Just Got Back from The US... Comparison of Food Prices...

MrZ on 25/04/2011 - 21:03
Last edited 25/04/2011 - 21:16

Well, I could probably go on forever on this topic. Things that surprised me were the fact that the 2 for the price of 1 deals are still going. Why we don't have these in Australia is beyond me.

I find it hilarious that walking into a 7-11 here, I see Gatorade 600 mL bottles for $4.50. In the USA if you buy a 6-pack, they are 99c each. Oh, and they come in 4 different sizes (600 mL right up to a gallon - 3.78L), compared to our 1.

Another thing I noticed is that while you can go into a supermarket here and buy a single can of tuna, for example, in the USA most things are sold bundled. You have to buy a 3-can bundle over there - no single cans sold at all. If you want a can of Coke, you need to buy a 6-pack.

Restaurants are so much cheaper too. Here in Aus your typical main course at a decent restaurant might set you back $30-$35. In the US, it's about $15-$18 (however you have state tax on top of this, plus a 15-20% tip). The consolotion is that the meals are significantly larger, so you can take food home and have a 2nd meal later.

Other observations:

-Liquor is sold in the supermarket itself, rather than a separate but attached store. This has always been the case, but people here in Aus. seem to accept having to buy it separately, for some reason.
-When you pay with a credit card at checkout, you don't sign a little piece of paper like you do here. You sign a digital pad. We are really behind here. Seriously what decade are we living in where you still sign paper? lol.
-Sizes are larger (duh). I found it odd that you can't get Kraft peanut butter there. It's all Skippy, and it comes in jars as large as 1.3kg!!

I really miss the food there. Corn Chex and Cheerios are better than any cereal here. They have 45% daily iron content, while most cereals here seem to be 25% at most. Nabisco teddy grahams are better than Arnott's tiny teddies, and red fruit punch Gatorade is better than the "tropical" flavour here. Even Sprite and Fanta taste better there - they don't seem as heavily carbonated and not as sickly sweet (cane sugar taste) as they are here.

The Nutrition Facts on US food products is also superior to the labelling here. Over there, the information lists vitamin and mineral content (if any) for all food, while here, only cereals do this. For example, teddy grahams in the US have 10% daily iron content, while I have no idea what the content is here because it's not listed.

General Discussion

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 25/04/2011 - 21:08
    +5

    You still sign for CC payments? Don't you have a PIN? :P

  • issh on 25/04/2011 - 21:15

    You may be interested in This as well

    You sign a digital pad. We are really behind here.

    i've seen them around esp @ fine dining restaurants

    4 different sizes (600 mL right up to a gallon - 3.78L)

    supersize me ;)

    Another thing I noticed is that while you can go into a supermarket here and buy a single can of tuna, for example, in the USA most things are sold bundled. You have to buy a 3-can bundle over there - no single cans sold at all. If you want a can of Coke, you need to buy a 6-pack.

    some stores in AUS do have it but it is cheaper to buy in bulk

    The Nutrition Facts on US food products is also superior to the labelling here. Over there, the information lists vitamin and mineral content (if any) for all food, while here, only cereals do this. For example, teddy grahams in the US have 10% daily iron content, while I have no idea what the content is here because it's not listed.

    +1 Australia should have those kinds of labels

    • MrZ on 26/04/2011 - 00:18

      Yup. I was living in the US when they introduced "Nutrition Facts" - it was around 1992-93. Before then, their labels were fairly similar to the ones we have here - i.e. manufacturers pretty much pick and choose what they want to display, no real consistency or clarity.

  • tonyjzx on 25/04/2011 - 22:02
    +2

    newsflash

    australia is one of the most expensive places to live in the world

    film at 11!

    • issh on 25/04/2011 - 22:12

      From CNBC

      1: Luanda, Angola
      Monthly Rent, Luxury 2BR: $7,000
      Cup of Coffee: $3.80
      One Liter Gasoline: $0.55
      Daily International Newspaper: $4.93
      Fast Food Meal: $17.50
      2: Tokyo, Japan
      3: Ndjamena, Chad
      4: Moscow, Russia
      5: geneva, Switzerland
      6: Osaka, Japan
      7: Libreville, Gabon
      8(Tied): Zurich, Switzerland
      8 (Tied): Hong Kong
      10: Copenhagen, Denmark

      • retiredfeline on 26/04/2011 - 00:35

        You must remember though that the measurements are US centric. The residents of HK are not rich expats reading the IHT, driving around in SUVs, or eating hamburgers. They read their own media, use the efficient MRT, and eat IMO tastier local meals like congee and wonton noodles. Now I feel hungry again, d*** you for reminding me. :)

