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Health For Mzansi

High prices: This is how you can save on food

Every time you visit a supermarket, there's one certainty ... that prices have gone up since your last pop in and this gloomy scenario is only going to get worse as food inflation skyrockets to new highs in 2023

by Janine van Rooyen
1st March 2023
in Grow It
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
Opinion: How the Rand flails our food baskets

Financial results from several food companies indicate that fuel expenses to run generators during load shedding are skyrocketing. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

The South African Rand has been relatively volatile, leaving already cash-strapped consumers left to contend with buying the absolute minimum when it comes to food baskets at supermarkets or grocery stores.

Food inflation continues to accelerate, with the annual rate climbing to 13.4% in January 2023, the highest reading since April 2009 when the rate was at 13.6%. Most South Africans are being forced to become cost-conscious and not only give up on luxuries but cut back on their necessities to stay head above water. 

Opinion: How the Rand flails our food baskets
For consumers, these economic struggles have been felt directly in their pockets, with higher prices due to much higher inflation, rising interest rates, and less disposable income to pay for the rising cost of living. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Due to the tough economic conditions in the country, consumers have shifted their behaviours to an always-on saving mode to better adapt to the new economic realities.

Consumers are pivoting to fixed weekly and monthly budgets while constantly reassessing and rationalising all areas of the contrary, people are also actively searching for bargains and promotions when doing their shopping.

Mzansi sticking to their budgets

While people have become cost-conscious due to their plummeting grocery shopping budgets and variety of meal choices, this, unfortunately, does not translate to healthier food choices. South Africans are opting for budget-friendly “tummy fillers” such as maize, wheat and rice which allows them to stretch their pockets.  Such eating habits offer sufficient calories, however, they don’t provide enough vitamins and minerals. 

It is vital that we adapt our diets, and eating habits and make diversified food choices to nutrient-rich ingredients that are beneficial to our well-being and have a lower impact on our planet. We need to choose ingredients such as sprouts, beans and pulses, cereals and grains, vegetables and fruits, and leafy greens. South African consumers are under the false assumption that adapting to better eating habits is expensive and tasteless.

On average, a 1kg bag of orange sweet potato retails from R24.99, a 300g bag of spinach retails from R24;29, and a 500g packet of lentils retails from R22.99. Combined, these ingredients would cost you less than R100 from your food baskets, and provide a balanced plate full of nutrients.

Opinion: How the Rand flails our food baskets
Since South Africa is a net importer of goods, a weaker currency does not bode well for product prices. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Dealing with food waste

While adapting to these intense food basket restraints which are daunting to our economy, South Africans are being hit hard by load shedding which is forcing them to deal with food wastage directly in their homes.

South Africans are feeling the frustration of buying ingredients only to find them wilted away at the back of the fridge.

A game-changing hack to avoid food wastage in our homes would be to plan your meals for the week around the ingredients you have in your cupboards and fridges with low life spans. For instance, some recipes call for half an onion, a carrot and even a handful of mushrooms. By planning the next day’s meals around these “half-used” ingredients, South Africans will be utilising these nutrient-rich foods before they spoil and avoid having to throw them out. 

Opinion: How the Rand flails our food baskets
The South African currency plummeted 0.4% to R17.61 against the US dollar around lunchtime, its lowest since mid-December, 2022 as a tangible solution to the energy crisis was still not in sight. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

DIY veg and fruit gardens

Another way consumers can cut down on their restrained baskets and try to fill up their fridges is by growing their own fruits and veggies at home.

This will not only save money but will allow the enjoyment of fresh produce at home that is good for well-being and sustainably grown to better the health of the planet. 

Despite our unprecedented food challenges, globally and locally, there are encouraging methods that can assist our nation to develop sustainable coping methods to deal with the current tough economic times.

Food businesses have a huge responsibility to educate the masses about eating better with a balanced plate.

ALSO READ: Rising food prices: Turn frugal into fruitful on a budget

Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.

Janine van Rooyen

Janine van Rooyen

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers