South Australian families looking to avoid a royal rip-off could be in for a treat at this year’s Adelaide Show, with new Compare the Market analysis finding that showbags may not be as expensive as once thought. Showgoers could save between 4% and 37% for some popular showbags compared to buying identical products at the supermarket.
Compare the Market analysed the price of the contents of 10 popular confectionary bags that will be available at this year’s show and found that in 90% of cases, it would actually be cheaper to purchase showbags than it would to buy the same items at the supermarket. Just one bag in the analysis was an equal price to the supermarket and none worked out more expensive.
This is an improvement from similar analysis in 2023, which found 30% of bags worked out more expensive compared to buying the contents at the supermarket.
Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said the results would be welcome news for the thousands of families heading to the Adelaide Showground this year.
“We’ve all got that family member or friend who swears showbags are a royal rip-off, but our new analysis shows that you could be in for a sweet surprise at this year’s showbag hall,” Mr Ford said.
“We’ve crunched the numbers and found that it’s actually cheaper in a lot of cases to nab a bag (or two) at the show than it would be to buy the same items at the grocery store. It’ll be music to the ears of South Australians who are already battling interest rate hikes, high insurance premiums and rising costs across the board but want to enjoy themselves at the Royal Show.”
Packing the biggest punch in the analysis was the Mentos bag, coming in at a whopping 37.82% cheaper compared to the major supermarkets. At just $6, the bag is one of the cheapest available at this year’s show and provides great value for money.
If chocolate is your vice, the Curly Wurly and Chunky KitKat bags also offer value for money. You could pocket around $4 by buying these bags at the show versus getting the same items at the grocery shop, which is more money to spend on rides, games or other attractions at the show.
Even the Darrell Lea Liquorice bag, which is a favourite for some families, worked out around $5 or 20% cheaper at the show compared to the major supermarkets.
“A few dollars here and there doesn’t seem like much, but it all adds up,” Mr Ford said. “While our analysis shows it’s possible to nab a bargain at the show, it’s not a guarantee. We found one bag, the Hubba Bubba, was an equal price at the show or the supermarket. Bags like the Caramello Koala, Life Savers or Cherry Ripe only came in a few cents cheaper than the supermarkets.
“There are also show exclusives, like the famous Bertie Beetle, which aren’t usually available in stores, so you may choose to prioritise these rare treats over ones that are more readily available.
“So have fun, enjoy the festivities, but ensure you’re getting a royal return on your sugar fix.”
Mr Ford said in addition to comparing prices before heading to the show, there may be other ways to stretch your dollar further.
“Taking the kids to the show doesn’t have to blow the family budget. If you’ve got a few little ones in tow, look for showbags that offer genuine value and contain items they’ll actually use long after the show is over, such as drink bottles, backpacks, toys or reusable totes,” Mr Ford said.
“It’s also worth doing a little homework before you head through the gates. Check supermarket prices for chocolates, lollies and snacks beforehand because some items may be on special, meaning you could be better off picking up those treats elsewhere and spending your show budget on something different.
“The show is packed with free entertainment, from animal exhibits and competitions to live demonstrations and performances. Planning your day around these attractions is one of the easiest ways to get maximum value from your entry ticket.”
Mr Ford’s top tricks for doing the show on the cheap
Snap up discounted evening tickets
Buying tickets online for entry after 6pm can be a simple way to cut the cost of admission.
Pack your own food and water
Show food can be tempting, but taking your own lunch, snacks and refillable water bottle can save a family a significant amount over the day.
Build your itinerary around free attractions
There are plenty of free exhibits, demonstrations, animal experiences and live entertainment included in the cost of entry.
Keep an eye out for freebies
From food samples and promotional giveaways to goodie bags and merchandise, there are often plenty of freebies available throughout the showgrounds.
Compare before you buy
Not every showbag is a bargain. Having an idea of supermarket prices before you arrive can help you spot the bags that offer genuine value.
| Showbag | Cost a show | Cost at supermarket | Cost difference | Percentage difference |
| Mentos Showbag Mentos Fruit Bag 405g Mentos Mini Rainbow Bag 120g
| $6 | $9.65 | $3.65 | 37.82% cheaper at show |
| Cadbury Curly Wurly Superbag 21.5g CURLY WURLY x 4 130g CURLY WURLY SQUIRLIES x 1 12g BITE SIZE DAIRY MILK x 2
| $12.50 | $16.25 | $3.75 | 23.08% cheaper at show |
| Chunky KitKat – Premium Showbag KitKat Chunky Caramel Bar 48g KitKat Chunky Aero Strawberry Bar 42g KitKat Chunky Aero Mint Bar 45g KitKat Chunky Hazelnut Bar 41g
| $14 | $18 | $4 | 22.22% cheaper at show |
| Darrell Lea Liquorice Showbag Darrell Lea Batch 37 Liquorice 260g Darrell Lea Liquorice Twists 280g Darrell Lea Liquorice Twist Raspberry 280g Darrell Lea Liquorice Allsorts 270g Darrell Lea Triple Logs Liquorice 110g
| $20 | $25 | $5 | 20% cheaper at show |
| Push Pop Showbag Push Pop 15g x 4 Ring Pop 15g x 4 Triple Power Push Pop 34g x 1
| $15 | $18.10 | $3.10 | 17.12% cheaper at show |
| Kinder Bueno Showbag Kinder Bueno Milk Chocolate Bar 43g x 6 Kinder Bueno Minis 18 Pack
| $24 | $20 | $4 | 16.66% cheaper at show |
| Cadbury Cherry Ripe 15g BITE SIZE CHERRY RIPE x 7 12g BITE SIZE DAIRY MILK x 4
| $6 | $6.88 | $0.88 | 12.79% cheaper at show |
| Life Savers Showbag Life Savers Stix Sherbet Fizz Mixed 200g Life Savers Lemon Sherbet Bombs Fizz 150g Life Savers Sherbert Fizz Stix Raspberry 40g Life Savers Fruit Tingles 34g Life Savers Fruit Pastilles 34g Life Savers Blackcurrant Pastilles 34g
| $15 | $15.75 | $0.75 | 4.76% cheaper at show |
| Cadbury Caramello Koala 15g CARAMELLO KOALA x 6 12g BITE SIZE DAIRY MILK x 5
| $6 | $6.25 | $0.25 | 4% cheaper at show |
| Hubba Bubba Showbag 35g Hubba Bubba Grape 35g Hubba Bubba Cola 35g Hubba Bubba Original Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape 180cm
| $7.50 | $7.50 | 0 | Equal price at show |
Prices gathered and accurate 24/8/2026 and subject to change. Prices reflective of full RRP and do not represent any discounts or specials. Gathered from theshow.com.au/showbags, Woolworths, Coles and Big W online stores.
