Plan for your next trip to the grocery store

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices at grocery stores and supermarkets may change. For example, this year may see an increase in beef and bakery prices, while seafood and pork prices may decrease. See chart for more details.

These projections are based on data trends in observed and forecasted food prices. The prediction intervals narrow over the forecast period as more data becomes available.

The cost of food can go up or down depending on if you buy it to eat at home or when you eat out.

In February 2024, grocery store prices for meat, poultry, and fish either went down or stayed the same. Beef and veal prices didn’t change between January and February 2024, but they were still 7.4% higher than in February 2023 because there wasn’t much available, and a lot of people wanted to buy it. On the other hand, pork prices decreased by 0.6% in February 2024 and were 1.6% lower than in February 2023 because there was more of it available.

No matter how much money is designated for groceries, there are ways to save money.

12 Tips for Saving Money at the Grocery Store

Create meals from food items you have at home.
Plan your meals and make a shopping list before heading to the store.
Look for sales to lower your grocery bill.
Try store brands instead of name brands.
Buy generic brands instead of name brands for non-perishable items.
Avoid shopping when you’re hungry to prevent impulsive purchases.
Consider shopping at more than one store to compare prices.
Pay with cash to help you stay on track.
Utilize cashback and rebate apps to earn money on your grocery purchases.
Buy seasonal produce and freeze extras for later use.
Don’t forget to check the clearance section for discounted items nearing their expiration date.
Be mindful of portion sizes to reduce food waste and stretch your budget.