While the news media will eagerly tell us that the rate of food price inflation has decreased, many Americans have been left wondering when those supposed savings will hit their bank accounts.
Although food price inflation over the past year has been less than 3% percent, Americans still find themselves spending more than ever at the grocery store. Not only that, but some products, such as eggs and red meat, have seen incredible price hikes and fluctuations.
Still, some insist that shopping today isn’t that much worse than it was a year ago. To those people, New Jersey-based TikTok user Marlene (@marlene.lisa) has a message—and to deliver it, she’s bringing an old receipt to ShopRite to show just how much prices have increased.
How Different Are Prices From Last Year to Today?
In her video, Marlene brings receipts “from June 2024 right through today” to her local ShopRite.
“We’re gonna go grocery shopping, and we’re gonna do some price comparison, and I’m gonna show you how [much] more expensive your groceries really are,” she explains.
Over the course of the video, she browses the aisles and occasionally compares the new prices to the old ones.
Among the most notable price increases are the aforementioned red meat and coffee. According to her, last year, she was able to buy 8 O’Clock Coffee for just $9.99; less than a year later, it’s $17.99.
“So, it is doubled in price,” she summarizes. “Coffee is insane—and this is not even a fancy brand like Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts!”
Upon going to the cereal aisle, she notes that the previously $3 boxes of cereal are now over $6. And a bag of pretzels, which used to cost her around $4, are now almost $5.
Going to the canned goods aisle, she says that, in December 2024, she was able to buy canned beans for less than a dollar. Now, the cost is $1.89.
“You can’t tell me groceries haven’t gone up,” she states.
Why Are Groceries So Expensive?
There are a few reasons why economists say some prices have exploded.
In the case of coffee, experts say that droughts in coffee-producing areas, paired with the threat of the Trump tariffs, have caused coffee (which is by and large an imported product) to dramatically increase in price.
For cereal, shoppers have noted the significant price increase, though the reasoning behind this price increase is unclear. Some cereal manufacturers have noted increased production costs, while others have speculated that corporate greed might play a role in higher prices.
Regarding canned beans, it’s also uncertain why prices have gone up. Tariffs on the materials that compose the cans could cause an increase, and similar tariffs on the beans themselves could impact their price.
Commenters Aren’t Happy
In the comments section, users shared their own stories of price increases, with many noting their dismay at the continually rising prices.
“My folgers was 7.99 last year, its 19.99 by me. also in just under a year,” noted a commenter.
“You know what hasn’t gone up? my husband’s teacher wage,” added another.
BroBible reached out to Marlene via TikTok direct message and comment and to ShopRite via email.