Reading Australian supermarket shelf labels: unit prices, “was” prices and pack sizes

The two numbers that matter: headline price and unit price

The large price is what you pay at checkout for that pack. The smaller unit price (often per 100g or per litre) is what you use to compare different pack sizes and brands on fair terms.

If two blocks of cheese look similar but one is priced “cheaper,” check whether you are comparing the same weight. A lower headline price on a smaller pack can still be worse value per 100g.

“Was” / strikethrough pricing: what it usually means

Retailers often show a higher “was” or reference price next to a special. In Australia, those reference prices are regulated and must not mislead consumers about the genuine value of the offer—but offers still rotate quickly.

Practical habit: if a special matters to your budget, snap a quick photo of the shelf ticket or note the pack size and price, then compare the same SKU on another chain’s site or with a search before you assume it is the best deal city-wide.

Multibuys (“2 for …”) and mixed packs

Multibuy deals can change the effective unit price. Read whether you must buy the stated quantity to get the discount, and whether mixing flavours or sizes is allowed. If the ticket is unclear, ask a team member before you fill the trolley—returns on perishables are limited for good reason.

Loyalty vs lowest shelf price

Sometimes the lowest ticketed price assumes a loyalty card or app coupon. If you do not use that program, your checkout price may differ. That is not “hidden”—it is a reminder to read the full ticket, including any “with Everyday Rewards” or “with Flybuys” style notes.

Keep learning alongside tools

Shelf literacy is a real-world skill. Pair it with occasional online comparisons when you are deciding whether to switch brands or pack sizes for a product you buy every week.