Cost of food in Australia increased 3.20 percent in March of 2025 over the same month in the previous year. This dataset provides - Australia Inflation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In a July 2024 conducted survey into consumer behavior regarding alternative food and beverage products in Australia, around ** percent of respondents perceived plant-based food products as significantly or somewhat more expensive than regular food products. In comparison, around ** percent of those surveyed said they felt that plant-based foods were close to or equal in price to regular foods or slightly cheaper.

This Australian and New Zealand food category cost dataset was created to inform diet and economic modelling for low and medium socioeconomic households in Australia and New Zealand. The dataset was created according to the INFORMAS protocol, which details the methods to systematically and consistently collect and analyse information on the price of foods, meals and affordability of diets in different countries globally. Food categories were informed by the Food Standards Australian New Zealand (FSANZ) AUSNUT (AUStralian Food and NUTrient Database) 2011-13 database, with additional food categories created to account for frequently consumed and culturally important foods.

Methods The dataset was created according to the INFORMAS protocol [1], which detailed the methods to collect and analyse information systematically and consistently on the price of foods, meals, and affordability of diets in different countries globally.

Cost data were collected from four supermarkets in each country: Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, two (Coles Merrylands and Woolworths Auburn) were located in a low and two (Coles Zetland and Woolworths Burwood) were located in a medium metropolitan socioeconomic area in New South Wales from 7-11th December 2020. In New Zealand, two (Countdown Hamilton Central and Pak ‘n Save Hamilton Lake) were located in a low and two (Countdown Rototuna North and Pak ‘n Save Rosa Birch Park) in a medium socioeconomic area in the North Island, from 16-18th December 2020.

Locations in Australia were selected based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) [2]. The index ranks areas from most disadvantaged to most advantaged using a scale of 1 to 10. IRSAD quintile 1 was chosen to represent low socio-economic status and quintile 3 for medium SES socio-economic status. Locations in New Zealand were chosen using the 2018 NZ Index of Deprivation and statistical area 2 boundaries [3]. Low socio-economic areas were defined by deciles 8-10 and medium socio-economic areas by deciles 4-6. The supermarket locations were chosen according to accessibility to researchers. Data were collected by five trained researchers with qualifications in nutrition and dietetics and/or nutrition science.

All foods were aggregated into a reduced number of food categories informed by the Food Standards Australian New Zealand (FSANZ) AUSNUT (AUStralian Food and NUTrient Database) 2011-13 database, with additional food categories created to account for frequently consumed and culturally important foods. Nutrient data for each food category can therefore be linked to the Australian Food and Nutrient (AUSNUT) 2011-13 database [4] and NZ Food Composition Database (NZFCDB) [5] using the 8-digit codes provided for Australia and New Zealand, respectively.

Data were collected for three representative foods within each food category, based on criteria used in the INFORMAS protocol: (i) the lowest non-discounted price was chosen from the most commonly available product size, (ii) the produce was available nationally, (iii) fresh produce of poor quality was omitted. One sample was collected per representative food product per store, leading to a total of 12 food price samples for each food category. The exception was for the ‘breakfast cereal, unfortified, sugars ≤15g/100g’ food category in the NZ dataset, which included only four food price samples because only one representative product per supermarket was identified.

Variables in this dataset include: (i) food category and description, (ii) brand and name of representative food, (iii) product size, (iv) cost per product, and (v) 8-digit code to link product to nutrient composition data (AUSNUT and NZFCDB).

References

Vandevijvere, S.; Mackay, S.; Waterlander, W. INFORMAS Protocol: Food Prices Module [Internet]. Available online: https://auckland.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/INFORMAS_Protocol_Food_Prices_Module/5627440/1 (accessed on 25 October).
2071.0 - Census of Population and Housing: Reflecting Australia - Stories from the Census, 2016 Available online: https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by Subject/2071.0~2016~Main Features~Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantage~123 (accessed on 10 December).
Socioeconomic Deprivation Indexes: NZDep and NZiDep, Department of Public Health. Available online: https://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/publichealth/research/hirp/otago020194.html#2018 (accessed on 10 December)
AUSNUT 2011-2013 food nutrient database. Available online: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/science/monitoringnutrients/ausnut/ausnutdatafiles/Pages/foodnutrient.aspx (accessed on 15 November).
NZ Food Composition Data. Available online: https://www.foodcomposition.co.nz/ (accessed on 10 December)

Usage Notes The uploaded data includes an Excel spreadsheet where a separate worksheet is provided for the Australian food price database and New Zealand food price database, respectively. All cost data are presented to two decimal points, and the mean and standard deviation of each food category is presented. For some representative foods in NZ, the only NFCDB food code available was for a cooked product, whereas the product is purchased raw and cooked prior to eating, undergoing a change in weight between the raw and cooked versions. In these cases, a conversion factor was used to account for the weight difference between the raw and cooked versions, to ensure that nutrient information (on accessing from the NZFCDB) was accurate. This conversion factor was developed based on the weight differences between the cooked and raw versions, and checked for accuracy by comparing quantities of key nutrients in the cooked vs raw versions of the product.

