The hidden cost of 'sweet treats'
Sneaky purchases add up and can be bad for your wallet and your health.
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We all enjoy the occasional treat, and National Seniors Australia (NSA) members have access to discounts that can make it more affordable.
Savings made thought our EAT | PLAY | SAVE app mean you may be able to treat yourself a little more often.
For many of us, a small indulgence can feel like a well-earned reward. Whether it is a café coffee and slice of cake, a chocolate bar at the shops, or an extra takeaway snack, these “little treats” can brighten the day.
But while occasional treats are part of a balanced lifestyle, experts warn that regular indulgences can quietly take a toll on both our finances and our health.
A recent experiment by 9News journalist, Madhurima Haque, highlighted just how quickly these purchases add up.
Tracking her spending over several days, Haque discovered that coffees, snacks, and soft drinks bought on impulse were costing far more than she had realised.
Personal finance expert, Andrew Woodward, says these purchases are often driven by emotion rather than necessity.
“They feel like little rewards,” he explains.
In a world where many people are dealing with financial pressures and uncertainty, a sweet treat can provide a brief boost in mood.
The problem is that convenience and instant gratification often override the more sensible option of enjoying food already available at home.
For retirees and older Australians living on fixed incomes, these habits can have a surprisingly large impact. A $7 coffee and $5 snack may not seem significant but repeated several times a week they can amount to hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars a year.
That is money that could be used for travel, hobbies, family activities, or building a buffer against rising living costs.
The health impacts can also be significant.
According to the Heart Foundation, Australians consume too much added sugar, which is linked to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease. Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks can also contribute to type 2 diabetes and poor dental health.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting free sugars to less than 10% of daily energy intake, with even lower levels offering additional health benefits.
The good news is that you don’t have to abandon treats altogether. Instead, experts recommend being more disciplined in your approach.
Consider setting a weekly “treat budget”, making coffee at home more often, or saving indulgences for social occasions where they can be enjoyed mindfully.
You might be surprised at how preparing your favourite snacks at home can deliver the same satisfaction as a takeaway at a fraction of the cost.
The occasional sweet treat is one of life’s pleasures. But by becoming more aware of how often we reach for these rewards, we may discover that a few small changes can deliver big benefits for both our health and our bank balance.
Related reading: 9News, Heart Foundation Australia; WHO
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*The discount applies to the total National Seniors travel insurance premium and is for National Seniors Australia members only. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. AGA has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.
For Travel Insurance policies purchased before 8 September 2026
National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003, AR 282736 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
For Travel Insurance policies purchased on or after 8 September 2026
National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003, AR 282736, is an authorised representative of AWP Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 52 097 227 177, AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), and acts as AGA's agent and not as your agent. nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 acts as third party administrator on behalf of AGA, managing claims, complaints, enquiries and sales. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider whether the product is appropriate for you, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) is available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921.
