Smart Swap: Shopper Scores Over 50 Per Cent Off Fresh Produce!

When we compare the steep prices found at popular supermarket chains like ALDI, Woolworths, or Coles with the modest and affordable rates at local markets, it's hardly a revelation.

However, it is truly uplifting when we encounter real-life stories of people who have mastered the art of smart swaps.


A recent case in point is a mindful shopper from Victoria who bagged an incredible bargain from their local market. The frugal shopper couldn't resist sharing their fantastic veggie haul on Reddit, specifically the 'Aussie Frugal' thread—rightly so!

Reddit, an online platform where users can participate in discussions and engage with communities on a wide range of topics, serves as an ideal space for sharing such thrifty wins and connecting with like-minded individuals.

For a mere $9, they managed to secure a kilo of carrots, two heads of broccoli, a sweet potato, a butternut pumpkin, three ears of corn, two cucumbers, eight mandarins, and half a kilo of green beans.


compressed-photo-1610348725531-843dff563e2c.jpeg
A savvy shopper slashes their grocery bill by over 50 per cent through a brilliant find. Image by enginakyurt from Unsplash



'I love the markets. All this for $9. [VIC].' they penned excitedly.

Indeed, there's no denying the charm and financial smartness of markets—our anonymous bargain-hunter’s savings compared to supermarket chains like ALDI is living proof.

As another Redditor commented on the aforementioned thread, 'I spent $10 at ALDI on two small potatoes, one onion and 500g of chicken. Still so confused over it.'

Confused or not, one fact becomes clear: with savviness and a friendly tip, significant savings are achievable.

'It helps that it's a Sunday, and they want to move as much stock as possible today,' suggested one observant user.



PRICE COMPARISON
(Prices as of June 26)
PRODUCE
COLES
WOOLWORTHS
Carrots (1 kg)$1.40$1.40
Broccoli (x2 heads) $1.98$2.58
Sweet Potato $1.12$1.13
Butternut Pumpkin $7.00$4.55
Corn (x3 ears) $4.50$3.60
Cucumber (x2) $1.88$1.76
Mandarins (x8)$2.88$2.72
Green Beans (500g) $2.95$2.95
TOTAL:$23.71$20.69
A table showing the cost comparison of fruit and vegetables between supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths. Source: 9Honey

Using 9Honey's comparison of national Coles and Woolworths prices as a benchmark, we can conclude that our shopper indeed bagged major savings.

Coles, being the more expensive alternative in this case, would have cost $23.71 for the same bunch of fruit and veggies. Woolworths, not far behind, would have set the shopper back by $20.69.

So, our smart shopper saved over fifty per cent by simply turning to a local market!

Imagine the satisfaction gained in knowing that your money is stretching further and you’re supporting local businesses.

For those looking for new ways to save on everyday necessities, why not try your local market, especially on a Sunday close to closing time?

Not only will you be doing your bit for local, small businesses, but you might also find that the savings compared to the big chains are significant.


Benefits of Shopping at Local Markets​


compressed-photo-1461354464878-ad92f492a5a0.jpeg
Opting to shop for produce at local markets offers numerous benefits, including a fresher and more diverse selection, direct support to local farmers, and the opportunity to engage in a vibrant community atmosphere. Image by ecasap from Unsplash



Shopping at local markets offers numerous advantages beyond the financial savings highlighted by the resourceful Reddit user. Let's dive into some of these benefits:
  1. Quality of Produce: Local markets often provide fresh and seasonal items that are often superior in quality, flavour, and nutritional value compared to imported produce found in large supermarkets.
  2. Connection with Growers: Local markets foster direct relationships between consumers and the farmers who grow their food.
  3. Environmental Sustainability: Supporting local farmers and shopping at local markets contributes to reducing food miles, which refers to the distance food travels from the farm to your plate.
  4. Lively Atmosphere: For those seeking a break from the monotony of everyday life, visiting a local market provides a refreshing change of scenery. Unlike the cold and sterile interiors of large chain stores, local markets offer vibrant and lively atmospheres.


Key Takeaways
  • A savvy shopper shared their affordable fruit and vegetable haul from a local market in Victoria.
  • The shopper spent only $9 for a kilo of carrots, two heads of broccoli, a sweet potato, a butternut pumpkin, three ears of corn, two cucumbers, eight mandarins and 500 grams of green beans.
  • Comparing the market prices with average Coles and Woolworths prices, the shopper scored considerable savings from their local market trip.
  • Visiting local markets, especially on a Sunday at closing time, is suggested as a great way to save on fruit and vegetables.

We hope this article has called out clearly to fellow savers: it pays to be mindful in your daily routines, namely grocery shopping. There's no better time to switch to your local market than now to save money and reap the freshest fruit and veggies in return.

If you have any similar money-saving experiences, we would love to hear from you. Happy budgeting, folks, and keep those savvy shopping stories coming!
 
Sponsored
When I go to my doctor we will go to a fruit shop that's on the same grounds as Enfield Flower power.
They always have heape of bargains outside their store. Last time we went I got

Whole Jap pumpkin $1.40
Bag of beans 1kg $1.49
Broccoli 99c 1kg
4kg potatoes $3.99
2 kg carrots $1.29
Grapes $1.99 kg

I didn't buy one but their butternut pumpkin was 49c kg.

