If you've been wincing at the thought of going to the supermarket lately, you're not alone. No matter what food or ingredients we buy, prices have been constantly rising over the last 12 months.

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), annual food inflation 2023 is currently sitting at a shocking 7.5 per cent–and it could get worse!

This price surge has been largely fueled by dairy prices climbing to 15.2 per cent in the last 12 months and bread and cereal prices climbing to 11.2 per cent. Even meals out and takeaway foods have skyrocketed, with prices up to 25 per cent for some items.

Prices of goods have been constantly rising over the last 12 months. Image source: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

So what exactly does this mean for our grocery bills? The data below will show you how these percentage points translate to the prices of goods impacted in the last 12 months at Coles and Woolworths.

​

In the past year, prices of grocery staples such as meat rose 11 per cent at Supermarket A and 22 per cent at Supermarket B, while vegetable prices increased 40 per cent at Supermarket A and 57 per cent at Supermarket B.

Last year, you could purchase a Zinger burger combo at KFC for just $8.95–but now, you'll have to pay an extra $2 for the same item. That’s a 22 per cent surge in just a year! On the other hand, $1 frozen drinks at outlets like Hungry Jacks and Mcdonald's doubled in price and now cost $2 for a large-sized drink.

Unfortunately, a radical price drop in groceries in 2024 is unlikely. Despite inflation cooling down for food overall, this doesn't necessarily mean food is getting cheaper–it's just getting more expensive, more slowly.

Furthermore, the UBS Evidence Lab Grocery Study forecasts food inflation to ease in the coming months. Still, it may remain elevated due to issues on the supply chain, such as labour, domestic freight, and more.

It's alarming that prices are climbing so quickly, rest assured, we’re always looking for ways to help our dear members stretch their finances further. You can check out this forum for the latest deals, discounts, and bargains available or this forum for our latest money-saving tips and tricks!

Below are some tips on saving money at the supermarket:

Knowing a few smart shopping strategies that could save you some dollars at the checkout is crucial. The money saved can add up big time over a year!

For starters, make a shopping list and stick to it. Planning meals and snacks for the week can stop those mindless purchases and keep you on budget. Avoid shopping when you're hungry–as the adage goes, ‘Never shop on an empty stomach.’

Consider buying store-brand products. Australian supermarkets have significantly increased the number of their home-brand products. Some items–such as breakfast cereals and canned goods–are 30% cheaper when you opt for the supermarket's home brand.

Check out Woolworths’ very own Corn Flakes, whose price has dropped to $3 compared to its Kellogg’s counterpart, that’s currently at $5.

Another crafty savings tip is to buy in bulk or at reduced prices. Bulk buying of non-perishable items can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Finally, try online shopping. Coles and Woolworths often offer promotions on their apps or websites that aren't available in physical stores. Shopping online also lets you see your total before checking out, helping you stay within your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Food prices have seen a steep increase in the past year, with annual food inflation currently at 7.5 per cent, according to the ABS.
• Dairy products led the price rise by 15.2 per cent over the past 12 months, followed by breads and cereals, which rose by 11.2 per cent.
• Prices have also increased for meals out and takeaway foods.
• It is predicted that food will continue to get more expensive, at a slower rate, in 2024.

Let us know your thoughts on the recent inflation of the prices of goods in the comments section below!

 

[bluetang]

If you've been wincing at the thought of going to the supermarket lately, you're not alone. No matter what food or ingredients we buy, prices have been constantly rising over the last 12 months.

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), annual food inflation 2023 is currently sitting at a shocking 7.5 per cent–and it could get worse!

This price surge has been largely fueled by dairy prices climbing to 15.2 per cent in the last 12 months and bread and cereal prices climbing to 11.2 per cent. Even meals out and takeaway foods have skyrocketed, with prices up to 25 per cent for some items.

View attachment 27473

Prices of goods have been constantly rising over the last 12 months. Image source: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

So what exactly does this mean for our grocery bills? The data below will show you how these percentage points translate to the prices of goods impacted in the last 12 months at Coles and Woolworths.

