Do you often go to the supermarket for apples and organic kale but come out with four packs of Tim Tams and a dozen cans of Coke? Well, according to a new study you’re not alone.
And it’s not a case of will-power, rather it appears we can’t pass-up a discounted chocolate bar or soft drink.
Check out who won best customer satisfaction rating for Aussie supermarkets here.
The study, by healthy lifestyle site LiveLighter and called Shape of Australia, looked at the shopping intentions of 2000 Australians aged 25-49. It found that most people go to the shops with healthy intentions – two in three (65 per cent) of Australians usually pre-plan their meals, while half (51 per cent) often compare products to see which is healthier.
However, three in five (60 per cent) agreed they were likely to buy junk food or sugary drinks that were heavily promoted or discounted.
According to the study the most popular items for Aussies to buy when on sale were:
- Confectionary and chocolate (67 per cent)
- Potato chips and savoury biscuits (66 per cent)
- Sugary drinks including soft drinks, cordial and energy drinks (65 per cent)
The survey also found that people who visited the supermarket every day or several times a week were significantly more likely to buy unhealthy food and drinks that are on sale or promotion than those who went once a week (67% vs 54%).
Commenting on the study, LiveLighter’s Bernadette Cording said: “Steer clear of cheap promotions on junk food and drinks by sticking to the outer aisles of the supermarket where there is a plenty of fresh healthy food like fruit and vegetables,” Cording said.
“Also consider shopping at local markets, greengrocers or butchers where you are less likely to find sales and promotions on processed, high kilojoule food and drinks.”
