Coles and Woolies shoppers notice popular item mysteriously missing from shelves for weeks: 'So annoying can't find it anywhere'
Aussie eagle-eyed shoppers have been left scratching their heads - and revising their shopping lists - after a once-reliable supermarket staple seemingly vanished without a trace.
Frozen mashed potato, a humble but beloved grocery item, has become increasingly difficult to find at Woolworths and Coles, sparking confusion and frustration.
The mystery began after one parent kicked off a discussion on Reddit, saying: 'Strange post, I know, but it seems like all brands of frozen mashed potato are currently unavailable and have been for a while.
'Does anyone know what's going on with this frozen mashed potato shortage? We rely on it for toddler meals a few times a week so it's actually very annoying.'
A Woolworths spokesperson told FEMAIL: 'We know this can be a convenience product for our customers.
'At the moment, we have different products available, but this may vary store by store, and we're working closely with our various suppliers to replenish stocks as soon as possible. In the meantime, we appreciate our customers' understanding.'
The thread was quickly flooded with replies from equally baffled shoppers, many of whom hadn't seen frozen mash in weeks - even months.
'YES! I've been trying to get it for weeks and it's never there,' one person wrote.
'It's so annoying. I haven't been able to find it anywhere for probably a couple of months now.'
Another shared: 'Oh my god, we noticed this too! It's one of our staples and we have been to all the shops, and no one has it.'
So where has it gone?
According to one supermarket employee: 'Apparently it's due to a foot and mouth disease outbreak in Germany where they get their supply from, and they said they were sourcing a replacement to arrive in November.'
This lines up with other comments noting that many frozen mashed potato products - including some sold at Coles and Woolworths - are manufactured in Belgium and Germany.
That means any disruption in European supply chains could have knock-on effects for Australian shelves.
And while many Aussies pride themselves on making things from scratch, frozen mash has developed a cult following for its convenience, especially among time-poor parents and busy workers.
One shopper summed it up best: 'I know making mashed potato isn't hard, but those frozen bags are just so convenient, right? So easy to microwave a few pieces with some butter and milk after a long day at work.'
Even some professional chefs have them ready to heat up in their freezers.
'I've worked in hatted restaurants as a chef. Frozen mash lives in my freezer too - it's literally the tip I give people when they ask for "one piece of cooking advice". It's 'buy frozen mash as a backup staple',' one chef said.
While some have started bulk-making and freezing their own mash as a stopgap, others are still holding out hope for a quick return to normal.
In the meantime, shoppers have pointed to fresh microwaveable mashed potatoes found in the refrigerated veggie section as an alternative - though many argue it just doesn't compare.
With major retailers yet to release an official explanation, shoppers are left waiting, wondering, and mashing by hand.
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