The average for 2021 based on 3 countries was 128.097 index points. The highest value was in Australia: 148.5 index points and the lowest value was in Fiji: 93.28 index points. The indicator is available from 2017 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index: Food for Australia (AUSCPIFODQINMEI) from Q3 1976 to Q1 2018 about Australia, food, CPI, price index, indexes, and price.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index: Food for Australia (AUSCPIFODAINMEI) from 1977 to 2017 about Australia, food, CPI, price index, indexes, and price.

This dataset provides an analysis of average monthly prices for four essential food items, namely Eggs, Milk, Bread, and Potatoes, in five different countries: Australia, Japan, Canada, South Africa, and Sweden. The dataset spans a five-year period, from 2018 to 2022, offering a comprehensive overview of how food prices have evolved over time in these nations.

The dataset includes information on the average monthly prices of each food item in the respective countries. This information can be valuable for studying and comparing the cost of living, assessing economic trends, and understanding variations in food price dynamics across different regions.

Use Cases:

Comparative Analysis: Researchers and analysts can compare food prices across the five countries over the five-year period to identify patterns, trends, and variations. This analysis can help understand differences in purchasing power and economic factors impacting food costs.

Cost of Living Studies: The dataset can be used to examine the cost of living in different countries, specifically focusing on the expenses related to basic food items. This information can be beneficial for individuals considering relocation or policymakers aiming to evaluate living standards.

Economic Studies: Economists and policymakers can utilize this dataset to analyze the impact of economic factors, such as inflation or currency fluctuations, on food prices in different countries. It can provide insights into the stability and volatility of food markets in each region.

Forecasting and Planning: Businesses in the food industry can leverage the dataset to forecast future food price trends and plan their operations accordingly. The historical data can serve as a foundation for predictive models and assist in optimizing pricing strategies and supply chain management.

Note: The dataset is based on average monthly prices and does not capture individual variations or specific regions within each country. Further analysis and interpretation should consider additional factors like seasonal influences, local market dynamics, and consumer preferences.

Key information about Australia CPI: Food and Non Alcoholic Beverage Change

• Australia CPI: Food and Non Alcoholic Beverage Change was reported at 3.000 % in Dec 2024.
• This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.300 % for Sep 2024.
• Australia CPI: Food and Non Alcoholic Beverage Change data is updated quarterly, averaging 3.850 % from Sep 1973 to Dec 2024, with 206 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 20.600 % in Dec 1973 and a record low of -3.200 % in Jun 2012.
• Australia CPI: Food and Non Alcoholic Beverage Change data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: CPI: Food and Non Alcoholic Beverage: Y-o-Y Growth: Quarterly.

The consumer price index (CPI) value of food and non-alcoholic beverages in Adelaide, Australia was measured at 139.3 as of June 2025. Melbourne and Sydney followed closely, with food and non-alcoholic beverage CPI's of 139.1 and 138.8, respectively.

CPI: Weights: Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages: Meals Out & Take Away Foods: Restaurant Meals data was reported at 3.946 % in Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 3.946 % for Dec 2024. CPI: Weights: Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages: Meals Out & Take Away Foods: Restaurant Meals data is updated quarterly, averaging 3.420 % from Sep 2017 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 31 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.960 % in Sep 2023 and a record low of 3.300 % in Sep 2020. CPI: Weights: Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages: Meals Out & Take Away Foods: Restaurant Meals data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.I010: Consumer Price Index: Weights: 17th Series.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Prices Index: Economic Activities: Manufacture of Food Products: Total for Australia (PIEAFD01AUQ661N) from Q1 1983 to Q1 2023 about Australia, food, production, manufacturing, PPI, price index, indexes, and price.

CPI: Weights: Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages: Meat & Seafoods: Fish & Other Seafood data was reported at 0.379 % in Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.379 % for Dec 2024. CPI: Weights: Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages: Meat & Seafoods: Fish & Other Seafood data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.400 % from Sep 2017 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 31 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.460 % in Sep 2021 and a record low of 0.379 % in Mar 2025. CPI: Weights: Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages: Meat & Seafoods: Fish & Other Seafood data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.I010: Consumer Price Index: Weights: 17th Series.

