Grocery prices will always increase, but have some essentials become so expensive that the average American household can’t afford them anymore? Some regular staples have doubled in price, and many shoppers have to leave them on the shelves.
Looking for value brands or substitute products can offer a solution, but households simply want their favorite items back. Sadly, some budget busters may never return to affordability.
Budgets will vary, but all of the products on this list have increased considerably in recent years.
1. Breakfast Cereals
Shoppers regularly complain about the increasing price of cereals. Reports among buyers often mention higher-end products, with six granola bars costing around $9.
Media stories also suggest that cereal boxes are part of the new “shrinkflation” phenomenon. The product price appears unchanged, but the box size is smaller, so you’re effectively paying more.
2. Bacon
The price of pork has increased due to general inflation and several other factors, including reduced availability. All cuts of meat have gone up, but bacon lovers have been severely hit.
It isn’t easy to find a replacement for bacon, so we’ve had to absorb the price lifts, but a BLT has now become a luxury rather than an everyday snack.
3. Butter
In the UK, the price of butter rose so much that stores had to put security tags on specific branded packs. The number rose to the equivalent of around $8, which was beyond the budget of the average British household.
Non-branded butter is more cost-effective, but prices are generally rising, and many are turning to cheaper, alternative spreads.
4. Vegan Substitutes
Until recently, using plant-based substitutes such as vegan bacon was an answer to increasing meat prices. Veggie options may now be even more expensive than the meats they aim to replace.
The addition of flavor enhancers and emulsifiers in the production process is keeping plant-based options high. Unless the figures decrease, dedicated meat eaters will likely not be persuaded to switch.
5. Eggs
Avian flu has been a factor in rising egg prices, with some shoppers claiming to pay increases of more than 200% compared to last year. Inflation plays its part, but the major issue is a shortage of producing birds.
A lack of apparent alternatives leaves buyers with little choice, although there are vegan substitutes that may come down in price in the future.
6. Pet Food
The rise of premium pet food brands has increased overall costs. Our cats are too fussy for store-branded food in my household, so we must buy the more expensive names; otherwise, they won’t eat.
It’s a similar issue for many others, but food isn’t the only aspect of pet ownership that strains our budgets.
7. Cat Litter
Cat litter is extremely expensive, especially when you consider what it’s used for. If you have a yard and have trained your cat to do its business outside, you’re extremely lucky.
House cats and animals that are too old or lazy need litter. I suspect they like humans to clear up the mess while adding extra costs to our weekly grocery bills.
8. Olive Oil
Similarly to butter, olive oil prices have rocketed, putting even the essential brands beyond the reach of most households. In the US, it’s not uncommon for bottles to rise to $10 and beyond, and the cost is hard to justify.
Shoppers tend to gravitate towards cheaper vegetable oils, which are acceptable for cooking but not excellent when drizzled onto a dish to add flavor.
9. Beef
Beef prices rose by around 16% in the year following the pandemic, and security tags are used on the more expensive cuts. Steaks are now a luxury and beyond the budget of the average American family.
An option is to look for ground beef and cheaper cuts. Beef shin requires longer cooking, but it’s more delicious and cost-effective.
10. Citrus Fruit
Figures show that the food most affected by inflation in recent years is citrus. From 2021 to 2022, the price of citrus fruits rose, on average, by around 19.5%.
The bigger stores have cheaper options, but in this category, you generally get what you pay for. Unfortunately, the more expensive brands of oranges, lemons, and the rest tend to offer much better quality.
11. Orange Juice
As citrus prices increase, so does the cost of the juice that they help to produce. Shoppers in the US are complaining that the price of certain premium brands of orange juice has risen to $8, and they can’t justify putting it in their basket.
Economy brands are available, but they tend to be watery, and orange juice is a product where compromise is tough.
12. Yogurt
Yogurt may not be entirely beyond our budgets yet, but shoppers are asking why these products have doubled in price in little more than a year. Products that cost $2 are now at $4 and beyond, while there is a noticeable absence of in-store promotions relating to yogurt.
The product is labor-intensive and uses many ingredients, so perhaps prices had been artificially low until recently.
13. Grapes
Grapes are naturally expensive. Unlike most fruits, they do not continue to ripen after they are picked, so timing is an issue for harvesters. Transporting grapes that can only begin to deteriorate causes headaches for a product with a short shelf life.
With inflation added to the mix, it’s no wonder that many Americans are shocked when they weigh and price up loose grapes at the store.
14. Coffee
Reports warn that coffee might soon become an unaffordable luxury. There are claims that prices have risen by over 33%, while some consumers report much higher increases.
Climate change may be a factor in this issue, with major coffee-producing countries such as Brazil and Ethiopia heavily affected. Inflation and a general rise in the price of arabica beans are also said to be responsible.
15. Hot Dogs
Reports that major stores will increase the price of hot dogs and other processed meats have hit customers hard. In some places, the price of a regular pack of wieners may be up by around 400%.
Not all outlets have jumped on board, and one solution comes from Costco, who proudly keep the cost of a regular hot dog in line with 1985 prices.
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