If you have ever found yourself staring at a pre-packed bag of grapes in the supermarket, thinking, ‘I really do not need this many’, you are not alone.
Recently, a short video online reignited what some are now calling the great grape debate.
A clever—and slightly cheeky—move shared by one shopper is sparking conversation across the country.
Is it a stroke of genius, or does it cross the line of supermarket etiquette?
Let us unpack the controversy, the rules, and why this little trick might just be a game-changer for your weekly shop.
The grape hack that is dividing Australia
It all started when shopper Holly Moffatt posted a short clip online, showing herself transferring a handful of grapes from a pre-portioned plastic bag into a brown mushroom paper bag.
‘Feels illegal but actually it is a life hack,’ she wrote, explaining that you do not have to buy the whole bag if you only want a few.
‘I know it feels wrong but trust me, it tastes SO right,’ she added, as the video racked up nearly 500,000 views.
The internet quickly split into two camps. Some viewers were scandalised: ‘You cannot do that,’ one insisted, while another claimed, ‘Bags like that are charged by the bags.’
Others, however, were delighted, with one commenter admitting, ‘You have just changed my life,’ and another confessing, ‘I do this all the time, and other shoppers look at me like I am insane.’
So, what is the actual rule?
Here is where things get interesting. While major supermarkets such as Woolworths did not officially comment on the viral video, the reality is that grapes—and many other loose fruits and vegetables—are typically sold by weight, not by the bag.
If the price tag says ‘$5 per kilo’, you are perfectly within your rights to take as many or as few as you like, pop them in a produce bag, and have them weighed at the checkout.
The key is to always check the signage: if it is sold by weight, you are in the clear. If it is a fixed price per bag, then you will need to buy the whole lot.
Why do supermarkets pre-pack grapes anyway?
Supermarkets often pre-pack grapes and other produce for convenience, speed, and to reduce handling.
It is also a way to encourage customers to buy more than they might otherwise.
But as many shoppers have pointed out, not everyone wants—or can afford—a whole kilo of grapes, especially if you are shopping for one or two people, or just want a snack for the grandkids.
The flip side? Some supermarkets have started using tamper-proof packaging to discourage people from splitting up bags, and there is the risk that someone might pick up a bag expecting it to be full, only to find it has been lightened by a previous shopper.
As one commenter put it, ‘Legal, yes, but annoying for the next person?’
The bigger picture: Food waste and your wallet
Beyond the etiquette debate, there is a bigger issue at play: food waste.
Did you know that Australian households throw away an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of food every year?
That is about 4 kilos per household per week, costing up to $2,500 annually.
By only buying what you need—whether it is grapes, beans, or bananas—you are not just saving money, you are helping to tackle a national problem.
It is a win-win: less food ends up forgotten and soggy at the bottom of the fridge, and you are not paying for produce you will not eat.
For those of us watching our budgets (and our waistlines), it is a small change that can make a big difference.
Your turn: Have you tried this shopping strategy?
Whether you think it is clever or cheeky, this grape trick has clearly struck a chord with many.
Do you split pre-packed produce when shopping? Have you ever picked up a bag only to find someone else had already lightened it? What are your favourite tips for saving money or cutting down on food waste? We would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Also read: Woolworths shopper spills on a clever price tag move—find out today
