Have you changed your eating preferences due to the surging prices of food and drink products in Japan?

I've stopped buying a number of items and only buy meat/fish when it's marked down. It's bare essentials now. We can't afford anything else.

I've really cut down on convenience store coffee. I like it, but I can't financially justify it anymore, and I drink nescafe at my desk instead, I've also made an effort to eat at the canteen at work, which I hate because it is typically very busy. I used to buy bentos from the supermarket, but the days of a substantial meal within my budget are gone.

For the record, I've lost about 5 kg.

butter prices make your eyes bleed

Its global, but the biggest one is olive oil. We used to buy those 2x2.7kg packs at Costco. Some shops don't even have them any more, but it looks like the price is about 11,000 yen. A quick look online suggests it used to be 4100 in 2018.

https://kosodate.mynavi.jp/articles/5435

Since it appears to be the least worst affordable one, we use canola oil instead.

We used only Olive oil for everything but with the price increases, we only use it for salad dressing and use rice oil for frying.

We cut out several non-essential items. We reduced our monthly food bill by 20%. Buying 30 kg of brown rice for ¥8500 is a big help.

I refuse to pay ¥500 for a cabbage. You can buy a pack of six exceedingly good cakes for that price.

Nope, I actually find myself eating more junk food because it’s easier and cheaper to eat than buying food that’s supposedly good for you.

If fact, for some reason, when I first got back, I had even lost 3/4 Kg, still trying to figure that one out

Stoppee all drink, less fish, less meat, less rice, less restaurant especially with fees for school insane uniform prices! All planned travels hold...

I refuse to pay ¥500 for a cabbage. You can buy a pack of six exceedingly good cakes for that price.

Cabbage Vs cakes. That's a strange comparison. No one in their right mind would pay 500 for a cabbage, agreed. But shop around and you can find good deals. Get to know when local supermarkets put discounted products on their "wagons" and you'll find something healthy to eat at somewhat reasonable prices.

I still don't accept this "junk food is cheaper than real food" argument. It's not. Just make a bit of an effort, and whip up a stir fry with discounted vegetables. It's cheaper for sure. Frequent a number of local supermarkets by bicycle, not just the closest one (if you live in a country town that may be difficult, but I assume most posters live in large cities).

Most of the food I eat, apart from meat, comes from the in laws. So, no change here!

People in rich countries are always whining about hard times. Try living off about the equivalent of 100 yen a day like over a billion people worldwide. We all have plenty of money and don't really know what the term "high prices" mean.

Cut on the food costs, or cut out the broadband costs, or turn the lights off whilst using the smartphone, or take the bus for the market trip??? is Enjoyment of healthy food the most essential, Each to their own priorities.

Fish, veg, fruits for and exercise shoes for me (but I have cut out the Nespresso, that cost rise!! crossed arms)

Well, if you think the prices of food and cost of living are bad here, visit some overseas countries.

My family can eat out where ever, for roughly a quarter of the price it costs to do that in my home country. Like, 4 bowls of Ramen here, 25% of the cost. 4 serves of sushi to fill us up, 25% of the cost.

Japan food prices are cheap in comparison.

Japan noted as a retirement destination along with Thailand in many "influencer " type podcasts .

Housing costs much lower, interest rates lower as well, than most EU or other western countries.

Fish is cheap here, so is pork and chicken, steak always was a bit expensive.

I cant complain about prices....too many other things to complain about...lol

Mr KiplingMar. 17  02:36 pm JST

I refuse to pay ¥500 for a cabbage. You can buy a pack of six exceedingly good cakes for that price.

OK. But how many cakes (carbohydrates) do you think you'd need to eat to match the nutritional contents of a cabbage? Are you by chance fat?

Yes I eat more ikura. I think the price might have risen but I real enjoy Ikura. I have it on everything these days even with my morning natto.

All things considered... the rise in the cost of living in Japan pales in comparison to the vast majority of other countries and economies. With my wife's and my average salaries, our family has felt minimal impacts on our daily lifestyle routines. But we understand that things could change...

S

No, I just pay whatever it is I have to pay, no big deal.

WA4TKGMar. 17  05:25 pm JST

Nope, I actually find myself eating more junk food because it’s easier and cheaper to eat than buying food that’s supposedly good for you.

If fact, for some reason, when I first got back, I had even lost 3/4 Kg, still trying to figure that one out

Are you seriously questioning whether or not fruits, vegetables and legumes are better for you than junk food? Cooking fresh food means you can control the amount of salt and sugar that goes into it, not to mention the lack of preservatives and additives. Junk food might be more convenient in the short term but it has little nutrional value, won't keep you full as long as nutrient dense food and is far more likely to cause adverse health effects such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, which will definitely cost you more in the long run. Something like a bean based chili with plenty of veggies and served over brown rice can last you days and come to slightly more than a fast food meal. It can also be frozen in batches if you can't eat it all. The key is to buy ingredients that can be used for different dishes, consume more beans and legumes, use more spices and less salt and to cook things that can easily be frozen for later consumption. Less waste means you save money and time, both long and short term.

If you're experiencing unexplained weight loss, you may want to get a check-up as that can be a sign of something serious such as diabetes or cancer.

Wallace: it is non polished Japonica short gain rice. There is on such a thing as brown rice. . Olive oil is over rated and olive oil and non polished rice have very little benefit on your diet. except the cost of polishing the rice and that saving goes toward the imported expensive over rated olive oil you must have. Try soy and sesame oil for salad dressing it tastes way better and way cheaper.

John-SanToday  03:16 pm JST

Wallace: it is non polished Japonica short gain rice. There is on such a thing as brown rice. Olive oil is over rated and olive oil and non polished rice have very little benefit on your diet. except the cost of polishing the rice and that saving goes toward the imported expensive over rated olive oil you must have. Try soy and sesame oil for salad dressing it tastes way better and way cheaper.

Well, there is brown rice because that's what it's commonly called. It's a whole grain, consisting of three parts: a fibrous outer layer (called the germ), a middle layer (the bran) and a starchy center (the endosperm). As opposed to white rice, brown rice is minimally processed, so it's still a whole grain containing all of its original fiber, vitamins and minerals and affects your blood sugar differently than white rice.

Olive oil has risen in price, but it tastes nothing like sesame oil and they have different smoke points. Whether or not it's overrated is basically a personal preference. They both have their benefits and suit different dishes. Studies have shown that diets high in soybean oil are more connected to poor metabolic health than diets high in fructose or coconut oil. You may think you've avoiding it if you don't cook with it but it's commonly used in processed food and restaurants due to it's lower cost.

Nope--having Type-2 diabetes has its advantages: no rice, bread, pasta, or junk food. Yeah, some vegetables are a little more expensive, but other options like chicken, pork, and tofu remain affordable.

Concentrate on seasonal offerings.