Delivery Apps Charge Up to 39% More for Groceries Than In-Store Prices

According to a recent investigation by consumer advocacy group Choice, Australian shoppers are paying a premium for the convenience of rapid grocery delivery. The group compared in-store prices at Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi with the prices of the same items on third-party delivery apps UberEats, DoorDash, and Woolworths-owned MilkRun.

The findings are concerning - Choice discovered that on average, grocery items cost 11% more on these delivery platforms, with delivery fees of $5 to $11 further driving up the total cost. In some cases, the price difference was even more dramatic, with 7 out of 13 Aldi items priced higher on DoorDash and 11 out of 13 Woolworths items costing more on MilkRun.

The most expensive platform was UberEats, with baskets from Woolworths and Coles costing 39% and 35% more respectively than in-store purchases, even after factoring in delivery fees. Choice's editorial director Mark Serrels argues that there is "no reason" for consumers to pay more for basic grocery items just because they are being delivered.

Both Coles and Woolworths have defended the pricing structures, stating that products sold through third-party platforms often have a higher price point to cover the costs of offering instant delivery options. However, Choice found that shopping directly through the supermarkets' own online channels was consistently cheaper than using the delivery apps.