Australian consumers are becoming increasingly astute during the ongoing cost-of-living squeeze, and this heightened awareness is particularly evident in supermarket aisles across the nation. A vibrant Reddit discussion has unveiled an extensive catalogue of Aldi products that customers assert taste 'exactly the same' as well-known, pricier supermarket brands, often at a fraction of the cost.
The Rise of Private Label Awareness
While private label manufacturing has long been a staple of the grocery industry, numerous shoppers report they are only now fully realising just how remarkably similar certain products can be. This revelation is driving a significant shift in purchasing habits as households seek to maximise their budgets without compromising on quality or taste.
Children's Snacks and Yoghurt Comparisons
Shoppers insist that Brooklea Kids Greek yoghurt pouches, priced at just 75 cents, are virtually indistinguishable from Tamar Valley Kids yoghurt pouches, which retail for $2.50. This represents a substantial saving for families.
Similarly, Made Real Wholefood balls at $4.69 are said to taste identical to Smoosh balls costing $7.50, making them a popular lunchbox alternative for parents monitoring their grocery expenditure.
For enthusiasts of single-serve yoghurt, many believe Yoguri 160g protein yoghurt pots, available for $2.19, are manufactured on the same production lines as Chobani pots sold at Coles and Woolworths for $3.
Even consumers with dietary restrictions are finding comparable alternatives. Aldi's gluten-free flour is reported to mirror Orgran, while its gluten-free muesli tastes just like Carman's, offering affordable options for those with specific nutritional needs.
The Sourdough Revelation That Sparked Debate
One of the most widely discussed comparisons involves Aldi's Wild Origins sourdough. Shoppers allege this bread is produced by the artisan bakery Sonoma Baking Company, which sells loaves for approximately $8.99 at Harris Farm, whereas Aldi's version retails for $5.99.
An observant customer claimed to have researched the address on the Aldi packaging and spotted a Sonoma truck parked outside on Google Street View, adding credence to the theory. While manufacturers frequently produce goods for multiple retailers under different labels, this discovery has generated considerable excitement among bargain hunters.
Tinned Salmon and Milk Substitutions
Aldi's Red Salmon tin has also drawn parallels with John West Red Salmon, priced at $6.50. Shoppers have noted identical tin shapes and even similar production stamp fonts, leading to speculation about shared production facilities.
"It's got to be the same production line. But half the price," one individual commented online.
Milk is another contentious topic, with some customers convinced that Farmdale full cream milk is produced by Brownes. Private label dairy production is commonplace across Australia, with large processors often supplying multiple brands, which explains these similarities.
Ice Creams, Butter, and Crisp Comparisons
Frozen treats are not exempt from these comparisons. Shoppers assert that Spider Stix, costing $4.99, closely resemble Bulla Splits at $10, while Milfina Mini Frozen Yoghurt Sticks, also $4.99, are similar to Bulla Frozen Yoghurt Minis, priced at $10.
Butter enthusiasts claim that Beautifully Butterfully, available for $4.59, is effectively the same as Western Star spreadable, which retails for $7.50.
Regarding crisps, Aldi's Sprinters at $2.69 have been compared to Smith's, costing $5. Some customers even allege discovering Smith's multipacks inside Sprinters packaging and vice versa. Smith's is the Australian trading name for Walkers in the UK and Lay's in the US, further illustrating the global network of snack manufacturing.
The Organic Chicken Assertion
Perhaps the most startling allegation concerns organic chicken. A former employee at poultry giant Inghams claimed that Aldi's organic chicken, priced at $4.99 per kilogram, is 'exactly the same' as Woolworths' Macro organic range, which costs $13.50 per kilogram.
According to the commenter, once branded orders were fulfilled, packaging would simply be switched over to Aldi's. "Exact same chicken," they wrote. While such claims cannot be independently verified, it highlights how major food manufacturers frequently supply multiple retailers under different labels.
Understanding the Private Label Phenomenon
The reality is that private label manufacturing is a well-established and widespread practice within the food industry. Large food producers often operate at scale, manufacturing for their own brands as well as supermarket house brands.
Differences between products can often be attributed to packaging, minor recipe adjustments, or pricing agreements rather than entirely separate production facilities. For consumers, however, the appeal is straightforward: similar taste at a lower price point.
With grocery bills continuing to escalate, Australians are increasingly questioning brand loyalty and embracing alternatives that extend the weekly shopping budget further. While some shoppers remain devoted to established brand names, others believe the era of supermarket dupes is firmly here to stay, reshaping shopping habits nationwide.