Their produce inside is more expensive but still cheaper than coles and woolworths.

They also have a huge deli and bread section.

Even though I get these great bargains I still buy from inside and spend between $60 to $80

I believe most Flower Powers have one of these fruit shops next to them.
 
When we compare the steep prices found at popular supermarket chains like ALDI, Woolworths, or Coles with the modest and affordable rates at local markets, it's hardly a revelation.

However, it is truly uplifting when we encounter real-life stories of people who have mastered the art of smart swaps.


A recent case in point is a mindful shopper from Victoria who bagged an incredible bargain from their local market. The frugal shopper couldn't resist sharing their fantastic veggie haul on Reddit, specifically the 'Aussie Frugal' thread—rightly so!

Reddit, an online platform where users can participate in discussions and engage with communities on a wide range of topics, serves as an ideal space for sharing such thrifty wins and connecting with like-minded individuals.

For a mere $9, they managed to secure a kilo of carrots, two heads of broccoli, a sweet potato, a butternut pumpkin, three ears of corn, two cucumbers, eight mandarins, and half a kilo of green beans.


View attachment 23546
A savvy shopper slashes their grocery bill by over 50 per cent through a brilliant find. Image by enginakyurt from Unsplash



'I love the markets. All this for $9. [VIC].' they penned excitedly.

Indeed, there's no denying the charm and financial smartness of markets—our anonymous bargain-hunter’s savings compared to supermarket chains like ALDI is living proof.

As another Redditor commented on the aforementioned thread, 'I spent $10 at ALDI on two small potatoes, one onion and 500g of chicken. Still so confused over it.'

Confused or not, one fact becomes clear: with savviness and a friendly tip, significant savings are achievable.

'It helps that it's a Sunday, and they want to move as much stock as possible today,' suggested one observant user.



PRICE COMPARISON
(Prices as of June 26)
PRODUCE
COLES
WOOLWORTHS
Carrots (1 kg)$1.40$1.40
Broccoli (x2 heads)$1.98$2.58
Sweet Potato$1.12$1.13
Butternut Pumpkin$7.00$4.55
Corn (x3 ears)$4.50$3.60
Cucumber (x2)$1.88$1.76
Mandarins (x8)$2.88$2.72
Green Beans (500g)$2.95$2.95
TOTAL:$23.71$20.69
A table showing the cost comparison of fruit and vegetables between supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths. Source: 9Honey

Using 9Honey's comparison of national Coles and Woolworths prices as a benchmark, we can conclude that our shopper indeed bagged major savings.

Coles, being the more expensive alternative in this case, would have cost $23.71 for the same bunch of fruit and veggies. Woolworths, not far behind, would have set the shopper back by $20.69.

So, our smart shopper saved over fifty per cent by simply turning to a local market!

Imagine the satisfaction gained in knowing that your money is stretching further and you’re supporting local businesses.

For those looking for new ways to save on everyday necessities, why not try your local market, especially on a Sunday close to closing time?

Not only will you be doing your bit for local, small businesses, but you might also find that the savings compared to the big chains are significant.


Benefits of Shopping at Local Markets​


View attachment 23547
Opting to shop for produce at local markets offers numerous benefits, including a fresher and more diverse selection, direct support to local farmers, and the opportunity to engage in a vibrant community atmosphere. Image by ecasap from Unsplash



Shopping at local markets offers numerous advantages beyond the financial savings highlighted by the resourceful Reddit user. Let's dive into some of these benefits:
  1. Quality of Produce: Local markets often provide fresh and seasonal items that are often superior in quality, flavour, and nutritional value compared to imported produce found in large supermarkets.
  2. Connection with Growers: Local markets foster direct relationships between consumers and the farmers who grow their food.
  3. Environmental Sustainability: Supporting local farmers and shopping at local markets contributes to reducing food miles, which refers to the distance food travels from the farm to your plate.
  4. Lively Atmosphere: For those seeking a break from the monotony of everyday life, visiting a local market provides a refreshing change of scenery. Unlike the cold and sterile interiors of large chain stores, local markets offer vibrant and lively atmospheres.


Key Takeaways

  • A savvy shopper shared their affordable fruit and vegetable haul from a local market in Victoria.
  • The shopper spent only $9 for a kilo of carrots, two heads of broccoli, a sweet potato, a butternut pumpkin, three ears of corn, two cucumbers, eight mandarins and 500 grams of green beans.
  • Comparing the market prices with average Coles and Woolworths prices, the shopper scored considerable savings from their local market trip.
  • Visiting local markets, especially on a Sunday at closing time, is suggested as a great way to save on fruit and vegetables.

We hope this article has called out clearly to fellow savers: it pays to be mindful in your daily routines, namely grocery shopping. There's no better time to switch to your local market than now to save money and reap the freshest fruit and veggies in return.

If you have any similar money-saving experiences, we would love to hear from you. Happy budgeting, folks, and keep those savvy shopping stories coming!
Is there an entry fee per person to enter such “farmer’s market”?
I recall going to one many years ago, and the entry per person was $5. We ended up paying $10 and didn’t buy much.
If the discounted produce is cheaper than supermarkets, we need to include any cost of entry.
 

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