Overview In recent years, ABARES has undertaken research programs that focus on two key economic aspects of Australia's food exports: world food demand to 2050 and implications for Australia’s food exports; and the efficiency of Australia’s infrastructure and food export supply chains. To complement these research programs, this report examines trends and issues in Australia's food market with a focus on domestic food demand. Key Issues • The domestic market is important for Australia's food …Show full descriptionOverview In recent years, ABARES has undertaken research programs that focus on two key economic aspects of Australia's food exports: world food demand to 2050 and implications for Australia’s food exports; and the efficiency of Australia’s infrastructure and food export supply chains. To complement these research programs, this report examines trends and issues in Australia's food market with a focus on domestic food demand. Key Issues • The domestic market is important for Australia's food producers including farmers, food processors and food service providers. By value, around two-thirds of Australia’s food production is used in the domestic market. Food imports have become more important, particularly for processed food, but still account for a relatively low share of household food consumption (15 per cent in 2015-16). • Food is a major expenditure category for households in Australia-current housing costs, food and transport are consistently the three top expenditure categories (based on data from the 1990s and 2000s). The three top food expenditure categories are: meals out and fast foods; meat, fish and seafood; and fruit and vegetables. • Food expenditure per person tends to be higher, on average, for households with higher incomes - notably, the share of total food expenditure spent on meals out and fast foods is significantly higher for households with higher incomes. By contrast, the distribution of food expenditure is broadly similar across household groups based on net worth - that is, households with high net wealth spend relatively more on food in aggregate, but the shares spent on the main food categories are broadly similar. • The food industry supplies a broad range of food products and services in response to food demand in different segments of the domestic market. There is ongoing innovation by the food industry to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the food supply chain, including to enhance further Australia's high level of food security. For example, major food retailers have developed product lines to sell imperfect fruit and vegetables at lower prices (such as The Odd Bunch at Woolworths, and Imperfect Picks at Harris Farm Markets). Patterns of food expenditure indicate there are also likely to be ongoing economic opportunities to obtain a price premium for reliable food quality attributes.

Australia Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages: Bread & Cereal Products: Breakfast Cereals data was reported at 0.099 % in Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.099 % for Dec 2024. Australia Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages: Bread & Cereal Products: Breakfast Cereals data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.130 % from Sep 2017 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 31 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.130 % in Sep 2021 and a record low of 0.099 % in Mar 2025. Australia Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages: Bread & Cereal Products: Breakfast Cereals data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.I010: Consumer Price Index: Weights: 17th Series.

Supermarkets have maintained stable volume-driven business strategies amid a pricing environment that has been in the spotlight. Conflict in the Middle East, avian flu outbreaks and other inflationary pressures have driven prices up, with many stores passing on these costs to consumers. While consumers are paying more for groceries and upstream suppliers are seeing their margins shrink, supermarkets Coles and Woolworths have maintained relatively stable profit margins, among the highest in the world. The continued expansion of Aldi and Amazon has forced the two established industry giants to shift gears recently to remain price-competitive on both the physical store and online service fronts, launching short-term price discounting initiatives. These supermarket giants also rely on loyalty programs and promotions. Coles and Woolworths have displayed interest in data analytics, strengthening their relationships with analytics data giants like Palantir to optimise their marketing and operational processes. The ACCC's landmark supermarkets inquiry, while not finding evidence of price gouging, identified 20 key recommendations that would ensure a more sustainable market and avoid oligopolistic exploitation. Supermarket and grocery revenue rose significantly following the COVID-19 outbreak. A combination of panic buying, along with the suspension of many specials and promotions in supermarkets, boosted grocery turnover at the beginning of the period, spiking revenue for the two years through 2020-21. This high benchmark at the start of the period has resulted in an industry correction and an annualised revenue contraction of 0.4% to $144.3 billion over the five years through 2025-26. Revenue is estimated to climb 0.4% in 2025-26, reflecting the price-driven industry growth that falling tobacco sales have offset. Supermarkets and grocery stores are set to perform well, with industry revenue slated to climb at an annualised 1.5% through 2030-31 to $155.6 billion. Population growth will remain a key growth factor that stores rely on, as many continue a volume-driven business approach to generating revenue. Should the transparency-related recommendations from the ACCC's inquiry be implemented, some price-driven growth may be curtailed. Eventually, when inflationary pressures subside and consumer sentiment returns to a positive level, supermarkets and grocers will be well-positioned to take advantage of consumer appetite for value-added and premium goods. Strong growth in online sales is set to continue.

Discover the latest news on the Australian pet food industry! Learn how dog and cat food prices have spiked up to $3,269 per ton and what this means for pet owners and suppliers. Stay informed with our in-depth article.

In March 2025, the average canned food import price amounted to $2,530 per ton, reducing by -4.7% against the previous month.

Plant-based meat products in Australia cost, on average, **** percent more than conventional meat products as of December 2023. Popular products such as bacon cost ** percent more and burgers cost **** percent more for a plant-based version compared to their conventional counterparts.

Australia Consumer Price Index (CPI): Food: Others: Eggs data was reported at 201.200 1989-1990=100 in Jun 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 200.700 1989-1990=100 for Mar 2012. Australia Consumer Price Index (CPI): Food: Others: Eggs data is updated quarterly, averaging 137.800 1989-1990=100 from Sep 1980 (Median) to Jun 2012, with 128 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 212.400 1989-1990=100 in Mar 2008 and a record low of 69.300 1989-1990=100 in Sep 1980. Australia Consumer Price Index (CPI): Food: Others: Eggs data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.I008: Consumer Price Index: 1989-90=100.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index: Total Food Excluding Restaurants for Australia (CPGDFD02AUA657N) from 1977 to 2017 about restaurant, Australia, food, goods, CPI, price index, indexes, and price.