17 Overpriced Groceries You Should Stop Buying

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Grocery shopping seems straightforward, but some items have become surprisingly expensive with inflation hitting hard. As per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, grocery prices saw a sharp rise of more than 11% in 2022 and a further 5% increase in 2023.

It’s time to rethink our shopping habits and avoid those overpriced items that drain our wallets. Here are 19 items you should reconsider buying and some alternatives to help you save money.

Pre-cut Fruits and Vegetables

Pre-cut fruits and vegetables look super convenient but come with a hefty price tag. Did you know they can cost up to six times more than their whole counterparts?

While grabbing that ready-to-eat pack of watermelon cubes is tempting, you’ll save a lot by buying and cutting the whole fruit yourself. Not only do you save money, but you also get fresher produce. Prepping your fruits and veggies can be a great way to unwind and get some kitchen practice.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is one of the most marked-up items you can buy. It can cost up to 3,000% more than tap water! Investing in a good reusable water bottle and a home water filter can save you a ton over time. It’s also better for the environment. Imagine all the plastic bottles you’ll keep out of landfills by making the switch. Your wallet and the Earth will thank you.

Name-Brand Cereals

Name-brand cereals can be surprisingly pricey. Opting for generic or store-brand cereals often gives you the same taste and nutritional value at a fraction of the cost.

Store brands have come a long way; many are made with the same ingredients as their name-brand counterparts. Don’t be fooled by the flashy boxes; what’s inside matters. Next time you’re in the cereal aisle, try the store brands. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Pre-made Guacamole

Who doesn’t love guacamole? But pre-made versions can be ridiculously expensive—a small tub can sometimes cost more than the federal minimum wage! Making your own guacamole is not only cost-effective but also incredibly simple. All you need are avocados, lime, cilantro, onion, and salt. You can customize it to your taste—spicy, mild, chunky, or smooth.

Packaged Rice Mixes

Packaged rice mixes may seem convenient, but they’re significantly overpriced. Plain rice with your own seasonings is much more cost-effective.

You can buy a large bag of plain rice and season it with spices you already have at home. You’ll save money and avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives often found in packaged mixes.

Granola

Store-bought granola can be a budget-buster. Making your own granola at home is easy and much cheaper. You can also control the ingredients by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Homemade granola makes for a delicious, healthy breakfast or snack. Once you start making your own, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-made.

Cards

Greeting cards at grocery stores are notoriously overpriced. Why spend $5 on a single card when you can buy a pack of blank cards and personalize each one?

Alternatively, consider making your own cards for a more heartfelt touch. Your loved ones will value the gesture, while your finances will benefit from the savings.

Paper Products

Items like toilet paper and paper towels are often cheaper when bought in bulk from big box stores or online. Stocking up during sales can also lead to significant savings. Look for deals and consider switching to reusable cloth alternatives for some products to save even more.

Bacon

Bacon prices have been on the rise, increasing 23% year-over-year. Buying in bulk during sales or reducing your consumption can help manage these costs.

Consider adding other protein sources into your diet, like turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives, which can be healthier and cheaper.

Eggs

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), egg prices have increased by 44% compared to last year. Look for sales, buy in bulk, or consider egg alternatives like flaxseed meal or yogurt in baking. Don’t be afraid to shop around different stores or farmers’ markets for the best egg deals.

Ground Beef

Ground beef prices have shot up by 32% since 2019. Try less expensive protein sources like beans, lentils, or ground turkey, or buy beef in bulk when on sale and freeze it. A good tip is to blend ground beef with vegetables to make it go further in dishes like meatballs or burgers.

Packaged Cookies and Donuts

Pre-packaged baked goods are convenient but costly. Baking your own treats at home is more economical and allows you to control the ingredients. Homemade cookies and donuts can be a fun family activity, and they often taste better than store-bought versions.

Milk

Milk prices have risen 17% in a year. Consider plant-based options like almond or oat milk, or buy powdered milk for a more shelf-stable and cost-effective option. Exploring different milk options can also introduce you to new flavors and nutritional benefits.

Name-Brand Beauty Products

Store-brand beauty products often contain the same ingredients as their name-brand counterparts but at lower prices. Switching to these can save you a lot over time.

Next time you’re shopping for beauty products, look at the ingredients list closely. You might find that the generic version is just as good.

Pre-made Coffee Drinks

Buying coffee from a café every day can add up quickly. Making your coffee at home can save you hundreds of dollars annually. Invest in a good quality coffee maker and some delicious beans. You’ll save money and enjoy the ritual of making your morning coffee just the way you like it.

Out-of-Season Produce

Out-of-season fruits and vegetables can be expensive and often lack flavor compared to their in-season counterparts. Focus on buying seasonal produce for better prices and quality. Planning your meals around what’s in season can also introduce you to new recipes and ingredients.

Premium Cuts of Meat

Premium cuts of meat can be pricey. To save money, opt for less expensive cuts or reduce meat consumption altogether. Learning how to cook and tenderize cheaper cuts can make a big difference. Consider adding more plant-based meals to your diet for health and economic benefits.

Snack Packs

Individual snack packs are convenient but come with a high markup. Buying snacks in bulk and portioning them yourself can lead to significant savings. Reusable snack bags or containers can make this process easier and more environmentally friendly.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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