​

In the past year, prices of grocery staples such as meat rose 11 per cent at Supermarket A and 22 per cent at Supermarket B, while vegetable prices increased 40 per cent at Supermarket A and 57 per cent at Supermarket B.

Last year, you could purchase a Zinger burger combo at KFC for just $8.95–but now, you'll have to pay an extra $2 for the same item. That’s a 22 per cent surge in just a year! On the other hand, $1 frozen drinks at outlets like Hungry Jacks and Mcdonald's doubled in price and now cost $2 for a large-sized drink.

Unfortunately, a radical price drop in groceries in 2024 is unlikely. Despite inflation cooling down for food overall, this doesn't necessarily mean food is getting cheaper–it's just getting more expensive, more slowly.

Furthermore, the UBS Evidence Lab Grocery Study forecasts food inflation to ease in the coming months. Still, it may remain elevated due to issues on the supply chain, such as labour, domestic freight, and more.

It's alarming that prices are climbing so quickly, rest assured, we’re always looking for ways to help our dear members stretch their finances further. You can check out this forum for the latest deals, discounts, and bargains available or this forum for our latest money-saving tips and tricks!

Below are some tips on saving money at the supermarket:

Knowing a few smart shopping strategies that could save you some dollars at the checkout is crucial. The money saved can add up big time over a year!

For starters, make a shopping list and stick to it. Planning meals and snacks for the week can stop those mindless purchases and keep you on budget. Avoid shopping when you're hungry–as the adage goes, ‘Never shop on an empty stomach.’

Consider buying store-brand products. Australian supermarkets have significantly increased the number of their home-brand products. Some items–such as breakfast cereals and canned goods–are 30% cheaper when you opt for the supermarket's home brand.

Check out Woolworths’ very own Corn Flakes, whose price has dropped to $3 compared to its Kellogg’s counterpart, that’s currently at $5.

Another crafty savings tip is to buy in bulk or at reduced prices. Bulk buying of non-perishable items can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Finally, try online shopping. Coles and Woolworths often offer promotions on their apps or websites that aren't available in physical stores. Shopping online also lets you see your total before checking out, helping you stay within your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Food prices have seen a steep increase in the past year, with annual food inflation currently at 7.5 per cent, according to the ABS.
• Dairy products led the price rise by 15.2 per cent over the past 12 months, followed by breads and cereals, which rose by 11.2 per cent.
• Prices have also increased for meals out and takeaway foods.
• It is predicted that food will continue to get more expensive, at a slower rate, in 2024.

Let us know your thoughts on the recent inflation of the prices of goods in the comments section below!

Coles cheddar cheese has gone from $6.90 2 years ago to $11kg butter from $3 500g to $6.90. and the big supermarkets are making record profits. 7.5% rubbish

 

[Bikkie mum]

If you've been wincing at the thought of going to the supermarket lately, you're not alone. No matter what food or ingredients we buy, prices have been constantly rising over the last 12 months.

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), annual food inflation 2023 is currently sitting at a shocking 7.5 per cent–and it could get worse!

This price surge has been largely fueled by dairy prices climbing to 15.2 per cent in the last 12 months and bread and cereal prices climbing to 11.2 per cent. Even meals out and takeaway foods have skyrocketed, with prices up to 25 per cent for some items.

View attachment 27473

Prices of goods have been constantly rising over the last 12 months. Image source: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

So what exactly does this mean for our grocery bills? The data below will show you how these percentage points translate to the prices of goods impacted in the last 12 months at Coles and Woolworths.

​

In the past year, prices of grocery staples such as meat rose 11 per cent at Supermarket A and 22 per cent at Supermarket B, while vegetable prices increased 40 per cent at Supermarket A and 57 per cent at Supermarket B.

Last year, you could purchase a Zinger burger combo at KFC for just $8.95–but now, you'll have to pay an extra $2 for the same item. That’s a 22 per cent surge in just a year! On the other hand, $1 frozen drinks at outlets like Hungry Jacks and Mcdonald's doubled in price and now cost $2 for a large-sized drink.

Unfortunately, a radical price drop in groceries in 2024 is unlikely. Despite inflation cooling down for food overall, this doesn't necessarily mean food is getting cheaper–it's just getting more expensive, more slowly.

