Checking unit pricing in supermarkets ensures you're not overpaying, and it's generally the case that larger quantities are cheaper. If you're trying something new for the first time, though, try sticking to the overpriced small package.

Unit pricing -- the requirement that supermarkets display an indication of how much a product costs in a fixed quantity -- makes comparison shopping much easier. However, while savvy consumers are aware of the existence of unit pricing, a recent study suggests that we don't use that information as often as we think and that we're easily distracted by specials, even if those products are actually more expensive.

Back in August, regular commenter poedgirl alerted us to the fact that items on sale in Coles didn't always have unit pricing accurately indicated. It seems Coles might have become more efficient at that process, with specials now correctly showing unit pricing.

Unit pricing -- specifying the cost of goods in terms of a single consistent measure -- has been a legal requirement in Australia since December 2009, and the ACCC has promised to crack down on stores which don't use it. However, there do still seem to be problems when it comes to specials.

Unit pricing -- offering price information based on consistent units, such as per 100gm -- has been compulsory since last December. The ACCC says that most larger supermarkets have adopted the regime well, but there's room for improvement with online stores and some smaller supermarkets.

Unit pricing became law for most large supermarkets in December last year. But that still doesn't mean that comparisons can always be made directly.

After a long-running education campaign, unit pricing is now compulsory in all large supermarkets across Australia (and in all advertising from those supermarkets. Most major chains switched over some time ago, but wherever you shop, it should now be easier to work out the best value deals. Not sure how it all works? Check out our unit pricing overview.