Best Seasonal Produce: Woolworths vs Coles

Best Seasonal Produce Buys at Woolworths vs Coles This Month

If you shop at Coles or Woolworths, knowing what is in season this month is the single biggest money-saver in the produce aisle. Seasonal produce is cheaper (supply is high), fresher (shorter supply chain), and better-tasting (harvested at peak). Here is what to buy at each supermarket right now, plus the price gaps that add up over a year.

Why Seasonal Shopping Saves Money

Out-of-season produce travels further, sits in cold storage longer, and costs more. In-season produce is abundant, locally grown, and often discounted because stores need to move it. The price difference can be dramatic — strawberries in November (peak season) might be $3 a punnet; in June (off-season, imported), $6-8. See our budget shopping guide for more strategies.

What Is In Season in Australia Right Now

Australia has different growing regions, so seasonal availability varies. But here is a general guide for what is at peak quality and price across the major supermarkets. Check our seasonal calendar for month-by-month details.

Summer (December - February)

• Stone fruit: mangoes, peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries
• Berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
• Watermelon, rockmelon, grapes
• Corn, tomatoes, zucchini, capsicum, beans

Autumn (March - May)

• Apples, pears, pomegranates, quinces, figs
• Pumpkin, sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, broccoli
• Grapes (late season), persimmons

Winter (June - August)

• Citrus: oranges, mandarins, lemons, grapefruit
• Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, parsnips
• Kale, silverbeet, leeks, turnips

Spring (September - November)

• Asparagus (6-week window only), peas, broad beans
• Strawberries (early season), new-season potatoes
• Artichokes, spring onions, herbs

Woolworths vs Coles: How They Compare

Both major supermarkets stock similar seasonal produce, but there are differences worth knowing:

• Price: Coles and Woolworths run different weekly specials. Check both catalogues (or use the produce deals app) before shopping. Prices on seasonal staples (bananas, apples, carrots) are usually identical.
• Quality: Both have similar supply chains. Quality depends more on the individual store's turnover than the brand. High-traffic stores turn over produce faster, so it is fresher.
• "Odd Bunch" / "Imperfect Picks": Both offer discounted "ugly" produce lines — Woolworths calls it Odd Bunch, Coles calls it Imperfect Picks. These are cosmetically imperfect but perfectly good, often 30-40% cheaper.
• Local sourcing: Both stock Australian-grown produce when available, but check the country-of-origin label. Some items (especially in winter) are imported.

This Month is Best Buys

The best value seasonal produce tends to appear in the front-of-store displays and weekly catalogues. Look for multi-buy deals on items in peak supply — these are loss leaders designed to get you in the door. Stock up on items that freeze well (berries, stone fruit) or store well (apples, pumpkins). See our storage guide for keeping produce fresh.

Should You Shop at Farmers Markets Instead?

Farmers markets can offer better quality and prices on seasonal produce, but not always. Some market stalls resell wholesale produce at a markup. Genuine growers markets (where the farmer sells directly) tend to be cheapest just before closing when vendors discount remaining stock. See our farmers market guide for tips.

Before you buy, scan produce with PickFresh to check freshness. The AI reads colour, firmness, and surface condition to give you a freshness score so you do not waste money on produce that is past its best.