Furthermore, the UBS Evidence Lab Grocery Study forecasts food inflation to ease in the coming months. Still, it may remain elevated due to issues on the supply chain, such as labour, domestic freight, and more.

It's alarming that prices are climbing so quickly, rest assured, we’re always looking for ways to help our dear members stretch their finances further. You can check out this forum for the latest deals, discounts, and bargains available or this forum for our latest money-saving tips and tricks!

Below are some tips on saving money at the supermarket:

Knowing a few smart shopping strategies that could save you some dollars at the checkout is crucial. The money saved can add up big time over a year!

For starters, make a shopping list and stick to it. Planning meals and snacks for the week can stop those mindless purchases and keep you on budget. Avoid shopping when you're hungry–as the adage goes, ‘Never shop on an empty stomach.’

Consider buying store-brand products. Australian supermarkets have significantly increased the number of their home-brand products. Some items–such as breakfast cereals and canned goods–are 30% cheaper when you opt for the supermarket's home brand.

Check out Woolworths’ very own Corn Flakes, whose price has dropped to $3 compared to its Kellogg’s counterpart, that’s currently at $5.

Another crafty savings tip is to buy in bulk or at reduced prices. Bulk buying of non-perishable items can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Finally, try online shopping. Coles and Woolworths often offer promotions on their apps or websites that aren't available in physical stores. Shopping online also lets you see your total before checking out, helping you stay within your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Food prices have seen a steep increase in the past year, with annual food inflation currently at 7.5 per cent, according to the ABS.
• Dairy products led the price rise by 15.2 per cent over the past 12 months, followed by breads and cereals, which rose by 11.2 per cent.
• Prices have also increased for meals out and takeaway foods.
• It is predicted that food will continue to get more expensive, at a slower rate, in 2024.

Let us know your thoughts on the recent inflation of the prices of goods in the comments section below!

 

[Big M]

What is the surprising pantry staple?????

 

[MaizieArt]

If you've been wincing at the thought of going to the supermarket lately, you're not alone. No matter what food or ingredients we buy, prices have been constantly rising over the last 12 months.

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), annual food inflation 2023 is currently sitting at a shocking 7.5 per cent–and it could get worse!

This price surge has been largely fueled by dairy prices climbing to 15.2 per cent in the last 12 months and bread and cereal prices climbing to 11.2 per cent. Even meals out and takeaway foods have skyrocketed, with prices up to 25 per cent for some items.

View attachment 27473

Prices of goods have been constantly rising over the last 12 months. Image source: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

So what exactly does this mean for our grocery bills? The data below will show you how these percentage points translate to the prices of goods impacted in the last 12 months at Coles and Woolworths.

​

In the past year, prices of grocery staples such as meat rose 11 per cent at Supermarket A and 22 per cent at Supermarket B, while vegetable prices increased 40 per cent at Supermarket A and 57 per cent at Supermarket B.

Last year, you could purchase a Zinger burger combo at KFC for just $8.95–but now, you'll have to pay an extra $2 for the same item. That’s a 22 per cent surge in just a year! On the other hand, $1 frozen drinks at outlets like Hungry Jacks and Mcdonald's doubled in price and now cost $2 for a large-sized drink.

Unfortunately, a radical price drop in groceries in 2024 is unlikely. Despite inflation cooling down for food overall, this doesn't necessarily mean food is getting cheaper–it's just getting more expensive, more slowly.

Furthermore, the UBS Evidence Lab Grocery Study forecasts food inflation to ease in the coming months. Still, it may remain elevated due to issues on the supply chain, such as labour, domestic freight, and more.

It's alarming that prices are climbing so quickly, rest assured, we’re always looking for ways to help our dear members stretch their finances further. You can check out this forum for the latest deals, discounts, and bargains available or this forum for our latest money-saving tips and tricks!

Below are some tips on saving money at the supermarket:

Knowing a few smart shopping strategies that could save you some dollars at the checkout is crucial. The money saved can add up big time over a year!

For starters, make a shopping list and stick to it. Planning meals and snacks for the week can stop those mindless purchases and keep you on budget. Avoid shopping when you're hungry–as the adage goes, ‘Never shop on an empty stomach.’

