It’s not uncommon to experience sticker shock at the grocery store. With inflation on the rise and pandemic-era supply chain issues still in effect, many everyday grocery staples cost more than we’re used to.
While some of these items might be unavoidable, it’s worth taking a look at your weekly shopping list and seeking alternatives. Here are some of the everyday items that are becoming too expensive for the average shopper.
1. Eggs
The price of eggs increased by 9% by the end of 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This spike is not as nasty as the 60% spike we saw in 2022, but it’s still high. One contributing factor is the avian flu, which affected millions of egg producers. If you want to avoid the expense, mashed bananas, applesauce, and chia or flax seeds can replace eggs in baking.
2. Cheese
Cheese prices have increased over the last couple of decades due to decreased milk production. One way to save on cheese is to buy it in whole blocks instead of shredded. Also, buying the store brand over a name or imported cheese helps.
3. Bread
According to the USDA, bread prices have increased by almost 18% in the last year. One primary reason for this rise is the ongoing war in the Ukraine. America relies on Ukraine for the grains used to make bread. Domestically, the prices of flour and wheat have increased as well.
4. Fish
The United States gets a large portion of seafood imported from Russia. With the war between Russia and Ukraine, there is a shortage of fish, causing prices to skyrocket. One way to cut corners here is to purchase frozen seafood.
5. Beef
Beef has seen one of the highest increases in price, according to Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Due to droughts and extreme weather, there is less feed for animals, making it significantly harder to care for livestock properly and, thus, raising the price of beef. Try canned beans and legumes for a different protein intake.
6. Citrus Fruits
Another grocery item struck by the weather has been citrus fruit. Due to the frequent hurricanes in Florida, citrus production has decreased. According to CPI data, this led to a steady increase in prices starting in 2020. Try to buy local, in-season fruits and take a multivitamin to make up for the lack of oranges available.
7. Baby Formula
The lack of baby formula was a national problem in 2022, and consumers are still feeling the effects. Because of recall and contamination, many parents are scrambling to feed their babies. There are also strict guidelines for producing and selling formula. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for baby formula aside from breastmilk, which is not always an option for families raising children.
8. Lettuce
Lettuce has increased in price as well. Due to droughts and diseases that kill lettuce crops in California, the supply is low. Opt for other leafy greens when grocery shopping to replace lettuce.
9. Olive Oil
The U.S. gets most of its olive oil from Spain. Droughts and extreme heat have killed olive trees, decreasing production. According to the USDA, the rise in cost has exceeded 100%. Look for canola oil for cooking instead.
10. Bacon
Bacon has also been affected by the cattle feed shortage and extreme weather. Since the pandemic, there has been a high unemployment rate, which has also impacted this industry. The good news is that the USDA has seen a spike in production, which may mean lower costs for bacon in the year ahead.
11. Flour
According to CPI data, there has been an approximate 23% increase in the cost of flour. Additionally, items containing flour increase the total of your grocery bill. That includes pancake mix and even pasta.
12. Sugar
Another crop affected by extreme weather is sugar. The U.S. gets most of its sugar from South America and Thailand, which faced severe droughts last year. According to the USDA, sugar prices are expected to rise another 6% this year, affecting the production of many desserts and sweets.
13. Apples
Due to warmer temperatures in months when apples are at their peak, many apple farms have taken a hit. In February 2024, the USDA noted that there was also a significant increase in the price of apple juice, which has risen 11%.
14. Butter
The cattle feed shortage, in addition to weather conditions, has also been the root cause of increasing butter prices. Production of milk, the main ingredient in butter, has been down. Also, the demand for butter in the later months of the year rises because more people bake and entertain around the holidays. Since that has passed, there may be some relief in the price of butter until the fall.
15. Coffee
According to the USDA, coffee is currently at its highest price ever. Extreme weather, a frequent offender on this list, has also hurt robusta, the plant from which we get coffee. However, global trade issues have also affected the amount of coffee readily available.
16. Milk
As with butter, cheese, and beef, milk prices have risen due to a low supply in the United States. Because of the feed shortage and droughts, cows are consuming less. When cows eat less, they produce less milk.