Despite the overall easing of inflation in the United States, many consumers are still feeling the pressure from rising prices on certain supermarket items. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released on October 10, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose just 2.4% from September of last year to this September—marking the lowest increase in almost three years—shoppers are still facing economic strain. Many in the Asian community have noted that grocery bills are becoming increasingly burdensome.
The report highlights that, over the past 12 months, even though the prices of gasoline and vehicles have decreased, food prices continue to trend upwards. The food price index in the U.S. has seen a 1.3% increase over the past year, with significant price hikes in meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, which rose by 3.9%. Non-alcoholic beverages also increased by 1.3%. Meanwhile, prices for fruits and vegetables increased by 0.7%, and other household food items rose by 0.4%. Dairy products and related items saw a 0.5% year-over-year increase, while grains and baked goods experienced a minimal rise of 0.1%.
Notably, the price of Grade A eggs surged dramatically, climbing from an average of $2.06 per dozen in September of last year to $3.82 this September. Ground beef increased from $5.10 per pound to $5.67, while a pound of butter rose from $4.40 to $5.00. Additionally, whole milk saw a slight uptick from $3.96 per gallon to $4.02, and yogurt increased from $1.55 for an 8-ounce cup to $1.70. Other items such as ice cream, wheat bread, all-purpose flour, long-grain white rice, pasta, white sugar, and soft drinks also saw price increases.
On the flip side, some food prices have decreased over the past year. Boneless chicken took a dip from an average of $4.22 per pound to $3.97, while bacon dropped slightly from $7.08 to $6.95 per pound, and ham decreased from $5.88 to $5.63 per pound. Lettuce also became more affordable, dropping from $1.66 to $1.43 per pound.
Even with the slowdown in inflation, the rising prices of essential grocery items are still putting pressure on many consumers. Xiao Yue, a young resident of Alhambra who has just entered the workforce, shared her experience. She noted that even though she and her roommate have smaller appetites, they prioritize a balanced diet, leading to grocery bills exceeding $100 each week, which adds pressure to her budget. To save money, she has significantly reduced her visits to pricier supermarkets like Whole Foods and Sprouts and is now more deliberate about her shopping choices; she has even started to cut back on oat milk, a previous favorite.
Experts suggest that as food prices keep rising, consumers are becoming more attentive to price changes when shopping. They advise adjusting household budgets accordingly to navigate potential economic fluctuations.