Consider buying store-brand products. Australian supermarkets have significantly increased the number of their home-brand products. Some items–such as breakfast cereals and canned goods–are 30% cheaper when you opt for the supermarket's home brand.

Check out Woolworths’ very own Corn Flakes, whose price has dropped to $3 compared to its Kellogg’s counterpart, that’s currently at $5.

Another crafty savings tip is to buy in bulk or at reduced prices. Bulk buying of non-perishable items can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Finally, try online shopping. Coles and Woolworths often offer promotions on their apps or websites that aren't available in physical stores. Shopping online also lets you see your total before checking out, helping you stay within your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Food prices have seen a steep increase in the past year, with annual food inflation currently at 7.5 per cent, according to the ABS.
• Dairy products led the price rise by 15.2 per cent over the past 12 months, followed by breads and cereals, which rose by 11.2 per cent.
• Prices have also increased for meals out and takeaway foods.
• It is predicted that food will continue to get more expensive, at a slower rate, in 2024.

Let us know your thoughts on the recent inflation of the prices of goods in the comments section below!

Thankfully I follow a 90% whole food diet any buy little to no processed items when grocery shopping. This being said I have noticed a marked increase in the price of meat, seafood and poultry over the past year or so. I am very fortunate I am still working full time and only have myself and my furbaby to buy for. I believe the biggest impact on these rising prices is the price of transport which is directly impacted by the cost of fuel. In my opinion, these price hikes will continue until such time as fuel prices are stabilised.

 

[ElizaKaye]

I could not see where you mentioned less product for the same price. I have tasted Woolworths Corn Flakes but they can't beat Kellogs. We still need to eat whatever tastes better for us.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I try to purchase half price items that suit my tastes. Even those that are reasonably reduced.
However, most discounted items are chips, soft drinks, confectionery and hygiene related products. Hardly things that hardly constitute a meal.
Ever seen half price beef, chicken or fruit and vegetables? I haven't.

 

[Liz]

I shop the specials and only get what I need. Soup in winter is a basic staple made on chickpeas and lentils, with all the vegetables I can get and are available. Summer is going to be difficult as I like salads and hopefully the prices will not be too much higher. As for for lactose free cheese, that is at least $9, I don't know how they justify it and I bet the producer doesn't get much.

 

[Liz49]

If you've been wincing at the thought of going to the supermarket lately, you're not alone. No matter what food or ingredients we buy, prices have been constantly rising over the last 12 months.

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), annual food inflation 2023 is currently sitting at a shocking 7.5 per cent–and it could get worse!

This price surge has been largely fueled by dairy prices climbing to 15.2 per cent in the last 12 months and bread and cereal prices climbing to 11.2 per cent. Even meals out and takeaway foods have skyrocketed, with prices up to 25 per cent for some items.

View attachment 27473

Prices of goods have been constantly rising over the last 12 months. Image source: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

So what exactly does this mean for our grocery bills? The data below will show you how these percentage points translate to the prices of goods impacted in the last 12 months at Coles and Woolworths.

​

In the past year, prices of grocery staples such as meat rose 11 per cent at Supermarket A and 22 per cent at Supermarket B, while vegetable prices increased 40 per cent at Supermarket A and 57 per cent at Supermarket B.

Last year, you could purchase a Zinger burger combo at KFC for just $8.95–but now, you'll have to pay an extra $2 for the same item. That’s a 22 per cent surge in just a year! On the other hand, $1 frozen drinks at outlets like Hungry Jacks and Mcdonald's doubled in price and now cost $2 for a large-sized drink.

Unfortunately, a radical price drop in groceries in 2024 is unlikely. Despite inflation cooling down for food overall, this doesn't necessarily mean food is getting cheaper–it's just getting more expensive, more slowly.

Furthermore, the UBS Evidence Lab Grocery Study forecasts food inflation to ease in the coming months. Still, it may remain elevated due to issues on the supply chain, such as labour, domestic freight, and more.

It's alarming that prices are climbing so quickly, rest assured, we’re always looking for ways to help our dear members stretch their finances further. You can check out this forum for the latest deals, discounts, and bargains available or this forum for our latest money-saving tips and tricks!

