‘Horrified’ shoppers prompt Woolies to ditch strange food item
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If you thought you’d seen it all at the supermarket deli counter, think again!
Woolworths has just pulled a truly eyebrow-raising product from its shelves after a photo of the so-called 'mixed meat pieces' sent the internet into a frenzy—and not the good kind.
The now-infamous tray, spotted at a Woolworths Metro in Auckland, New Zealand, was labelled simply as 'mixed meat pieces' and priced at $15NZD per kilo (that’s about $13.48 in Aussie dollars).
The contents? A hodgepodge of deli offcuts: think the end bits of sausages, slices of roast beef, saveloy, Devon, and a smattering of chicken and pork.
If you’re picturing a meat lover’s lucky dip, you’re not far off—except, instead of excitement, most shoppers felt a mix of confusion and horror.
The photo quickly went viral on social media, with hundreds of Aussies and Kiwis chiming in.
Some called it an 'abomination,' others likened it to 'dog food,' and a few even wondered if it was a sign of the times: 'Recession indicator?' one user quipped.
Another, claiming to be a butcher, didn’t mince words: 'This is absolutely disgusting and just taking the piss. Although this is still protein, albeit sh***, unfortunately, with the cost of proper meat, people will still buy this. But the price is criminal.'
The backlash was swift and fierce, prompting Woolworths to act just as quickly.
A spokesperson for the supermarket giant apologised, saying: 'A tray of mixed meat pieces sold at Woolworths Metro in Auckland has now been removed from our delicatessen.'
'We do sometimes sell the ends of our sliced meat range in an effort to reduce food waste and divert food products from landfill. However, in this instance we did not get it right. We apologise for any confusion caused.'
Let’s be honest—food waste is a real issue, and supermarkets are under increasing pressure to find creative ways to reduce it.
In theory, selling offcuts and end pieces isn’t a bad idea. Many of us grew up with parents or grandparents who made delicious meals out of leftovers and scraps. But there’s a fine line between thrifty and, well, unappetising.
When you’re paying $15 a kilo for a mystery mix of meat, it’s understandable that shoppers might feel a bit short-changed.
This incident also highlights a bigger issue: the rising cost of living. According to recent analysis by CommBank IQ, younger Australians are feeling the pinch more than ever, with under-30s slashing both essential and discretionary spending.
Many are swapping restaurant meals for home cooking, but even then, supermarket prices are making it tough to stretch the budget.
At the end of the day, we all want value for money, especially when every dollar counts. And while we applaud efforts to reduce waste, we reckon there’s a tastier, more appealing way to do it than a tray of mystery meat.
Read more: Still shredding chicken with two forks and a burnt thumb? This deli worker’s got a better way
What do you think, members? Would you ever buy a 'mixed meat pieces' tray, or does the idea make you shudder? Have you spotted any other strange supermarket offerings lately? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
Woolworths has just pulled a truly eyebrow-raising product from its shelves after a photo of the so-called 'mixed meat pieces' sent the internet into a frenzy—and not the good kind.
The now-infamous tray, spotted at a Woolworths Metro in Auckland, New Zealand, was labelled simply as 'mixed meat pieces' and priced at $15NZD per kilo (that’s about $13.48 in Aussie dollars).
The contents? A hodgepodge of deli offcuts: think the end bits of sausages, slices of roast beef, saveloy, Devon, and a smattering of chicken and pork.
Woolworths has removed a controversial 'mixed meat pieces' deli tray from its Auckland Metro store after widespread criticism from both Aussies and Kiwis online. Image source: @Sea_Coach8425 / Reddit.
If you’re picturing a meat lover’s lucky dip, you’re not far off—except, instead of excitement, most shoppers felt a mix of confusion and horror.
The photo quickly went viral on social media, with hundreds of Aussies and Kiwis chiming in.
Some called it an 'abomination,' others likened it to 'dog food,' and a few even wondered if it was a sign of the times: 'Recession indicator?' one user quipped.
Another, claiming to be a butcher, didn’t mince words: 'This is absolutely disgusting and just taking the piss. Although this is still protein, albeit sh***, unfortunately, with the cost of proper meat, people will still buy this. But the price is criminal.'
The backlash was swift and fierce, prompting Woolworths to act just as quickly.
A spokesperson for the supermarket giant apologised, saying: 'A tray of mixed meat pieces sold at Woolworths Metro in Auckland has now been removed from our delicatessen.'
'We do sometimes sell the ends of our sliced meat range in an effort to reduce food waste and divert food products from landfill. However, in this instance we did not get it right. We apologise for any confusion caused.'
Let’s be honest—food waste is a real issue, and supermarkets are under increasing pressure to find creative ways to reduce it.
In theory, selling offcuts and end pieces isn’t a bad idea. Many of us grew up with parents or grandparents who made delicious meals out of leftovers and scraps. But there’s a fine line between thrifty and, well, unappetising.
When you’re paying $15 a kilo for a mystery mix of meat, it’s understandable that shoppers might feel a bit short-changed.
This incident also highlights a bigger issue: the rising cost of living. According to recent analysis by CommBank IQ, younger Australians are feeling the pinch more than ever, with under-30s slashing both essential and discretionary spending.
Many are swapping restaurant meals for home cooking, but even then, supermarket prices are making it tough to stretch the budget.
At the end of the day, we all want value for money, especially when every dollar counts. And while we applaud efforts to reduce waste, we reckon there’s a tastier, more appealing way to do it than a tray of mystery meat.
Read more: Still shredding chicken with two forks and a burnt thumb? This deli worker’s got a better way
What do you think, members? Would you ever buy a 'mixed meat pieces' tray, or does the idea make you shudder? Have you spotted any other strange supermarket offerings lately? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
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