The Great Grocery Inflation: 18 Foods That Got Out of Control

Food prices are going up very fast, making it hard for many families to shop for groceries. Experts say that inflation, problems with getting food to stores, and climate issues are causing these price increases. This makes basic foods too expensive for many families. Now, shoppers have to make hard choices about what to buy and what to skip.

Between 2019 and 2023, food prices in the U.S. went up by 25%. This has had a big impact on family budgets, even though inflation rates have slowed down a bit recently. The rise in prices is causing a lot of worry, especially since wages are not keeping up with the increasing cost of living.

In this article, we’ll get into 19 food items that are currently seeing sharp price increases. Learn why these costs are soaring and provide practical tips to manage your grocery spending effectively. If you’ve noticed your grocery bill climbing, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

What’s the one food price increase you’ve noticed the most? Share your experience in the comments, and keep reading for solutions!

Fresh Produce

Fresh fruits and vegetables are becoming more expensive because of climate change and transportation problems. Bad weather hurts harvests, which means there’s less food available and prices go up. People notice these price increases a lot during months when certain fruits and veggies are not in season.

Higher fuel prices make it more expensive to ship food, especially items that come from very far away. This has caused big price jumps for popular foods like berries, avocados, and leafy greens.

To save money, buy fruits and veggies that are in season and go to farmers’ markets. Frozen fruits and veggies can also be cheaper options.

Rice

Rice prices are increasing due to extreme weather in major growing regions like Asia. Droughts and floods have reduced yields, impacting the supply. This staple food has become noticeably more expensive for households worldwide.

Export restrictions in some countries add further pressure, limiting availability in the global market. With rice being a dietary cornerstone for many cultures, these price hikes affect a wide audience.

Switching to other grains, such as quinoa or barley, can offer cost-saving options for meals. Look for sales on bulk rice packages.

Coffee

Coffee drinkers are paying more for their morning coffee because of bad weather and higher transportation costs. Brazil, the biggest coffee producer, had frost and drought, which greatly reduced its coffee production.

Problems with getting coffee to stores have made it harder to find, causing prices to go up everywhere. Higher energy costs are also making it more expensive to move coffee around. This affects special coffee blends and imported coffee even more, making it harder for cafes and people buying groceries to afford.

You might want to try cheaper coffee brands or make your coffee at home to save money. Buying coffee beans or grounds in bulk can also help.

Butter

Butter prices have been rising all over the world, even in Europe, with their butter having an 83% increase year-over-year. Butter prices have risen sharply due to increased production costs and labor shortages affecting dairy farms. 

Feed and fuel costs for dairy operations contribute significantly to the sticker shock consumers are now facing. This has made holiday baking and everyday cooking pricier than ever. Another factor is lower milk supply, which limits butter production. 

Global demand for dairy also plays a role, putting added pressure on available supplies. As a result, even store-brand butter is no longer a budget-friendly option. Stock up when butter is on sale, or freeze it for future use. Alternatives like margarine may also reduce costs.

Eggs

In September 2024, prices for farm-level eggs were 124.3% higher than September 2023  Egg prices have soared due to lingering impacts of the avian flu outbreak, which affected millions of hens. Fewer hens mean fewer eggs, driving costs up significantly for this breakfast staple. 

Demand for eggs remains strong, especially during holidays when baking spikes. High feed costs for farmers compound the issue, keeping prices elevated. With limited signs of relief, this grocery aisle favorite has become a luxury for some families.

Switching to alternatives like liquid egg substitutes can help stretch your grocery budget during these costly times. Some stores also run sales, so keep an eye out for promotions to save a few dollars.

Milk

Milk prices are going up because dairy farms have higher costs and more people want milk around the world. The cost of food for cows, workers’ wages, and moving milk around has increased. This makes milk more expensive for consumers.

The world wants more milk, so there is less milk available. This makes prices go up even more. It also affects the cost of other dairy products like cheese and yogurt.

You can save money by buying milk from the store’s own brand or finding deals from local farms.

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Cheese

Cheese lovers are feeling the strain as production costs skyrocket for dairy farmers. Everything from feed prices to labor shortages contributes to higher cheese prices at the grocery store. Specialty cheeses see the steepest jumps, but even everyday favorites like cheddar aren’t immune.

Strong demand both domestically and internationally continues to put pressure on cheese supplies. Higher energy costs for production and transportation make matters worse, adding to the price hikes.

Buying in bulk or switching to less expensive varieties can help. Freezing shredded cheese is another budget-friendly option.

Chicken

Chicken prices continue to climb because of higher feed costs and ongoing supply chain challenges. Farmers are paying more to raise poultry, which directly impacts what consumers pay at the store. Shoppers see the effects across all cuts, including breasts, thighs, and drumsticks.

Labor shortages in meat processing plants have also slowed production, reducing supply while demand stays steady. With many families relying on chicken as a meal staple, these increases strain household budgets.

Bulk buying or purchasing less popular cuts can save money. Keep an eye out for sales on whole chickens.

