'Absolute joke': Coles shopper's grocery haul shows cost-of-living woes

In a world where every dollar counts, Australians are feeling the pinch of rising costs of daily necessities.

Despite the winter chill, a shopper's recent haul sparked a heated debate about the costs of everyday essentials.


A Coles shopper took to social media to share their frustration about a meagre haul that came with a nearly triple-digit price tag.

The image showed 14 items, which included necessities such as salt, cleaning materials, several fresh produce and various meats.

The accompanying receipt revealed a staggering total of $97.28.


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A shopper's grocery haul costed them almost $100. Image Credit: X/Anonymous Frypan


'It's not easy under Albanese's cost of living crisis,' the shopper, who remained anonymous, wrote in the caption.

The post struck a chord with many, as the most talked about the massive jump in overall living expenses.

'Food has been up about 25 per cent since Albanese came to power. Electricity is about 30 per cent, gas is incalculable, insurance is up,' they continued.

The question posed to the public was a poignant one: 'Are your wages keeping up?'


Social media erupted with shared frustrations and advice on how to keep expenses low.

'Stop buying from supermarkets. Support your local fruit and veg and butcher,' one commented.

'Most serious budgeters shop around; ALDI is my mainstay. I walk further to get there but get more bang for my buck,' another suggested.

'It's an absolute joke,' a third lamented.

The photo underscored the broader issue of the cost-of-living crisis that Australians are grappling with.

Prime Minister Albanese has been criticised for the perceived inadequacy of the government's response to this crisis, despite recent tax cuts intended to ease the burden.


While the stage three tax cuts increased monthly pay for some Australians, many believe that this boost is insufficient to counterbalance the escalating expenses.

'My overall net pay went up $55 a week. But my rent went up $40-a-week the week before, let alone my car insurance, groceries, petrol, and car rego,' one recounted.

'Tell me again how you are addressing the cost-of-living crisis.'

For Australians, many of whom are on fixed incomes and cash flow, the impact of these rising costs just became more pronounced.

It's essential to be savvy with our shopping habits, seeking out discounts, comparing prices, and voicing our concerns to our representatives.

It's clear that the cost-of-living crisis is not just a talking point—it's a reality affecting daily lives.
Key Takeaways

  • A Coles shopper expressed their frustration over the cost of groceries, highlighting how expenses have risen for a limited number of items.
  • The shopper's post showed a receipt for 14 items, totalling $97.28, reflecting the impact of inflation on everyday essentials.
  • Social media users responded with suggestions to shop at alternative retailers for better value and to support local businesses rather than mainstream supermarkets.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced criticism for handling the cost-of-living crisis despite the implementation of stage three tax cuts aimed at providing financial relief.
Do you have effective ways to cut down your grocery bill? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments section below.
 
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I learned a long time ago, Don’t take your husband to the shops! It always costs more at the checkout!
In my experience, it's the other way around.

Go to the supermarket for a bottle of milk and a dozen eggs and walk out with a trolley full of things we "might need".

Ten dollars turns into $150 in the blink of an eye!
 
  • Wow
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Reactions: DLHM and Littleboy8
when I was young I was raised by grandparents, they used to buy Tuckerbox dog food for meat , day old bread (in those days it was cheaper) and bread and milk with vanilla was our cereal, today...same deal just different brands, grandpa was a ww1 soldier and the govt thanked him for his service verbally, but at least they didn't call his pension welfare,..today it is treated as welfare ...(except if you were a politician it treated as reward for service to your country)....I still cant understand the difference between pension and welfare, maybe it is the difference. between a politician and a citizen
 
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I can totally sympahise with the above experience. I am on an aged pension and am finding it harder and harder to manage which requires me to draw down from my Superannuation. I recently went shopping for the week for my husband and our small dog, cat and budgies. There was only meat for 4 days. The cost of the 4 coles bag haul cost me over $300. I will probably need to shop again before the week is out
 
Why buy at coles etc all the time?
Why not shop around and just buy basics?
These supermarkets are too expensive
Buy in bulk instead
Shop around
 
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Why should anybody be surprised? In 2022, everyone was repeatedly warned by The Hon Scott Morrison that this situation would happen if people voted for liebour, greens or teals. "It won't be easy under albanese" Alas some idiots were foolish enough to fail to heed that piece of sage advice and we find ourselves suffering exactly what Mr Morrison warned. The boofheads that voted liebour, green and teals must be highly embarrassed and have hopefully learned from their stupid mistake.
 
Cooking meals in bulk can save money and time.... savoury mince using a kilo of minced beef and adding lots of veggies and freezing in meal size portions.
Making your own cleaning liquids using vinegar saves money.
Make spaghetti bolognaise and shepherds pie in bulk and freeze then theres fried rice . Lots of food can be made with eggs pancakes,omelettes ,quiches just to mention a few.No need to spend big to live .
 
I thought SDC was for us retired oldies. But it's not uncommon, such as in this one, for respondents to complain (quite reasonably) that their wages aren't keeping up with their cost of living. We retirees don't get wages any more. In my case I haven't had a "salary" for thirty years.
 
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Hey there SandraD22. Your answer to yr financials are : Yr hubby will have to go, then puppy, & let the budgies out for their freedom. With the pending savings, you'll only have to shop once per fortnight. Think of the savings, "WOW"!
 
I can totally sympahise with the above experience. I am on an aged pension and am finding it harder and harder to manage which requires me to draw down from my Superannuation. I recently went shopping for the week for my husband and our small dog, cat and budgies. There was only meat for 4 days. The cost of the 4 coles bag haul cost me over $300. I will probably need to shop again before the week is out
Try eating meat free meals 2 or 3 times a week. I am gobsmacked at price of meat in Supermarkets, most of which is cheap cuts glued together.
 

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