The cost of living continues to rise, and for students, making every dollar count is more important than ever. Groceries often take the biggest bite out of a tight budget, but savvy shopping can lead to massive savings. Forget paying full price at the major supermarkets; a network of dedicated discount grocery stores in Australia offers everything from everyday staples to specialty items at a fraction of the cost.
This guide dives deep into the best budget-friendly options available nationwide, including major chains like ALDI and Costco, unique clearance outlets such as NQR and Spudshed, and even online marketplaces like Amazon. We will break down exactly how each store works, what to look for, and how to maximize your savings on every shop. To make it even easier, each entry includes direct links and practical tips to help you get started immediately.
We'll cover everything from warehouse memberships to navigating "best before" bargains. Whether you're planning a weekly shop, stocking up the pantry, or even just looking for a cheap snack, these are the destinations that will help you eat well without emptying your wallet. Beyond traditional discount grocery stores, exploring options like budget-friendly meal delivery services can also significantly cut down your food expenses and save you time on meal prep. Get ready to transform your grocery budget and discover where the real bargains are hiding.
1. ALDI Australia (via DoorDash)
ALDI has long been the undisputed king of budget-friendly groceries in Australia, known for its no-frills approach and high-quality private label products. In a significant move for convenience, ALDI partnered with DoorDash in 2025 to offer nationwide on-demand delivery, finally bridging the gap between their rock-bottom in-store prices and the ease of online shopping. This service makes ALDI a powerful player among online discount grocery stores in Australia.
The collaboration allows you to access a curated selection of around 1,800 of ALDI’s most popular everyday items directly through the DoorDash app or website. This includes everything from fresh produce and meat to dairy, pantry staples, and frozen goods, making it ideal for both quick top-up shops and full weekly hauls without leaving home.
How It Works & What to Expect
The process is straightforward: simply log into your DoorDash account, find the ALDI storefront, and start shopping. You can schedule a delivery for a later time or choose the ASAP option for same-day service, with real-time tracking available in the app.
However, there are key differences compared to shopping in-store:
- Product Selection: The online range is extensive but not exhaustive. The famous "Special Buys" and all liquor products remain exclusive to physical stores.
- Pricing & Fees: While you get ALDI's low product prices, you must factor in DoorDash costs. These include delivery fees, service fees, and potential price markups on some items. A DoorDash "DashPass" subscription can eliminate delivery fees on eligible orders.
- User Experience: The DoorDash interface is familiar and easy to navigate. It offers a much smoother digital experience than trying to find specific product information on the main ALDI website, which is primarily for catalogues and store locations.
Pro Tip: Before finalising your order, compare the total cost (including all fees) with your usual in-store spend. The convenience might be worth the extra cost for busy students, but for maximum savings, an in-store trip is still the cheapest option.
Pros & Cons Overview
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Fast, app-based delivery to your door. | Third-party platform adds extra fees. |
| Product Range | Access to ~1,800 core grocery items. | No Special Buys or liquor available for delivery. |
| Pricing | Core product prices are based on ALDI's low costs. | Markups can apply; service/delivery fees add to the total. |
| Accessibility | Available nationwide from most ALDI locations. | Service availability depends on DoorDash driver network in your area. |
ALDI on DoorDash is a game-changer for those who value both time and money. It's an excellent option for students living off-campus who may not have easy transport to a physical store. For a comparison of savings strategies with other major supermarkets, you can check out these deals for Woolworths.
Website: https://www.aldi.com.au (Note: Shopping is done via the DoorDash app/website)
2. Costco Australia
Costco is a global powerhouse in the membership warehouse club model, renowned for its incredible value on bulk groceries and household goods. While traditionally an in-store experience, Costco Australia has expanded its reach with an online store and a 2025 partnership with DoorDash for same-day delivery, making its bulk savings more accessible than ever, even for non-members in some cases.
