Australian shoppers are becoming increasingly savvy during the current cost-of-living crunch – and that is obvious in the supermarket aisles.
A lively Reddit debate has revealed a long list of Aldi products that customers claim taste ‘exactly the same’ as well-known, more expensive supermarket brands – often for a fraction of the price.
While private label manufacturing has long been a feature of the grocery industry, many shoppers say they are only now realising just how similar some products are.
Here are the Aldi items customers insist are near-identical to major brands.
Greek yoghurt pouches and kids snacks
Shoppers claim Brooklea Kids Greek yoghurt pouches (75c) are virtually indistinguishable from Tamar Valley Kids yoghurt pouches ($2.50), but come at a lower price point.
Similarly, Made Real Wholefood balls ($4.69) are said to taste the same as Smoosh balls ($7.50), making them a go-to lunchbox swap for parents watching their grocery spend.
For single-serve yoghurt lovers, some believe Yoguri 160g protein yoghurt pots ($2.19) are made on the same production lines as Chobani pots ($3) sold at Coles and Woolworths.
Even gluten-free shoppers say Aldi’s gluten-free flour mirrors Orgran, while its gluten-free muesli tastes just like Carman’s.
For single-serve yoghurt lovers, some believe Yoguri 160g protein yoghurt pots ($2.19) are made on the same production lines as Chobani pots ($3) sold at Coles and Woolworths
The sourdough discovery that raised eyebrows
One of the most talked-about comparisons involves Aldi’s Wild Origins sourdough.
Shoppers allege the bread is produced by artisan bakery Sonoma Baking Company, which sells loaves for around $8.99 at Harris Farm, while Aldi’s version retails for $5.99.
One eagle-eyed customer said they looked up the address on the Aldi packaging and spotted a Sonoma truck parked outside on Google Street View.
While manufacturers often produce for multiple retailers under different labels, the discovery fuelled excitement among bargain hunters.
Tinned salmon and milk swaps
Aldi’s Red Salmon tin has also drawn comparisons with John West Red Salmon ($6.50), with shoppers noting identical tin shapes and even similar production stamp fonts.
‘It’s got to be the same production line. But half the price,’ one person wrote.
Milk is another hot topic, with some customers convinced Farmdale full cream milk is produced by Brownes.
Private label dairy production is common across Australia, with large processors often supplying multiple brands.
Shoppers allege the bread is produced by artisan bakery Sonoma Baking Company, which sells loaves for around $8.99 at Harris Farm, while Aldi’s version retails for $5.99
Aldi’s Red Salmon ($1.50) tin has also drawn comparisons with John West Red Salmon ($6.50), with shoppers noting identical tin shapes and even similar production stamp fonts
Ice creams, butter, and chips
Frozen treats are not immune to the comparisons.
Shoppers say Spider Stix ($4.99) resemble Bulla Splits ($10), while Milfina Mini Frozen Yoghurt Sticks ($4.99) are similar to Bulla Frozen Yoghurt Minis ($10).
Butter lovers claim Beautifully Butterfully ($4.59) is effectively the same as Western Star spreadable ($7.50)
When it comes to chips, Aldi’s Sprinters ($2.69) have been compared to Smith’s ($5).
Some customers even allege finding Smith’s multipacks inside Sprinters packaging and vice versa.
Smith’s, of course, is the Australian trading name for Walkers in the UK and Lay’s in the US, further highlighting the global web of snack manufacturing.
Butter lovers claim Beautifully Butterfully ($4.59) is effectively the same as Western Star spreadable ($7.50)
The chicken claim that stunned shoppers
Perhaps the most eye-opening allegation relates to organic chicken.
One former worker at poultry giant Inghams claimed that Aldi’s organic chicken ($4.99/kg) is ‘exactly the same’ as Woolworths’ Macro organic range ($13.50/kg).
According to the commenter, once branded orders were filled, packaging would simply be switched over to Aldi’s.
‘Exact same chicken,’ they wrote.
While such claims cannot be independently verified, it underscores how major food manufacturers frequently supply multiple retailers under different labels.
Why this keeps happening
The reality is that private label manufacturing is a well-established practice.
Large food producers often operate at scale, producing for their own brands as well as supermarket house brands.
Differences can come down to packaging, slight recipe tweaks, or pricing agreements rather than entirely separate factories.
For consumers, however, the appeal is simple – similar taste, lower price.
With grocery bills continuing to climb, Australians are increasingly questioning brand loyalty and embracing alternatives that stretch the weekly shop further.
And while some shoppers remain devoted to big names, others say the supermarket dupe era is here to stay.