Below are some tips on saving money at the supermarket:

Knowing a few smart shopping strategies that could save you some dollars at the checkout is crucial. The money saved can add up big time over a year!

For starters, make a shopping list and stick to it. Planning meals and snacks for the week can stop those mindless purchases and keep you on budget. Avoid shopping when you're hungry–as the adage goes, ‘Never shop on an empty stomach.’

Consider buying store-brand products. Australian supermarkets have significantly increased the number of their home-brand products. Some items–such as breakfast cereals and canned goods–are 30% cheaper when you opt for the supermarket's home brand.

Check out Woolworths’ very own Corn Flakes, whose price has dropped to $3 compared to its Kellogg’s counterpart, that’s currently at $5.

Another crafty savings tip is to buy in bulk or at reduced prices. Bulk buying of non-perishable items can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Finally, try online shopping. Coles and Woolworths often offer promotions on their apps or websites that aren't available in physical stores. Shopping online also lets you see your total before checking out, helping you stay within your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Food prices have seen a steep increase in the past year, with annual food inflation currently at 7.5 per cent, according to the ABS.
• Dairy products led the price rise by 15.2 per cent over the past 12 months, followed by breads and cereals, which rose by 11.2 per cent.
• Prices have also increased for meals out and takeaway foods.
• It is predicted that food will continue to get more expensive, at a slower rate, in 2024.

Let us know your thoughts on the recent inflation of the prices of goods in the comments section below!

 

[Liz49]

Why would you buy corn flakes. No nutrition, better off eating the box it comes in than the product itself no difference. People need to think especially if they have kids. Prioritise meat, a few cheap veggies or grow your own, eggs (they are cheap really), canned tomatoes (base for stews and bolognaise sauces), tinned salmon and sardines. Dump all highly processed food stuffs. They are sugar bombs and expensive in comparison to how they are produced. Also only use butter, lard, dripping and things like olive, avocado and coconut oils. Cheap meats are really good to have. Buy mince in bulk and divvy it up into meal size portions. Add whatever you need to for flavour, bit of tomato or bbq sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Make savoury mince with a bit of garlic added, herbs and fine cut veg like broccoli and zucchini, or rissoles with same flavourings or fresh herbs and bind with an egg. You don't need fillers they just add to the cost

 

[Liz49]

Oh and you can also buy meat off cuts if you are prepared to fiddle a bit. Put the bits in a slow cooker, cook overnight. Add some garlic and onion if you want. And a table spoon of cider vinegar. When cooked remove meat from bones and freeze for using as stews. Bottle up the liquid and keep in fridge. This is bone broth and can be heated and used as a drink with a light lunch or used as a base for other stews and sauces

 

[Veggiepatch]

Someone said in another thread that supermarkets only make 5% on grocery items. I call a MASSIVE BS on this statement.
So supermarkets make a loss on discounted items? Well I never!
You'd be horrified at the mark up on whitegoods, electronics and technology. Say a TV costs $1000 in store. Well here's the brass tacks. It probably cost the retailer in the vicinity of $400 landed at the wharf!
I had a mate who owned a couple of franchises for such goods, bless his soul. My go to if I wanted a new fridge or hi-fi system. Cost price FTW!

 

[Veronica McDonald]

We always take a shopping list with us when we shop and do most of our shopping at Aldi and sometimes a few odd products at coles. Never woollies. Yes prices have gone up. We grow some food items during the year & this saves a bit, like spinach and tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, mint &parsley.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Oh and you can also buy meat off cuts if you are prepared to fiddle a bit. Put the bits in a slow cooker, cook overnight. Add some garlic and onion if you want. And a table spoon of cider vinegar. When cooked remove meat from bones and freeze for using as stews. Bottle up the liquid and keep in fridge. This is bone broth and can be heated and used as a drink with a light lunch or used as a base for other stews and sauces

Shuddup! You're making me hungry!

 

[Squizzy1]

If you've been wincing at the thought of going to the supermarket lately, you're not alone. No matter what food or ingredients we buy, prices have been constantly rising over the last 12 months.