This multi-channel approach allows shoppers to access Costco's deals in several ways. The official website, Costco.com.au, offers a range of items with delivery costs often included in the online price. For immediate needs, the DoorDash service provides same-day delivery from local warehouses to major metropolitan areas, offering a convenient way to stock up on essentials without the trip.
How It Works & What to Expect
Costco offers multiple ways to shop, each with its own process. Shopping on Costco.com.au requires a membership, but the DoorDash integration opens the door to everyone.
- Online Store (Costco.com.au): Members can log in and purchase a curated selection of items, many of which have shipping included. This is best for non-perishable goods and larger items.
- DoorDash Delivery: Anyone can browse and order from Costco via the DoorDash app. Members can link their accounts to access exclusive member pricing, while non-members can still shop but at slightly higher prices.
- Fulfilment Options: Depending on your location and needs, you can choose between standard courier delivery from the online store, on-demand service via DoorDash, or business delivery if you are within a certain radius of a warehouse.
Pro Tip: Sharing a household membership with a roommate is a classic student hack to split the annual fee. The real savings come from buying pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and toiletries in bulk, which dramatically lowers your per-unit cost over time.
Pros & Cons Overview
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Multiple delivery options, including same-day service. | Online and DoorDash assortment is smaller than the full in-warehouse range. |
| Pricing | Excellent value on bulk staples and quality branded items. | Prices on third-party apps can be higher than in-warehouse; fees apply. |
| Accessibility | Non-members can access products via DoorDash. | Full benefits and best pricing are reserved for paid members. |
| Product Range | Great for pantry, frozen goods, and household supplies. | Limited selection of fresh produce and niche items online. |
Costco's model is perfect for students in share houses who can split bulk purchases and membership costs. Don't forget to check out Costco's private label, Kirkland Signature, which offers value on various non-grocery items like Kirkland Cookware Sets. For more savings at other major supermarkets, you can find student deals for Coles and other stores here.
Website: https://www.costco.com.au
3. NQR (Not Quite Right) – Grocery Clearance
NQR is a treasure trove for savvy shoppers, specialising in branded grocery items that are considered "not quite right" for regular retail. This can mean they are part of a discontinued line, have packaging updates, are close to their best-before date, or are simply surplus stock. The result is massive savings, often up to 80% off the recommended retail price, making it a powerhouse among discount grocery stores in Australia.
While its physical stores are primarily in Victoria and South Australia, NQR's online shop has opened its doors to the rest of the country, offering nationwide shipping on a wide selection of its clearance goods. This makes it an essential destination for students looking to stock their pantry with big-brand snacks, drinks, and household staples for a fraction of the cost.
How It Works & What to Expect
The NQR model is all about opportunistic buying. You can browse their website for weekly specials or visit a store to see the full, ever-changing range. The online store is particularly useful for stocking up on non-perishable items like pasta, canned goods, cleaning supplies, and confectionery.
Key things to know before you shop:
- Stock Rotation: The assortment is constantly changing. If you see a favourite brand or product at a great price, it’s best to grab it, as it may not be there on your next visit.
- Best-Before vs. Use-By: Most products are near or past their "best-before" date, which is a quality indicator, not a safety one. NQR does not sell items past their "use-by" date.
- Online vs. In-Store: The online store features a curated selection of ambient, shelf-stable products available for nationwide delivery. Physical stores have a broader range, including chilled and frozen goods.
Pro Tip: Sign up for the NQR email newsletter. You’ll get a first look at the weekly specials, which often feature incredible deals on popular brands that sell out extremely quickly. It's the best way to plan your shop and snag the biggest bargains.
Pros & Cons Overview
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Extremely deep discounts, often 70-80% off RRP. | The best deals sell out very fast. |
| Product Range | A huge variety of major national and international brands. | Stock is unpredictable and inconsistent by nature. |
| Convenience | Online store offers nationwide shipping for pantry items. | Fewer fresh, chilled, or frozen items compared to supermarkets. |
| Accessibility | Physical stores in VIC/SA plus an online shop. | The full range is only accessible in-store. |
NQR is an unbeatable option for students looking to slash their grocery bill, especially on pantry staples and treats. It’s the perfect place to build a cheap and well-stocked cupboard, freeing up your budget for other essentials.
