How a ham and cheese sandwich exposed the truth about the cost of living reality
- Replies 20
It’s no secret that prices are on the rise these days, and living expenses are becoming increasingly difficult to cope with.
With rent, utilities, and other bills all steadily increasing on a daily basis and wages seemingly staying still, it’s becoming harder for households to make ends meet.
That was the reality for one woman from Melbourne, who decided to visit her local Woolworths store on Wednesday to grab some bread, ham and cheese—the basics for a quick lunch. Little did she know that these ingredients would cost her more than she expected.
It all began when the woman, who is known as Miss Madeleine online, arrived at the grocery store and decided to pick up a block of Woolworths brand extra tasty cheese, a pack of Don ham and a loaf of TipTop white bread, plus a $2 pack of mixed lettuce.
While almost all shoppers do expect prices to go up when it comes to certain items, she was still shocked to find out that her total was an eye-watering $24.80.
She broke down the cost of her individual items, explaining that the bread cost her $5.40, the cheese cost $9, and the ham cost $8.40.
While many sympathised with her, some commenters were quick to scrutinise her purchase. One asked: ‘Not sure if that’s right. Bread = $3.50-4 cheese = $7-10 ham = $10/10 slices? The price is more like $15-17.’
'What she showed was right for where I live. You pay more in cities outside metro areas,' another user responded.
'I believe it. Cheese and butter [have] gone through the roof. I don't think the farmers are seeing it either.' one pointed out.
The conversation soon moved to whether or not the shopper had made the most cost-effective choices or if she should have gone down the ‘homebrand’ route.
In response, Madeleine explained that they didn’t have homebrand bread left at the store and that the cheese and ham were already the cheapest options available.
'Keep having a go at me, though, instead of the supermarkets ripping everyone off,’ she retaliated.
However, one commenter did point out that the sandwiches were still very affordable, all things considered, highlighting the fact that they had paid $14 for one at a café.
Unfortunately, this experience is all too common for many Aussies these days.
Aussies were enraged by the cost of a ham and cheese croissant being sold at a Melbourne cafe. A photo of the croissant was posted on social media captioned, 'Is this right?'
Users from social media accused the café of the price, saying, 'Not normal, I paid $10.90 for a ham and cheese croissant with a strong coffee yesterday. This place is gouging.'
Another added, 'Even if they're using quality croissants and quality free-range ham, that's very expensive. Should be about $10.'
A Canstar Blue report confirmed that the cost of living crisis is rising and that Australians are having to tighten their belts to compensate for increased utility bills and a large chunk of their weekly budget going towards food.
The Canstar Blue survey found that the average Australian household spends $160 a week on groceries while also giving tips to save money on grocery bills.
Apparently, more shoppers are creating shopping lists and sticking to them, as well as waiting for brand-name items to come on sale before buying them.
In response, Woolworths released a statement detailing how they are aware of the impact the cost of living crisis is having on Aussie households.
'One way to save is to shop for our own brands that provide great value and don't compromise on quality or taste,' Woolworths said.
Woolworths also shared the extra initiatives they have taken to make sure people are still able to save some precious dollars on their shopping.
‘We want customers to spend less with us and that’s why we have more than 6000 weekly specials, more than 3000 products on our Low Price program, dropped the price of more than a 150 popular products for Christmas and introduced Member Pricing,’ they continued.
These initiatives can be beneficial for most, but there needs to be more done if people are to feel the effects of real change.
Members, what do you think of this story? How have you been impacted by increased grocery costs? Is there anything you do to save on everyday essentials? Let us know in the comments below.
With rent, utilities, and other bills all steadily increasing on a daily basis and wages seemingly staying still, it’s becoming harder for households to make ends meet.
That was the reality for one woman from Melbourne, who decided to visit her local Woolworths store on Wednesday to grab some bread, ham and cheese—the basics for a quick lunch. Little did she know that these ingredients would cost her more than she expected.
It all began when the woman, who is known as Miss Madeleine online, arrived at the grocery store and decided to pick up a block of Woolworths brand extra tasty cheese, a pack of Don ham and a loaf of TipTop white bread, plus a $2 pack of mixed lettuce.
While almost all shoppers do expect prices to go up when it comes to certain items, she was still shocked to find out that her total was an eye-watering $24.80.
Woolworths shopper Miss Madeleine posted on social media how much a ham and cheese sandwich cost in Australia. Image: X / @madsmelbourne
She broke down the cost of her individual items, explaining that the bread cost her $5.40, the cheese cost $9, and the ham cost $8.40.
While many sympathised with her, some commenters were quick to scrutinise her purchase. One asked: ‘Not sure if that’s right. Bread = $3.50-4 cheese = $7-10 ham = $10/10 slices? The price is more like $15-17.’
'What she showed was right for where I live. You pay more in cities outside metro areas,' another user responded.
'I believe it. Cheese and butter [have] gone through the roof. I don't think the farmers are seeing it either.' one pointed out.
The conversation soon moved to whether or not the shopper had made the most cost-effective choices or if she should have gone down the ‘homebrand’ route.
In response, Madeleine explained that they didn’t have homebrand bread left at the store and that the cheese and ham were already the cheapest options available.
'Keep having a go at me, though, instead of the supermarkets ripping everyone off,’ she retaliated.
However, one commenter did point out that the sandwiches were still very affordable, all things considered, highlighting the fact that they had paid $14 for one at a café.
Unfortunately, this experience is all too common for many Aussies these days.
Aussies were enraged by the cost of a ham and cheese croissant being sold at a Melbourne cafe. A photo of the croissant was posted on social media captioned, 'Is this right?'
Users from social media accused the café of the price, saying, 'Not normal, I paid $10.90 for a ham and cheese croissant with a strong coffee yesterday. This place is gouging.'
Another added, 'Even if they're using quality croissants and quality free-range ham, that's very expensive. Should be about $10.'
Social media users were infuriated with the price of a ham and cheese croissant. Image: X / @meanwhileinau
A Canstar Blue report confirmed that the cost of living crisis is rising and that Australians are having to tighten their belts to compensate for increased utility bills and a large chunk of their weekly budget going towards food.
The Canstar Blue survey found that the average Australian household spends $160 a week on groceries while also giving tips to save money on grocery bills.
Apparently, more shoppers are creating shopping lists and sticking to them, as well as waiting for brand-name items to come on sale before buying them.
In response, Woolworths released a statement detailing how they are aware of the impact the cost of living crisis is having on Aussie households.
'One way to save is to shop for our own brands that provide great value and don't compromise on quality or taste,' Woolworths said.
Woolworths also shared the extra initiatives they have taken to make sure people are still able to save some precious dollars on their shopping.
‘We want customers to spend less with us and that’s why we have more than 6000 weekly specials, more than 3000 products on our Low Price program, dropped the price of more than a 150 popular products for Christmas and introduced Member Pricing,’ they continued.
These initiatives can be beneficial for most, but there needs to be more done if people are to feel the effects of real change.
Members, what do you think of this story? How have you been impacted by increased grocery costs? Is there anything you do to save on everyday essentials? Let us know in the comments below.
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