'Get rid of the junk': Mum-of-five forced to defend grocery choices
An Australian mum has shared her shock at how much her weekly grocery shop has increased, almost doubling what she usually spends.
The mother-of-five, who shares content on TikTok as @home.reset.clean, typically spends $300 on groceries each week but says due to inflation the total at her local Woolworths store came to $652.84.
"Who else struggling with the high cost of living," she wrote.
"We use get our grocery every week for $300 or so .... and now it's doubled #groceries #costoflivingcrisis #costofliving #grocerystore #shopping
An Australian mum of five has shared her shock at the increasing cost of groceries. TikTok
Along with items such as shampoo and dishwashing liquid, juice, milk, breakfast cereal and snack foods can be seen at the register.
Many of the mum's TikTok followers were quick to point out ways she could easily save on her grocery shop to help combat the increased prices, with some suggesting she buy less processed foods and others suggesting she swap Woolies for Aldi.
Some didn't mince their words.
"I see a lot of rubbish on that conveyer belt," one commented.
"Struggling with money yet still buys all the big brand stuff lmao, just buy Woolies brand and save 30%," added another.
To this, the woman responded: "How am I struggling I'm just living the reality."
Many commenters were quick to point out ways the mum could easily save on her shop. TikTok
"I have a family of six adults, 3 giant dogs that we cook for and our bill isn't that high. You need to learn to budget better," another commenter shared.
"Save yourself about $30 not getting the juice and chocolate milk," one said, while another suggested, "Buy home brands. Don't buy chocolate milk, buy syrup and milk on its own to mix together."
"It's about shopping smarter, get rid of the junk, Pringles, soda, juice, flavoured milk, sugary cereals.. Just focus on the basics and go from there," another comment reads.
At this point she explained her Woolworths shop is meant to last three weeks with the addition of "top up" shops.
"This will last us 3 weeks but I need to top up every week," she said in the comments. She also told her followers she used to visit Costco once a month before the pandemic and is planning to start these up again soon.
Her grocery haul at Aldi came to just over $300. TikTok
Taking her followers up on their suggestions to visit Aldi, the mother did so and found she could easily meet her previous budget of $300.
One person asked why "no fruit, veg or meat in sight?" and was told the mum purchases fruit, vegetables and meat for her family at a market.
"I don't find Aldi all that much cheaper. I find I stay with in budget and get a good amount from Coles. but I've always been a Coles shopper so," another shares.
Another claimed grocery prices at Aldi have also increased, writing: "I went there today got 4 things ended up paying nearly $40 ffs."
"Aldi is only cheaper if you mainly buy frozen foods. I buy whatever's on special at the main supermarkets and it's usually cheaper than Aldi that way," one person shared.
Aldi shoppers also claimed grocery prices are increasing at the discount supermarket as well. TikTok
"I swear the point of shopping at Aldi is to buy their branded food, you're buying the big brands which are likely close to the same price or more," one explains.
"How ... is there a football team in your house," one questioned.
"Aldi doesn't have everything, we still end up going to Coles anyway," another shared.
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