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), annual food inflation 2023 is currently sitting at a shocking 7.5 per cent–and it could get worse!

This price surge has been largely fueled by dairy prices climbing to 15.2 per cent in the last 12 months and bread and cereal prices climbing to 11.2 per cent. Even meals out and takeaway foods have skyrocketed, with prices up to 25 per cent for some items.

View attachment 27473

Prices of goods have been constantly rising over the last 12 months. Image source: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

So what exactly does this mean for our grocery bills? The data below will show you how these percentage points translate to the prices of goods impacted in the last 12 months at Coles and Woolworths.

​

In the past year, prices of grocery staples such as meat rose 11 per cent at Supermarket A and 22 per cent at Supermarket B, while vegetable prices increased 40 per cent at Supermarket A and 57 per cent at Supermarket B.

Last year, you could purchase a Zinger burger combo at KFC for just $8.95–but now, you'll have to pay an extra $2 for the same item. That’s a 22 per cent surge in just a year! On the other hand, $1 frozen drinks at outlets like Hungry Jacks and Mcdonald's doubled in price and now cost $2 for a large-sized drink.

Unfortunately, a radical price drop in groceries in 2024 is unlikely. Despite inflation cooling down for food overall, this doesn't necessarily mean food is getting cheaper–it's just getting more expensive, more slowly.

Furthermore, the UBS Evidence Lab Grocery Study forecasts food inflation to ease in the coming months. Still, it may remain elevated due to issues on the supply chain, such as labour, domestic freight, and more.

It's alarming that prices are climbing so quickly, rest assured, we’re always looking for ways to help our dear members stretch their finances further. You can check out this forum for the latest deals, discounts, and bargains available or this forum for our latest money-saving tips and tricks!

Below are some tips on saving money at the supermarket:

Knowing a few smart shopping strategies that could save you some dollars at the checkout is crucial. The money saved can add up big time over a year!

For starters, make a shopping list and stick to it. Planning meals and snacks for the week can stop those mindless purchases and keep you on budget. Avoid shopping when you're hungry–as the adage goes, ‘Never shop on an empty stomach.’

Consider buying store-brand products. Australian supermarkets have significantly increased the number of their home-brand products. Some items–such as breakfast cereals and canned goods–are 30% cheaper when you opt for the supermarket's home brand.

Check out Woolworths’ very own Corn Flakes, whose price has dropped to $3 compared to its Kellogg’s counterpart, that’s currently at $5.

Another crafty savings tip is to buy in bulk or at reduced prices. Bulk buying of non-perishable items can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Finally, try online shopping. Coles and Woolworths often offer promotions on their apps or websites that aren't available in physical stores. Shopping online also lets you see your total before checking out, helping you stay within your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Food prices have seen a steep increase in the past year, with annual food inflation currently at 7.5 per cent, according to the ABS.
• Dairy products led the price rise by 15.2 per cent over the past 12 months, followed by breads and cereals, which rose by 11.2 per cent.
• Prices have also increased for meals out and takeaway foods.
• It is predicted that food will continue to get more expensive, at a slower rate, in 2024.

Let us know your thoughts on the recent inflation of the prices of goods in the comments section below!

Don't hold your breath, from experience we know once prices go up, they never return to previous levels, never.

 

[Jest]

I shop the specials and only get what I need. Soup in winter is a basic staple made on chickpeas and lentils, with all the vegetables I can get and are available. Summer is going to be difficult as I like salads and hopefully the prices will not be too much higher. As for for lactose free cheese, that is at least $9, I don't know how they justify it and I bet the producer doesn't get much.

it is so easy to put mix in a pot plant some seeds and believe it or not lettuce will appear.
cut a tomato in half plant it in a pot cut side up sprinkle some soil over and you wi bet tomatoes. small ones are best. i do this all the time never out of tomatoes. good luck nothing like a salad.

 

[Veggiepatch]

it is so easy to put mix in a pot plant some seeds and believe it or not lettuce will appear.
cut a tomato in half plant it in a pot cut side up sprinkle some soil over and you wi bet tomatoes. small ones are best. i do this all the time never out of tomatoes. good luck nothing like a salad.

