Have you noticed grocery prices creeping up? Predictions for sharp increases to come.

[crusoe2]

I know nothing about the NIA, but since someone else expressed the same concern, I'll add this. Not trying to start a debate. This was just one of the first websites I came to.

http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2010/11/09/national-inflation-association/

I'm the one who brought up the NIA - thanks much for the link. What the article said is pretty much what I suspected. For me tho, the threat of hyperinflation doesn't spur me to buy gold and silver. I would be more inclined to put my money into stockpiling food and into goods that will help me to produce my own food. Silver and gold might be a good long-term investment but you can't eat them.

Question for paysensmom - Do you do anything other than wash and chop the veggies before you freeze them? My mom always froze bags of peas and beans for the winter but she blanched them before she bagged them up. How long do your vegetables keep?

 

[Cinerbelle]

I just bought a case of Cup of Noodles for the kids to snack on after school... they were .28 cents each... if prices go up as much as some of you are saying it looks like my whole family may be eating a lot move Cup of Noodles.

 

[aml3679]

That is why I coupon and stock pile when things on on sale. It is only 2 of us at home and a cat but I stick to a strict $120 a week budget including cat food and cleaning products.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I usually buy most of my household items and nonperishables at Target, but our Target has increased the price of 100 oz. Tide from 10.99 to 14.99 in the past few weeks - that's almost a 40% increase. Entenmann's Little Bites muffins have gone from 2.54 to 2.79 - a 10% increase. I've seen increases of 10-40% all over the store.

Regular prices at the grocery store have gone up as well - like a PP mentioned, Oscar Mayer bacon is about $7 per pound now, and 8 oz of Kraft shredded cheese is 3.29. Cream cheese went from 1.95 to 2.39- about a 20% increase.

 

[StephMK]

Thankfully prices have not jumped here yet. 1/2 gallon milk was on sale for
.99 so I bought 4 of those instead of gallons. Lots of stores are having .99 sales on canned goods, granola bars, etc. I'm trying to advantage of those sales now.

Meat is definitely higher though as well as some of our usual foods. I won't buy them if they are significantly higher so we may be revising some of our habits. Scary if they get as high as that article predicts. I tend to think that is not going to happen but maybe I'm just optimistic.

 

[paysensmom]

Question for paysensmom - Do you do anything other than wash and chop the veggies before you freeze them? My mom always froze bags of peas and beans for the winter but she blanched them before she bagged them up. How long do your vegetables keep?

I wash the veggies with a mix of peroxide and water. I let them air dry and then I chop them up. Sometimes I slice them, sometimes I chop into bits, others I cut into longer peices. It will all depend on what you are going to use them for. I don't do anything beyond that. I put them in a freezer bag and lay them flat in the freezer. I find it is easier to cook them up if they are not all stuck together. You can fit more in the freezer when stacking this way too I have heard that you need to blanch some things before freezing. I never have. I usually keep them for about a year. I am not sure if there is a standard time though. I just rotate them. When I put new in, I put them to the back and bring the older ones to the front. This way, we are always eating the old ones first

I am sure most of you already do this but, if I have bananas that have too many spots on them for anyone to eat. I peel them open and put them in a ziplock and mash them up. I use this mashed banana when I want to make some quick banana bread. I also just break some into chunks in a different bag to throw into smoothies. I use to throw brownish bananas away
I am going to look into getting a vaccuum sealer thing too.

 

[evhorizon]

The raw commodity prices of food stuffs has increased significantly the last 6 months. To give you a rough idea:

Wheat Up > 60%
Oats Up > 100%
Soy Up > 40%
Corn Up > 70%

There's usually a delay when the increase in commodity prices hit the grocery store shelves. That's what is starting to hit now -- increased prices, smaller package sizes, etc.

You have the government to thank -- they think inflation is too low and are printing money to head off "deflation".

 

[erinmomof2]

Wow, the prices some of you quote are scary! Here in MI I haven't noticed prices getting too high, you can nearly always get milk for $2 a gallon. Last week I got organic milk for $.98 for a half gallon (with a coupon). I try to use as many coupons as I can and watch sales and I manage to keep my grocery bill very low. If prices rose that much here we would have a lot hungry people, unemployment is so bad in MI that I'm sure many couldn't afford to eat.

 

[paysensmom]

98 cents a half gallon of organic milk? WHERE did you get the coupon and where did you buy your milk? Our organic milk is NEVER on sale and I pay $3.56 for a half gallon of organic milk We go through a ton of milk too....

