When it comes to grocery shopping in New Zealand, the general perception is that New World is the “premium” (and therefore expensive) choice, while Pak’nSave is the king of low prices. But in 2026, with shifting costs and club card deals, is this still 100% true?
I decided to do a real-time price comparison to see how much of a “premium” you’re actually paying at New World compared to Woolworths and Pak’nSave.
The Results: New World vs. Woolworths vs. Pak’nSave
To keep it fair, I compared the same 10 everyday essential items. Here is how the mid-February 2026 prices look:
| Item | New World | Woolworths | Pak’nSave |
| 1kg Royal Gala Apples | $4.49 | $4.35 | $2.79 |
| 1L Standard Milk | $2.98 | $2.98 | $2.96 |
| 1kg Standard Flour | $3.79 | $3.79 | $2.79 |
| Dozen Eggs (Size 7) | $10.09 | $8.99 | $7.29 |
| 500g Butter | $8.89 | $8.00 | $7.69 |
| White Toast Bread | $3.20 | $3.10 | $2.99 |
| 1kg Chicken Breast | $17.99 | $16.90 | $10.89 |
| Bagged Iceberg Lettuce | $4.50 | $4.75 | $3.99 |
| Can Chopped Tomatoes | $1.99 | $1.99 | $1.89 |
| Weet-Bix 1.2kg | $9.49 | $9.49 | $6.49 |
| Total Basket Cost | $66.58 | $62.43 | $50.71 |
New World supermarket price comparison
Key Insights: What These Numbers Tell Us
1. The “Experience” Premium at New World
While the total at New World was the highest at $66.58, the difference isn’t just about the price tag. New World stands out for its enhanced shopping experience. They place a significant emphasis on their presentation, making the aisles feel more like a premium market rather than a high-volume bulk store. For many, the cleaner layout and shorter queues justify the extra few dollars.
2. Quality and Seasonality
When shopping at New World, it’s worth looking out for their “in-season” specialties. During this visit, the fresh stone fruits and local Royal Gala apples were at their peak quality. Often, the freshness and curated selection at New World or Woolworths offer a balanced “middle ground” for shoppers who value quality over the absolute lowest price.
3. Pak’nSave Still Leads on Value
There is no denying that Pak’nSave remains the leader for bulk savings, coming in at $50.71—nearly $16 cheaper than New World. If your primary goal is to minimize your weekly grocery bill, the “no-frills” warehouse style is still the way to go.
Final Verdict
If you are a budget-conscious shopper with a large family, Pak’nSave is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a curated shopping environment and high-quality in-season produce, New World remains a strong contender, provided you keep an eye on their Club Card specials.