Woolworths’ misleading aisle sign outrages shopper: ‘We deserve better standards’

Navigating the supermarket aisles should be a straightforward task, but a recent change at Woolworths has left some customers scratching their heads and others voicing their concerns.

A shopper recently took to social media to express his dismay at a new aisle sign at his local Woolworths store, which he believed sends the wrong message about nutrition.



The aisle in question was labelled 'Canned Meals', and beneath the sign was an array of products, including cans of Spam, Heinz Baked Beans, cocktail frankfurts, and tinned corned beef.

The customer quickly pointed out that classifying these items as 'meals' could be misleading, especially for families with children.


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A shopper was dismayed over the ‘Canned Meals’ aisle at Woolworths. Credit: @HallyTesla / Twitter


'Seeing aisles of canned meals, with Spam and Baked Beans below, isn’t cutting it,' he wrote.

'Categorising these foods into a “Meal”’ is a misstep. Our children deserve better nutrition standards.'

A closer inspection of the aisle revealed a variety of tinned baked beans, spaghetti, and an assortment of tinned processed meats, including ham, corned beef, sausages, burger meat, and beef goulash.

While these items can be convenient and budget-friendly, they are often high in salt and fat, and many have a poor health rating.

However, the aisle also included healthier options, such as tuna lunch packs, vegetable curries, and soups.

In response to the customer’s complaint, a Woolworths representative said they were keen to investigate the matter.



This isn't the first time a Woolworths aisle sign has sparked debate among shoppers.

In 2021, the supermarket group made headlines when it changed the name of its 'Feminine Hygiene' section–selling tampons and sanitary pads–to 'Period Care'.

Woolworths said the move was designed to end the 'embarrassing' stigma attached to women’s periods.

A Woolworths shopper also called out the supermarket on social media for not moving the sugar out of the baking aisle.

She said it was her first time seeing the everyday item not close to cake mixes and flour and said that it was ‘wrong’ of Woolies to move the item. You can read more about it here.



While canned food may not be the first that comes to mind when we look for healthy options, they may be just as good as fresh ingredients.

In a previous story, a study revealed that in comparing fresh ingredients and canned food, there was no significant preference for fresh over canned ingredients.

It added that canned food could taste better when used in certain dishes in some cases. You can read more about the study here.
Key Takeaways
  • A Woolworths customer has voiced concerns over the classification of 'Canned Meals' on an aisle sign that included processed food items.
  • The customer took to social media to express discontent, suggesting that the supermarket's categorisation does not align with better nutrition standards for children.
  • Despite the criticism, the aisle did feature healthier options among the processed meats and canned goods.
  • Woolworths has responded to the complaint, indicating a willingness to review the matter, continuing their commitment to customer feedback as seen with previous changes like the rebranding of the 'Feminine Hygiene' section to 'Period Care.'
Do you think the 'Canned Meals' sign is misleading? Let us know in the comments below!
 
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Did you all those yellow scam tickets everywhere. Presumably more fake specials.
 
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What a lot of crap. I don’t think education standards have dipped so low that shoppers would be deceived by such a sign. Wake up whiners and concentrate on real world problems.
 
NEWS FLASH!

Most of those products mentioned constitute the MAIN MEAL for many families living at or under the poverty line. Feed a family of four for $6.

Sorry Mister, enjoy your opulent Toorak or Vaucluse mansion because that's exactly what you sound like - a self entitled tosswad.
 
Wow! This poor misguided shopper...got to feel for them bet they don't live in FNQ where these are our meals during a cyclone cos fresh and frozen stuff doesn't last without power! Seriously opinionated about healthy thinking they need to get a life!
 
Any 'food' item in a can is processed meat or whatever it's contents, so the word can should be sufficient for anyone to know it 'convenience' (or lazy) prepared stuff.
 
I love Baked Beans on toast. Better than ordering Pizza. ;)
 
A lot of people rely on these meals because they don’t have the privilege of anything else sometimes it is all I can afford to buy & I am living on my own if you don’t think they are any good then don’t buy them.
 
Any 'food' item in a can is processed meat or whatever it's contents, so the word can should be sufficient for anyone to know it 'convenience' (or lazy) prepared stuff.
Agree no one is holding a gun to his or anyone else’s head to tell them to buy these meals
 
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Wow! This poor misguided shopper...got to feel for them bet they don't live in FNQ where these are our meals during a cyclone cos fresh and frozen stuff doesn't last without power! Seriously opinionated about healthy thinking they need to get a life!
What's wrong with baked beans ham and egg on toast as a meal anyway
 
Clearly never been camping or fishing, canned food was the go too. I spotted the can steak pie on the bottom shelf. Didn't soldiers carry canned food, can anyone clarify?
 
Canned food, NOT canned meals!
 
Wow! This poor misguided shopper...got to feel for them bet they don't live in FNQ where these are our meals during a cyclone cos fresh and frozen stuff doesn't last without power! Seriously opinionated about healthy thinking they need to get a life!
I think we need a WAR to get people talking about something less trivial than where the baked beans are placed in a supermarket...some people must lead some weird lives if this is a typical PROBLEM.....
 
I think we need a WAR to get people talking about something less trivial than where the baked beans are placed in a supermarket...some people must lead some weird lives if this is a typical PROBLEM.....
Your weird if you think a war is warranted.:mad:
 
Beans are supposed to be good for you.
Always puts me in mind of the hilarious Blazing Saddles campfire bean bodily function serenade.
I still smile when I see a can of baked beans, or, a canned meal of beans.
 
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For some families this is all they maybe able to afford to buy for a meal.
 
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