 

[erinmomof2]

98 cents a half gallon of organic milk? WHERE did you get the coupon and where did you buy your milk? Our organic milk is NEVER on sale and I pay $3.56 for a half gallon of organic milk We go through a ton of milk too....

I bought it at Kroger. It was Horizon Brand and it was on sale because it was set to expire in a little over a week (don't know that was a big deal). I had printed a coupon from Horizon's website and my store doubled it, so it ended up being $.98. But even without the sale I find great prices on organic milk and on almond milk (I can't drink regular milk). The Sunday paper often has coupons, and I find a lot online. I'm not particular about brand. Horizon seems to have the most coupons and the best prices. My daughter takes the Horizon single packs to lunch everyday and I get them free sometimes or I'll spend up to $.50-$1.00 with a coupon (that is for the 3 pack). I know there is a stigma that coupons are only for processed "junk" but there really are a lot of good coupons out there.

Also check out mambosprouts.com. All of their coupons (printable) are for organic items.

 

[Planogirl]

I mainly freeze veggies that I will steam anyway. I have been chopping and freezing zuchinni, cabbage, broccoli, and couliflour(sorry, can't spell that one!). I have a few different squash , acorn, butternut etc..that I am going to bake and freeze the meat for later too. You could do corn too, I just don't serve much corn because it's not very healthy.

I could easily store some of those for stir fries and the like. It's good to hear that some of my favorites freeze well. Thanks!

 

[MrsPete]

Gas has also risen as fast as the next tide too!

My 16-year old daughter, who is just starting to appreciate the high cost of things, was just saying that the federal government has approved a .15/gallon increase in the gas tax.

As for food, I've noticed some things increasing (bacon, for example, is sky-high right now, and I haven't found turkey at a good price yet); however, I just stocked up on Food Lion brand canned vegetables at .39/can, Duncan Hines cake mixes were buy-one-get-one-free, making them about .60/box, and several other things were priced especially well recently. I don't think it's completely fair to say that higher prices are an across-the-board thing. More like, specific things seem to be spiking.

If you're serious about getting your groceries down to rock-bottom prices, the best method I've ever seen is Amy Daczyn's price-book method, described in her first Tightwad Gazette book (it was published late 80s/early 90s, and seems a little dated now -- but if you overlook the prices and pay attention to the methods, her ideas are excellent). It'll take you probably six months to really get this system going, but it'll work.

I've always maintained that the best ways to cut your grocery bill are
1) Watch your beverage bill -- most beverages are non-nutritious, and they make up about 30% of the typical person's grocery bill. 2) Search out non-grocery store options for food purchases. Grocery stores are convenient because they sell everything in one place, but less expensive choices abound: The farmer's market, ethnic food stores, outlet stores (such as the day old bread store, which isn't even "day old"), and salvage stores.

 

[lyncecelia]

I totally thought it was just me....

I went to the store today and picked up a handful of things. I expected the total to be about $35-$40 (as it usually is for relatively around the same amount of things) and it turned into $75! I quickly put stuff back since I didn't have that kind of cash to spend......it was basic stuff too, I have no idea how it happened. I was staring at the screen in disbelief thinking "what did I or the cashier do wrong?!"

 

[MsDisney23]

We have noticed an increase here as well. I have been stocked up for some time and will do more. I break my shopping down to Aldis, Walmart, Shop-Rite and BJ's. I do use coupons and save a lot.

It is scary to think of what is coming. I do love my veggie garden in the summer and truly miss it now. I think you will see more gardens being planted come this Spring. Acme in our area has frozen turkey's for .39 a lb. I already have my turkey, but think I will pick one up for the freezer for the winter months.

 

[OceanAnnie]

My 16-year old daughter, who is just starting to appreciate the high cost of things, was just saying that the federal government has approved a .15/gallon increase in the gas tax.

As for food, I've noticed some things increasing (bacon, for example, is sky-high right now, and I haven't found turkey at a good price yet); however, I just stocked up on Food Lion brand canned vegetables at .39/can, Duncan Hines cake mixes were buy-one-get-one-free, making them about .60/box, and several other things were priced especially well recently. I don't think it's completely fair to say that higher prices are an across-the-board thing. More like, specific things seem to be spiking.

