The surprising supermarket item Aussies are buying as cost of living continues to bites
Corned beef is making a comeback in American households as Australian consumers look for new ways to stretch their weekly food budgets to combat the rising cost of living.
Sales of this surprising meat product have skyrocketed. IGA reported that annual sales of the protein have increased by 31 percent.
Corned beef, also known as corned silverside, has quickly become one of IGA’s most popular beef products. Ground beef, beef scotch fillet, rump steak and corned beef are the four best-selling products in the protein category.
IGA CEO Estella Young said the meat product, priced at around $8 a kilo, was “a great bargain” for Australians looking to “give their food budget that little bit extra”.
“We know there are many Australian families who are struggling and having to work very hard to make ends meet,” she told NewsWire.
‘If you’re getting a good amount of protein and making meals, recipes that are not only good for dinner but also for lunch the next day… you can really stretch your budget.
“Whichever way you look at it, it’s really value for money.”
But Ms Young noted that for Australians who grew up eating corned beef, the sense of nostalgia during the cold winter months could be one of the reasons consumers reach for the product.
Corned beef has experienced a dramatic increase in sales at IGA stores (pictured)
Annual sales of corned beef have increased by 31 percent at Aldi stores across Australia (stock)
But Ms Young noted that for Australians who grew up eating corned beef, the sense of nostalgia during the cold winter months could be one of the reasons consumers reach for the product.
“It’s been a really cold winter and people are loving recipes from their childhood, comfort food recipes that you remember your mom cooking for you,” she said.
Ms Young said IGA recently reduced the price of the now popular product from $12.50 as more consumers look for promotional offers at IGA.
She also noticed that in-store shoppers were making changes to other parts of their shopping carts, with many opting for frozen vegetables and store-brand products to save money.
“There has been quite a change in consumer buying behavior over the past six months,” she said.