We reported last year on predictions that food prices would be rising this year and data so far bear out that prediction.
U.S. food prices in April rose 0.4% as overall consumer prices were up 0.8% month-to-month.
“Food prices increased 0.4%, lifted by rises in the cost of fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats, fish and eggs. Households also paid more to dine out. But gasoline prices fell 1.4% after accelerating 9.1% in March,” reported Reuters.
And before you start thinking about some conspiracy theory against your least favorite politicians for all this, maybe pick up a basic economics book first.
Demand for everything skyrocketed last year as people were forced to stay home and actually cook, or at least defrost and microwave, their own meals rather than going out. Higher demand ran into smaller supplies thanks to difficulties transporting and processing food during the pandemic. When demand rises while supplies remain stable or decrease, prices are bound to rise as well.
The answer in this environment is to be a bargain shopper. If you already look for deals start looking harder.
When you see expensive proteins on sale, stock up and freeze items for future use. Buy bulk packages and repackage into usable portions for yourself. And if your local supermarket has any kind of special contests or deals going on, take advantage of them
Glance as the receipt I have pictured here, you can see I save a sizable amount (46%) when I use all the deals I can find in any given week.
The No Salt, No Fat, No Sugar Journal 