If you're serious about getting your groceries down to rock-bottom prices, the best method I've ever seen is Amy Daczyn's price-book method, described in her first Tightwad Gazette book (it was published late 80s/early 90s, and seems a little dated now -- but if you overlook the prices and pay attention to the methods, her ideas are excellent). It'll take you probably six months to really get this system going, but it'll work.

I've always maintained that the best ways to cut your grocery bill are
1) Watch your beverage bill -- most beverages are non-nutritious, and they make up about 30% of the typical person's grocery bill. 2) Search out non-grocery store options for food purchases. Grocery stores are convenient because they sell everything in one place, but less expensive choices abound: The farmer's market, ethnic food stores, outlet stores (such as the day old bread store, which isn't even "day old"), and salvage stores.

I have her book. I bought it years ago. I need to find it. It had lots of good advice.

I started another threat on the resorts/sub board. The discounts aren't as good in '11 as past times. The discounts are tiered and some are considerably less than others. I have never seen this before. It got my attention. I wonder how long free dining will continue?

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

My mom works for a wholesale bakery (supplies bakeries at grocery stores, etc) and she said for months their costs are going through the roof. She orders all the supplies and the last butter order was $2.30 a pound, this time last year it ranged 1.60 to 1.80 a pound.

DH recently took a new job so he no longer travels out of state Mon-Thurs, and my food costs have literally doubled.... so I am really feeling the increase in prices. I go to a produce/deli store once a week, Land of Lakes Cheese just went up $1.00 a pound but is still much cheaper than the grocery store (3.99 vs 5.99 and up). I also get my milk there, it is a buck cheper than the store for Hood brand.

I live near a discount store called Price Rite, it is actually owned by Shop Rite. I found the rolls that DH takes to work every day for $1.30 a pack. Walmart is $2.50 and the grocery store is typically $3. We now stock up and put them in the freezer. Prego sauce was $2 less than Biy Y grocery store! They only had 2 or 3 flavors, but for less than 1/2 the price I can find something we like!

I used to get 1 pound bags of Dunkin on sale 4 for $20, haven't seen that deal in ages!

Diet Coke 12 packs.... I don't smoke, I don't drink but I love my diet coke! 12 packs have been through the roof lately! This week Target has it for $2.75 and that is the cheapest I have seen it in over a month!

My mom recntly noticed some place selling sugar that was 4 pound bags instead of 5 pounds, so expect more smaller packages!

 

[mwstar]

I am in the supply chain side of the food business. I have been working on 2011 contracts for a few months. The increases that are coming unfortunately are significant. Almost ever commodity out there today is being pressured either by high input costs (corn), short supply due to weather (drought) and/or the weakness of the US dollar hurts. Add on top of that the speculators in the marketplace driving up markets as well to make a profit.

 

[crusoe2]

I am in the supply chain side of the food business. I have been working on 2011 contracts for a few months. The increases that are coming unfortunately are significant. Almost ever commodity out there today is being pressured either by high input costs (corn), short supply due to weather (drought) and/or the weakness of the US dollar hurts. Add on top of that the speculators in the marketplace driving up markets as well to make a profit.

Can you give us any indication of how much of an increase to expect? Are they anywhere near the prices indicated in the NIA report?

 

[rigs32]

Makes me glad I walk to work. I'm getting promoted in a week or two and had thought that I would drive since it's getting dark so early these days. While the gas cost to drive 1.5 miles wouldn't be that high, the $4/5 per day to park could be better spent on groceries.

Though I did my shopping yesterday and didn't notice any crazy prize increases like y'all have mentioned. I got a turkey for less than $5 on sale. Never cooked one before, but for $5, I'm willing to give it a shot. It'll last us many meals I imagine.

I'm also thankful I'm a 1/2 mile from the farmers market that just won a contest naming it the country's favorite. I'm thinking braving the cold may be worth it to save a bunch of money if it comes to that. I can't go without my veggies!

 

[nunzia]

I've also heard reports of the hyper inflation that could happen..IF IF IF. Also feel like stocking up is better than buying inedible gold
Yes..everything is going up..what is up with B A C O N!!?? Super expensive. I have exactly 2 choices for grocery shopping..Walmart and an expensive local chain called Lowes Pay and Save (which should be called Lowes Pay and Pay and Pay), but they have better produce than Wal Mart and their sales are OK. I got my turkey..Honeysuckle brand, for .44 a pound, so that's great, but that bacon to put in the suffing is going to hurt. Not to be gloomy, but I see things getting much worse before they get better, so I plan on continuing to stock up on stuff like I always have, and maybe a little more than normal.