Food prices have experienced a rapid increase, whether it’s a block of butter, cheese, a kilogram of mince, a dozen eggs, or a cooked chook.
According to the latest Stats NZ data, food prices have surged by 4.4 percent in the past 12 months – marking the highest increase since December 2023.
Over the last three years, Checkpoint has been monitoring a weekly shopping list from the same suburb at Woolworths and Pak’nSave supermarkets to track the rising costs at the checkout counter.
Some of the findings are more concerning than appetizing.
For over three years, Checkpoint has been keeping tabs on the prices of 36 household items. In May 2022, the initial shop at Woolworths Greenlane totaled $238, while at Pak’nSave Royal Oak, it amounted to $217.
Today, the same items at Woolworths now cost $305, an additional $67 at checkout. At Pak’nSave, the bill has risen to $270, an extra $53.
In comparison to the 2022 shopping list, certain vegetables like carrots and cabbage were cheaper. However, most items on the list have seen price hikes.
Shoppers interviewed by Checkpoint have noticed significant increases in prices, particularly for items like olive oil, eggs, dairy products, and fresh produce.
Dairy products have experienced some of the largest price jumps, with a 1kg block of cheese still priced above $10 at both supermarkets. However, the price for a 1kg block at Woolworths has decreased to $12.49.
Other items like butter, milk, tea, eggs, and beef mince have also seen substantial price increases, prompting some shoppers to adjust their shopping habits.
Some are opting for bulk purchases from stores like Costco to save money, while others are choosing cheaper alternatives or eliminating certain products from their shopping lists.
Household essentials like washing powder, nappies, and body wash have also become more expensive, further impacting consumers’ budgets.
As prices continue to rise across staple items and frozen foods, consumers are exploring different strategies to manage their grocery expenses.
