Understanding Unit Prices at NZ Supermarkets
The price on the shelf tag doesn't always tell the full story. A larger pack might look more expensive but actually offer better value per gram. A product on special might still be pricier per unit than the one next to it at full price. Unit pricing is the tool that cuts through all of that — and it's one of the most useful skills a savvy NZ shopper can develop.
What Is Unit Pricing?
Unit pricing shows the cost per standard measure — typically per 100g, per 100ml, per kilogram or per litre. It allows you to compare products of different sizes on a level playing field.
In New Zealand, all major supermarkets are required to display unit prices on shelf labels. You'll usually see it as a smaller number below the main price, something like "$1.20 / 100g".
Why It Matters
Without unit pricing, supermarkets can make it very difficult to compare products fairly:
- A 400g pack and a 500g pack of the same product are impossible to compare on shelf price alone
- Bulk sizes aren't always better value — sometimes they're the same or even worse per unit
- Products on special can still be more expensive per unit than an alternative at full price
- Different brands use different pack sizes precisely to make direct comparison difficult
Real Examples
When Bigger Isn't Always Better
The assumption that bulk buys always win isn't always true in NZ supermarkets. You'll regularly find:
- Smaller packs on promotion that undercut the "bulk" price per unit
- Multipack deals that are identical in unit price to buying individually
- Own-brand smaller sizes that beat branded bulk sizes
Unit Pricing on Basket NZ
Basket NZ shows unit prices alongside the shelf price for each product at each supermarket, so you can compare not just which store is cheaper, but which pack size and which store gives you the best value per unit. This is especially useful when stores carry different sizes of the same product.
Tips for Using Unit Pricing Effectively
- Make sure you're comparing the same unit — some products show price per 100g, others per kg. Convert them before comparing.
- Factor in whether you'll use it — buying a 2kg bag of flour is only good value if you bake regularly and won't waste it.
- Compare own-brand vs branded — often own-brand at 60¢/100g vs branded at $1.10/100g is an obvious win for identical products.
- Check unit price on specials carefully — a "half price" sign doesn't mean it's the cheapest option on the shelf.
- Use a phone calculator if needed — for big purchases, doing the math quickly can save a few dollars.
Categories Where Unit Pricing Makes the Biggest Difference
- Cereal and muesli — huge variation in pack sizes and prices
- Yoghurt and dairy — 500g vs 1kg vs 2kg price differences are significant
- Cleaning products — concentrated vs non-concentrated, different bottle sizes
- Cheese — block vs grated vs sliced are all very different per 100g
- Meat — family packs vs standard packs often vary considerably per kg