Website: https://nqr.com.au
4. Beyond Best Before
Beyond Best Before is an online grocery outlet that champions the fight against food waste while offering massive savings. This Sydney-based store specialises in rescuing and reselling food products that are near or just past their 'best before' date, alongside overstocked and discontinued lines. It’s a treasure trove for bargain hunters looking for shelf-stable pantry items and snacks, making it a unique player among online discount grocery stores in Australia.
The platform primarily operates online, shipping its non-perishable goods nationwide to savvy shoppers. This allows students across the country to stock their pantries with branded goods like cereals, chips, sauces, and drinks at a fraction of their regular retail price. For those in Sydney, a physical store in Newtown also offers click-and-collect services and an extended range of products.
How It Works & What to Expect
The website is designed for straightforward bargain hunting. Products are clearly categorised, and a 'Hot New Deals' section is frequently updated with the latest arrivals, encouraging regular visits to snag the best finds. The entire business model is built on transparency, clearly explaining that 'best before' dates are about quality, not safety, for most shelf-stable foods.
Key points to understand when shopping here:
- Product Selection: The inventory is dynamic and depends entirely on available clearance stock. Expect a heavy focus on pantry staples, snacks, confectionary, and drinks. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy are generally not available online.
- Pricing & Shipping: Discounts can be substantial, often 50-80% off the recommended retail price. Nationwide shipping is available for a flat rate, so it’s most economical to place larger orders to maximise savings.
- User Experience: The website is simple and no-frills, focusing on product listings and clear pricing. It’s easy to navigate categories and see exactly what deals are on offer, making the shopping process quick and efficient.
Pro Tip: Sign up for their newsletter or follow them on social media. Since the best deals on popular brands can sell out quickly, being notified of new stock arrivals gives you the first pick of the bargains.
Pros & Cons Overview
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Extremely deep discounts on branded goods. | Flat-rate shipping makes small orders less cost-effective. |
| Product Range | Great for stocking up on snacks and pantry staples. | Limited to non-perishable items; no fresh groceries online. |
| Sustainability | Directly helps reduce national food waste. | Stock depends on availability and is constantly changing. |
| Accessibility | Nationwide delivery for pantry items. | Physical store is only located in Sydney (Newtown). |
Beyond Best Before is an excellent resource for students on a tight budget who want to fill their cupboards without breaking the bank. It offers a smart, sustainable way to shop by taking advantage of perfectly good food that would otherwise be discarded.
Website: https://beyondbestbefore.com.au
5. Spudshed
For students in Western Australia, Spudshed is a household name and a true icon among discount grocery stores in Australia. Famed for its incredibly competitive pricing on fresh produce, this WA-based chain offers a no-frills shopping experience that prioritises value above all else. Like ALDI, Spudshed has embraced the convenience of modern shopping by partnering with DoorDash to offer on-demand delivery from many of its Perth metropolitan stores.
The collaboration brings Spudshed's extensive range of budget-friendly groceries directly to your doorstep. You can order everything from their famously cheap potatoes and seasonal vegetables to meat, dairy, pantry staples, and a variety of house-brand products. This service is a lifesaver for students juggling studies and part-time work, making it easy to access some of the best fresh food deals in WA without needing a car.
How It Works & What to Expect
Shopping Spudshed online is done exclusively through the DoorDash app or website. You find your nearest Spudshed store, browse the available products, and place an order for same-day delivery. It’s a simple process that mirrors any other takeaway or grocery order on the platform.
Key considerations for ordering Spudshed online include:
- Geographic Limitation: Spudshed is a Western Australian business, so its physical stores and delivery services are concentrated there, primarily in the greater Perth area.
- Pricing & Fees: While the core product prices are famously low, the final cost will include DoorDash delivery and service fees. It's important to weigh the convenience against these extra charges.
