Why Are Tim Tams Cheaper in the UK Than in Australia?

Tim Tams on a UK supermarket shelf” – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL·E by OpenAI

VOCABULARY LIST

1. Staple (noun) /ˈsteɪpəl/: A basic or essential item that is used often
   Example: Tim Tams are a popular food staple in many Aussie homes.

2. Pop into (phrasal verb) /pɒp ˈɪntu/: To quickly go into a place, usually for a short time
   Example: He popped into Sainsbury’s to grab some snacks.

3. Retail for (phrasal verb) /ˈriteɪl fɔ/: To be sold at a particular price
   Example: Tim Tams retail for $6 in most Aussie supermarkets.

4. Stunned (adjective) /stʌnd/: Very surprised or shocked
   Example: She was stunned by the high price of milk.

5. Obsessed (adjective) /əbˈsɛst/: Unable to stop thinking about something
   Example: I became obsessed with Tim Tams while visiting Australia.

6. Shrinkflation (noun) /ʃrɪŋkˈfleɪʃən/: When products get smaller in size but cost the same or more
   Example: The packet has fewer biscuits now – that’s shrinkflation!

7. Gripe (verb) /ɡraɪp/: To complain about something
   Example: Shoppers often gripe about rising food prices.

8. On special (phrase) /ɒn ˈspɛʃəl/: Being sold at a cheaper price than usual
   Example: Tim Tams were on special for $3.50 at Coles.

9. Eagle-eyed (adjective) /ˈiɡəl-aɪd/: Very good at noticing small details
   Example: Eagle-eyed fans spotted the packet size difference.

10. Gouging (noun) /ˈɡaʊdʒɪŋ/: Charging too much for something unfairly
    Example: Some Aussies believe supermarkets are price gouging.

ARTICLE

Many Australians were stunned after finding out that Tim Tams — an Aussie staple — are sometimes cheaper overseas than at home.

A TikTok user recently popped into a supermarket in London and saw Tim Tams on the shelf. They were selling for £2.75 (about $5.75 AUD). In Australia, Tim Tams usually retail for $6, although sometimes they’re on special for around $4.50 at Woolies.

Other UK supermarkets like Tesco and B&M sell them for even less — as low as £1.99 (about $4.16). One shopper said, “Even with the exchange rate, it’s cheaper to buy Tim Tams in London than at Woolworths in Australia.”

Many people online were confused. Why are Aussie-made biscuits more expensive in the country where they’re made? One person said they were obsessed with Tim Tams after visiting Australia and expected them to be more expensive in the UK — not cheaper!

However, some eagle-eyed fans noticed an important detail — the packet size. At Sainsbury’s, the pack was 163 grams. In Australia, Tim Tams usually weigh 200 grams. Gluten-free ones are 150 grams. So, while it looks cheaper in the UK, it might not be better value per gram. That’s where shrinkflation comes in — products get smaller but cost the same or more.

Arnott’s, the company that makes Tim Tams, said that prices are different in each country. It depends on the size of the pack, currency exchange, and market changes. They said they work closely with Aussie supermarkets to give shoppers good deals.

It’s not the first time people have griped about this. Last year, a Reddit post showed Tim Tams on special for just £2 at a UK supermarket — cheaper than most Aussie stores.

One shopper asked if the biscuits were made in Europe. But no — they’re still made in New South Wales and South Australia.

Some Aussies think this shows gouging by supermarkets and want to talk more about the prices of daily items like milk and bread — not just sweet treats like Tim Tams.

SOURCE:

This article is based on: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/australians-frustrated-over-price-of-tim-tams-in-the-uk/news-story/cf6dd6630d1e1d16aa373dc5edabf13e

Reflection Questions

Instructions:
Use these questions as:
– Speaking practice (e.g. talk to yourself, record and listen back)
– Writing practice (e.g. short paragraph answers)
– Class discussion with your teacher or classmates

1. Have you ever been surprised by the price of something in a different country?

2. What’s a snack or treat from your country that you miss when travelling?

3. Do you think prices in your local supermarket are fair?

4. Have you ever bought something just because it was on special?

5. How important is it to compare prices before you buy something?

Comprehension activity - multiple choice

1. What surprised Australians about the Tim Tams in the UK?

A. They tasted different B. They were bigger C. They were cheaper than in Australia D. They were only sold online

2. Why are the UK Tim Tams possibly not better value?

A. They are made in Europe B. They have fewer flavours C. The packets are smaller D. They go off faster

3. What did Arnott’s say about the price difference?

A. They are raising prices worldwide B. It’s because of smaller ingredients C. Prices change for many reasons including market and size D. They don’t control the price at all

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