Cost-of-living crisis: How Australian households can slash the price of their weekly grocery bills at the supermarket

7NEWS

12 hours ago

The cost-of-living crisis is taking a toll on Australian households, but experts and Reddit users have weighing in on ways to slash the price of groceries for the weekly shop.
Mortgages, rent, groceries, bills and everyday essentials such as fuel have hit record highs, according to a survey by Compare Club, a website that compares banks, insurance and energy providers.
A frugal Australian has taken to the internet to ask for the best cost-cutting hacks as the cost-of-living crisis takes a toll on many families.
Wanting hacks to keep a weekly shop for under $100 for their family, one Reddit user wanted the dollar to stretch beyond the cheaper home brand items.
'I'm not talking 'buy the Woolies home brand' I mean the crazy stuff and specific shopping life hacks to help me and my family get through the week,' the Reddit request said.
Fellow Reddit users were quick to provide some surprising budgeting ideas.
Many suggested buying oats, frozen vegetables or a whole chicken when they're on sale, eating the chook for dinner and then using the leftovers for soup.
Some even said that they no longer had breakfast and just had coffee.
'Learn how to use a knife,' one commented.
Several on Reddit said they use the Woolworths app to save on groceries.
'On the Woolies app and generally first start off by checking what's half price and what my boosters are. I then plan meals around what those are,' they said.
'Bacon was cheap this week so we had carbonara. I tend to buy a bigger bulk pack if it ends up cheaper unit price wise (usually does) and I'll make that meal for 3-4 days.
'Even better if it's a meal that can be cooked all at once in the slow cooker and then portioned out for a few days after, especially since it gives me a break from cooking for the subsequent days.
'To be fair we've completely done away with breakfast as a concept and just have a coffee these days.'
Marketing and consumer behaviour expert, Professor Gary Mortimer, said there are a few things Australians can do to stretch their budget during tough times.
'Apps like Frugl and Grocerize compare prices, create lists and set price alerts,' he told 7NEWS.com.au.
'No need to scan catalogues any longer.
'Look past the supermarkets — Discount and Variety Stores like Big W, Dollars & Sense, Reject Shop carry a large range of dry groceries, cleaning good and Health/Beauty products. Silly Sollys recently launching their Frozen Food category under $5.'
Mortimer said teaming up with other families and neighbours may also help at stores like Costco.
'We often see extended families, or neighbours teaming up to save,' he said.
'One Costco membership, buy in bulk, and share the products. Works great for cleaning goods, tinned products and dry groceries.'
Heading to a farmers market may also deliver 'huge savings', he said.
'Many vendors aren't actually 'growers', instead they are 'opportunistically' buying residual products (half a pallet here, 12 boxes there) that the big supermarkets don't want from Commercial Fresh Produce Distribution Centres and passing on the savings.'
Mortimer's best advice is for Australians to use their loyalty programs, with all supermarket chains offering discount.
'Instead of passively scanning your loyalty card, actively use it and activate bonus points on products you normally buy.
'Woolworths and Coles programs both give $10 back for every 2,000 points.
'Some give a 10 per cent saving each month on one shop (while) others offer free delivery.'