A sudden price jump at major supermarkets has sparked outrage among consumers, with many taking to social media to express their frustration over rising grocery costs. Some shoppers claim they’re now paying more for a product that was once considered an affordable staple.
‘The prices are ridiculous,’ said one frustrated shopper.
In the aisles of Coles and Woolworths, Australian shoppers are expressing their dismay as they witness a significant price jump on a household staple—the 30-pack Coca-Cola. The beloved fizzy drink, a fixture in many homes for celebrations and everyday enjoyment has seen its price tag soar to a staggering $50.
The price of this bulk-buy pack, which has historically fluctuated between $47.20 and $28.30 depending on promotional deals, has recently seen its range shift to between $50 and $30. This increase, while seemingly small at $1.70 to $2.80, has left a sour taste in the mouths of consumers who are accustomed to snagging their soda at more reasonable rates.
The price hike comes on the heels of a ‘supplier cost request’ from Coca-Cola, prompting the supermarkets to adjust their retail prices accordingly. This request was due to a ‘combination of supply chain cost pressures’ and ‘consistently rising material and commodity prices,’ per Coca-Cola’s statement to Yahoo Finance.
The frustration among shoppers is palpable, with many taking to social media to vent their grievances.
‘Surely this is some sort of sick joke. $50 for a 30-pack of cans of Coke … That’s crazy. That’s the highest ever seen it at Woolworths. It’s disgusting,’ expressed one person.
Meanwhile, one shopper pointed out that it’s almost ‘cheaper to buy a slab of beers’ than a pack of fizzy drinks, highlighting the reality of the situation.
But the price woes don’t stop there. The 24-pack of Coca-Cola, across its original, diet, and zero sugar varieties, has also experienced a price rise at the start of the year, jumping from $38.50 to $41.25, with the special price increasing from $23.10 to $24.75.
To add historical context, a social media account showcasing supermarket prices from the 2000s reveals that a 24-pack of fizzy drink once cost just $8.99 at Coles. Adjusted for inflation, that price would be around $17.44 today—a far cry from the current rates.
@ausnostalgia2000s Milo was so cheap then😍 #aussietiktok #2000s #colessupermarket #commericial #coles #straya ♬ down by the river – nick_8o5
For savvy shoppers, timing is everything. Both Coles and Woolworths have predictable periods when Coca-Cola 30-packs are on special. At Coles, the price has been known to change every seven days, oscillating between $28.30 and $47.20. Woolworths’ pricing patterns, on the other hand, are less predictable, but keen observers can still spot opportunities to save.
Meanwhile, looming on the horizon is the potential impact of international trade decisions. The US President’s recent announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum imports has sent ripples across the globe, raising concerns about the future cost of goods reliant on these materials—including fizzy drink cans.
Coca-Cola’s CFO, John Murphy, has downplayed the impact of higher aluminum prices, stating they are ‘manageable’ within the context of the company’s vast supply chain. He assures that Coca-Cola has ‘a lot of levers’ to pull in response to tariffs and does not anticipate price hikes at this stage.
‘We don’t anticipate [higher prices] at the moment,’ he said, adding that their team ‘will see how things play out in the course of the year, and we will adapt accordingly.’
He further explained, ‘Over the last few years… we’ve seen many, many surprises along the way… we’ve learned how to adapt and we expect to continue to do so into 2025.’
We invite you, our readers, to share your thoughts and experiences with recent price hikes. Have you noticed an increase in the cost of your grocery staples? How are you adapting your shopping habits in response? Join the conversation below and share with the YourLifeChoices community how you’re coping with the rising cost of living.
Also read: Food inflation and the government’s action: The impact on your cart
That is a relatively small rise compared to many others. Blocks of many chocolates have risen from $4 to $7 each over the past year. Cat and dog food has risen by about 40% over the past 12 months. Don’t even let us look at the price of eggs etc. And this is just to name a few.
And in late March we will get an indexation rise to our pensions of about 3% because that is what our governments say is fair. ROFL.
These people should switch to Pepsi. It costs less and tastes better anyway.
Amen to that. Additionally, Pepsi didn’t round up a slew of its employees to hand over for deportation.
Another price rise coming! Caused by that B…..d TRUMP??????????????. That is a blg company lie. Australia produces millions of tones of aluminium, why the hell would coke buy cans from AmerciTrupland.
Can we get over this fear of the US Tariffs. The proposed Tariffs are only for products going into the USA. They would not be having any effects on products coming from the US into Australia. All of the drinks and foods containers of foods processed in Australia should be using Australian metals and locally rolled or stamped.
Or using metals made from Australian ores but refined in China making them cheaper than the Australian made metals.
Any products from the US made with metals that had an import Tariff applied upon entry into the US will be eligible for a rebate of that Tariff as it leaves the US.