Getting value from the international foods aisle at Australian supermarkets

The same comparison rules apply, with a few extra considerations

Most major Australian supermarkets group imported and culturally specific ingredients into dedicated bays—sometimes labelled Asian foods, Indian, Middle Eastern or similar. The shelving and branding looks different, but the comparison approach is the same as anywhere else in the store: price per 100 g or per 100 ml, and a check of what is actually in the pack.

This is shopping comparison information, not a commentary on cuisines or dietary advice.

The same ingredient often appears in multiple places

Chickpeas, lentils, coconut milk and rice can appear in the mainstream tinned goods aisle, the health food section and the international aisle—sometimes at different prices. Before assuming one section is always cheaper, compare the same product across all locations it appears in your store.

A quick TrolleyChecker search for the same product across retailers can also help if you want to benchmark before you shop.

Comparing oils, sauces and pastes

Condiments like sesame oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce and chilli pastes often come in a wide range of sizes. Smaller jars in the international aisle can carry a higher price per 100 ml than larger bottles of the same product a few shelves away. If you use a condiment frequently, the larger format usually wins on unit price—if you will actually finish it before it expires.

For things you only use occasionally, a smaller pack at a higher per-unit cost can still be the better buy if the alternative is a large bottle going to waste at the back of the fridge.

Noodle and rice variety

Dry noodles, rice noodles and specialty rices are generally stable packaged goods with consistent SKU names—good candidates for price comparison across chains. Compare on price per 100 g and note whether the pack size matches how much you realistically cook.

Practical tips

• Check the unit price label on the shelf, not just the pack price—different brands in the same bay can vary significantly.
• Some specialty items available in the international aisle are not available at all chains, so if you find a product you like, noting the brand and barcode makes it easier to check availability and price elsewhere.
• For pantry staples that appear in multiple aisles, our budget pantry guide is a useful reference for building a cost-effective base.