With monthly inflation at its highest level for 2024, Australians are changing their habits of consumption when eating out and at home. This includes buying less weekday coffees and less vegetables, while also saving up for a weekend brunch. At the same time, there’s been increasing scrutiny on prices through Craig Emerson’s report on the food and grocery code of conduct as well as an undercover shopping study by Choice on price differences between Aldi, Coles and Woolworths. Jane Lee speaks to senior business reporter Jonathan Barrett about why he thinks we’re heading towards stagflation, how cafes and restaurants are coping with reduced demand and other ways the government could be addressing the causes of inflation