Man spends R500 at Boxer Store for R500 weekly groceries
- A TikTok video by a creator named Nathan shows how researching different store prices and brands can help people budget well and save
- His strategy shows how to stock up on essentials like rice, oil, pasta and canned tuna for R500, and explains that it's just for him and not a family of four
- South Africans joked in the comments about Nathan shopping at Boxer while comparing Shoprite prices, even some saying jokingly that he's an undercover Shoprite advert
Source: Getty Images
A TikTok video has gone viral after a man spent R500 on weekly groceries for himself. In the video, Nathan Reid explains that he isn't doing a full weekly grocery shopping haul, but it's a replenishment video. He only bought the things that needed to be topped up in his cupboard.
Shopping on a budget
The TikTok video was posted on 16 September 2025, and @nathanreidugc went to a Boxer store in Cape Town with the intention of only spending R500. During the video, Nathan could not help but tell followers that many of the items at Boxer were actually cheaper at Shoprite. Showing how he had done his research before shopping.
When shopping on a budget, every rand counts. R500 may not seem like a lot of money, but with proper planning, it's possible to stock up on essentials for the week. Based on Nathan's video, you can make the most out of your weekly grocery haul.
Source: UGC
Comparing prices to save money
What you can expect to buy for R500, with price estimates, as there are different brands and shops to buy from:
- Two tins of canned tuna or beans cost between R20 and R30
- A 2kg bag of rice costs R30 to R50
- A 500-gram bag of pasta is R15 to R20
- A loaf of bread is R12 to R20
- A 2-kilogram pocket of potatoes is R25 to R40
- A 2-litre milk is R35 to R39
- A 500ml bottle of cooking oil is R26 to R32
A budget of R500 is enough for the necessities, and using Nathan's strategy of comparing prices between stores such as Boxer and Shoprite can help you make an informed decision and help to stretch your budget.
The video's comment section was flooded with reactions, some even joked about him talking about Shoprite while shopping at Boxer. While others commented on Nathan's method and compared their own strategies. Showing how people are eager to share and learn how to stretch their rands.
Luxury crew17 commented:
"I just saw some who sent 8k a week for groceries."
itss_your_girl_Mavundla❤️🩹🦋said:
"So happy when I hear your voice🩷for the third time, entering."
Kelvin Semakula commented:
"Entertainment, this is my show, keep on going."
TYRIQ&AA'ISHAH ❤️🥺 wrote:
"I just want to know why you rapping in the beginning of the video😭😭😭"
Ashraf wrote:
"R500 for a week definitely can buy a week's of groceries. The key is to buy what's NEEDED, not what's wanted (maybe something extra). Also a pot of food can keep for two days(curry and breyani tastes so much better the next day)😂"
taufeeq commented:
"This is a ShopRite brand deal I just can’t prove it 😭"
Lola Westcoast said:
"The fact that he has to explain his videos in the beginning. Can we please knock it off with the grilling of Nathan's videos guys please, some of us are just here to hear his laugh and awesome accent 😂 love your videos please keep them coming."
kaynslin000 write:
"I'm shoprite we trust😭"
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News stories about shopping for R500 in SA
- A Mzansi content creator showed off what R500 in essential groceries looks like in South Africa and how they could save money.
- A man shopped at Woolworths and had Mzansi worried about spending too much, giving him advice on budget-friendly shopping. The comments were flooded with their own tips and tricks.
- A man posted on Facebook how he spent under R500 on groceries, leaving SA impressed and asking how to do it themselves.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