        • MrZ on 26/04/2011 - 01:19
          +1

          You see more SUVs here in Australia than you do over in the US. In the US they have become old hat already and aren't the status symbol they once were. The fact that the CR-V is now the #1 selling SUV in the US goes to show you just how much they have fallen out of favour there. Pickup trucks remain popular though, as the F-series is the best selling vehicle in the country followed closely by the Chevy. There are no SUVs on the top 10 list there, though. In the parking lot of the hotel I was staying at, it was probably 80% sedans (mostly large V6 or luxury varieties), maybe 10% SUV, and the remainder was minivan (Chrysler/Dodge mostly), with the odd pickup here and there, and a Chev Camaro or two. Small hatchbacks almost completely non-existant - I saw ONE Honda Jazz in my time there. Most of the cars brand-new or less than 3 years old (leasing is very big there, so nobody keeps cars longer). Older cars driven almost exclusively by the "workers" (i.e. black/hispanics who work for the rich folks), and by older I mean maybe 5-10 years old, not the 20 year old stuff you see in Aus. My relatives had a black maid who came by most days of the week, and I found it hilarious that she drove a huge V8 Toyota Tundra pickup truck (apparently shared with her husband). There is just no way in a million years you'd ever see that in Australia.

        • retiredfeline on 26/04/2011 - 01:29

          The point is that just because a city is ranked expensive on that list doesn't mean it has to be as expensive if you forgo the supposedly essentials, e.g. "gasoline" (in litres, how did that happen on CNBC?). What do you want to drive around in HK for anyway?

        • MrZ on 26/04/2011 - 01:32

          Greenpossum the rich will always want/need possessions and that includes cars. Anyway, sitting in a crowded bus with your date on a Friday night is not very romantic, is it?

        • retiredfeline on 26/04/2011 - 01:40
          +1

          Romance will find a way, mate. You don't need to sit in a car for that. That list is flawed if it's based on that small selection of things. Surely you cannot argue based on that list that Libreville is slightly better value than Geneva. I know where I'd rather go if you gave me the money.

          Making top 10 lists is a very USAn thing to do by the way, very reductionist thinking. I'm sad that the local press have taken to doing that too.

        • MrZ on 26/04/2011 - 01:45

          Mate I didn't make that post with the list.

        • retiredfeline on 26/04/2011 - 01:53

          I know, but you chose to take the bait. :P

        • StewBalls on 26/04/2011 - 04:36

          …the rich will always want/need possessions and that includes cars.

          I know a few 'rich' (from my perspective, anyway) folks, not all of them are materialistic; they are often career driven, environmentally focused or even somewhat altruistic…if they want transport they frequently use a cab, hire car or if they really want to impress, a limo! ;)

          Anyway, sitting in a crowded bus with your date on a Friday night is not very romantic, is it?

          I pity the person who truly believes the car makes a difference in a relationship; and I mourn the self-esteem of those for whom it really does! Some of the best dates of my life have involved public transport of one kind or another! It shouldn't be the car that makes the impression, it should be the man! :)

        • StewBalls on 26/04/2011 - 05:04
          +2

          My relatives had a black maid who came by most days of the week, and I found it hilarious that she drove a huge V8 Toyota Tundra pickup truck (apparently shared with her husband). There is just no way in a million years you'd ever see that in Australia.

          I'd heartily recommend explaining exactly what you're saying with that one a bit more clearly bro; coz as it stands right there, for those of us without implicit knowledge of US society & culture, it kinda comes across as pretty racist?

        • MrZ on 26/04/2011 - 12:10

          Nope not being racist, just saying that she's not well off, and yet drives a fairly decent big V8 truck. It seems really odd coming from Australia and seeing that. And she's also able to buy cars for her kids (she has 5 of them).

  • leonheart1 on 25/04/2011 - 22:16
    +1

    Thanks for the information! I knew there had to be a reason why there are so many overweight Americans!

    • MishyMoo on 26/04/2011 - 01:10
      +1

      I have often thought this - I have seen Australia's shopping trends go the same way as the US, and the one I dislike the most is the bulk buy thing - and I agree with you about this - I do think that has a lot to do with being overweight..especially as much of the bulk buy stuff is junk and weight-increasing stuff. Every time I see this (and it's sooooo tempting) 'have to buy a lot of stuff to get the cheap rate' thing, I think about how the US sells to its citizens and how we are now doing the same thing here - the bulk warehouse thing will be next - where we buy a trolley-load of toilet paper from a bulk warehouse so we can save on that, and a carton of tuna tins…etc etc

    • gteduktd on 26/04/2011 - 12:18

      Um, I hate to open your eyes to this, there are an equal number of Australians that are equally if not larger than most Americans!

