survey 4,187 Australians across a mixed demographic.

Participants were asked to name and rate their level of trust in brands across 67 categories and rated brands on a 10-point scale and selected a category winner, providing qualitative feedback on their choice.

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