One of the last things I expected to struggle with when moving to Australia was… groceries. I figured adjusting to the culture, the weather, and finding work would be the hard parts. But honestly? Grocery shopping has become one of the biggest learning curves since we arrived.

As someone who’s gluten and dairy free, I’m used to knowing exactly where to go, what brands to grab, and which stores have the best options. But landing in a new country with totally different supermarkets, labels, and products? Let’s just say it’s been an adventure.

Grocery Shopping Without a Car = A Whole New Lifestyle

Back in the U.S., I’d do one big grocery haul a week. Toss everything in the car, drive home, done. Easy.

Here?
No car = constant grocery trips.

I probably spend the same amount weekly as I did back home, but because I’m always ducking into the store to grab just one thing, it feels like my entire life is grocery runs. I’m carrying bags on trains, walking with heavy produce, and trying to plan meals around what I can realistically haul home by hand. It’s not bad — just different. And definitely something no one warned me about.

The Big Three: Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi

Once you start shopping here, you learn quickly that everyone has an opinion on their favorite grocery chain.

• Coles – the one I go to most simply because it’s close
• Woolworths – the one I want to be going to
• Aldi – the reliable favorite from my U.S. days

Each one has its perks, but if we’re being honest, none of them compare to the insane variety of health-conscious options you’ll find in the U.S. In America, entire aisles are dedicated to gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, organic—you name it.

In Australia, healthier items kind of… blend in. You have to hunt for them. Sometimes I’m standing in the aisle literally scanning shelves like, “Okay… which of you is gluten free? Reveal yourself.”

Forever Missing Trader Joe’s

One thing I think about every single day is Trader Joe’s.
The snacks.
The festive seasonal treats.
The gluten-free goodies that didn’t cost $12.
The produce that actually came in reasonable portions.

Australia’s closest equivalent, in my opinion, is Harris Farm Markets. It’s adorable and has tons of healthier options, but it’s pricey. Like… very pricey. I’d compare it to a Natural Grocers in the U.S.—great for specialty items, not great for your bank account.

The upside?
When certain produce is in season, Harris Farm has really affordable deals. But if it’s not in season… yeah, brace yourself.

Let’s Talk About the Gut Issues…

Okay. This is something no one mentioned before I moved here, and I wish they had.

My stomach has been STRUGGLING since I arrived.
And it’s not just me—multiple friends who moved here said the same thing. Something feels different with the food, especially the meat. Some people think it might be the chicken, others say it’s the beef, but whatever it is, my stomach is not loving it.

I actually have a GI appointment coming up, so hopefully I’ll know more soon. For now, I’m eating less meat, drinking more water, and trying to figure out which brands work for me without causing chaos.

Target? Kmart? Let’s Discuss.

This has nothing to do with groceries, but it does fall under “adjusting to Australian stores,” and it needs to be said.

Australia has a Target.
I was SO excited.
And then I walked inside.

Let’s just say… it’s not that Target. There’s no dollar section, no cute seasonal decor, no fun snacks. It feels like Target’s distant cousin that you only see at family reunions.

And Walmart?
Australia doesn’t have one.
The closest equivalent is Kmart, which is super cheap, surprisingly cute, but definitely not the quality you’d expect from American stores. And nope — they don’t sell food.

Final Thoughts

Grocery shopping in Australia has been a mix of discovery, frustration, and “Wait, why is this so hard?” moments. It’s definitely doable, and I know I’ll settle into a routine eventually. But if you’re moving here—especially with dietary restrictions—be prepared for a little trial and error.

You’ll learn where to shop, what brands you like, and which stores actually carry the foods you need. And maybe one day Australia will grace us with a Trader Joe’s. Until then, I’ll just keep dreaming of festive fun treats and $3 snacks.