Nothing quite prepares you for that moment when you reach for your usual bunch of spring onions and discover they're now more expensive than your morning flat white.
Yet that's exactly what's happening in supermarkets across Australia right now, where these humble green stalks are commanding premium prices that would make a truffle blush.
The shortage is expected to last for at least three to four months, turning what should be a simple grocery run into a budget-busting exercise for many Australian families, particularly those watching their pennies on fixed incomes.
The sticker shock hitting checkout counters
Walk into any major supermarket this week and you'll be greeted by apologetic signs explaining the 'limited availability' of spring onions.
In 2022/23, 74 per cent of Australian households purchased onions, buying an average of 672g per shopping trip—making this shortage particularly noticeable for regular shoppers.
The price jump is nothing short of dramatic. Where you'd normally pay well under $2 for a bunch, you're now looking at $3 at Coles, $2.80 at Woolworths, and $2.49 at ALDI if you can find them at all. That represents a price increase of at least 50 per cent, with some wholesale prices jumping from 80 cents to an eye-watering $4.80 per bunch.
'They are literally falling over. Then what happens then is they start curling up and that means that they're still edible but unsellable'
Why Australia's spring onions have gone into hiding
The culprit behind this green crisis isn't mysterious—it's the relentless wet weather that's been hammering key growing regions.
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) index has now met the negative IOD threshold for 8 consecutive weeks, sufficient to be classified as a negative IOD event. The Bureau's model predicts the negative IOD event to continue throughout spring, which typically brings wetter conditions across much of Australia.
August alone delivered more than 400 millimetres of rain to some growing areas, causing what growers call 'sleeping' spring onions. The excessive moisture causes the plants to topple over and curl up, making them technically edible but completely unsellable due to their appearance.
Several factors have converged to cause the current green onion shortage: Unpredictable Weather Conditions: Regions where green onions are commonly grown have faced severe weather issues, including droughts, excessive rainfall, and temperature fluctuations. These conditions are making it harder for farmers to grow consistent, high-quality crops.
The problem extends beyond just soggy soil. Some crops have developed mildew, turning them yellow and rendering them unmarketable.
Victorian growers, who are currently supplying most of the limited stock reaching supermarket shelves, are struggling to maintain consistent quality under these challenging conditions.
Spring onion health benefits for seniors
Don't let the price put you off entirely—spring onions pack impressive nutritional value:
• High in vitamin K for bone health
• Rich in vitamin C for immune support
• Contains folate for heart health
• Low in calories but high in antioxidants
• Natural anti-inflammatory properties
• May help regulate blood sugar levels
The budget impact for Australian households
For seniors managing fixed incomes, this price surge represents more than just sticker shock—it's a real budget consideration. The shortage of green onions has led to a noticeable increase in prices. Grocery stores have raised the prices of green onions due to higher wholesale costs and increased demand. These rising prices are not only affecting consumers but also impacting restaurants and food service industries.
When a basic cooking ingredient suddenly costs as much as a magazine or a small coffee, it forces difficult choices.
Many seniors are simply leaving spring onions off their shopping lists entirely, potentially missing out on both the flavour and health benefits these versatile vegetables provide.
The ripple effects extend beyond individual budgets. The cost increase extends beyond just green onions. The rising price of produce is a broader issue in today's grocery market, driven by similar challenges in the production of other vegetables, fruits, and grains. For households and restaurants that depend on fresh produce, these costs add up quickly.
Smart alternatives that won't break the bank
Before you abandon your favourite recipes, consider these clever substitutes that deliver similar flavour profiles without the premium price tag:
Regular brown onions: Use the white and light green parts only, sliced very thinly. They're sharper than spring onions but much more affordable.
Leek tops: The green parts of leeks (often discarded) provide a mild, oniony flavour perfect for garnishing.
Chives: If you can find them, chives offer that gentle onion taste and bright green colour.
Garlic scapes: When available, these curly green shoots from garlic plants make excellent substitutes.
Shallots: More expensive than regular onions but still cheaper than spring onions, with a sophisticated flavour.
Money-saving spring onion alternatives
- Use regular onion whites, sliced thin, for cooking
- Save leek greens for garnishing instead of discarding
- Buy frozen chopped spring onions for cooked dishes
- Grow your own from kitchen scraps
- Try Asian grocers for better prices on available stock
Growing your own green gold
Here's where this shortage transforms from frustration into opportunity. Spring onions are remarkably easy to grow, even for those with limited gardening experience or space.
