The two-word strategy Aussie shoppers are giving a 2026 rebrand amid the cost of living crisis

Aussie shoppers are ditching smaller, more frequent visits to the supermarket for "pantry loading" as the cost of living crisis forces a major rethink of the weekly grocery shop.

Previously known as "panic buying" during COVID, or simply "stockpiling", the act of filling the pantry in advance has been given a 2026 rebrand as a clever financial move.

This year, the price of some groceries in Australia have increased by an estimated 40 per cent since 2024, according to the ACCC.

Stocking up on non-perishable food items is an effective cost-saving strategy for tough economic times, and one that is being cleverly utilised by shoppers across the country.

The phrase "pantry loading" isn't new. In fact, the phrase can be traced back to food campaigns in the 1980s and 1990s aimed at convincing shoppers to take up special offers on tinned and dried foods with the aim of keeping their pantries well stocked.

It's important to note that pantry loading is not to be confused with the frantic panic buying we saw during the pandemic. While panic buying was driven by fear and scarcity, pantry loading is a calm, calculated strategy designed to outsmart inflation.

It's not about taking everything off the shelf; it's about taking advantage of the half-price specials today so you aren't paying full price tomorrow.

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A quick survey of the nine.com.au office found several examples of pantry loading at play, with the items being chosen differing depending on food preferences.

One staffer said they "always stock up on tinned tuna and microwave rice cups".

"They last for ages and are pre-portioned, so I can tell exactly how many meals I can make at a quick glance," they said.

"I also stock up on tinned soup in winter because it's the perfect meal to warm you up on cold days, it last forever, and you can get it as cheap as $2 a tin when it's on sale."

Another staffer makes good use of affordable tinned beans, and keeps a healthy supply in their pantry.

"I always have tins of white beans (butter or cannellini) and/or chickpeas on hand. They're so affordable, SO healthy (protein and fibre in one place), and so versatile for a quick dinner.

"Also tomatoes, pasta and rice (especially arborio rice, risotto is a go-to dinner for me), and while I don't buy them in bulk, condiments/additions like miso paste and chili oil. That makes all the difference when it comes to making an otherwise basic meal a bit more exciting and flavourful."

"I always have tinned tomatoes, chickpeas, and coconut milk on hand for an easy curry or stew vibe," another nine.com.au staffer shared.

"I also buy 5kg bags of rice and keep it in jars in the pantry. I also always have an Aldi frozen pizza on hand for nights when I really can't be bothered. It saves me from spending $40 on pizza delivery."

Many say they take advantage of any specials they come across by stocking up when prices are lower, "even if I don't use it straight away I can base future meals around what I've got".

Other pantry staples being targeted include taco kits, spice packets, and meal packet mixes like butter chicken "which are always in the weekly rotation".

"I like to stock up on pasta and rice cups, which are always an easy side for the toddler or to whip up a quick fried rice if dinner is needed in a hurry," one said.

"Passata, tinned tomatoes and tinned beans are also ones I grab when I can to keep on hand because they can be so versatile and used in a lot of things too to bulk out meals or add a bit more nutrients."

And it isn't just pantries that are being loaded up. Freezers are also being filled with affordable staples like frozen vegetables.

"I always have a packet of frozen peas," one said. Another said their "freezer favourites" are "chicken bites, frozen chips or frozen pizza" for when they feel like a "treat on the nights I can't be bothered cooking but also don't break the bank".

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