A lively debate has broken out online after a shopper admitted to snapping the stalk off broccoli before weighing it at the self-checkout in an effort to reduce the price.
In a post on Reddit’s r/australia forum, the shopper shared an image of two broccoli heads with the stems removed and wrote, “Sorry, supermarkets, due to rising costs, I can no longer afford your heavy a** broccoli stems.”
With broccoli currently priced at about $1.87 at Coles and $2.28 at Woolworths, the post struck a chord with some shoppers who said they were trying to stretch household budgets wherever possible.
The confession prompted mixed reactions. Some argued that if produce is sold by weight, customers should be able to pay only for the parts they intend to eat. Others said the practice crossed an ethical line.
Some shoppers openly supported the idea. “I do it all the time. No one uses those broccoli stems. Get them in the bin,” one person said.
They added, “Why would I pay for it when I’m not even going to use it? Snap it off and pay for what you need, and everyone’s a winner.”
Others were less certain. One admitted, “I’ve done it once or twice …”
But critics were blunt in their opposition. “I’ve never done it – that’s povo behaviour,” another said.
A further response described it as a “scum” thing to do, adding, “The broccoli stalk is as long as it is, so you have to buy it as is.”
Not everyone saw the stalk as a problem in the first place. One shopper said, “I use the whole broccoli, so there’s no need,” while another said they liked adding the stalks to meals for extra nutrition.
Nutrition experts say discarding broccoli stalks is unnecessary. Veronika Larisova, nutritionist and co-founder of Chief Nutrition, said: “Broccoli stalks are as nutritious as florets. While florets are slightly higher in vitamin C and calcium, stalks are higher in fibre and vitamin K (important for bones).”
She said throwing them away is a “waste,” particularly at a time when food waste remains a major issue in Australia. She also suggested a practical alternative for shoppers keen to save money.
“If you really want to save some money, go to an independent supermarket and ask the grocer to give you the broken-off stalks for free,” she said.
For those unsure how to cook with them, Ms Larisova said the stalks can be easily worked into everyday meals.
“Process them in a food processor and add to bolognese, meatballs or patties. Hide them in the food and get the most bang for your buck,” she said.
Industry group AUSVEG also encouraged shoppers to use the entire vegetable. A spokesperson said, “AUSVEG encourages all Australians to buy and eat the complete broccoli on offer and take advantage of the health benefits of eating high quality veg.”
The issue is not new. Last year, some retailers responded to the practice by putting up signs warning customers not to break broccoli before purchase. One sign displayed at CB Fresh, a greengrocer in Clayton, Victoria, read: “Do not break broccoli. You will pay $1 extra for each you break if we find out.”
Online commentary around those warnings was similarly split. Some said the balance between stalk and florets had become increasingly “off,” leaving them feeling they had little choice but to remove the stem. Others argued the stalk is “the best bit”.
A common frustration, however, was the effect on other shoppers when broken stalks were left behind on shelves. One commenter wrote, “I once showed up to a supermarket and it was just stalks.”
“It was a sad day.”
The debate highlights broader concerns around grocery prices, food waste and what shoppers believe is fair when produce is sold by weight. But health and industry experts remain clear on one point: the entire broccoli, stalk included, is edible and nutritious.
