Unit Price Explained: A 2025 Guide for Australian Shoppers and Investors

Ever stared at two similar products in Woolies, both on special, and wondered which is actually cheaper per serve? Or compared the ‘unit price’ on a managed fund statement and felt lost? In 2025, unit price is more relevant than ever—touching everything from groceries to ETFs, and shaping the way Australians stretch their dollars.

What Is Unit Price? More Than Just a Supermarket Label

The unit price is the cost of a single standardised measure—think per 100g, per litre, or per share/unit. It’s now a familiar sight on supermarket shelves, but in 2025, it’s also front and centre in investment statements and cost-of-living conversations.

• Supermarkets: Australian law mandates unit pricing for most packaged groceries, making it easier to compare apples with apples, or, more likely, pasta with pasta.

• Investments: Managed funds and ETFs display a unit price, reflecting the current market value of one unit in the fund.

With grocery inflation still running high in 2025 and investment markets swinging, understanding unit price can mean the difference between getting by and getting ahead.

Unit Price and Your Grocery Budget in 2025

Supermarket unit pricing was strengthened in late 2024, with new regulations ensuring clearer, bolder displays and extending rules to more products, including online grocery shopping. This comes as the ACCC continues to target unfair pricing practices and hidden costs.

Here’s how to make the most of unit pricing at the shops:

• Ignore the headline discount. A ‘two for $7’ deal might not beat a competitor’s $3.20 single pack when you check the unit price.

• Compare across sizes and brands. Bulk packs often have a lower unit price, but not always—especially with shrinking pack sizes in 2025.

• Online? Check the fine print. New rules require unit prices online, but they’re not always front and centre. Always look before you click ‘add to cart’.

Real-world example: In April 2025, a leading supermarket was found to be advertising ‘specials’ where the unit price was actually higher than the standard shelf product. Savvy shoppers caught it, and the ACCC forced a change. That’s the power of knowing your unit price!

Unit Price in Investing: Why It Matters in 2025

Australians are investing in managed funds, ETFs, and superannuation more than ever. Each of these uses a unit price to value your investment. But what does it mean for you?

• Managed funds and ETFs: The unit price is calculated daily (sometimes more often), based on the total value of the fund divided by the number of units on issue. This tells you what your investment is worth right now.

• Superannuation: Most super funds display your balance as units, with a daily unit price. Fees and investment returns are reflected in the unit price—so it’s your window into how your super is tracking.

• Buying or selling: The price you pay (or receive) for units can vary daily. In volatile markets, unit prices can swing quickly, impacting the value of your investment.

Recent example: In early 2025, several popular Australian ETFs saw unit prices drop suddenly on market volatility. Investors who understood unit price could make informed choices—whether to buy the dip, switch funds, or hold tight.

Unit Price Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Unit pricing isn’t always straightforward. Here are common traps to watch for in 2025:

• Misleading pack sizes: ‘Value’ packs with higher unit prices due to sneaky shrinkflation.

• Fund performance confusion: A rising unit price is good—but compare it over time and against similar funds, not just last week’s number.

• Fees hidden in unit prices: Some investment fees are taken out before the unit price is published, so always check the PDS (Product Disclosure Statement) for the full picture.

Staying alert to these pitfalls helps you avoid overpaying at the supermarket and making costly investment mistakes.

Looking Ahead: Unit Price in a High-Cost Australia

With living costs and market volatility still making headlines, unit price will remain a crucial tool for Australians in 2025. From stretching your grocery budget to keeping your investments on track, understanding unit pricing puts you in control.