Aussie woman's typical café trip reveals cost-of-living woes affecting the food industry
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In The Land Down Under, the coffee culture is as robust as a freshly brewed espresso.
Australians also find ways to enjoy a simple café breakfast.
Yet, as the cost-of-living crisis tightens its grip on the nation, even the most basic indulgences start to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of many.
Sydney local Nicola Potter recently visited a café in Dee Why and was reminded of the financial pressures Australians face today.
Nicola, who was unfamiliar with the area, was taken aback when her simple order of Vegemite on sourdough and a small soy latte came to a steep $13.90.
Nicola took to social media and expressed her dismay, particularly at the 'extra small' coffee cup.
'I don't know why they have these teeny tiny cups, but I know what a small coffee looks like. It's not this,' Nicola shared in a video posted online.
The real sting came with the toast she ordered.
Not only was she expected to assemble it herself, sans knife, but the slices of bread were mismatched—one small trim and the other was disproportionately large.
As Nicola put it, it was 'clearly the dregs of the loaf'.
'They're probably laughing their heads off that they managed to get away with that,' she added.
This experience, while seemingly trivial, shed light on a larger issue.
The cost of living in Australia has become a source of stress for many, with over half the population feeling the pinch in their daily lives.
According to Finder's recent research, 54 per cent of Aussies—more than 11 million people—reported that rising costs have negatively impacted their lifestyle.
Furthermore, 27 per cent of these respondents felt 'extremely stressed' about their finances, with another 51 per cent being 'somewhat stressed'.
Café owners were also caught in the social media crossfire.
With the prices of supplies and utilities continuously soaring, they often have no choice but to pass on the costs to customers.
It's a balancing act between staying afloat and keeping patrons happy—a balance that, in Nicola's case, tipped unfavourably.
'I love Australian café culture and am always happy to support small businesses, but in this case, I probably should have just bought my loaf of bread,' Nicola concluded.
It's a sentiment that resonated with many, who are also reevaluating their spending habits in the face of financial strain.
The cost-of-living crisis is a reality affecting the daily choices of millions of Australians.
From the size of a coffee cup to the slice of bread on a plate, the impact is tangible and, for some, deeply disheartening.
Have you felt the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis in your café orders? Have you had an experience that made you rethink your spending habits? Share your stories and thoughts with us in the comments below.
Australians also find ways to enjoy a simple café breakfast.
Yet, as the cost-of-living crisis tightens its grip on the nation, even the most basic indulgences start to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of many.
Sydney local Nicola Potter recently visited a café in Dee Why and was reminded of the financial pressures Australians face today.
Nicola, who was unfamiliar with the area, was taken aback when her simple order of Vegemite on sourdough and a small soy latte came to a steep $13.90.
Nicola took to social media and expressed her dismay, particularly at the 'extra small' coffee cup.
Nicola shared her frustration about her order from a local café in Dee Why. Image Credit: TikTok/Nicola Potter
'I don't know why they have these teeny tiny cups, but I know what a small coffee looks like. It's not this,' Nicola shared in a video posted online.
The real sting came with the toast she ordered.
Not only was she expected to assemble it herself, sans knife, but the slices of bread were mismatched—one small trim and the other was disproportionately large.
As Nicola put it, it was 'clearly the dregs of the loaf'.
'They're probably laughing their heads off that they managed to get away with that,' she added.
This experience, while seemingly trivial, shed light on a larger issue.
The cost of living in Australia has become a source of stress for many, with over half the population feeling the pinch in their daily lives.
According to Finder's recent research, 54 per cent of Aussies—more than 11 million people—reported that rising costs have negatively impacted their lifestyle.
Furthermore, 27 per cent of these respondents felt 'extremely stressed' about their finances, with another 51 per cent being 'somewhat stressed'.
Café owners were also caught in the social media crossfire.
With the prices of supplies and utilities continuously soaring, they often have no choice but to pass on the costs to customers.
It's a balancing act between staying afloat and keeping patrons happy—a balance that, in Nicola's case, tipped unfavourably.
'I love Australian café culture and am always happy to support small businesses, but in this case, I probably should have just bought my loaf of bread,' Nicola concluded.
It's a sentiment that resonated with many, who are also reevaluating their spending habits in the face of financial strain.
The cost-of-living crisis is a reality affecting the daily choices of millions of Australians.
From the size of a coffee cup to the slice of bread on a plate, the impact is tangible and, for some, deeply disheartening.
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