- Product Availability: Stock levels can fluctuate based on the specific store and seasonal availability, which is part of the Spudshed model. What's available online is a direct reflection of what's in-store at that moment.
- User Experience: Using DoorDash provides a slick, modern interface for browsing and ordering, which is a significant improvement over just viewing weekly specials on the main Spudshed website.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the weekly specials advertised on the official Spudshed website or in their catalogue. You can often find these same deals on the DoorDash platform, allowing you to combine deep discounts with the convenience of delivery.
Pros & Cons Overview
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Same-day delivery of fresh and pantry items via DoorDash. | Delivery footprint is limited to Western Australia. |
| Product Range | Great selection of fresh produce, meat, and house-brand goods. | Stock levels and product selection can vary significantly by store. |
| Pricing | Extremely competitive prices, especially on produce and fresh items. | DoorDash fees add to the total cost, reducing overall savings. |
| Accessibility | Many stores have long trading hours, with delivery available during those times. | Not a national chain, so it's inaccessible to students in other states. |
Spudshed remains an unbeatable option for WA-based students looking for rock-bottom prices on fresh food. The addition of DoorDash delivery makes it a powerful contender for those who prioritise both savings and convenience.
Website: https://www.spudshed.com.au (Note: Shopping is done via the DoorDash app/website)
6. Amazon Australia (Pantry & Subscribe & Save)
Amazon Australia has become a major contender in the online grocery space, particularly for non-perishable pantry items and bulk goods. While not a traditional supermarket, its vast marketplace and powerful "Subscribe & Save" program offer a unique way to secure discounts on everyday essentials, making it an excellent resource for students looking to stock up and save money.
The platform shines with its extensive selection of packaged foods, drinks, cleaning supplies, and personal care items from thousands of brands. Its key advantage is the convenience of having heavy or bulky items like cartons of UHT milk, large bags of rice, or multi-packs of toilet paper delivered directly to your door. This is a huge benefit for students without a car or those living in multi-story apartment buildings.
How It Works & What to Expect
Shopping for groceries on Amazon is integrated into its main website, offering a familiar e-commerce experience. The real savings mechanism for recurring purchases is the Subscribe & Save feature.
- Product Selection: The range covers almost every conceivable pantry staple, from international foods to local Australian brands. However, its fresh food category, including produce, meat, and dairy, is significantly more limited than a full-service supermarket.
- Pricing & Fees: Marketplace pricing can be very competitive but also fluctuates. The Subscribe & Save program is the main draw, offering up to a 10% discount on eligible items when you schedule recurring deliveries. Amazon Prime members also get free and faster shipping on many grocery items.
- User Experience: The platform is easy to navigate, with powerful search filters and customer reviews to guide purchases. Managing your subscriptions is straightforward, allowing you to skip a delivery or cancel at any time.
Pro Tip: Use Subscribe & Save for items you consistently run out of, like coffee pods, cereal, or laundry detergent. Set your delivery schedule, lock in the discount, and forget about last-minute trips to the store. Always compare the per-unit price to current supermarket specials to ensure you're getting the best deal.
Pros & Cons Overview
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Excellent for bulky/heavy items delivered to your door. | Fresh and chilled food selection is very limited. |
| Product Range | Massive selection of non-perishable pantry items and brands. | Not a one-stop-shop for a complete weekly grocery run. |
| Pricing | "Subscribe & Save" offers set-and-forget discounts up to 10%. | Individual item prices can fluctuate and may not beat supermarket sales. |
| Accessibility | Reliable national delivery network covers most of Australia. | Prime membership is often needed to maximise shipping benefits. |
Amazon Australia is an indispensable tool for strategic pantry stocking and is one of the most convenient online discount grocery stores in Australia for non-perishables. For students who prefer planning their meals, you might also be interested in comparing this bulk-buying model with the structured convenience of meal kit services, and you can explore exclusive Marley Spoon student offers for more savings.
