US woman shocked at price of milk in Singapore
A woman from the United States (US) was shocked to find that two litres of 100% fresh milk could cost S$6.70 in Singapore.
Content creator Jennifer Lee Berger, who now lives in Singapore, shared her discovery on Facebook last Saturday (26 Sept).
Milk not available in full gallons
Ms Berger recently began a content series called “Sticker Shock in Singapore” where she shares how supermarket prices in Singapore can “absolutely blow [her] mind”.
On 26 Sept, she was surprised to learn that Singapore supermarkets do not sell full gallons, or about 3.78 litres, of milk.
What shocked her even more was that two litres of 100% fresh milk from the brand Meiji costs S$6.70.
Source: Jennifer Lee Travelwithme on Facebook
“It normally sells for $6.95, and keep in mind I’m at FairPrice, not the bougie supermarket,” she added.
Woman calls milk in Singapore ‘liquid gold’
Based on an internet search, half a gallon of whole milk, or about 1.90 litres, can cost only US$1.49 (S$1.90) in the US.
The price of milk led Ms Berger to ask: “Singaporeans, I’m assuming we aren’t drinking milk here and use it like liquid gold?”
Previously, Ms Berger also expressed shock at the S$14.95 price of a regular-sized (340g) box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
By comparison, the 532g family size in the United States costs less than half as much, retailing at US$5.29 (S$6.70).
Source: Jennifer Lee Travelwithme on Facebook
Local netizens explain Singapore imports milk
Local netizens responded with reasons why milk may be more expensive in Singapore than in the US.
Many said that Singapore doesn’t have the space to raise cows, and having to import milk makes it more costly.
Source: Facebook
One user also added that there are cheaper milk brands than the Meiji brand Ms Berger shared. Another said powdered milk is also a cheaper option.
Source: Facebook
Meanwhile, some highlighted that cow’s milk is not consumed daily by Singaporeans, so they are not sold in large bottles, adding that soya milk is more popular.
Source: Facebook
Milk was huge part of her diet as a child in the US
Speaking to MS News, 44-year-old Ms Berger shared that she is originally from Indiana, USA.
Growing up, milk was a huge part of her daily diet. She would have a bowl of cereal with milk in the morning, be served milk with lunch at school, and drink a glass of milk at dinner.
However, she said she has since dramatically reduced her milk consumption and now mainly uses it for cooking and baking.
Following her post about milk prices in Singapore, Ms Berger shared that she learned from a friend that milk was recently on sale in Indiana for only USD1.59 (S$2) for half a gallon, or about 1.9 litres.
Woman initially concerned about prices of goods in Singapore
Ms Berger said she was concerned about the prices of goods when she first moved to Singapore.
“I was a little concerned about being a frugal person living in one of the most expensive cities in the world,” she told MS News.
However, since starting a content series exploring Singapore hawker centres, she discovered that “extremely inexpensive but also incredibly delicious” food could be found here, too.
This spurred her curiosity about how far she could stretch a dollar by hunting bargains at supermarkets, particularly FairPrice.
Source: Jennifer Lee Travelwithme on Facebook
She added that she began her “Sticker Shock in Singapore” series to see if her friends in the US would be shocked by the prices of everyday groceries in Singapore.
US woman gives back by cleaning East Coast Park beach
Besides travelling and finding the best food bargains, Ms Berger said doing beach cleanups is one of her biggest passions.
In fact, she is currently on her 26th day of cleaning up the beach at East Coast Park.
Source: Jennifer Lee Travelwithme on Facebook
“Whether I’m exploring a new country, trying local food, or cleaning up a beach, I really enjoy experiencing a place beyond just being a tourist,” she told MS News, adding:
I love showing both sides of life in Singapore, finding affordable and delicious food, while also exploring the city and giving back to the community through beach cleanups.
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Featured image adapted from Jennifer Lee Travelwithme on Facebook.
