By hannover-web.com Despite a general slowdown in inflation across the United States, many consumers still feel the pinch when shopping for certain items at the supermarket. According to a report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while overall inflation has eased, prices for several grocery items continue to rise. From September of last year to September of this year, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) only increased by 2.4%, the lowest annual increase in three years; however, this still translates to economic pressure on households. Many members of the Asian community have expressed that their grocery expenses are becoming increasingly burdensome.
The report highlights that over the past 12 months, although gasoline and auto prices have declined, food prices have maintained an upward trend. The food price index in the U.S. rose by 1.3%, with the most significant increases seen in meats, poultry, fish, and eggs, which experienced a notable 3.9% hike. Additionally, non-alcoholic beverages went up by 1.3%, followed by a 0.7% increase in fruits and vegetables, and a 0.4% rise in other household food items. Dairy products saw a year-over-year increase of 0.5%, while grains and baked goods rose slightly by 0.1%.
Specifically, the price of Grade A eggs surged dramatically, rising from an average of $2.06 per dozen last September to $3.82 this September. Ground beef increased from $5.10 per pound to $5.67, and the price of butter jumped from $4.40 per pound to $5.00. Full-fat milk saw a minor increase from $3.96 per gallon to $4.02, and yogurt rose from $1.55 for an 8-ounce serving to $1.70. Other products such as ice cream, wheat bread, all-purpose flour, white rice, pasta, white sugar, and carbonated drinks have also seen price increases.
However, there were some foods that became cheaper over the past year, including boneless chicken, bacon, ham, lettuce, and bananas. The price of boneless chicken dropped from an average of $4.22 per pound to $3.97, bacon fell slightly from $7.08 per pound to $6.95, ham decreased from $5.88 to $5.63 per pound, and lettuce dropped from $1.66 to $1.43 per pound.
Even with the moderation of inflation, rising prices on basic grocery items continue to create challenges for many consumers. Xiaoyue, a young professional living in Alhambra, shared her experience, stating, “Even though my roommate and I are both women and don’t eat a lot, we try to maintain a balanced diet. Our weekly grocery bills exceed $100, which adds some pressure to our lives.” She mentioned that in an effort to save money, she rarely shops at pricier stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts anymore, and she carefully considers her purchases. “I used to love oat milk, but I’ve slowly given it up,” she noted.
Experts suggest that as food prices keep rising, consumers are becoming more vigilant about price changes. They recommend adjusting household budgets as necessary to navigate potential economic fluctuations.
