‘Must be the end times’: Find out which popular veggie now costs an astonishing $18!

In a world where the cost of living is constantly on the rise, it is not just the fuel and electricity prices that are giving Australians, especially our seniors, a cause for concern.

The latest shock comes from the produce aisle, where the humble cabbage, once a staple of budget-friendly meals, has seen its price soar to levels that would make even the most frugal shoppers' eyes water.


Customers across the nation have taken to social media platforms to voice their disbelief and frustration over the exorbitant price hike of cabbages at supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles, and various independent retailers.

The price tag shock is real, with reports from a Gold Coast shopper about a half head of cabbage sold for a staggering $13. In Brisbane, a whole cabbage is now up to $18.

One shopper's reaction captured the public’s general sentiment: 'Thirteen bucks for half a cabbage ..... I’mma have to pass,' they lamented online.


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A half head of cabbage now costs $13, as seen in Gold Coast. Credit: Reddit


Another added a touch of dark humour to the conversation, 'Aren’t we meant to slowly starve to death on cabbage soup? Can’t even afford Great Depression meals in this economy.'

The price surge has turned what was once a humble and affordable vegetable into a luxury item, with comments like 'Ah, must be the end times when sauerkraut becomes a luxury product,' highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

But what's behind this dramatic increase in price? According to spokespersons from both Woolworths and Coles, the supermarkets are grappling with an industry-wide cabbage shortage.


The cause? Excessive heat and rainfall in the growing regions have wreaked havoc on supply. These challenging climate conditions across multiple states in Australia have had a significant impact on the availability of cabbages this summer.

In the meantime, Coles has suggested that customers look for value in other vegetables, such as cauliflower, pumpkin, and brushed potatoes.

However, for those who rely on cabbage for its nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking, this is cold comfort.


While supermarkets are working closely with growers to resolve the issue in the coming weeks, it is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our food systems are.

The situation also sheds light on the broader issue of food security and affordability. As the market price for fruit and vegetables is determined by factors such as supply, demand, seasonality, and weather, it's clear that our food costs are at the mercy of an increasingly unpredictable climate.

These price hikes can be particularly challenging especially for those who live on fixed incomes. It is important to stay informed about which fruits and vegetables are in season and more affordable, and to adapt our shopping habits accordingly.

It may also be a good time to explore growing some of your own produce if you have the space and ability, as a way to mitigate against these price shocks.
Key Takeaways

  • Shoppers have expressed their outrage on social media over the exorbitant prices of cabbages at Woolworths, Coles, and independent retailers.
  • The rise in cabbage prices is due to an industry-wide shortage caused by extreme weather conditions affecting the supply.
  • Customers have remarked on the irony of cabbage, typically a budget food item, becoming so expensive that it's seen as a luxury.
  • Woolworths and Coles spokespersons have both acknowledged the supply issues and anticipate that availability should improve in the coming weeks. They also suggest other vegetables as alternatives for value.
We'd love to hear from you about how these rising costs are affecting your grocery shopping. Do you have any creative solutions or alternatives to manage your budget? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
 
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Unfortunately, not every one have the space to grow their own
A lot of mine are growing in pots and just where I can throw a couple of seeds. I live in a small 2 bed unit and don't have a lot of ground either but I grow what I can.
 
I wanted cabbage but half was $10 at IGA yesterday Woolworths didn’t have any. I could afford it but didn’t want to pay that much so left it on the shelf. I can’t grow vegetables as wallabies and other animals would eat them. They ate my 50 rose bushes. Killed them all . I live in Sydney!
 
Editor please not: the word ‘veggie’ is incorrect, ‘ vegetables ‘ only has one ‘g’. So the contraction should be ‘vegies’.
 
Once again, plenty of cabbages in WA, unaffected by floods. Shame they won't use local suppliers.
 
Do what I do and grow your own!!!!
Unfortunately that is not the answer for everyone. We live in an over 50s village where there is no room to grow cabbages. We can grow small vegetables, such as carrots, shallots , in a planter, but that's all.
 
Editor please not: the word ‘veggie’ is incorrect, ‘ vegetables ‘ only has one ‘g’. So the contraction should be ‘vegies’.
According to google you can use either way so stop being so picky you little dicky.😊
 
so in the end my thinking is that those cabbage will just go to waste if they are so expensive nobody will buy them they should have them cheap they would make way more money if thy sold them for $2.00 otherewise they will make nothing because they will end up giving them to food bank for free or throwing them out.
The wholesale price of cabbage in Qld was $13 each a few weeks ago hence no cabbages in the shops
 

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