Australian shoppers have chosen their favorite products of 2023, with Coles and Woolworths groceries claiming multiple top spots.
Product of the Year is the world’s largest consumer-based rewards program, designed to drive shoppers to proven purchases.
More than 5,000 Australian shoppers voted for their favorite supermarket products via a NielsenIQ survey, with major brands including Ferrero, Tassal and Nestle celebrating the win.
The cost of living crisis has changed the way Australians spend their money, with 45 percent of people turning to private label products to stretch their budgets even further.
As shoppers turned to bargains, the top winners were chosen by supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths for their own brand, deli and bakery products, with Coles winning 19 awards and Woolworths claiming ten of the 44 product groups.
Australian shoppers have chosen their favorite products for 2024, with Coles and Woolworths groceries claiming their place at the top
The Koala Kirribilli Bed Base (from $1,290) was awarded Best Bedroom Furniture, with customers across the country praising its excellent quality and sleek design
Private label purchases also remained prominent in the cheese and confectionery categories, with shoppers seeking out Coles brand Spanish Truffle Cheese ($11.45) for their charcuterie needs or the Joyful Protein Bar range for mid-morning snacks .
Notable mentions include the Koala Kirribilli Bed Base (from €1,290), which has been awarded best bedroom furniture, with customers across the country praising its excellent quality and sleek design.
Three in five shoppers are also turning to healthier options and eliminating delicious snacks such as chocolates and premium nuts from their shopping lists to reduce costs.
As a result, many have flocked to Coles’ Joyful Protein Bar range ($6 for five), which offers a range of flavors including chocolate and peanut butter with 8.5g of protein per serving.
Private label purchases also remained prominent in the cheese and confectionery categories, with shoppers seeking out Coles brand Spanish truffle cheese ($11.45) and Belgian dark chocolate ($2.30) for their charcuterie needs.
Woolworths leads the cost of household cleaning products and laundry purchases, while their Strike Pro Mold Killer Spray ($2.95) received a five-star review online and private label laundry detergent followed closely.
Woolworths took home ten product of the year awards, including ‘fresh meat’ with its popular thick-cut beef tenderloin
Shoppers voted for the Cucina Matese ‘triple cheese’ flavor as their favorite pasta sauce, and the Coles Koi ‘ginger and lemongrass’ shampoo bar won best hair care
Product of the Year director Sarah Connelly said: “The rising cost of living has definitively changed the landscape, with affordability and convenience being the main driver behind the way Aussies shop.
‘While treats were common in the shopping cart before the cost of living started to rise, these are now classified as luxury items, with many consumers considering snacks as a low priority when it comes to feeding the family.’
Connelly also noted that Australians are more focused on health and sustainability than ever, evidenced by the high rankings of the Coles Joyful Protein Bar Range, and Woolworths’ macro pasture producing carbon neutral eggs.