The kitchen scrap method: Save the white root ends (about 2cm) from any spring onions you do buy. Place them in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill, changing the water every few days. Within a week, you'll see new green shoots. Once roots develop strongly, transplant to soil.
Direct garden planting: If you have garden space, spring onions can be grown year-round in most Australian climates. Plant seeds directly in well-draining soil, spacing them about 10cm apart. They're ready to harvest in 10-12 weeks.
Container growing: Perfect for apartments or homes with limited outdoor space. Use a deep pot (at least 20cm) filled with quality potting mix. Spring onions don't require much space and can be harvested as needed.
The beauty of growing your own is the continuous harvest—you can snip what you need while leaving the roots to regenerate. One successful planting can provide fresh spring onions for months.
When will the shortage end?
We don't know exactly when the green onion shortage will end. It heavily depends on future weather patterns and the growth of new crops. However, the shortage is expected to last for at least three to four months.
The good news is that new crops have already been planted, and spring onions are relatively quick-growing when conditions improve. Industry experts suggest we should see improvements 'in a few weeks' as Victorian supplies increase and weather conditions stabilise.
Predictions for September to November—the outlook from 12 global model forecasts is for likely wetter across Victoria.
Predictions for December 2025 to February 2026 temperature—the outlook from 10 global model forecasts is for likely warmer across Victoria. This suggests conditions may remain challenging through spring but should improve heading into summer.
A bit of perspective on past shortages
This isn't Australia's first encounter with vegetable supply disruptions. Onions are a major horticulture crop in Australia and they are regularly in the top five vegetable commodities produced by volume and value each year.
In the 2022/23 financial year, more than 255,000 tonnes of onions were grown in Australia, with a production value of more than AUD$332 million.
The scale of Australia's onion industry shows just how significant disruptions can be when weather doesn't cooperate. Onions are grown year-round in Australia, with South Australia and Tasmania accounting for the bulk of production.
The percentage breakdown of Australian onion production per state in 2022/23 was: South Australia: 48 per cent, Tasmania 22 per cent, Queensland 12 per cent, Western Australia 10 per cent, Victoria 6 per cent, New South Wales 2 per cent.
With Victoria typically producing only 6 per cent of Australia's onions, the current reliance on Victorian spring onions highlights how vulnerable our fresh produce supply can be to localised weather events.
The silver lining in this green crisis
While nobody enjoys paying premium prices for basic ingredients, this shortage offers valuable lessons about food resilience and the satisfaction of growing your own produce. Many seniors who start growing spring onions during this shortage discover a rewarding new hobby that continues long after prices normalise.
The future availability of green onions largely depends on how effectively the agriculture industry can adapt to the ongoing challenges of climate change, labor shortages, and supply chain issues. While temporary shortages may be resolved as weather conditions normalize or as labor issues ease, the potential for future shortages remains if these underlying issues aren't addressed. Agricultural innovations, sustainable practices, and enhanced supply chain resilience are essential to prevent prolonged green onion shortages.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Spring onions can regrow up to five times from the same root system if you only harvest the green tops and leave about 2cm of white stem attached to the roots.
The current shortage also demonstrates how interconnected our food system is with weather patterns and climate conditions. Yes, there is a predicted shortage of green onions in 2025. This projection is based on multiple factors such as extreme weather conditions, labor shortages, and increased demand, showing that Australia's experience is part of a global trend affecting multiple countries.
For now, whether you're adapting recipes, trying alternatives, or planting your first spring onion seeds, remember that this shortage—like all food supply disruptions—is temporary. The combination of new plantings, improving weather forecasts, and Australian agricultural resilience suggests we'll be back to affordable spring onions sooner rather than later.
What creative alternatives have you discovered during this spring onion shortage? Are you planning to try growing your own, or have you found a substitute that works just as well in your favourite recipes? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below—your fellow seniors would love to hear your solutions!
Original Article
https://kitchen.nine.com.au/latest/...nditions/603affad-a3a0-4998-9d3f-db449e2cc6d1
Is There a Green Onion Shortage in 2025? - Unfold Business
Cited text: However, the shortage is expected to last for at least three to four months.
Excerpt: The shortage is expected to last for at least three to four months
https://unfoldbusiness.com/green-onion-shortage/
'Despite some challenging South Australian summer weather, onion production is proceeding like previous years'
Cited text: In 2022/23, 74 per cent of Australian households purchased onions, buying an average of 672g per shopping trip.
