A Photo of Nearly S$40 Pineapple Tarts Sparks Debate Over Price and Value on Social Media

A recent post by a user named John Chapati has generated a flurry of online comments after he shared a photo of a jar of pineapple tarts, which he claimed cost nearly S$40. In the post, shared in the Complaint Singapore group on Tuesday (Feb 6), he humorously noted, “Probably the most expensive pineapple tarts in Singapore,” adding that he might need to hide them from visiting relatives if they decided to purchase them.

The post quickly caught the attention of Singaporeans, with various reactions flooding the thread. One user reminded others that “expensive doesn’t mean delicious,” while another pointed out that such price hikes are typical during the festive season, saying, “That’s nothing new. During the festive season, almost everything will increase in price.”

Others were more focused on the packaging, with one commenter quipping, “You are paying for the container, bro. It’s glass with a wooden lid… of course, it’s expensive!”

In contrast, some users suggested more budget-friendly alternatives. One person encouraged Mr. Chapati to save money by baking his own pineapple tarts, while another proudly shared their DIY experience, saying, “I bought raw materials from Redman and made my own. It’s really good, $20 for at least 58 pieces.”

Not everyone agreed on the value of the treat itself. A third user downplayed the ingredients, stating, “Pineapple tarts are just dough and jam, no difference to me! If you want to go organic, then don’t eat them.”

One particularly unconventional suggestion came from a user who recommended, “Don’t buy it, just visit your friends’/relatives’ houses during Chinese New Year and eat their pineapple tarts until you’re full.”

As Chinese New Year approaches, Singaporeans are finalizing their preparations for the festivities, which include serving sweet treats symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Pineapples, known as “ong lai” in Hokkien (meaning “fortune come”), are especially significant during the celebrations, representing the welcoming of a sweet life and a prosperous year ahead.