Seafood

Seafood prices are soaring because of declining fish stocks and stricter fishing regulations in major producing regions. Overfishing and climate change disrupt ecosystems, leading to lower catches and higher costs. Imported seafood also faces rising tariffs, which further inflate prices.

Consumers notice these increases across all varieties, from salmon to shrimp. Restaurants also raise menu prices to cover their seafood costs.

Choosing locally sourced fish or frozen options can help control spending. Try less popular species for more affordable meals.

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Beef

Beef prices remain high due to drought conditions and rising feed costs that make raising cattle more expensive. Many ranchers have reduced their herds, leading to a smaller supply and driving prices up. Consumers feel the impact across steaks, roasts, and ground beef.

Labor shortages in processing plants also slow production, further tightening supplies. With beef remaining a popular protein choice, the demand keeps prices elevated.

Switching to cheaper cuts or buying ground beef in bulk can stretch your budget. Consider alternative proteins like pork or turkey for variety.

Bread

Baked goods saw an 8.4% price rise in 2023. The cost of bread is up due to higher wheat prices driven by global supply chain disruptions. Major wheat-producing regions, including Ukraine, faced challenges affecting crop availability and raising prices. 

These increases trickle down, making bread and other wheat-based items more expensive. Increased costs for packaging materials and transportation add to the problem, pushing bread prices even higher. 

Grocery shoppers notice significant jumps for both branded loaves and store-brand options. Consider baking bread at home or trying discount stores for a more affordable solution. Shopping sales can also help reduce costs.

Potatoes

Potato prices are going up because bad weather has hurt crops in important places like the United States and Europe. Too much rain at the wrong time has damaged crops, causing shortages and higher prices for people buying them. Even foods like chips and fries are affected.

Farmers have higher costs for things like fertilizer and equipment, which makes potatoes cost more for shoppers. This makes it hard for people with tight budgets to afford basic foods like potatoes.

You might want to try using sweet potatoes or other root vegetables in meals instead. Buying potatoes from local places can also help save money.

Sugar

Sugar prices have jumped because of reduced production in key exporting countries like India and Brazil. Weather challenges and increasing fuel costs have driven up expenses for farmers, raising the cost of sugar globally. Consumers notice the difference across baking and sweetened products.

Global demand for sugar hasn’t decreased, so limited supply continues to push prices higher. Even candy and desserts reflect these increases.

Reducing sugar intake not only saves money but also benefits health. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.

Orange Juice

Orange juice is getting more expensive because a disease called citrus greening is hurting orange crops in Florida. This disease has reduced the number of healthy oranges available for making juice. Since there are fewer oranges and people still want to buy juice, prices are going up.

Orange growers are also spending more on fertilizers and pesticides. These extra costs are passed on to consumers when they buy things.

You might want to drink less juice or eat fresh oranges instead, as they could be cheaper. Look for discounts during the time of year when citrus fruits are plentiful.

Cooking Oil

Cooking oil has become significantly more expensive due to supply chain disruptions and reduced production of oilseeds like soybeans. Countries that export large quantities of oils, such as Indonesia and Ukraine, face challenges affecting global availability. Consumers feel this at the store and in restaurants.

Rising costs of energy and transportation further complicate the situation. This results in higher prices for all types of oils, including canola and olive oil.

Buying store-brand oil or larger containers can save money. Experiment with alternatives like butter or coconut oil for cooking.

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Canned Goods

Canned food is getting more expensive because the materials used for packaging, like aluminum and steel, cost more. It also costs more to transport these items to stores. This makes even cheap meals more expensive.

Canned vegetables, soups, and fruits are especially affected. Companies are passing their higher costs on to buyers. Buying during sales or choosing store brands can help make it less expensive.

Using fresh or frozen foods might be cheaper. You can also use reusable containers instead of some canned products.

Pork

Pork prices have increased because of disease outbreaks in pigs and rising feed costs for farmers. Swine flu has significantly impacted herds, leading to shortages that raise prices. Cuts like bacon and ham are particularly expensive.

Global demand for pork remains strong, putting pressure on already limited supplies. Labor issues in meat processing plants compound the pricing challenge.

Ice Cream

Ice cream prices have risen due to higher costs of dairy ingredients like cream and milk. Sugar and flavoring price increases also play a role in making this treat more expensive. Shoppers see these changes most during peak summer months.

Packaging and transportation expenses further inflate prices, making even store-brand options less affordable. Specialty and premium brands feel the biggest jumps.

Make homemade ice cream or opt for less expensive frozen desserts. Watch for seasonal promotions or clearance sales.

Simple Changes to Save Big on Groceries

Dealing with higher grocery prices can be tough, but small changes can help a lot. Knowing which foods are getting more expensive helps you shop smarter.

You can still enjoy your favorite meals without spending too much by making smart choices and looking for sales. Being informed is the best way to handle rising costs. When you shop, try different foods, buy in bulk when it saves money, and use seasonal foods.

These ideas can help your wallet and keep your pantry full. Every family feels the effects of inflation differently, but taking action can give you more control.

What works best for you? Share your tips with us in the comments!

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.