The items Aussies are removing from their grocery lists just to save
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The cost of living crisis has reached a point where everyday Aussies are forced to make difficult decisions at the supermarket checkout.
Grocery prices have been on the rise at a rate that hasn't been witnessed in years, and this surge in costs has led shoppers to reevaluate their choices.
True enough, some have decided to skip buying once-essential household items that have now become too expensive.
Case in point: a social media post asked fellow shoppers to share which products they have had to cut from their shopping lists.
And the candid responses that followed highlighted the significant toll that this cost of living crisis is taking on individuals and families nationwide.
On the social media post, many discussed their adjusted spending habits to manage their finances better. They've shared many changes, from cutting down on everyday items like branded cereal, razors, and cat litter.
Chips, soft drinks, beer and microwave popcorn were among the most common impulse purchases now considered too expensive by many.
One person shared, 'If the bag is over $3.50, I don't buy them. That's the absolute most I'll pay for a packet of crisps.'
Another lamented the rising cost of fridge essentials such as butter, joking, 'I should have bought a tonne before the pandemic. I could have bought a car with the profit.'
In addition to cutting down on their grocery shopping, some also mentioned that they had stopped going to the pub for a drink and dinner and skipped their local cafe for a coffee and, as they put it, the 'ridiculously expensive' ham and cheese croissant.
One person expressed frustration at the rising prices of popular beer brands, saying, 'I was disgusted to see crappy Tooheys New is over $80 a case, and VB is almost $70.'
Another person chimed in, suggesting that fast-food chains like McDonald's might be facing losses.
'They've hiked up the prices so much that you can get much better quality fast food for the same price or less at the local kebab shop,' they added.
Anneke Thompson, the Chief Economist at CreditorWatch, confirmed that Aussie consumers are reducing spending.
She pointed out that consumer confidence is extremely low, having dropped by 1.5 per cent in September—and this decrease in confidence is primarily due to concerns about potential interest rate increases.
Inflation increased in August, mainly driven by rising fuel and bread prices.
But the good news is that Australia's overall inflation is expected to gradually decrease over time.
By the end of 2025, Australia is projected to return to the Reserve Bank of Australia's target inflation range of 2-3 per cent.
What are your thoughts on this, members? Have you found yourself in a situation where you've had to give up some of your favourite supermarket items to save money? Perhaps you've had to forgo certain indulgences or luxuries you once enjoyed. If so, which items or products have you had to do without?
We'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips or strategies you've used to budget effectively. Please share your stories and insights with us in the comments section below!
Grocery prices have been on the rise at a rate that hasn't been witnessed in years, and this surge in costs has led shoppers to reevaluate their choices.
True enough, some have decided to skip buying once-essential household items that have now become too expensive.
Case in point: a social media post asked fellow shoppers to share which products they have had to cut from their shopping lists.
And the candid responses that followed highlighted the significant toll that this cost of living crisis is taking on individuals and families nationwide.
On the social media post, many discussed their adjusted spending habits to manage their finances better. They've shared many changes, from cutting down on everyday items like branded cereal, razors, and cat litter.
Chips, soft drinks, beer and microwave popcorn were among the most common impulse purchases now considered too expensive by many.
One person shared, 'If the bag is over $3.50, I don't buy them. That's the absolute most I'll pay for a packet of crisps.'
Another lamented the rising cost of fridge essentials such as butter, joking, 'I should have bought a tonne before the pandemic. I could have bought a car with the profit.'
In addition to cutting down on their grocery shopping, some also mentioned that they had stopped going to the pub for a drink and dinner and skipped their local cafe for a coffee and, as they put it, the 'ridiculously expensive' ham and cheese croissant.
One person expressed frustration at the rising prices of popular beer brands, saying, 'I was disgusted to see crappy Tooheys New is over $80 a case, and VB is almost $70.'
Another person chimed in, suggesting that fast-food chains like McDonald's might be facing losses.
'They've hiked up the prices so much that you can get much better quality fast food for the same price or less at the local kebab shop,' they added.
Anneke Thompson, the Chief Economist at CreditorWatch, confirmed that Aussie consumers are reducing spending.
She pointed out that consumer confidence is extremely low, having dropped by 1.5 per cent in September—and this decrease in confidence is primarily due to concerns about potential interest rate increases.
Inflation increased in August, mainly driven by rising fuel and bread prices.
But the good news is that Australia's overall inflation is expected to gradually decrease over time.
By the end of 2025, Australia is projected to return to the Reserve Bank of Australia's target inflation range of 2-3 per cent.
Key Takeaways
- An Australian man initiated a social media conversation about how everyday supermarket items have become too costly due to the rising cost of living.
- Many Australians have changed their shopping habits as a result, with non-essential items such as snacks, razors, and branded cereal getting left on the shelves.
- The increasing prices of food items and refrigerator essentials such as butter and cheese have caused concern and frustration among shoppers.
What are your thoughts on this, members? Have you found yourself in a situation where you've had to give up some of your favourite supermarket items to save money? Perhaps you've had to forgo certain indulgences or luxuries you once enjoyed. If so, which items or products have you had to do without?
We'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips or strategies you've used to budget effectively. Please share your stories and insights with us in the comments section below!