Grocery bills are getting downright brutal, with Americans now paying 25% more than they were before the pandemic — and things are only getting worse. For those of us on a budget, we’ve had to think hard about what we’re throwing in our shopping carts, and as a result, some of our favorite products have become occasional treats rather than the weekly staples they used to be. Here’s a look at the items now punching holes in your budget.
1. Single-serve snacks
The price of convenience is just way too high these days. That bag of chips you pick up at the bodega or the candybar you grab last minute at the CVS checkout used to be so much less expensive, but prices have gone way up due to packaging and processing costs. Plus, smaller portions often mean you end up less satisfied and reaching for more, defeating the purpose of the single-serve in the first place.
2. Processed, packaged foods in general
Your favorite Entenmann’s donuts or Double Stuff Oreos ain’t cheap anymore — the cost of comfort foods are hitting you hard. Spikes in sugar, wheat, and oil prices make them far less budget-friendly these days. It might be time to consider healthier, less processed treats or making your own snacks as a budget-friendly alternative. (I know, I know — where’s the fun in that?)
3. Soda and other sugary drinks
Sugar taxes and rising ingredient costs are turning your fizzy habit into a luxury instead of a quick, cheap treat. These sugary drinks offer empty calories and health risks, so cutting back could be beneficial for your wallet and your overall well-being. (However, if you’re addicted to Diet Coke like I am, I totally get this being worth the price!)
4. Cereal
Despite what the CEO of Kellogg’s says, cereal isn’t the budget-friendly staple it once used to be. While it used to be affordable, prices have been rising and it’s going to continue. Grain costs, supply chain hiccups, and even sneaky “shrinkflation” (smaller packages for the same price) are to blame. That being said, it might be worth switching to more filling and nutritious breakfast options anyway like oatmeal or eggs (when they’re on sale, of course) to save money and start your day with better fuel.
5. Deli meat and baked goods
No more cheap and cheerful deli sandwiches — they basically don’t exist anymore. Labor shortages and skyrocketing prices for wheat and dairy make grabbing a quick lunch a lot less appealing. If you rely on these items frequently, prepping your own lunches at home could save you a lot of money, and are probably a fair bit healthier.
6. Hot bars
Those ready-to-eat meals are feeling the heat. Rising food costs across the board mean that hot bar isn’t so budget-friendly anymore. If you enjoy the convenience, opting for rotisserie chicken and pre-prepped salads might offer a more affordable compromise, especially since you can usually get a few meals out of it.
7. Out-of-season produce
Fruit and veggie cravings out of season are now a luxury — think expensive transportation and energy-intensive growing processes. Stick to seasonal produce for the best prices and flavors, and explore frozen or canned options as an alternative during the off-season.
8. Nuts
Once a healthy but somewhat pricey snack, they’re now even further out of reach. Unless you want to live on peanuts, you have to be prepared to shell out some cash for nuts like almonds, cashews, and macadamias. Climate change and droughts affect harvests, driving prices up. If you rely on nuts for protein, consider alternatives like seeds or beans, which might be slightly more affordable.
9. Fast food
The days of super cheap fast-food meals are fading — people have been complaining that McDonald’s is no longer affordable (and that goes for all the rest of the big chains, as well). Labor shortages, ingredients, and packaging costs are making those burgers and fries less tempting. Plus, the long-term health costs of frequent fast food make it an even worse deal in the long run. Treat yourself to the occasional Big Mac, by all means, but don’t have it as a major part of your diet.
10. Restaurant pizza
Pizza night is a major budget blow, which is kind of crazy when you consider that it’s literally just bread, tomato sauce, and cheese. Restaurants struggle with food cost surges and labor issues, and they end up passing those costs on to you. Making pizza at home can save you big bucks and might be a fun family activity!
11. Chicken wings
The craze isn’t dying down, yet supply isn’t keeping up. Increased demand, plus rising feed costs, take wings from snack to splurge territory. Consider other protein options, like thighs or even veggie-based “wings,” for a more economical alternative. I’ve always felt like wings were too much effort for too little payoff, anyway.
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