I used to grow a s**tload of tomatoes to make pasta and pizza sauce. Talk about a labour intensive job! About 4 to 6 hours and the yield is paltry. About 5 kgs of tomatoes gives you around one kg of sauce after you get rid of the skin and the ugly bits and reduce the pulp. Turn it into a puree and add sugar and spices of your perferences and viola! The best pasta sauce you'll ever taste.

So I buy it from the supermarket now.

 

[Cheezil]

If you've been wincing at the thought of going to the supermarket lately, you're not alone. No matter what food or ingredients we buy, prices have been constantly rising over the last 12 months.

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), annual food inflation 2023 is currently sitting at a shocking 7.5 per cent–and it could get worse!

This price surge has been largely fueled by dairy prices climbing to 15.2 per cent in the last 12 months and bread and cereal prices climbing to 11.2 per cent. Even meals out and takeaway foods have skyrocketed, with prices up to 25 per cent for some items.

View attachment 27473

Prices of goods have been constantly rising over the last 12 months. Image source: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

So what exactly does this mean for our grocery bills? The data below will show you how these percentage points translate to the prices of goods impacted in the last 12 months at Coles and Woolworths.

​

In the past year, prices of grocery staples such as meat rose 11 per cent at Supermarket A and 22 per cent at Supermarket B, while vegetable prices increased 40 per cent at Supermarket A and 57 per cent at Supermarket B.

Last year, you could purchase a Zinger burger combo at KFC for just $8.95–but now, you'll have to pay an extra $2 for the same item. That’s a 22 per cent surge in just a year! On the other hand, $1 frozen drinks at outlets like Hungry Jacks and Mcdonald's doubled in price and now cost $2 for a large-sized drink.

Unfortunately, a radical price drop in groceries in 2024 is unlikely. Despite inflation cooling down for food overall, this doesn't necessarily mean food is getting cheaper–it's just getting more expensive, more slowly.

Furthermore, the UBS Evidence Lab Grocery Study forecasts food inflation to ease in the coming months. Still, it may remain elevated due to issues on the supply chain, such as labour, domestic freight, and more.

It's alarming that prices are climbing so quickly, rest assured, we’re always looking for ways to help our dear members stretch their finances further. You can check out this forum for the latest deals, discounts, and bargains available or this forum for our latest money-saving tips and tricks!

Below are some tips on saving money at the supermarket:

Knowing a few smart shopping strategies that could save you some dollars at the checkout is crucial. The money saved can add up big time over a year!

For starters, make a shopping list and stick to it. Planning meals and snacks for the week can stop those mindless purchases and keep you on budget. Avoid shopping when you're hungry–as the adage goes, ‘Never shop on an empty stomach.’

Consider buying store-brand products. Australian supermarkets have significantly increased the number of their home-brand products. Some items–such as breakfast cereals and canned goods–are 30% cheaper when you opt for the supermarket's home brand.

Check out Woolworths’ very own Corn Flakes, whose price has dropped to $3 compared to its Kellogg’s counterpart, that’s currently at $5.

Another crafty savings tip is to buy in bulk or at reduced prices. Bulk buying of non-perishable items can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Finally, try online shopping. Coles and Woolworths often offer promotions on their apps or websites that aren't available in physical stores. Shopping online also lets you see your total before checking out, helping you stay within your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Food prices have seen a steep increase in the past year, with annual food inflation currently at 7.5 per cent, according to the ABS.
• Dairy products led the price rise by 15.2 per cent over the past 12 months, followed by breads and cereals, which rose by 11.2 per cent.
• Prices have also increased for meals out and takeaway foods.
• It is predicted that food will continue to get more expensive, at a slower rate, in 2024.

Let us know your thoughts on the recent inflation of the prices of goods in the comments section below!

Been doing suggestions for several yrs now, it can be tough that's for sure

 

[Mika]

I can’t remember the last time we bought steaks or lamb. It’s just too much of our tight budget.
cereal is getting out of hand, Woolworths brand honey Corn flakes were $7 last time we shopped.

 

[joshram]

Don't hold your breath, from experience we know once prices go up, they never return to previous levels, never.

Except bananas did!