Walmart customers threatened a boycott over the store’s meat prices.
The outrage was sparked by a video of the store’s meat section, which featured many expensive items.
A video posted to X (formerly Twitter) shows a person peering into a ground chuck burger.
“Guys, Walmart prices are ridiculous,” the caption read.
Although inflation has slowed, many people still struggle to afford basic necessities.
Some of the burgers were over $20.
A 12-pack of ground beef chuck burgers was nearly $21, or about $5 per pound.
Many X users responded to the thread asking for their opinions.
the core of the problem
Over 1,500 people responded to this video.
Many people in the thread lamented the high prices, and some suggested other stores.
“They scammed people with low prices, but that ended years ago,” said one user. “Aldi is my favorite store. They have strict rules about artificial flavors and colors in their products. People need to boycott Walmart.”
Another user suggested that the sticker shock wasn’t as bad as it seemed.
“$22 for 12 ground beef patties works out to $1.84 per patty,” they noted.
Some added that ground beef that is not formed into patties is cheaper.
“Pre-formed burgers and pre-cut fruit must be very expensive,” said one customer. “We have to pay for labor. People worked to make your life easier.”
Yet another user replied with a solution.
“Getting to know local ranchers, buying directly from them and storing them in the freezer may be a viable option,” they say.
meat news
The video was shared by one popular account, who suggested that the hike in meat prices was intentional and meant to discourage people from eating meat.
“Sometimes I think their strategy is not to ban meat,” the poster said. “It’s just going to be so expensive that 90% of the population can’t afford it.”
Many users responded suggesting it was something like “How did you do it with cigarettes?”
Tobacco prices are largely artificial, as sin taxes are imposed on them by governments trying to change consumer behavior.
There is no such meat tax in place in the United States, so the prices are likely only due to inflation and corporate calculations.
However, reports show that younger Americans support a meat tax. Reducing meat intake is thought to have health and climate benefits.
A similar tax on meat was rejected in Britain.
Although inflation has slowed, prices for many food items are rising across the United States.
Prices for most consumer goods rose 2.9% last year, according to the latest federal estimates.
However, over the past 12 months, meat prices have remained relatively stable.
While inflation is likely to continue, more encouraging economic news is on the horizon.
Vegan meat has been attracting attention in recent years.