South Africans are tightening budgets, whereas many are nonetheless discovering room for weight-loss drugs and on a regular basis treats.
That is without doubt one of the standout findings from the brand new SpendTrend26 report by Discovery Financial institution, which analysed spending behaviour between 2021 and 2025.
Amongst surveyed South Africans (bank card holders incomes above R100 000 a yr), the report discovered that customers have gotten extra deliberate with cash.
They’re chasing worth, utilizing rewards programmes and evaluating costs. However they’re additionally defending smaller indulgences.
“South Africans proceed to prioritise small treats and indulgences, even underneath monetary stress,” the report mentioned.
Weight-loss drugs turns into a brand new spending development
Well being and wellness stay key priorities for a lot of households.
The report mentioned dietary supplements and nutritional vitamins are the commonest wellness purchases. They’re adopted by health, weight-management help and beauty procedures.
It discovered that about 16% of South Africans spend on dieticians or weight-loss clinics, whereas 14% spend on weight-loss drugs.
SpendTrend26 additionally flagged the rise of GLP-1 medicines, a category linked to urge for food management and weight administration.
“The rising use of weight-management drugs resembling GLP-1 therapies is notable,” the report mentioned.
It added that these merchandise are already starting to affect close by classes resembling more healthy meals, takeaways and alcohol.
Small treats nonetheless survive tight budgets
Even with price pressures, South Africans haven’t given up on treats.
Espresso purchases rose barely in frequency, whereas the quantity spent per buy elevated considerably, suggesting many shoppers nonetheless see espresso as a protected every day ritual.
Consuming out and takeaways stay the commonest indulgences.
The report mentioned payday, reductions and the sensation of getting earned a reward are the most important triggers for deal with spending.
Different notable findings present how fastidiously shoppers are managing money:
52% actively search for bargains
38% are prepared to purchase second-hand items
40% frequently deal with themselves to small services or products
SpendTrend26 mentioned spending resilience is now much less about splurging and extra about smarter selections.
