Grocery Prices Are Rising: How Kiwis Can Save More on Food Shopping

With food prices in New Zealand climbing steadily—up nearly 10% year-on-year in 2023—Kiwis are feeling the pinch at the checkout. But savvy shoppers can still trim their grocery bills without sacrificing quality. Here’s how to outsmart rising costs with smart strategies, local deals, and a dash of creativity.

1. Master Supermarket Savings

Compare Prices Religiously

• Budget-Friendly Chains: Pak’n’Save remains NZ’s cheapest supermarket, followed by Countdown and New World. Use their apps to browse weekly specials before shopping.

• Price Tracking Tools: Apps like Grocery Ninja or PriceMe let you compare prices across stores in real time.

Timing Is Everything

• Red Sticker Discounts: Hit stores early (8–9 AM) or late (6–7 PM) for markdowns on meat, bakery items, and produce nearing expiry.

• Midweek Sales: Many supermarkets launch new deals on Wednesdays.

Loyalty Programs

• Clubcard (New World): Earn points for discounts on fuel or groceries.

• Onecard (Countdown): Access member-only prices and personalized coupons.

2. Bulk Buying: What’s Worth It (and What’s Not)

Smart Bulk Purchases

• Pantry Staples: Rice, pasta, canned goods, and toilet paper from Costco (Auckland) or Bin Inn (nationwide).

• Freezables: Meat (portion into meal-sized packs), grated cheese, and bread.

Avoid These in Bulk

• Fresh produce (unless you’ll use it all), spices (lose potency), and items you don’t regularly eat.

Pool Resources
Split bulk buys with friends, family, or neighbors using apps like Splitwise to track costs.

3. Discount Apps & Cashback Hacks

Coupon Apps

• PriceMe: Track price drops and set alerts for your most-bought items.

• First Table: Book discounted meals at restaurants to reduce dining-out costs.

Cashback Rewards

• ShopBack: Earn up to 15% cashback at Countdown, Liquorland, and Hell Pizza.

• Rewards Credit Cards: Use cards like American Express Airpoints Platinum for supermarket rewards (e.g., 1 Airpoints Dollar per $100 spent).

Browser Extensions

• Honey or Pouch: Automatically apply promo codes for online grocery orders.

4. Meal Planning to Slash Waste

Weekly Meal Plans

• Base meals on discounted seasonal produce (e.g., zucchini in summer, pumpkin in winter).

• Use templates like SortedNZ’s Meal Planner to minimize ingredient overlap.

Repurpose Leftovers

• Turn roasted veggies into frittatas, stale bread into croutons, and meat scraps into soups.

Preserve Excess

• Freeze herbs in olive oil, pickle surplus veggies, or make jam from discounted fruit.

5. Shop Local & Seasonal

Farmers’ Markets

• Buy directly from growers at markets like Otara (Auckland) or Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. Prices are often 20–30% cheaper than supermarkets for in-season produce.

Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)

• Join a veggie box scheme (e.g., Ooooby or Farm Gate) for fresh, affordable produce delivered weekly.

Ethnic Stores

• Indian, Asian, or Middle Eastern shops offer cheaper spices, legumes, and grains (e.g., lentils at $4/kgvs.$8/kg at supermarkets).

6. Forage, Grow, or Swap

Home Gardening

• Grow herbs, lettuce, or tomatoes in pots or a small garden plot.

• Join a community garden (common in cities like Wellington) for shared space and tips.

Foraging

• Collect seasonal wild edibles like blackberries, watercress, or mushrooms (if you’re experienced!).

Food Swaps

• Trade excess homegrown produce or baked goods via local Facebook groups like NZ Food Swap.

7. Use Assistance Programs

Community Services Card

• Discounts on healthcare and some food services (e.g., Budget Advice courses).

Food Rescue Organizations

• Access low-cost or free groceries through Kaibosh (Wellington) or Fair Food (Auckland), which redistribute surplus food.

School Lunches

• If you have kids, take advantage of the Ka Ora, Ka Ako program providing free school meals.

8. Avoid Hidden Traps

Pre-Packaged Convenience

• Pre-cut veggies or grated cheese cost up to 50% more. Do it yourself!

• Skip single-serving snacks—buy larger packs and portion them.

Check Unit Pricing

• Compare cost per 100g (listed on shelf tags) to spot the best value, even for different brands.

Stick to a List

• Impulse buys add 10–20% to your bill. Use apps like Bring! to plan and share lists.

Final Tip: Embrace the “Ugly”

• Buy “imperfect” produce boxes from Wonky Box or Hungry Bin for up to 40% off retail prices. These items taste the same but are rejected for cosmetic reasons.

By combining tech tools, local resources, and mindful habits, Kiwis can keep their grocery spending in check—even as prices rise. Remember, small savings add up: cutting just $20/weekaddsupto\ast \ast$1,040 a year**! 🥝💰