Introduction
The cost of groceries is on the rise, and it’s not just a passing trend. The grocery store inflation rate has just risen again to historic highs, and it’s time to start making smart decisions about what you eat. Eating the right foods can help you save money and still get the nutrition you need. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best “Eat This Not That” tips to help you make the most of your grocery budget.
The Grocery Store Inflation Rate Just Rose Again to Historic Highs — Eat This Not That
The grocery store inflation rate has just risen again to historic highs, leaving many shoppers wondering what they can do to save money on their grocery bills. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to save money on groceries without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips on what to eat and what to avoid in order to keep your grocery bill low.
Eat This
- Buy in bulk when possible. Buying in bulk can help you save money on items like rice, beans, and other staples.
- Shop at discount stores. Discount stores like Aldi and Lidl often have great deals on groceries.
- Buy generic brands. Generic brands are often just as good as name brands, but cost much less.
- Buy frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than fresh and just as nutritious.
- Buy in season. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are usually cheaper than those that are out of season.
Not That
- Avoid pre-packaged and processed foods. These foods are often more expensive and less nutritious than fresh foods.
- Avoid buying organic. Organic foods are often more expensive than conventional foods.
- Avoid buying convenience foods. Convenience foods like pre-made meals and snacks are often more expensive than making your own.
- Avoid buying single-serve items. Single-serve items like individual yogurts and snack packs are often more expensive than buying larger sizes.
- Avoid buying name brands. Name brands are often more expensive than generic brands.
By following these tips, you can save money on your grocery bill without sacrificing quality. With a little bit of planning and smart shopping, you can keep your grocery bill low even in the face of rising inflation.
For the second time this year, new reports show inflation numbers are at their highest in decades. In January, the rate was about 7%—the highest it’s been since the summer of 1982. Yet, the newest data set shows the number rose even higher throughout February for everything, including grocery store prices.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery items continued to clime in the shortest month of the year. The consumer price index rate for the “food at home” category, in particular, rose to 8.6% at a rate that rivals the earliest days of the pandemic in April 2020.
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Thanks to continued supply pressures related to COVID-19, plus climate change, shortages, and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine because of Russian aggression, shoppers could start to see the effects of inflation going up within a few months. Yet, grocery items like meat, grain products, eggs, and more are already at their highest in years.
Since the beginning of 2022, several big-name food companies like Tyson, Pepsi, Mondelez, Kraft Heinz, and more have announced they are raising their prices by about 7% or up to 30% to match or cover the inflation rate. There’s no word yet on whether or not the makers of Oreos or Velveeta and Oscar Mayer meats will match the new increases.
Walmart, in the meantime, has announced it is placing some items on sale to entice shoppers to continue to buy. This is happening while the company is reportedly chaining and securely locking other products up to avoid theft.
While the new data shows record-breaking numbers, a recent survey found that consumers actually think the rate is about double what it really is.
The good news is that there are still ways to save as you shop. Making This Grocery Swap Can Save You Money, a New Study Finds.
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