  • Natt on 25/04/2011 - 22:18

    mrz where were you shopping?

    sure if you go into the walmart/costco you will see all that you describe - but the normal supermarkets are not teribly different

    except for their store club cards that are a must have

    the liquor situation changes from state to state - in many states I went to it was a separate area in the same store, some were combined

    and others like in utah - were state owned and miles apart - sigh

    the sign pads have been in australia for years too ;P

    although I must admit Dennys puppies have no equal in Australia, give me our groceries any day!

    • retiredfeline on 26/04/2011 - 00:39

      Oh my, are they into eating dogs too? ;)

  • andy19363 on 25/04/2011 - 22:25
    +2

    signing digital pads!!
    Big peanut butter!!
    alcohol in supermarkets!! (for 21 yr olds and over)

    It's like a dream world…..

    • gteduktd on 26/04/2011 - 12:38

      You can also pick up your prescriptions (if you have any to be filled) at the IN store pharmacy as well. You can drop off film for film development (I know - old school). Oh, and most prescriptions are electronically transmitted by the doctor's office to the pharmacy. They will be auto-filled when you are due for a refill if you so choose this option. No need to carry those yellow and white slips into the store every time you need something. In fact, even if you choose to not auto fill, the prescriptions have a unique code on them that allows you to call in the prescription using the phone's key pad. At which time, the system verifies the name, address, telephone number and what the prescription is and the strength. If for some reason this is not thorough enough for one to feel confident in the process, you can call and speak with the pharmacist and give them the code on the prescription and they will take it from there. As I said, no need for the yellow and white papers and keeping track of them. Talk about more dreams coming true!

      Don't even get me started on landlines, mobile phones, cable tv, satellite tv, and internet access pricing and packaging. Talk about getting ripped off. I can here it now "it's a supply and demand thing"….

      • MrZ on 26/04/2011 - 12:42
        +1

        But one thing I hate about the US is how you are charged for RECEIVING a call or SMS on your mobile. Talk about ridiculous. And having to use area codes on your mobile, depending on where you are located. Oh, and guess what - American Airlines now offers Wi-Fi on certain flights. C'mon Qantas - get with the times! On AA 777 domestic flights, you even get personal VOD screens, laptop power (in economy!) and business/first class get lie flat beds. Qantas don't offer any of these things on domestic.

  • andy19363 on 25/04/2011 - 22:27

    although I must admit Dennys puppies have no equal in Australia

    she sounds a lovely girl…. I think I once went out with her mother

  • stumo on 25/04/2011 - 22:29
    +4

    The consolotion is that the meals are significantly larger

    I found the food there looks really good, big portions etc. but the taste just wasn't there it was really bland. The food just didn't taste like it looked like it should.

    Liquor is sold in the supermarket itself, rather than a separate but attached store.

    When I first moved here I accidentally stole a slab of beer from the supermarket. It was just so weird having a separate shop that opened out into the supermarket etc. So I just walked into the supermarket with it in my trolley and put it on the counter at the checkout with the rest of my groceries, but the chick just told me to put it back in the trolley, I didn't really understand what happened until later.

    • voteoften on 26/04/2011 - 01:35

      "I found the food there looks really good, big portions etc. but the taste just wasn't there it was really bland. The food just didn't taste like it looked like it should."

      Funny you should say that, every Yank I have known is severely disappointed by the majority of Aussie cakes. Mud cake being the exception. This business with "sponge" cake and unflavoured cream is considered bizarre and tasteless. Whenever I know a yank is coming to visit anywhere in Oz, I warn them off the cakes.

  • sparkles on 25/04/2011 - 23:15

    Hehe - I lament the loss of the food I used to get when I lived in the UK. Things I miss most are:

    M&S Fresh Ready Meals (anything M&S really, LOVE! Please come to Australia!)
    Boots Lunch Deals (plus the free ones you get after buying a certain number)
    All the pre-made Indian food (that actually tastes awesome!)
    Minstrels chocolate (huge versions of M&M's that are yummier)
    Dirt cheap Evian, French Rose wine, Moet
    Fruit stall outside my Tube station (1 pound punnets raspberries, blueberries)
    Massice organic food selection that doesn't cost five times the price of normal stuff

    You could eat in the UK for next to nothing should you shop home-brand - packs of crumpets 19p, loaf of bread 20p, milk pint 35p, some fresh fruit and vegies 25% of the price here. Punnets of cherry tomatoes were 50p - a good snack. Vegemite, get this! was cheaper in Sainburys than it is here.

