Supermarket apps have come a long way since they first launched, offering a range of options beyond simply ordering groceries.

I remember relying on supermarket websites for information on prices and during my first forays into online grocery shopping. Then I started looking the sites up on my smart phone.

By the time the apps were launched, I was a devoted online grocery shopper and made great use of both Coles and Woolworths' apps.

Supermarket apps have come a long way since they first launched.

It's a clever move by the majors.

Aldi launched an revamped app earlier this year, and both Coles and Woolworths have reported an increase in customers accessing online features, with Woolworths' recent 'Healthy Life' report noting "weekly visits to the Woolworths Group's digital platforms surpassed in-store transactions".

The retailer's online sales have risen 20 per cent in the second half of 2024 to make up 14 per cent of its $26.7 billion supermarket revenues.

Some of my favourite features include lists of the items I purchase the most.

Coles' reports online sales make up 10.7 per cent of its $20.7 billion in sales, an increase of 22.6 per cent in the same period.

Recently, supermarket apps have begun heavily promoting special offers and ways customers can collect and maximise points.

The Woolworths app even have video ads! This feature was spotted by a Redditer who quickly captured their first experience with it.

They were in the middle of searching for pesto products when it popped up in the middle of their screen.

"Ad in the Woolworths app," they said alongside the screenshot, although they didn't seem very happy about it.

"Was doing an online food shop and there was an advertisement in the app. Why are they doing this now?"

In answer to their question, Woolworths is pulling out all the stops when it comes enticing customers to spend their grocery money with them, as are Coles, Aldi and IGA.

Woolworths

The moment you open the Woolworths app this week, customers are informed of an Online Super Sale.

Those who spend $150 can use a code to get $10 off their shop and shoppers who spend $200 have a code that will get them $15 off. This offer ends on July 8.

Money off your shop is one of the best features at any supermarket, whether it be via Everyday Rewards at Woolies or Flybuys at Coles.

Most supermarkets have loyalty programs these days, to entice shoppers to return to their stores for their weekly shop.

However, increasingly savvy shoppers on tighter budgets than ever before are using apps to compare prices before even leaving their homes.

Also on the Woolworths app is a 'Watchlist' feature that lets you know when your favourite items are on special, the ability to quickly and easily compare prices per unit and a long list of items that will attract bonus points.

Also Woolworths is phasing out paper receipts, with most customers relying on digital receipts these days, which can be accessed via their app.

Coles

This week, the first thing customers will see when they click on their Coles app is a "$30 off your shop" offer when you spend $370.

Coles is running its own enticing campaign for loyal customers.

A year ago, spending $370 in one week at a single supermarket would have been unimaginable for many. These days, with grocery prices increasing across the board, it's more than ever before.

Those customers who don't normally spend may choose to do a fortnightly shop instead to take advantage of the offer, which ends on July 8.

Another Coles app feature I have been loving lately is the ability to use it to navigate your way around the supermarket. You simply make your shopping list and it will let you know which aisle to find it in.

I spotted this Coles ap feature at my local during a recent trip to the supermarket.

By knowing exactly where you are headed in stores, customers can avoid impulse buys as much as possible, although they are very tempting.

A recent survey of Coles customers showed that 90 percent of shoppers write a shopping list to help plan, but these days they are usually digital.

Although, with most grocery shoppers completing their shops at more than one store, Notes sections on smart phones are coming in handy, or apps such as AnyList.

Aldi

Aldi's new app is helping customers compare prices before heading to their local stores.

Aldi launched a new app earlier this year, and it has made it much easier for customers to compare prices before heading to their local stores.

An Aldi Australia spokesperson told 9honey the app "now includes pricing for all items, including all our core range, Limited Time Only products and Special Buys, so that the process of comparing value at ALDI for Australian shoppers is easier than ever before."

"The positive feedback we've received from savvy customers so far shows that Australians are continuing to look for ways to reduce the spend of their weekly grocery shop without compromising on quality or value, and are loving having the ability to plan their shop before they head in store."

Limited Time Only products and Special Buys are included in the Aldi app.

Like its stores, the Aldi app is a stripped-back version of what customers see in their Woolworths and Coles apps. But all the important information is there.

When you click in, the first category that comes up are Aldi's Special Buys, which feature winter and ski gear.

As someone who avoids the Special Buys as much as possible, I headed straight to the groceries, where there is a 'Super Savers' and 'Limited Time Only' section to help customers take advantage of current promotions.

Aldi's full range is also listed on the app, making for quick and easy cost comparisons.

IGA

IGA has a completely different business model to Woolworths, Coles and Aldi. Their stores are independently owned franchises. That means prices are not set nationally.

When you download the IGA app, you have to register and choose your local store. I try and choose the biggest IGA outlet in my area, assuming the larger stores will have more competitive prices.

IGA has an incredible range of gluten-free products called Schar that my daughter is obsessed with after we sampled them at a local restaurant.

When you download the IGA app, you have to register and choose your local store.

I usually put in a monthly order for her preferred gluten-free bread and crackers, and then have a bit of a wander around the app to see if there are any decent offers or fun products that can't be found elsewhere.

There is also a 'Specials' section and the option to create your 'Shopping List' which makes it much easier to stick to a budget if IGA is where you plan to do the majority of your weekly grocery shopping.

Then there's the 'Buy it again' section, which both Woolworths and Coles also have in their apps.

IGA has added 'The Essential's range of "everyday must-have" grocery items, including bread, milk, baked beans and Nutella.

Costco

To access the Costco app, you need to put in your membership details and create an account. What I love is being able to check out all of my past purchases.

To access the Costco app you need to put in your membership details and create an account.

The list makes it clear my intention upon arrival each time to buy essential items only, but I usually give in to a few temptations in the form of chocolate chunk cookies and an unnecessarily large Caesar salad, which we still manage to polish off in a couple of days.

It also has a great 'Wish List' feature so you can be informed when some of your favourite products are back in stock, or if they have specials on items you are planning to purchase in the near future.

Grocery items aren't front and centre in the app. Instead, the 'Hot Buy' section pops up first, which this week at my local includes a trampoline and a lovely black leather lounge – none of which I want or need.

Mature woman using cell phone while buying yogurt in a grocery store.

The Costco app also features new items that have recently arrived.

Also featured at the top on the app is a 'Same Day' section that directs you to Door Dash where both members and non members can purchase Costco items that are then delivered directly to your door.

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