The $9 item from Coles voted the BEST supermarket product of the year

A $9 frozen gnocchi from Coles has been voted one of Australia’s best supermarket products of the year – with shoppers calling it ‘light, creamy and absolutely delicious’.

The Coles Finest Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi was one of the standout winners at the 2026 Product of the Year awards, the world’s largest consumer-voted program.

More than 5,000 Australian shoppers cast their votes, naming the frozen Italian favourite as one of the best releases on shelves.

Food influencer Nectro Vlangos urged his followers to give it a try.

‘Head to Coles because this is a must-try. It’s made in Italy and it tastes absolutely delicious,’ he said.

Fans agree – with many calling it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

‘It’s a delicious creamy parmesan and pepper flavour,’ one shopper wrote.

‘I was really surprised as the gnocchi was some of the best I’ve bought. I love homemade food but this was on the table in eight minutes.’

A $9 frozen gnocchi from Coles has been voted one of Australia’s best supermarket products of the year

The Coles Finest Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi was one of the standout winners at the 2026 Product of the Year awards, the world’s largest consumer-voted program celebrating product innovation

‘It’s really light and pillowy. I love it so much – it’s a staple in our house. I just add more cheese,’ a mum wrote.

‘I had this in Italy, so I had to try it. I just ordered two more with Click and Collect,’ a third said.

The $9 meal takes less than 10 minutes to cook and can be eaten on its own or paired with simple sides.

Foodies recommend adding a handful of rocket, cracked black pepper and extra parmesan on top, or serving it with a salad and crusty bread.

Some even pair it with Coles’ Napoli-style pizzas for a quick Italian-style dinner at home.

The creamy dish was one of 40 products named in the awards, which also highlighted the growing trend toward health-conscious and time-saving foods.

According to new research by NielsenIQ, 74 per cent of Australians now say they have a personal health goal – with priorities shifting towards energy, fitness, better sleep and mental sharpness.

The top wellness preferences shaping grocery choices include no sugar (37 per cent), high protein (36 per cent) and gut health support (20 per cent).

The top wellness preferences shaping grocery choices include no sugar (37 per cent), high protein (36 per cent) and gut health support (20 per cent) 

Product of the Year Director, Sarah Connelly, said home-brand innovation has also taken off.

‘Shopping can feel overwhelming when you’re faced with hundreds of options in every aisle, so it’s important to have smart shortcuts,’ she said.

‘This year, 68 per cent of winning products came from private labels like Coles and Woolworths, showing these brands are delivering on quality and innovation.’

Product of the Year Winners 2026 

Asian – Coles Asia Fried Shallots

Baby food –  Macro Organic Baby Food Mixed Fruit and Spinach Smoothie With Yoghurt & Oats

Bake at home (Sweet Desserts) – Woolworths Snack Apple Pies

Beds – Emma Sleep Rosewood Bed

Beverage (Sparkling water) – Woolworths Lightly Sparkling Water Cans Lime

Breakfast – Coles finest Granola Honey Roasted with Nut

Confectionary (Chocolate) -Woolworths Belgian Dark Chocolate With Himalayan Salt

Dairy (Flavoured milk) – Rokeby Bold Brew Iced Latte

Dairy (Yoghurt) – Cocobella Yoghurt + Protein

Entertaining (Sweet desserts) – Coles Finest French Lemon Meringue Tart

Fresh meat (burgers) – Woolworths Smash Beef Burgers

Furniture (Bed topper) – Emma Sleep Cooling Flip Topper

Health and Wellness (Vitamins) – Ultralife Adult Hair Skin Nails Gummies

Household Cleaning – Strike Pro Double Length Paper Towels 3 Ply

Ice cream (Individual Sticks) – Coles Strawberry & Chocolate Milkshake Pops

Laundry –  Coles Ultra Tropical Oasis Fabric Conditioner

Ready Meals (Fresh) – Coles Made Easy Slow Cooked Pork Belly Bites in BBQ Honey

Ready Meals (Frozen) – Coles Finest Potato Gnocchi with Cacio e Pepe Sauce

Bakery (Cakes) – Coles Made With KitKat Cake

Bakery (Snacking) – Woolworths Indulgent Hot Cross Buns Filled With Cinnabon

 Beverage (Coconut water) – Cocobella Coconut Water Coffee

Biscuits/Snacking – Woolworths Apple Slice Cookies

Coffee Pods – Starbucks by Nespresso Ristretto Shot

Condiments – Coles Special Herb Mayo

Dairy (Cheese) – Coles Finest Chilli Cheddar Cheese Slices

Dairy (plant-based) – Flora plant-based block salted 

Entertaining (Savoury) – Woolworths Chicken Parmi Balls

Frozen chips – Bespoke Homestyle Potato Chips

Fresh seafood – Tassal Salmon Family Bundle

Health and Wellness (Supplements) – Ultralife Ashgandha Tablet 

Healthy Snacking –  Macro Chia Sesame Snaps 

Ice cream (Tubs) – Coles Finest Mango Sorbet Tub

Mattress – Origin Lumbar Cloud Mattress

OTC First aid/Medicated – Scholl Freeze Away Skin Tag Remover

Potatoes (Frozen) – Coles Finest Frozen Vegetables Parmentier Potatoes with Herb Butter

Seasoning – Coles Special Fried Chicken Salt

Sofa beds –  Koala Suffolk Sofa

 Vegetables (Frozen) – Coles Kitchen Lemon & Herb Corn Ribs

 

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