In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian grocery shopping, a seismic shift is occurring in consumers’ trolleys and baskets.
A once-beloved staple, as quintessentially Australian as a meat pie at the footy, is now left on the shelves as shoppers turn their backs on it.
Meanwhile, another item is experiencing a surprising surge in popularity. Let’s investigate the details and uncover the reasons behind these changing trends.
The rise of the ‘bachelor’s handbag’
Australians are flocking to poultry like never before. According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, our appetite for chicken—in all its glorious forms, from roast to fried, stir-fried to shawarma—shows no signs of waning.
In fact, chicken has firmly secured its place as the nation’s preferred protein, outpacing even the consumption of red meat.
Chicken’s affordability is a key factor in its popularity. With the cost of living on the rise, finding a whole cooked bird for around $10 is a deal too good for many to pass up.
It’s become common to see someone carrying a ‘bachelor’s handbag’—a hot roast chicken from the supermarket—home for dinner. This trend is a testament to the value and convenience that chicken offers consumers.
A combination of affordability and universal appeal makes chicken a popular meat option. Image source: New Africa/Shutterstock.com
The chocolate and fruit conundrum
Conversely, there’s a noticeable decline in sweet treats and healthy snack consumption. Chocolate, a beloved indulgence for many, is being purchased less frequently. The culprit?
Soaring cocoa prices are driven by a mould infestation in Africa’s primary growing regions. This has made chocolate a less accessible luxury for the average Australian.
Similarly, fruit consumption is on the decline. Whether due to seasonal fluctuations or the increasing cost, Australians are not reaching for apples and oranges as they once did.
This is particularly concerning given the recent health data indicating a rise in diabetes rates from 5.1 per cent to 6.6 per cent between 2011 and 2023.
The connection between diet and health is clear, and the drop in fruit intake could have long-term implications for the nation’s well-being.
Chicken’s cultural and economic pull
But why is chicken the protein of the moment? One reason is its universal appeal across various religious practices.
Hindus, Jews, and Muslims all have dietary restrictions that exclude certain meats, but chicken is widely acceptable. As Australia’s religious diversity grows, so does the popularity of chicken.
Moreover, the shared experience of grappling with the cost of living has united Australians in their quest for affordable food options.
Chicken fits the bill perfectly. Remarkably, chicken breast has only increased by about 5 per cent since 1990, making it one of the few items that hasn’t seen a dramatic price hike over the years.
Fruit and chocolate consumption in Australia has seen a decline. Image source: Photo by Muhammad Asysyahiid on Unsplash
The thigh’s the limit
Interestingly, while chicken breast remains a staple, there’s a growing demand for chicken thighs. Once considered the less desirable part of the bird and priced accordingly, thighs are now often as expensive as, if not more than, breast meat.
This shift is due to a newfound appreciation for the thigh’s richer flavour and suitability for slow-cooked dishes.
However, this preference poses a challenge for chicken farmers. As chickens are bred to grow larger, particularly in the breast area, the production of thighs can’t keep up with demand.
This imbalance has led to an oversupply of breast meat and a consequent drop in its price.
A nation of chicken lovers
Beyond the supermarket, Australia’s love affair with chicken extends to fast food, with the country leading the world in per capita consumption of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Chicken has transitioned from a Sunday family meal to an everyday convenience food, often chosen over traditional quick fixes like baked beans.
Yet, this shift towards more meat and less produce is not without its downsides. Vegetable and fruit intake is slowly decreasing, which could have negative health consequences.
Perhaps supermarkets and food outlets should consider offering more balanced options, such as roasted vegetables alongside hot chicken.
In conclusion, while chicken reigns supreme in Australians’ hearts and stomachs, it’s important to consider the broader implications of our dietary choices.
As prices continue to rise and health concerns grow, it may be time to rethink our grocery habits and strive for a more balanced plate.
We’d love to hear from you about your grocery shopping experiences. Have you noticed these trends in your shopping? Are there items you’ve stopped buying due to cost? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
Also read: Shopper’s grocery bill drops by $200 after switching supermarkets
This reduction in consumption has nothing to do with people not watching their nutrition but everything to do with the cost of living. We eat to survive. When the money is gone, it’s gone, people have to make choices even though it is not their preferred choice. We are going to have a sick nation if this rising price lunacy doesn’t end. It’s unbelievable that I can pick up a bunch of herbs like coriander for 99c at my greengrocer (yes, in Sydney outskirts) only to walk into Woollies to find it over $3. AND if supermarkets like Aldi can offer cheaper prices, so can the other supermarket chains but money (or should I say greed) is the ruler of them all.
Absolutely well said!
How many people who only eat ‘white’ meat have a deficiency in iron? Quite a few. Iron is essential to our blood & body. If you don’t have enough iron, you’ll be susceptible to anaemia. Then you’d have to use iron supplements, and could cost you more than red meat in the end.