“Chinese grocery hauls are unbelievable because they can actually afford food,” said an American woman (@danabanafofana) in a video shared on RedNote, a Chinese social media app. Her remarks highlight a significant culture shock many Americans are experiencing as they explore this platform amidst talks of a potential TikTok ban in the U.S.
Dana expressed astonishment at the affordability of groceries in China compared to the U.S. “What one woman bought — it would have cost me so much more back home. This is so sad. America is… I already knew, but this just hits harder. We’re such a sad excuse for a country,” she said in her post.
Her observations resonate with data from Numbeo, which reports that the cost of living in the U.S. is 144.9% higher than in China when rent is considered. Restaurant prices in the U.S. are 219.2% higher, and grocery prices are 111.2% higher than in China. These figures underline the stark contrast Dana witnessed in grocery affordability.
The Rising Cost of Groceries in the U.S.
The surge in grocery prices in the U.S. is not simply due to supply chain issues but also stems from corporate practices. Professor Isabella Weber, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, explained in an article by Bloomberg: “Supply shocks allowed corporations to tacitly collude, hike prices, and rake in record profits. Firms do not even need to talk to one another to know that a cost shock is a great time to raise prices.”
According to Forbes, grocery prices across all categories have risen nearly 30% since 2019, with unit volumes remaining flat. This means shoppers are spending significantly more but bringing home less food, further straining household budgets.
Social Media Reactions
Dana’s RedNote post was later shared on X (formerly Twitter), sparking widespread discussions about food affordability and government policies. One commenter, @nailatrahman, noted: “Chinese people eat a lot of fresh fruits & vegetables which are plenty & cheap, and nobody goes hungry. That’s due to deliberate Chinese government policy assuring food security. It’s probably a huge shock to Americans who don’t have a functioning government that works for the people.”
A Broader Reflection
Dana’s experience sheds light on the deeper economic disparities between the U.S. and China, especially regarding food affordability. While her culture shock underscores the stark realities many Americans face, it also highlights the potential benefits of deliberate policies focused on food security and affordability.
