Rising food prices push consumers to cheaper alternatives

The rising cost of food has compelled many Lagos consumers to replace expensive food items with cheaper alternatives as they struggle to cope with increasing household expenses.

The consumers, who spoke in separate interviews with our correspondent on Wednesday, said they now prioritise affordability over preference by buying less, changing meal plans and opting for cheaper food items.

Mrs Iyabode Fakunle, a loan officer and resident of Egbeda, said rising food prices had changed public perception of what constituted affordable food.

She recalled that low-income families previously had access to relatively inexpensive food options.

“I remember my stepmother always teasing my mother for buying cheaper fish. She would say she could never eat Egun fish because she considered it food for poor people.

“But my mother always told us there was no shame in buying what you could afford. She taught us that if you cannot afford the most expensive fish in the market, you should buy one that fits your budget.

“Today, many of those foods that were once considered affordable have also become expensive, leaving consumers with fewer options,” she said.

Also, Mrs Agatha Madueke said frequent price increases had forced consumers to adjust their shopping lists whenever they visited the market.

“The other day, I went to buy ugu and waterleaf, but the waterleaf was too expensive. I bought only ugu and decided to cook a different soup instead.

“Gone are the days when you could budget a certain amount for the market and be sure it would be enough.

“Prices change so often that you sometimes leave without buying everything you planned for.

“The only way to cope is to look for cheaper alternatives immediately,” she said.

Mr Martins Atego said his family had reduced the frequency of consuming certain foods because of rising prices.

According to him, meals are now planned around affordability rather than personal preference.

“We compare prices before buying and sometimes visit more than one market. We also buy smaller quantities because our income has not increased,” he said.

Mrs Basirat Omolewa, a spice trader at Lawanson Market, said many consumers now substituted expensive food ingredients with cheaper alternatives to stay within their budgets.

According to her, customers increasingly requested the least expensive seasoning cubes, bought cooking oil in smaller quantities and purchased semovita or poundo yam in measured portions instead of full packs.

She said the trend reflected growing financial pressure on households, with many consumers carefully comparing prices and prioritising essential food items.

A nutritionist, Mrs Kofo Ayorinde, advised consumers not to sacrifice balanced diets because of rising food prices.

She urged households to combine affordable sources of carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables to maintain good nutrition.

“People may not always be able to afford the foods they prefer, but they can still make nutritious choices within their budgets.

“Instead of eliminating protein completely, they should consider more affordable sources such as beans, eggs or soy products.

“Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Planning meals ahead and avoiding food waste can also help households stretch their food budgets without compromising nutrition,” she said.

Ayorinde urged governments and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to improve food affordability while promoting public awareness of healthy eating practices.