According to Canstar Blue, their survey revealed that customers awarded Aldi the “Most Satisfied Customer Award for Supermarkets,” as major grocery chains were evaluated in multiple categories.

Nonetheless, many shoppers are dividing their grocery spending between supermarkets and specialty stores like butcher shops to find the best products and value.

The leap in the past 12 months is the biggest annual increase Canstar Blue registered in the past five years.

The same average household thus spends $12,480 on groceries a year, up almost $3000 from the 2021 total of $9274.

Seeking to maximize their money, 61 percent of shoppers now find it common practice to visit two or more supermarkets per week.

Additionally, 41 percent reported shopping at specialty stores such as grocers and butchers due to the perceived higher quality of products available.

Over 80 percent of those surveyed indicated they have altered their shopping behaviors within the past year to save money, which includes spending more time comparing prices, buying in bulk, choosing discounted items close to expiration, focusing on seasonal produce, cutting back on indulgences like chocolate, and selecting frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones.

“Consistently low prices are overwhelmingly what Australians want from their supermarket, far more than convenience, variety, or even rewards,” Canstar Blue spokesperson Eden Radfors said.

“Every move, no matter how small, can make a difference, particularly when the average weekly spend for a household of four at the supermarket has climbed 11 per cent from the previous year to hit $240. That’s a big jump for a non-negotiable purchase.”