Health experts have shared a warning after it was revealed just how much the price of groceries — particularly fresh fruit and vegetables — has increased, with a box of 10 chicken nuggets currently costing less than lettuce.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) this week revealed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing a 12.7 per cent year-on-year increase in the cost of vegetables, yet ‘meals out and takeaway foods’ increased by just 2.6 per cent.
The rising food insecurity is pushing Australians toward unhealthy food, which Dietitians Australia warns could lead to more preventable death due to unhealthy eating.
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“The reality of our situation is that a box of 10 chicken nuggets from a fast-food outlet is currently cheaper than an iceberg lettuce,” Chief Executive Officer of Dietitians Australia, Robert Hunt, said.
“Who would blame a family with $5 for choosing one over the other?
“This is a systemic problem where highly marketed, nutrient-poor and energy-dense foods are often seemingly cheaper and more accessible than fresh nutritious options.”
Each year in Australia, 27,500 people will die a preventable death due to unhealthy eating.
“The situation was already bad before, and if things keep going this way it will only get worse,” he added.
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In a statement, the ABS said the increases were a result of “high transport, fertiliser, packaging and ingredient costs”, as well as the pandemic and “herd restocking due to favourable weather”.
Fresh food prices were the most affected, with the cost of vegetables increasing by 6.6 per cent while fruit prices rose 4.9 per cent.
We did a brief comparison ourselves on Thursday, looking at some fresh food options for snacks and meal times against popular but less-nutritious options at popular supermarkets Woolworths and Coles.
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Speaking to 9Honey, Dietitian Susie Burrell shares the concern about the rising price of fresh produce, but reveals there are some ways people can still save money.
“There is no doubt that price rises in supermarket are making it even more challenging to eat well,” Susie tells us.
“My top piece of advice is to use the freezer section in supermarkets. Not only do you avoid seasonal fluctuations in vegetables and even fruit, but it means you can prepare a quick and easy family meal for four for as little as $12-16.
“Also know your cheapest proteins – eggs, tinned fish, frozen fish – and buying mince, chicken breast and lean sausages when they are on sale can save a lot of money.”
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