Website: https://www.amazon.com.au
7. Cheap as Chips
While not a traditional supermarket, Cheap as Chips has carved out a niche as a go-to discount variety retailer with an impressive range of low-priced pantry items. It’s an excellent destination for stocking up on snacks, confectionery, drinks, and other household basics at prices that often undercut the major chains, making it a valuable stop for students on a tight budget.
The brand's primary strength lies in its extensive physical store network across SA, VIC, NSW, and WA. However, its website serves a useful purpose by supporting Click & Collect. This allows you to browse deals, check stock at your local store, and reserve items online to ensure you get the bargains you're after before making the trip. This makes it a reliable part of the landscape for discount grocery stores in Australia, especially for non-perishable goods.
How It Works & What to Expect
The Cheap as Chips website functions as a digital catalogue and a reservation system for in-store pickup. You can browse product categories, view weekly specials, and add items to your cart for collection at a participating store.
Key features of their online-to-offline model include:
- Service Model: The website is strictly for Click & Collect. There is no option for home delivery, meaning you must live near one of their physical locations to benefit.
- Product Selection: The focus is on shelf-stable goods. You’ll find fantastic deals on chips, chocolates, soft drinks, canned goods, and cleaning supplies, but you won't find fresh produce, meat, or a full range of dairy products.
- Pricing & Rewards: Prices are consistently low, reflecting the store's discount model. They also run the "Chippie Rewards" loyalty program, which offers points and exclusive member deals, adding another layer of savings.
- User Experience: The website is simple to navigate. It clearly displays stock availability for your selected store, preventing wasted trips for out-of-stock items. Payment is handled in-store upon collection.
Pro Tip: Use the website to scout for and reserve bulk buys on snacks and drinks before hosting a party or study group. You can lock in the low prices online and simply pick them up at your convenience, saving both time and money compared to a last-minute supermarket run.
Pros & Cons Overview
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Easy online reservation of items for store pickup. | No home delivery option is available. |
| Product Range | Excellent for snacks, drinks, and pantry staples. | Not a full-service grocer; limited fresh and chilled items. |
| Pricing | Everyday low prices often cheaper than major supermarkets. | The best deals can sell out quickly in-store. |
| Accessibility | Strong regional store footprint in SA, VIC, NSW & WA. | Service is only useful if you live near a physical store. |
Cheap as Chips is a fantastic supplementary store for any student looking to slash their grocery bill. It excels at providing the "fun stuff" like treats and party supplies, plus essential pantry fillers, at prices that help your food budget stretch further.
Website: https://www.cheapaschips.com.au
7-Point Comparison: Discount Grocery Stores in Australia
| Service | 🔄 Implementation complexity | ⚡ Resource requirements | 📊 Expected outcomes | 💡 Ideal use cases | ⭐ Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALDI Australia (via DoorDash) | Low — app ordering & tracking via DoorDash | Low — DoorDash app, delivery/service fees | Convenient same‑day access to core ALDI range | Top‑ups and full grocery hauls for everyday items | Consistently low ALDI prices; fast app delivery |
| Costco Australia | Moderate — membership linking & multiple fulfilment modes | Medium — membership for best prices; delivery fees or DoorDash | Strong bulk savings but online assortment narrower | Bulk staples, household items, business orders | Bulk value pricing; multiple delivery options |
| NQR (Not Quite Right) – Grocery Clearance | Low — simple online/store buying but stock rotates | Low — online shipping on selected lines; in‑store pickup | Very deep discounts on branded clearance items | Stocking pantry/non‑perishables at steep discounts | Extremely low prices on overstock/short‑dated goods |
| Beyond Best Before | Low — fully online with Newtown pickup option | Low — nationwide shipping for non‑perishables | Deep discounts; some items near/past best‑before | Budget pantry/snacks; waste‑reduction shopping | Transparent deals; reduces food waste; strong discounts |
| Spudshed | Low locally — DoorDash delivery in WA; in‑store shopping | Medium — local store availability; DoorDash for same‑day | Very competitive fresh produce and everyday prices | Fresh produce, meat and local weekly specials (WA) | Excellent fresh produce value; frequent local promos |
| Amazon Australia (Pantry & Subscribe & Save) | Low — familiar marketplace & subscription setup | Medium — Prime/subscriptions optional; national delivery | Reliable national delivery and predictable pantry restocks | Bulky pantry items and recurring pantry supplies | Wide selection; Subscribe & Save recurring discounts |
| Cheap as Chips | Low — Click & Collect ordering from stores | Low — pickup required; loyalty program available | Low prices on snacks, confectionery and basics | Cheap treats, seasonal bargains and store pickup | Consistent low prices; easy reserve for pickup |
Level Up Your Savings with Smart Student Strategies
Navigating Australia's grocery landscape as a student doesn't have to be a daunting or expensive experience. As we've explored, your options extend far beyond the two major supermarkets. From the consistent, everyday value found at ALDI to the bulk-buy power of a Costco membership, the foundation for significant savings is well within reach. This journey through the best discount grocery stores in Australia has equipped you with a powerful arsenal of choices.
