Noelia Freire, known as @noeliafreire4 on TikTok, has sparked significant reactions online with her recent video addressing supermarket prices in the United States. "If it weren't for this eating habit, one could save a bit more, at least," she states in the video, as she shows how the total amount she needs to pay keeps rising. In her post, Noelia voices the frustration of many by saying, "All my earnings go to food."
"And that's with my belly button fastened. Let's see how things go, how quickly that amount rises. I feel like it's charging me twice. I left the meat because it's unaffordable," she adds, using a mix of irony and truth to comment on the high prices.
"I think I'll go vegan from now on to avoid buying meat. It's way too expensive, no way. I'll eat more greens than a goat, but this situation has to change. Oye, you feel a pain in your chest when that woman is scanning," she says in the video, humorously considering a vegan lifestyle "because meat is too expensive. I'll be eating more greens than a goat."
"Now for lunch, I'm having a piece of bread with tomato, oil, and salt. I used to eat that in Cuba and didn't starve; it keeps you alive," she adds in the viral video, even joking about imposing a "special period" in the U.S. "You'll see, I'll even have blackouts from 7 to 10 every day, eat meat only once a week, and chicken."
Her words have garnered thousands of reactions and comments on TikTok, where users have shared their own experiences and tips for saving on groceries. "That sound hurts more than the hospital machine"; "Very true, everything is so expensive but thinking about it, you're lucky because you can eat frozen fish your husband brings. Blessings"; "What hurts is not what you pay for food, but the rent. Rent is why people in the U.S. are living worse"; "At Publix, we poor people can't shop unless we have food stamps"; "Now, filling a cart costs at least $500"; "Love, go to Aldi, it's cheaper"; "Not even vegan, salads are super expensive"; "Everything is so pricey. I'm going to apply this blackout from 7 to 10 and meat twice a week"; "That sound paralyzes your appetite," some commented among the hundreds of responses her post has generated.
Understanding the High Cost of Living in the U.S.
In light of Noelia Freire's viral video on TikTok, many viewers have shared their concerns and experiences regarding the high cost of living in the United States. Below, we address some common questions and provide insights into this pressing issue.
Why are supermarket prices so high in the United States?
Several factors contribute to high supermarket prices in the U.S., including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased demand. Additionally, the pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leading to higher costs for consumers.
Are there any tips for saving money on groceries?
Yes, some tips include shopping at discount stores like Aldi, using coupons, buying in bulk, and planning meals to avoid waste. Additionally, opting for generic brands over name brands can lead to significant savings.
How does the cost of rent impact the overall cost of living?
Rent is a major expense for most households and can significantly impact the overall cost of living. High rent prices can limit the amount of disposable income available for other necessities like food, healthcare, and transportation.