A Trip to the Grocery Store

Australian super markets aren’t terribly different than those in the U.S., but I thought you might be interested in a few of the notable differences. First of all, in Alice Springs you might run in to a crazed American wondering the aisle with her camera. I may have embarrassed my husband on this little expedition. He usually walks with me as I push the cart through the store. For some unexplained reason, he kept looking at the list and running off to some other part of the store to find the next item. I can’t image why an introverted spy guy computer geek would be bothered by his spouse causing a spectacle in the grocery store.

One of the first things you must learn while shopping in Australia is that carts are on the golf course and trolleys are used for shopping. Certain segments of the population don’t own cars and push trolleys full of groceries all the way home, then leave it on the curb. It’s a common to see trolleys sitting around town. One super market offers a reward for returned trolleys. The life of shopping trolleys in Alice isn’t an easy one and they often show their neglect with pour steering, wobbly wheels and general grunginess.

Once inside the store, a note worthy difference is that grocery stores indicate via a sign if meat and produce items are of Australian origin. No mandatory on pack labels, just a simple sign along with the price. Maybe the U.S. could take note and avoid one more set of cumbersome government regulations? (Yes that was me on the soap box) As you cruise the meat department, you’ll see are handy BBQ packs with sausages, burgers and steaks, all in one package ready to go. It’s very convenient for the summer season. There are challenges beyond pushing a beat-up trolley and two of the biggest ones are in the meat department. First is the conversion to metric and the names of meat cuts. Remembering that a kilo is 2.2 lbs will prevent sticker shock and I’ve opted for an independent butcher shop where I can discuss the various cuts. Although I still haven’t decided if the butcher finds me amusing or that’s their “here comes the crazy American lady again” smile. I can attest to the fact that USA beef producers have no need to fear Aussie beef taking over the US domestic market. I’m not a fan of grass fed, aged on the hoof beef and can't imagin many U.S. beef consumers being won over by chewy, funky flavored meat. Aussie beef makes me think chicken isn’t so bad after all.

The eggs aren’t refrigerated but the dog food is!?! Eggs aren’t kept cold and they come from free range chicken. The yolks are nice and yellow and possibly fertilized. Crack them in a separate bowl and decide if you can stomach the red flecks. Aussie’s pamper their pets so much that they’re willing to cook for them. One entire section of the meat case is fresh ground pet food. Various blends are available including, beef, lamb, kangaroo and vegetable options. Rumor has it that the kangaroo meat smells awful when cooked. I’m not interested in finding out if that’s true.

Only in Australia would you find eucalyptus scented detergent. Enough said.

One of my new country’s greatest creations is the beloved Tim Tam cookie made by Arnott. They are, without a doubt, the BEST “store bought” cookie in the world. These babies put every flavor of Girl Scout cookies to shame. The original version is paper thin chocolate wafers layered with creamy chocolate filling and dipped in milk chocolate. They now have several versions including dark chocolate, vanilla sticky toffee, raspberry, mud pie and latte. Fortunately for me they come in small packages, so even if I fall off the wagon buy a package, smuggle them home and into the cupboard the diet damage of 9 cookies can be undone in a week.


Even though I’m living in middle of nowhere the only item two things you can't get here is Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and Crest toothpaste. Crest can be mailed and as for the ice cream – I guess I’ll just to have some more Tim Tams.