Remember, the key to unlocking maximum value is not just about choosing one store but about building a flexible, strategic approach. You now have the tools to identify which retailers best suit your specific needs, whether it's snapping up incredible bargains on short-dated items at NQR (Not Quite Right) and Beyond Best Before, or accessing farm-fresh, budget-friendly produce at a local institution like Spudshed. Even the convenience of online shopping can be a savings powerhouse through Amazon's Subscribe & Save program for pantry staples.
Your Personalised Grocery Savings Blueprint
The most effective strategy is a personalised one. Think of these stores not as competitors for your loyalty, but as specialised tools in your savings toolkit. Your goal is to create a shopping ecosystem that works for your lifestyle, location, and dietary needs.
Consider these factors when building your plan:
- For Weekly Staples & Fresh Produce: ALDI is often the undisputed champion for consistent, low prices on everyday items like milk, bread, eggs, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Its streamlined model and high-quality private label brands make it a perfect cornerstone for your weekly shop.
- For Bulk Purchases & Long-Life Goods: If you have the storage space and share a household, a Costco membership can deliver unparalleled per-unit savings on items you use frequently. Think non-perishables like rice, pasta, canned goods, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. The initial membership fee is often recouped within just a few visits.
- For Opportunistic Bargains & Pantry Stock-Ups: Make a habit of periodically visiting clearance outlets like NQR or online stores like Beyond Best Before. This is where you'll find incredible deals on brand-name products, snacks, and specialty items that are nearing or just past their best-before date but are still perfectly good. This is your secret weapon for slashing your snack and treat budget.
- For Household Goods & Everything In Between: Retailers like Cheap as Chips fill the gaps, offering a surprising range of pantry items alongside their massive selection of homewares and general merchandise. It's the perfect place to hunt for unexpected grocery bargains while picking up other essentials.
The Ultimate Hack: Layering Your Discounts
Knowing where to shop is the first step. The second, and arguably most crucial, step is knowing how to shop. The smartest student savers understand the power of "deal stacking" or layering their discounts. This means you don't just rely on the store's low prices; you combine them with external offers to create even deeper savings.
This is where your student status becomes your superpower. Before you even create your shopping list, your first stop should be a dedicated student deals platform. By checking for exclusive offers first, you can plan your shopping trip around extra discounts, whether it's a percentage off your total bill at a specific retailer, a deal on a grocery delivery service, or a coupon for a meal kit to supplement your weekly cooking. This simple habit transforms you from a passive price-taker into an active, strategic saver, ensuring you never leave money on the table. By integrating these tactics, you're not just finding discount grocery stores in Australia; you're building a sustainable system for financial wellness throughout your studies.
Ready to amplify your savings and make your student budget work harder for you? Sign up for Student Wow Deals today to unlock hundreds of exclusive, free offers on groceries, food delivery, and more. It’s the essential tool for layering discounts and maximising the value you get from every shopping trip. Find your next deal at Student Wow Deals.
