The common supermarket habit that could be bad for your health

We are all looking to save money at the supermarket, what with the spiralling cost-of-living crisis, so the sight of weekly specials can be welcome when you’re filling up your trolley.

But Aussies are being warned the so-called “specials trap” could be bad for your health.

Susie Burrell, one of Australia’s leading dietitians and nutritionists, told nine.com.au foods that are on special are usually less healthy.

“The main issue I have is that healthy options are far less frequently discounted and [have] much smaller discounts,” she said.

“Chocolate, chips and biscuits are regularly half-price, while fresh foods are rarely if ever [discounted].”

Burrell, who regularly shares her own shopping trolley contents with her social media followers, recommends shoppers take steps to avoid falling into the “specials trap”.

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This includes shopping online where possible to avoid temptation, and planning your shopping list according to meals you will make rather than stocking up on everything.

As for what to buy on special, she suggested stocking up on staples such as olive oil when half-price.

“Stock up on staples, like lean mince and chicken breast, when they are on sale,” she said.

“I only spend on specialty items such as breakfast cereal or bread or lean meat, and staples like butter, long-life milk, frozen vegetables and oats, which are always the same, no matter which brand, so buy the cheapest.”

If you do find yourself in-store, she suggested sticking to the outer aisles and shopping after you have eaten so you are not as tempted by the specials.

Burrell said it was a good idea to keep an eye out for items on mark down that could be frozen, such as fish, mince, chicken breast and berries.

“Shop according to meals and based on protein, as this is the most expensive food,” she added. 

“For example, one lean sausage, one roast chicken, one to two mince dishes, one lean pork, then one more expensive meat or fish dish. Swap a meal for a soup or an egg dish once a week.”

She also suggested only buying one or two sauces, such as a passata and soy, rather than lots of different ones, and looking for the healthiest alternatives for all other foods.

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“The shorter the ingredient list, the healthier the food is likely to be,” she said.

Her comments come after a new survey of more than 1000 shoppers found 78 per cent had gone grocery shopping intending to buy healthy food, only to purchase something less nutritious because it was on special. 

More than 80 per cent of those surveyed want supermarkets to offer more price promotions on healthy products, such as fresh fruit, vegetables and organic food, but more than half believe price promotions are focused mainly on processed foods.

Meanwhile, 67 per cent of those surveyed believed supermarket promotions actively encouraged greater consumption of processed foods through discounts and prominent placement in-store and in advertising.

The research was conducted by YouGov for Shopfully – an online platform that helps shoppers find the best deals.

“These results show Australians aren’t asking supermarkets to choose between affordability and health – they’re asking for both, and right now, many feel that balance just isn’t there,” said Shopfully Australia Country Manager Brendan Straw.

“Promotions don’t just influence what people spend, they influence how people eat.

“When ultra-processed foods are consistently the most visible and discounted options, they naturally win, even when shoppers have the best intentions. Australians are telling us they want help making healthier choices without stretching the budget. 

“Retailers that respond by making healthier options more visible, affordable and easier to plan around will be better placed to build trust and loyalty in a highly competitive market.”