    Overall, restaurants here are better though.

    • MrZ on 26/04/2011 - 00:04

      Speaking of berries, even strawberries were 2 for the price of 1 at the supermarket. For about $5, you got a huge punnet of berries (well, two actually), much larger than the little packs you get at Coles or Safeway (probably 50-60% larger). The quality of the berries seemed better too, and they were a fair bit bigger. They were actually so big that I only bought 1 pack, because I couldn't finish 2 in the time I had left there! Aus = $5 per pack at supermarket (typical), US = $2.50 @ 2 for 1 deal, and much bigger pack. :(

    • kimmik on 26/04/2011 - 09:16

      are you sure…. you must've been outside of london centre, and really like your cold foods lol.

      i had M&S foods morning and evening for 3 weeks at which point i refused to walk anywhere near one let along put a sandwich in my mouth. if we had a sandwich grill it might have been different - or if MS had a hot selection!

      • sparkles on 26/04/2011 - 18:30

        No, lived pretty central to London zone 2. LOL, for hot stuff I use this contraption called a microwave! M&S and Waitrose have the best microwave meals.

  • alebox on 26/04/2011 - 01:58

    but we do have 2 for the price of 1. but here in aus, its marketed as 'buy 1 get 1 free' :P

    also, we do sell cheerios :D

    • issh on 26/04/2011 - 09:21

      Same as 50% off ;)

    • gteduktd on 26/04/2011 - 12:43

      we do sell cheerios

      Yes, you can purchase Uncle Tom's Cheerios. No where near the same! In fact, there are many different types of cheerios: plain, honey nut, frosted, multi-grain, berry, etc…. additionally, they come in different sized packages as well.

      • MrZ on 26/04/2011 - 12:44

        Yup, different company. US Cheerios are made by cereal giant General Mills, which doesn't exist here in Australia. :(

  • stunspore on 26/04/2011 - 08:22
    +8

    I wouldn't want to pay cheaper prices at the cost of lower wages though. It's sad these poor people in the U.S.A. have to live off tips with the tax system there assuming that they get tips and tax automatically!.

    • saine on 26/04/2011 - 14:58
      +2

      Exactly what I was going to say. That's part of the reason why restaurant prices are higher here.

  • Cheeper on 26/04/2011 - 22:45
    +1

    For a complete change of pace check out the cost of electricity and gas over there … cough cough, takes the edge off the grocery specials. Starting to happen here now as well :-(
    I agree with other poster about food over there being tasteless…. pork chops and chicken especially …
    Wages for workers in places like grocery stores and restaurants is very low over there.
    When a country has 10 times the population of ours commodities do come a little cheaper sometimes.
    I still prefer here, but the way it is going I don't think it will be for long.. :-(
    BTW… we do have advanced CC system… recently introduced system where you just wave your CC at a magical box and keep going… No signature on anything needed.

  • gteduktd on 29/04/2011 - 02:53

    BTW… we do have advanced CC system… recently introduced system where you just wave your CC at a magical box and keep going… No signature on anything needed.

    When it works and from my experience not that often if at all. In fact, now that I think about it, I have not had luck with any of the tap and go machines.

    For a complete change of pace check out the cost of electricity and gas over there … cough cough, takes the edge off the grocery specials.

    I am confused about the comment on electricity and Gas. As of this past Easter weekend, on the east coast of the US, they were paying what works out to being $1.03 a liter. Gas here in Brisbane was 1.48 a liter. Electricity for what we expend here was $325.00 quarterly, here it is $527. I really do not follow where you are going with your comment. Maybe I am having a blond moment and misunderstanding your post. If this is the case, forgive me. It's late and has been a long and rough couple of weeks. Sorry.

  • gteduktd on 29/04/2011 - 02:59

    I miss being able to pay at the pump, gas up, and leave without having to wait in line for a second time. I mean being able to pay with any credit or debit card you own. Not having to use the ones tied to the station or chain. In fact, now that I think about it, I do not remember a time when I had to wait in line for a pump either. Huh, amazing what being able to pay at the pump with any card can do for you time wise.

    • A Banana4scale on 29/04/2011 - 03:36

      I miss those free popcorn machines at the pumps where you could literally fill up a bucketload of buttery popcorn!

      • gteduktd on 29/04/2011 - 09:12

        What about being able to watch the news on the screen on the pump as you fill? Miss that to. ;) You had popcorn? Man, we were jipped. he-he

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