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<\/p>\nThe weekly grocery bill is the household expense that one in five Australians worry about most, new data has revealed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Compare the Market’s upcoming Household Budget Barometer report has laid bare the extent some Aussies are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, particularly when it comes to putting food on the table.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to the findings, 52 per cent of Australians surveyed in August said they were searching harder for discounts, while nearly half – 47 per cent – were planning cheaper meals.<\/p>\n
This is despite data that indicates weekly grocery spending is down six per cent across the nation to $186.23, compared to $198.16 in 2025.<\/p>\n
More than a quarter of Australians – 26 per cent – said they were cutting back on meat purchases.<\/p>\n
Twenty-eight per cent said they were buying in bulk to save money over the long term, while 29 per cent said they were shopping at cheaper supermarkets.<\/p>\n
Almost half – 40 per cent – revealed they were working hard to reduce food waste to save money.<\/p>\n
Even with these effective strategies, many Aussies opted for more radical cost-saving methods to stay afloat.<\/p>\n
According to the report, 12 per cent of Australians said they were purposefully skipping meals to save money.<\/p>\n
These numbers soared to 18 per cent among those aged 18-24 and 35-44.<\/p>\n
Compare the Market’s executive general manager of communication, social and government relations, Chris Ford, said the cost-of-living crunch remained “very real” for many households.<\/p>\n
“That’s one in 10 people you know going without lunch or dinner because costs are too high,\u201d Mr Ford said, citing the number of Australians skipping meals to save money.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“When people start cutting back on necessities like food, it shows cost-of-living pressures remain very real for many families.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Mr Ford said the findings showed Australians were also “becoming increasingly resourceful rather than seeking genuine relief at the checkout”.<\/p>\n
“We’re seeing consumers put much more thought into how they spend their money and that often starts with the weekly grocery shop,” Mr Ford said.<\/p>\n
“Rather than accepting higher prices, many Australians are actively looking for ways to reduce the cost of their shop, whether that’s buying products on special, choosing a home-brand alternative or changing what meals they’re cooking that week.<\/p>\n
“The reality is grocery prices are still putting pressure on household budgets, but consumers are getting better at stretching every dollar and finding value where they can.”<\/p>\n
A total of 3,078 Australian adults aged 18 and over were surveyed in the study.<\/p>\n