Excerpt: In 2022/23, 74 per cent of Australian households purchased onions, buying an average of 672g per shopping trip
https://www.freshplaza.com/north-am...production-is-proceeding-like-previous-years/
Australian climate outlooks
Cited text: The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) index has now met the negative IOD threshold for 8 consecutive weeks, sufficient to be classified as a negative IOD even...
Excerpt: The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) index has now met the negative IOD threshold for 8 consecutive weeks, sufficient to be classified as a negative IOD event.
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/outlooks/
Green Onion Shortage Causes Price Increases 2024
Cited text: Several factors have converged to cause the current green onion shortage: Unpredictable Weather Conditions: Regions where green onions are commonly gr...
Excerpt: Several factors have converged to cause the current green onion shortage: Unpredictable Weather Conditions: Regions where green onions are commonly grown have faced severe weather issues, including droughts, excessive rainfall, and…
https://gardenhypes.com/2024/11/14/green-onion-shortage/
Green Onion Shortage Causes Price Increases 2024
Cited text: The shortage of green onions has led to a noticeable increase in prices. Grocery stores have raised the prices of green onions due to higher wholesale...
Excerpt: The shortage of green onions has led to a noticeable increase in prices. Grocery stores have raised the prices of green onions due to higher wholesale costs and increased demand.
https://gardenhypes.com/2024/11/14/green-onion-shortage/
Green Onion Shortage Causes Price Increases 2024
Cited text: The cost increase extends beyond just green onions. The rising price of produce is a broader issue in today’s grocery market, driven by similar challe...
Excerpt: The cost increase extends beyond just green onions. The rising price of produce is a broader issue in today's grocery market, driven by similar challenges in the production of other vegetables, fruits, and grains.
https://gardenhypes.com/2024/11/14/green-onion-shortage/
Is There a Green Onion Shortage in 2025? - Unfold Business
Cited text: We don’t know exactly when the green onion shortage will end. It heavily depends on future weather patterns and the growth of new crops. However, the ...
Excerpt: We don't know exactly when the green onion shortage will end. It heavily depends on future weather patterns and the growth of new crops.
https://unfoldbusiness.com/green-onion-shortage/
The Fast Break—Victoria | The Break newsletters | Newsletters | Support and resources | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Predictions for September to November—the outlook from 12 global model forecasts is for likely wetter across Victoria.
Excerpt: Predictions for September to November—the outlook from 12 global model forecasts is for likely wetter across Victoria.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/newsletters/the-break/the-fast-break-victoria
The Fast Break—Victoria | The Break newsletters | Newsletters | Support and resources | Agriculture Victoria
Cited text: Predictions for December 2025 to February 2026 temperature—the outlook from 10 global model forecasts is for likely warmer across Victoria.
Excerpt: Predictions for September to November—the outlook from 12 global model forecasts is for likely wetter across Victoria.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/newsletters/the-break/the-fast-break-victoria
'Despite some challenging South Australian summer weather, onion production is proceeding like previous years'
Cited text: Onions are a major horticulture crop in Australia and they are regularly in the top five vegetable commodities produced by volume and value each year....
Excerpt: Onions are a major horticulture crop in Australia and they are regularly in the top five vegetable commodities produced by volume and value each year.
https://www.freshplaza.com/north-am...production-is-proceeding-like-previous-years/
'Despite some challenging South Australian summer weather, onion production is proceeding like previous years'
Cited text: Onions are grown year-round in Australia, with South Australia and Tasmania accounting for the bulk of production. The percentage breakdown of Austral...
Excerpt: Onions are grown year-round in Australia, with South Australia and Tasmania accounting for the bulk of production.
https://www.freshplaza.com/north-am...production-is-proceeding-like-previous-years/
Green Onion Shortage Causes Price Increases 2024
Cited text: The future availability of green onions largely depends on how effectively the agriculture industry can adapt to the ongoing challenges of climate cha...
Excerpt: The future availability of green onions largely depends on how effectively the agriculture industry can adapt to the ongoing challenges of climate change, labor shortages, and supply chain issues.
https://gardenhypes.com/2024/11/14/green-onion-shortage/
Is There a Green Onion Shortage in 2025? - Unfold Business
Cited text: Yes, there is a predicted shortage of green onions in 2025. This projection is based on multiple factors such as extreme weather conditions, labor sho...
Excerpt: Yes, there is a predicted shortage of green onions in 2025. This projection is based on multiple factors such as extreme weather conditions, labor shortages, and increased demand
https://unfoldbusiness.com/green-onion-shortage/
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