Australian shoppers face another checkout price rise after Woolworths raised its 1.5-liter home-brand spring water from 80 cents to $1, adding to cost-of-living pressure.
Here's what to know
Woolworths' 1.5-liter Natural Spring Water now costs $1, up from 80 cents, putting it level with a comparable Coles product. The retailer told nine.com.au the rise reflected "significant input cost increases."
Woolworths attributed the increase in part to higher costs faced by suppliers, including Aussie manufacturers, farmers, and transport operators. The supermarket said the adjustments are intended to help cover supply-chain expenses tied to manufacturing, fuel, and packaging.
In August, Coles raised the price of its 24-pack of 600-milliliter water bottles from $8 to $9.50, and Woolworths also increased the price of a similar pack.
A Coles spokesperson told nine.com.au, "We know cost of living is front of mind for many Australians, and we work hard to keep prices as low as possible for our customers.
"While we need to occasionally adjust prices, we remain committed to providing great value through Everyday Low Prices, weekly specials, Flybuys rewards, and Australia's largest range of Own Brand essentials.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
"It is important to note that the price of Coles water 24 x600ml is cheaper than the same period last year, when it was priced at $9.90."
More background
Nine.com.au said bottled water has been particularly exposed to higher freight and transport costs because the product is bulky and heavy.
Still, higher prices are not limited to drinks. Coles' paper shopping bags also rose from 25 cents to 30 cents, making even the cost of taking groceries home another line item for shoppers.
According to nine.com.au, wider supermarket price increases in 2026 have also been linked to higher fuel costs tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. For families already stretched on essentials, even no-frills purchases are becoming harder to keep affordable.
What can be done?
Woolworths said, "Household budgets remain under real pressure and our focus continues to be on providing Aussie families with dependable low prices on their weekly shop, thousands of products on Lower Shelf Prices, Everyday Low Prices, plus our weekly specials."
In the same statement to nine.com.au, Coles pointed to a similar strategy, emphasizing regular specials, Flybuys loyalty rewards, and everyday pricing on its own-brand essentials. Those programs may help shoppers offset some increases, but the water and bag price hikes show how even value lines and basic add-ons are no longer insulated.
Moreover, home brand does not always mean the lowest available price. When supermarkets raise staple prices while promoting value messaging, comparison shopping can still be one of the few immediate ways households can protect their budgets.
Where can I learn more?
As staple products get more expensive, it makes sense to look for other ways to cut costs and take a closer look at packaged products. These articles cover reusable bottles, bottled-water marketing disputes, home water storage, and packaging claims.
• Households could cut costs by switching to a reusable bottle instead of buying single-use packs.
• In Washington, Waiākea faced legal pressure over eco-friendly claims tied to single-use plastic bottles.
• Consumers online questioned whether plant-based cartons are truly recyclable compared with standard plastic bottles.
• Long-time preppers showed how to collect and use water at home when supplies tighten.
• Shoppers trying to trim costs can also spot misleading packaging claims before paying extra for branding.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
