Shocking supermarket inflation: Are Coles & Woolworths ripping you off with Smith’s chips prices?
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Here at Seniors Discount Club, it’s no secret we love a good bargain. But lately, it seems more challenging to find good deals, especially when price hikes and inflation at supermarkets is hurting us more than ever when shopping for our everyday items.
Christina Podolyan recently discovered that Smith's Salt & Vinegar chips have reached a staggering cost of $8.50 for a 380g bag. She found the chips at her local Woolworths and couldn't believe the price: 'You know inflation has hit hard when a bag of chips is now $8.50.' Christina said. She decided against the purchase, sarcastically adding, 'Don't worry about it, I'll just go without.'
Many other shoppers were shocked by the price too, saying ‘junk’ food has become unaffordable: 'Inflation is going to make me healthy,' one person commented on her video.
'Two blocks of chocolate were on sale for $10, my heart dropped. Usually, they’d be on sale for two for $5.' another person commented.
And it’s not just Woolworths: a woman named Kay Calamatta from the Gold Coast has reported that even mundane items from Coles—like Doritos—have undergone significant price increases. She found a 280g box of Doritos on sale for $8.90 and expressed her disbelief: 'Grocery prices are getting out of control,' Kay said in a video, adding, 'Does anyone remember when chips used to be $5 a box?'
Shoppers have noted that other products, such as cheese, dishwasher tablets, Pepsi, and chocolate, have also surged in price.
Earlier this month, Woolworths sparked outrage when they began selling a box of Cadbury Favourites for $32. The high price for the box of chocolates, from which two favourite treats were removed, angered many Australians, with some even suggesting using Afterpay to fund the purchase.
The recent inflation and price changes have left many of us unhappy— watching our favourite treats and everyday items surge in cost can be frustrating, especially for those of us on fixed incomes.
Inflation can be the result of several different factors. The most common include supply and demand, global commodity prices, rising costs of production due to increased labour and energy prices, and government policies or taxes.
Extreme droughts and floods in Australia in the past have contributed to the price hikes as crops, milk, and certain types of produce become more scarce and expensive. Not to mention, the weakening of the Australian dollar has led to many imported products increasing in price.
The pandemic has also had an effect, putting pressure on food suppliers and manufacturers, leading to an increase in production costs. This has then been passed on to consumers. Additionally, increased unemployment means many people have less disposable income, leading to more frugal spending habits.
Ultimately, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of inflation in Australia, but what’s clear is that our products have been catching up to global prices, and Australians are feeling the pinch.
SDC Members, keep an eye out for sales or discounts when shopping, and compare prices between supermarkets or consider shopping at a local farmer’s market for fresh produce. Sometimes, it's worth trying generic or store-brand versions of the products you love to save money.
What are your thoughts on the topic of inflation? Have you seen any other items retailing at ridiculous prices? We’d love to read your thoughts and insights in the comments section below. Stay thrifty, SDC members, and remember that saving money is always in vogue!
Christina Podolyan recently discovered that Smith's Salt & Vinegar chips have reached a staggering cost of $8.50 for a 380g bag. She found the chips at her local Woolworths and couldn't believe the price: 'You know inflation has hit hard when a bag of chips is now $8.50.' Christina said. She decided against the purchase, sarcastically adding, 'Don't worry about it, I'll just go without.'
A bag of chips has left a young woman astounded by its price, leaving her in a state of shock. Source: Christinapodolyan/TikTok
Many other shoppers were shocked by the price too, saying ‘junk’ food has become unaffordable: 'Inflation is going to make me healthy,' one person commented on her video.
'Two blocks of chocolate were on sale for $10, my heart dropped. Usually, they’d be on sale for two for $5.' another person commented.
And it’s not just Woolworths: a woman named Kay Calamatta from the Gold Coast has reported that even mundane items from Coles—like Doritos—have undergone significant price increases. She found a 280g box of Doritos on sale for $8.90 and expressed her disbelief: 'Grocery prices are getting out of control,' Kay said in a video, adding, 'Does anyone remember when chips used to be $5 a box?'
A different woman was astounded by the price of packaged potato chips. Source: Kaycalamatta/TikTok
Shoppers have noted that other products, such as cheese, dishwasher tablets, Pepsi, and chocolate, have also surged in price.
Earlier this month, Woolworths sparked outrage when they began selling a box of Cadbury Favourites for $32. The high price for the box of chocolates, from which two favourite treats were removed, angered many Australians, with some even suggesting using Afterpay to fund the purchase.
The recent inflation and price changes have left many of us unhappy— watching our favourite treats and everyday items surge in cost can be frustrating, especially for those of us on fixed incomes.
The Causes of Inflation in Australia
Australia has been hit hard by the ongoing inflation crisis, with some popular products seeing a drastic increase in price. But what is causing this inflation issue?Inflation can be the result of several different factors. The most common include supply and demand, global commodity prices, rising costs of production due to increased labour and energy prices, and government policies or taxes.
Extreme droughts and floods in Australia in the past have contributed to the price hikes as crops, milk, and certain types of produce become more scarce and expensive. Not to mention, the weakening of the Australian dollar has led to many imported products increasing in price.
The pandemic has also had an effect, putting pressure on food suppliers and manufacturers, leading to an increase in production costs. This has then been passed on to consumers. Additionally, increased unemployment means many people have less disposable income, leading to more frugal spending habits.
Ultimately, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of inflation in Australia, but what’s clear is that our products have been catching up to global prices, and Australians are feeling the pinch.
What are your thoughts on the topic of inflation? Have you seen any other items retailing at ridiculous prices? We’d love to read your thoughts and insights in the comments section below. Stay thrifty, SDC members, and remember that saving money is always in vogue!
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