The Crow

I really shouldn't be starting this thread, but I am honestly intrigued. There are so many posts mentioning the lack of choice in supermarkets, but I haven't found that to be the case. So, I'm wondering if I:

1) Have a short memory
2) Am a woman of simple pleasures
3) Or am well-serviced (oh er missus) in my locality

The only items I really can't seem to get are big and cheap pots of low fat fromage frais and creme fraiche. Oh, and I wouldn't mind a box of Shreddies.

This isn't meant to be argumentative at all - I'm just interested.
So, come on - tell me what you can't get or have little choice in.

esperanza

Nope, I'm with you. There were a few things that were hard to find at first, but I found them in the end in aisles that I wasn't expecting!
I buy all the same things here that I used to buy in the UK.
The only things I haven't found yet are digestif teabags, raisin wheats, shreddies... that's about it. But I don't care enough to find a 'British Shop' or anything, there are other teabags and cereals, I'm not losing sleep!

northernbird

I think it all depends on your repertoire of meals. I cook everything from scratch, never use a jar of anything or ready meal. I can get meat, veg and any herb or spice I need along with rice and pasta. I can honestly say I haven't struggled to buy anything.


PS - Wouldn't mind Muller Yogs being introduced here mind you

The Crow

Glad I'm not the only one
Just remembered another - at Christmas I could only get Sage & Onion stuffing mix (I wanted something like Cranberry & Port). Have to learn to make my own I guess.

yanH

I'm equally mystified by the alleged lack of choice here. OK there are only two main supermarkets chains (as opposed to 4 in the UK) but from what I can see in terms of food they have a similar level of variety to UK supermarkets. The main differences are an almost total absence of ready meals and not much in the way of non food items (like clothes, electrical goods etc).

In total contrast to the UK there is a huge choice of non supermarket locations to buy food . There are lots of Butchers, Green Grocers, Deli's and Bakeries. The variety and choice available from these is fantastic. In my opinion the quality and value is also superior.

I think that possibly why people complain about lack of choice is because they only consider doing food shopping in the Supermarket as that is virtually the only place you can buy food in the UK these days. The fact that there are Green Grocers, Bakers etc doesn't occur to them as they are so conditioned to the one stop Tesco style shopping.

The Crow

That's my main ingredients too - so perhaps that's it...

Muller Yogs - forgot about those!!

kiwi_child

I can't get cross&blackwell piccalilli ! And it really pisses me off bigtime as I used to be able to get it at woolies, coles etc no problem. Now they only have that god awful sweet mustard pickle shite or branston pickle which is ok now and then but not to my liking for a regular pickle.

Irish Aussie Teen

or those muller crunch corners

mmmmm

nickyjohnt

The longer you have been here you just seem to find alternatives. It used to bug me a bit trying to find Bisto gravy but not now !
The only thing i do miss is Tesco finest, like there fish pie or pasta dishes. for nights like tonight when my OH is working until about 9.30 & my daughter is in her school production until 8.30 ! Would be lovely just to microwave something quick & easy.

Oh and a the fresh stuffing that Tescos used to do at Christmas !
Nicky

kiwi_child

Not in my case. It's getting to the stage I'm thinking of searching the net for a decent tarty recipe for pickle with BITE!

C&R

Where do you prefer shopping, coles or woolworths/safeway? There is both round where I will be living so I'm spoilt. I'm a bit of a health nut, and make everything from scratch, which is best for your fruit and veg, brown rice etc?

esperanza

Me too! Maybe we've solved it. Plus we get basics/essentials from the supermarket, then nice meats/groceries/bread from the specialist stores, which tend to be either cheaper for the same things or same price but better quality.

I never used to buy ready meals anyway, they're a ripoff and the ingredients worry me - totally hypocritical though as I buy takeaway!! Then I save the containers and put leftovers in them and use them a few days later like ready meals. My laziness is forcing me in to uncharacteristic efficiency in the kitchen!

nickyjohnt

I personally prefer Coles for choice and everyday shopping, but the meat in my opinion is better from Woolies. As for fruit & veg the markets are the way to go. Sometimes the veg can look a bit ropey in the supermarkets ! Would also add that IGA are pretty good.
The best supermarket i have been to so far is Supavalue. But i only know of one which is in Ocean Reef in Perth ! Its always well stocked & lovely and fresh .

Good luck C&R with your move next week, really admire you for doing it on your own.

Nicky

kiwi_child

I find Coles cheaper than Woolies BUT Woolies often reduce the price of stuff near it's use by date. Supa IGA here in Perth is great for choice as far as OZ supermarkets go, and sell FRESH LOCAL FISH that they will fillet for you free of charge. Seafood at the other two can be very average to shocking! Also Supa IGA always seem to have NZ greenlipped mussels, which are big and fat compared to the local ones.

penky

What, australia doesnt have muller yoghurts!!

I live on muller lights! Im not coming anymore (joking)