Shopper in shock after comparing shopping trips from Coles and Woolworths four years apart - Can you believe the difference?
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- Replies 11
It's no secret that prices keep going up yearly, and it seems impossible to stock up on essentials without paying more than ever.
But exactly how much have prices increased?
One mum decided to experiment to test how much prices have increased at the supermarket by shopping at two different stores for the same goods – four years apart.
The woman purchased the same products in March 2023 as she did in March 2019, with the intention of making an interesting comparison.
Upon discovering a significant cost difference, she posted her findings on Facebook.
‘I have picked identical products where possible,’ she wrote in a post on the Mums Who Cook and Bake Facebook group.
While some products had minor weight differences, the shopping list was essentially the same.
The post continued: ‘Where not possible, I replaced with very similar (type of apple for example).’
‘Some weigh less and some more. It’s very close to identical. I did not include any reduced items in the comparison.’
The shopper also shared some possible sources of discrepancies, claiming that she purchased groceries from both Woolworths and a fruit and vegetable store in 2019, while in 2023, she shopped at Coles.
Regardless, the total cost of the 2019 shopping trip was $137.75, whereas the total for the 2023 trip was $210.29.
The price difference of $72.54 was sadly unsurprising to many group members, with many pointing out that it reflects the unfortunate reality that many Aussies are experiencing.
One person wrote: ‘Pretty much confirms what we are seeing. My groceries have gone up by around 25- 30% easily. With interest rises on mortgages as well, I'm sure so many are really struggling.’
‘It’s crazy how much some of the prices have gone up,’ another shared.
‘I did a shop yesterday and spent $185, but took a bit more time comparing brands so I got more for my money.’
A third chimed in: ‘That's insane!! A 50% increase. I’m also being more aware of what’s in the pantry/fridge/freezer and trying to plan meals to reduce wastage.’
Fresh research shows that in February 2023, the typical Australian household spent $185 on their weekly grocery shopping, a $37 per week rise from the previous year.
This translates to an enormous $1,924 increase per household over twelve months, or $18.8 billion more countrywide.
Money expert Sarah Megginson said this cost-of-living crisis puts a lot of pressure on food budgets and is forcing many Aussies to change how and where they shop just to save money on groceries.
She explained: ‘Households are facing some very tough times, and escalating grocery costs are an extra burden.’
‘Aussies are having to change how and where they shop, just to keep food on the table.’
Members, stories like this one emphasise how important it is to be savvy with your finances and grocery shopping.
In light of this issue, we have rounded up some of our top tips for improving your grocery budget:
1. Take the time to compare prices and shop around.
2. Stick to the essentials and reduce convenience items where possible.
3. Shop in season for fresher and cheaper produce.
4. Stock up on pantry staples like canned goods, grains, and pasta when they’re on sale.
5. Don’t grocery shop when you’re hungry - it’s a surefire way to spend more.
6. Make meal plans and create a grocery list before you shop.
7. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts.
What are your thoughts on this, members? Have you also noticed a drastic increase in the prices of your weekly grocery purchases?
But exactly how much have prices increased?
One mum decided to experiment to test how much prices have increased at the supermarket by shopping at two different stores for the same goods – four years apart.
The woman purchased the same products in March 2023 as she did in March 2019, with the intention of making an interesting comparison.
Upon discovering a significant cost difference, she posted her findings on Facebook.
‘I have picked identical products where possible,’ she wrote in a post on the Mums Who Cook and Bake Facebook group.
While some products had minor weight differences, the shopping list was essentially the same.
The post continued: ‘Where not possible, I replaced with very similar (type of apple for example).’
‘Some weigh less and some more. It’s very close to identical. I did not include any reduced items in the comparison.’
The shopper also shared some possible sources of discrepancies, claiming that she purchased groceries from both Woolworths and a fruit and vegetable store in 2019, while in 2023, she shopped at Coles.
Regardless, the total cost of the 2019 shopping trip was $137.75, whereas the total for the 2023 trip was $210.29.
The price difference of $72.54 was sadly unsurprising to many group members, with many pointing out that it reflects the unfortunate reality that many Aussies are experiencing.
One person wrote: ‘Pretty much confirms what we are seeing. My groceries have gone up by around 25- 30% easily. With interest rises on mortgages as well, I'm sure so many are really struggling.’
‘It’s crazy how much some of the prices have gone up,’ another shared.
‘I did a shop yesterday and spent $185, but took a bit more time comparing brands so I got more for my money.’
A third chimed in: ‘That's insane!! A 50% increase. I’m also being more aware of what’s in the pantry/fridge/freezer and trying to plan meals to reduce wastage.’
Fresh research shows that in February 2023, the typical Australian household spent $185 on their weekly grocery shopping, a $37 per week rise from the previous year.
This translates to an enormous $1,924 increase per household over twelve months, or $18.8 billion more countrywide.
Money expert Sarah Megginson said this cost-of-living crisis puts a lot of pressure on food budgets and is forcing many Aussies to change how and where they shop just to save money on groceries.
She explained: ‘Households are facing some very tough times, and escalating grocery costs are an extra burden.’
‘Aussies are having to change how and where they shop, just to keep food on the table.’
Key Takeaways
- A mum bought the same groceries from two different supermarkets in 2019 and 2023 and found that prices had risen significantly.
- The total cost of the 2019 shopping trip was $137.75, whereas the total for the 2023 trip was $210.29.
- Fresh research shows that in February 2023, the typical Australian household spent $185 on their weekly grocery shopping, a $37 per week rise from the previous year.
- Money expert Sarah Megginson said this cost-of-living crisis is putting a lot of pressure on food budgets and is forcing many Aussies to change how and where they shop just to save money on groceries.
Members, stories like this one emphasise how important it is to be savvy with your finances and grocery shopping.
In light of this issue, we have rounded up some of our top tips for improving your grocery budget:
1. Take the time to compare prices and shop around.
2. Stick to the essentials and reduce convenience items where possible.
3. Shop in season for fresher and cheaper produce.
4. Stock up on pantry staples like canned goods, grains, and pasta when they’re on sale.
5. Don’t grocery shop when you’re hungry - it’s a surefire way to spend more.
6. Make meal plans and create a grocery list before you shop.
7. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts.
What are your thoughts on this, members? Have you also noticed a drastic increase in the prices of your weekly grocery purchases?