In-flight food and drink prices a complete rip-off

Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?

That's Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols talking, but it could be anyone silly enough to buy food onboard a flight operated by Jetstar, an Australian budget airline and subsidiary of Qantas.

A $15 can of weak beer anyone? $5 for a tiny tube of Pringles crisps?

It seems Jetstar has decided that the best way to make up for its relatively low fares is to slug passengers in its tiny seats a mega price for food and drink.

There's been a lot of online chatter about the sky high prices Jetstar is charging. My tip: eat and drink before you take off.

The Jetstar prices are just absurd. 

Take that $15 price tag on cans of Hahn Super Dry, Super Dry 3.5 and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale.

I asked AI how much I would pay retail for a case of 24 cans. The response: A case of 24 cans of Hahn Super Dry (375mL full strength, 4.6% ABV) typically costs between $55.00 and $66.00 AUD, depending on the retailer and current promotions. If you are looking for the mid-strength version (Hahn Super Dry 3.5%), a 24-can case usually ranges from $54.00 to $57.00 AUD. 

So four cans on board a Jetstar flight costs the same as 24 cans at your local bottle shop.

How about those tubes of crisps? 

AI tells me: Small 53g cans of Pringles crisps generally cost $2.70 at major Australian supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, though they are frequently on special for $2.00. 

And don't forget Jetstar would buy in bulk, at a reduced price. 

Then there is $8 for a cup of packet noodles in the air. 

AI tells me: Budget Name Brands (Fantastic, Suimin, Indomie): Standard 70g–75g single cups or bowls cost around $1.75 to $1.90. 

So a fairly hefty mark-up there as well. 

It's up to you - but just be ready to be ripped off.   

    

Meet a snack range with a healthy point of difference

Crisps. So many choices.

There are regular potato crisps, crinkle-cut chips, kettle chips, corn chips, pita crisps etc etc.

Deep-fried, baked, or air fried.   

When Proper Crisps sent me an email promising their Big Cut range comprised "the crunchiest and healthiest crisps you’ve ever tasted" my response was "prove it".

And these New Zealand-born snacks - now made in the Yarra Valley in Victoria - actually delivered. 

The family-owned business will, however, remain headquartered in Nelson, New Zealand while spreading its wings.

The verdict: Well worth trying. They are extremely crunchy - and full of flavour.

Big Cut crisps are made with unpeeled golden potatoes that are sliced thicker and hand-cooked at low and slow temperatures in sunflower oil.

The new Big Cut range features Marlborough Sea Salt, Cracked Pepper, Dill Pickle & Cider Vinegar, and Smoked Paprika flavours.

Unable to source Agria potatoes in Australia, Proper Crisps set up a seed program to develop their very own golden Rumba potato, grown locally with all of the seasoning made in-house.

"With Proper Crisps we deliver on a promise of 'every bite matters' and ensure every crisp is an edible masterpiece," says head cultivator Duncan Kerr, who also has a way with hyperbole.

"This commitment is what sets us apart from mass-produced chips. We are obsessed with the quality of every potato, every crisp, every cracker."

Big Cut claims a 4 Health Star rating with lower salt, higher fibre, and no nasties in its ingredient list. That means it is plant-based, Vegan friendly and allergen free. With no added MSG. 

And in a nice little quirk, each packet tells you who cooked your crisps. Mine were made by Colin. Good job Colin. 

Proper Crisps Big Cut range is now available at selected IGA stores and specialty retailers nationwide - including my local Cygnet Garden Larder. RRP $6.50 for 140 grams.

See https://www.propercrisps.com/