In a surprising revelation, a Singaporean shopper took to social media to share his disbelief after discovering the price of five Envy apples – a staggering S$10.95. His post, shared on the Complaint Singapore Facebook group, prompted a lively debate among locals about the cost of living in the city-state.

The apples' original price was S$2.25 each, but a discount meant that purchasing them in bulk saved consumers just over a dollar. This prompted the curious shopper to exclaim, “I might be uninformed, but I swear today I got a shock when I saw this… 5 apples cost almost $11!?!? #costofliving.”

However, fellow commenters swiftly chimed in to clarify why these apples commanded such a premium price. They pointed out that these weren't just any apples, but a brand known as Envy apples. Originating from New Zealand, this apple variety is now cultivated in Australia, Chile, and the United States.

Envy apples are beloved for their distinctive characteristics, which include thicker skins, a higher juice content, and a crisp firmness that allows them to remain fresh for longer periods. They also offer a sweet flavor profile with low acidity, making them appealing to many fruit enthusiasts.

These apples have gained a reputation as a "designer" fruit, warranting higher prices compared to other varieties. To illustrate, a five-piece set of large Envy apples at FairPrice is sold for S$19.99, in stark contrast to other options like the China Premium Fuji apples priced at S$4.85 (for four pieces) and a pack of six South Africa Crisp Red Apples available for just S$3.95.

At Sheng Siong, prices reinforce the value perception: a pack of 900 grams of USA Red Delicious apples is S$4.95, while a selection of five USA Royal Gala apples costs only S$2.75. The differences in these price points highlight the premium attached to the Envy variety.

Shoppers on social media were quick to defend the price, as one commented, “The taste is completely different from China Fuji apples. It’s worth it.” Another user noted that once you’ve experienced the taste of an Envy apple, “there’s no going back” to other types. A playful comment added, “The whole idea of this name is that when you buy and eat it, those who say it’s expensive and do not want to buy can only ENVY.”

With rising living costs casting shadows over daily expenses, such discussions around luxury items like apples provide a fascinating glimpse into Singapore’s complex consumer culture. As more people prioritize quality and taste, the Envy apple's premium pricing may just be worth the investment for many fruit lovers.