South African Broke Student Shows Off R400 Grocery Haul and Its Prices
- A young university student showcases his R400 grocery haul, breaking down each item to highlight how he manages on a tight budget
- The student's thoughtful shopping includes essential items like protein, rice, and bread, as well as small treats like a cake and lollipops
- The video sparks conversations about the rising cost of groceries in South Africa, with viewers praising the student's budgeting skills and sharing their own experiences
- Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha on how, given the rising costs of basic goods in South Africa, students and young adults can best manage their grocery budgets
A young university student has captured the attention of many South Africans online after showcasing his R400 grocery haul, breaking down each item to highlight how he manages on a tight budget.
Source: TikTok
In the video, the student explained that the shopping trip was his "broke uni student grocery haul," reflecting the financial realities many young people face while pursuing higher education. Despite the limited funds, he managed to stretch his money across a variety of essential and comfort items, which impressed South Africans online.
Man shows off R400 grocery haul for uni
The young man who goes by the TikTok handle @yonela_catingana revealed that he spent R126 on protein, which included a packet of steak, two packets of chicken, and a packet of sausage. To ensure his meals would last him the whole month, he also purchased two large packets of instant noodles, each containing five servings, for R27.99 each. For staple foods, he bought 2kg of rice for R29.99, a loaf of bread for R18.99, and brown sugar at R17.99.
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@yonela_catingana's haul also included household favourites such as Ricofly coffee at R31.99, two cans of baked beans for R30, and chicken spice seasoning priced at R19.99. To add some variety, he bought a Twist cool drink for R14.99, a litre of milk at R16.99, and a small cake for R26.99, which he claimed was a treat to himself after writing a test.
Rounding off his basket were two lollipops costing R5.98. Viewers applauded his ability to budget carefully while still managing to include small treats. Many students and young professionals could relate to his approach, noting that balancing essentials with affordable indulgences is a skill learned quickly in university life.
The TikTok video that was released on 18 August 2025 sparked conversations about the rising cost of groceries in South Africa, with some users comparing prices in their regions. Others praised the student for his transparency, saying his breakdown offered a realistic glimpse into the budgeting challenges faced by many.
Watch the video below:
Expert tips for students to manage grocery budgets
While speaking to Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha on how, given the rising costs of basic goods in South Africa, students and young adults can best manage their grocery budgets.
"Price comparisons are also key. Shopping around and comparing prices between different retailers, whether through flyers, online platforms, or store visits, can help you save a few rands on each item, which adds up over time. Finally, focusing on seasonal fruits and vegetables not only helps cut costs but also ensures fresher and more nutritious produce."
Mzansi reacts to the student's grocery haul video
The online community reacted as they flooded the comments section expressing their thoughts on the young's budget-friendly grocery haul, saying:
Lungisa Poohnkie said:
"I use R150 for groceries."
Nana@2007 added:
"To us who know it won't even last for a week to us."
Yamkela wrote:
"This grocery wouldn’t last me ngisho i2 days. I would snack on those Russians and pork and regret later."
Mfâ Ne Lö commented:
"So those noodles are enough for the whole month?"
Source: TikTok
People showcasing their cheap grocery hauls
- Briefly News previously reported that one young babe in Mzansi sparked widespread interest with her latest video, where she flaunted her back-to-the-shelf grocery haul.
- One South African lady showed off everything she got from Makro in a TikTok video making rounds online.
- A woman in South Africa showed off her broke student mini-grocery haul in a TikTok video, which has gone viral.
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Source: Briefly News
Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za
Fulufhelani Mashapha (Author and Actuarial Analyst) Fulufhelani Mashapha is a qualified actuarial analyst and author of 'Mind Your Cents'. She is also a One Young World Ambassador and Personal Finance Youtuber focusing on budgets, debt, savings, insurance and investments.
