Amid cost-of-living pressures, new data shows Australians are changing their food habits—eating significantly less chocolate while increasing their intake of red meat and poultry. The trend coincides with soaring global cocoa prices and shifting consumer behaviours during economic uncertainty.
Australians consumed 5.7% less chocolate in 2023–24 compared to the previous year, while red meat and poultry intake rose by 2.3%, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures. The shift reflects broader changes in food purchasing habits, with health, affordability and availability emerging as key factors.
Food consumption patterns are being reshaped by rising grocery prices, ongoing health awareness, and evolving preferences. The new ABS report, based on apparent consumption data, captures changes in retail food sales across supermarkets and smaller outlets.
Though it excludes restaurant and takeaway food, the analysis offers a detailed insight into national dietary trends.
Meat on the Rise, Processed Options Fall
Australians consumed an average of 144.6 grams of red meat and poultry per person per day in 2023–24, a notable increase of 3.3 grams from the previous year. Poultry accounted for the largest share at 51 grams daily, up 3.5%, while beef, lamb and pork also rose by 3.7% to 48 grams per capita.
According to ABS health statistics spokesperson Paul Atyeo, poultry intake has grown 13% per person over six years, reflecting a strong and steady preference. In contrast, processed meats, including sausages and bacon, declined by 12% since 2018–19. Their contribution to daily sodium intake also fell by one percentage point over the same period.
The report highlights that Australians are turning to whole meats and fresh cuts, with convenience-based products such as sausages and frankfurts seeing reduced demand. This change appears to align with public health messaging and concerns over processed food content.
Snack food consumption also rose, particularly potato-based snacks, which increased by 10.3%. In contrast, cereal-based products such as breads and breakfast cereals recorded the sharpest decline among major food groups, down by 2.2%.
Sweet Consumption Dips Amid Cocoa Price Surge
Chocolate consumption dropped from 17.6 grams to 16.6 grams per day per person, according to ABS data. This represents the most substantial annual decline since 2019–20, a period just before the pandemic saw a rise in comfort eating trends.
The fall in chocolate purchases coincided with an all-time high in global cocoa prices in late 2023, raising questions about cost-driven consumption shifts. Other confectionery items, such as lollies, also saw a small drop of 2.5%, continuing a broader trend away from high-sugar products.
Despite the decrease in confectionery, Australians did not completely turn away from indulgent snacks. Instead, energy-dense alternatives such as potato chips gained popularity, suggesting a substitution rather than a rejection of discretionary foods.
While discretionary food still accounted for 38.5% of dietary energy in 2023–24, the report reveals nuanced shifts in what Australians are choosing to consume more—or less—of during a period of financial restraint.
