FOOD Report food & grocery shortages / price increases here: 2023 Edition
- Status
chumly2071
Contributing Member
Not food related, but 4 mid grade tires for a 2015 explorer cost me $1023 (with road hazard warranty) yesterday, and that included a $200 warranty credit from the old tires. Glad I know the manager of the store.
Another friend bought 4 tires for a newer 3/4 ton ram 4x4, and his out the door was $1400.
Also stopped to see some friends at a local auto repair. They were lamenting that in general, brake parts were up 2 to 3 times previous prices, and sometimes hard to source. one of their customer cars is a Ford F250 that has a year wait on a column switch to get it back on the road.
Another friend bought 4 tires for a newer 3/4 ton ram 4x4, and his out the door was $1400.
Also stopped to see some friends at a local auto repair. They were lamenting that in general, brake parts were up 2 to 3 times previous prices, and sometimes hard to source. one of their customer cars is a Ford F250 that has a year wait on a column switch to get it back on the road.
Wonder if they have access to a used car lot that sells parts? We have a huge one and we recently got motors for both front door windows and a back window hydraulic lift bar for the truck. And I accidentally broke the window in my car 2 wks ago and got a replacement from there as well. Worth a try to hit one up when/if you need certain things. We paid way less than parts store.
I thought I would revive this because I noticed some minor problems.
Florida Natural Orange Juice now is apologizing for being from concentrate. Won't be buying it again. It tasted lousy. Sorry for their crop losses though.
And this one really hurt my feelings yesterday. Mc Donald's was out of fries.
Florida Natural Orange Juice now is apologizing for being from concentrate. Won't be buying it again. It tasted lousy. Sorry for their crop losses though.
And this one really hurt my feelings yesterday. Mc Donald's was out of fries.
Voortrekker
Veteran Member
Went to a Giant's in Scranton, Penna. and prices were higher than the national average. Hit a Meijer on Ohio and prices have gone up on canned goods at both places. King Sooper in Colorado and prices are really up there for canned goods.
Spent $90 at Sam's in Pueblo for some road supplies but also got a $25 pair of "water shoes" for driving.
Spent $90 at Sam's in Pueblo for some road supplies but also got a $25 pair of "water shoes" for driving.
Babs
Veteran Member
In that case, you should loot and destroy a Walmart, and perhaps start a riot at McDonalds.
But prices have seriously gone up in my area also.
Haha...I was just thinking of digging out this thread yesterday.
Very few good deals in meat lately. Even the little shop down the road is having trouble coming up with items for a budget. Their bulk 80/20 burger bags are still $3.99/lb. Bulk loose pork sausage (Italian or breakfast) @ $2.49/lb., and boneless pork chops at $2.49/lb. but I'm getting so tired of those overly lean, dry things - unless I cook them in kraut, gravy, or marinate the heck out of them and grill. Guess that's where the real cook has to dig deep.
Canned goods...stores are very much pushing off brands. Top brands are stupid expensive. I need to get a Walmart pickup order going this week - have been staying out of town for the most part because the driveway and local roads are such a mess of ice, mud and melting snow. Argh.
Very few good deals in meat lately. Even the little shop down the road is having trouble coming up with items for a budget. Their bulk 80/20 burger bags are still $3.99/lb. Bulk loose pork sausage (Italian or breakfast) @ $2.49/lb., and boneless pork chops at $2.49/lb. but I'm getting so tired of those overly lean, dry things - unless I cook them in kraut, gravy, or marinate the heck out of them and grill. Guess that's where the real cook has to dig deep.
Canned goods...stores are very much pushing off brands. Top brands are stupid expensive. I need to get a Walmart pickup order going this week - have been staying out of town for the most part because the driveway and local roads are such a mess of ice, mud and melting snow. Argh.
greysage
On The Level
Went to the grocery store last night for some ice cream, had a coupon for $3.75 off 3 1.5qt containers.
Walking up to self-checkout I get to two store women, a cashier and supervisor heading me off at self-checkout.
I think they thought I was going to walk straight out without paying. They hovered until I entered my phone number for store coupons.
Whoops, problem, coupons require a supervisor on self-checkout.
'Sir, sir, that's not what you do with coupons!'
'What do I do?'
'They go in there.'
'It says 'call supervisor'
'huffs'
Meanwhile, black guy in line behind me.
'Why can't I check out? Are you going to help me like you help him?'
'Be with you right away sir! You can go to line 3, she's open there.'
'I got coupons too'
Supervisor stops helping me and walks him down to register 3 and checks to make sure he's all set. Then she comes and scans her badge for my second coupon.
Sh*t is just getting stupid fast.
Walking up to self-checkout I get to two store women, a cashier and supervisor heading me off at self-checkout.
I think they thought I was going to walk straight out without paying. They hovered until I entered my phone number for store coupons.
Whoops, problem, coupons require a supervisor on self-checkout.
'Sir, sir, that's not what you do with coupons!'
'What do I do?'
'They go in there.'
'It says 'call supervisor'
'huffs'
Meanwhile, black guy in line behind me.
'Why can't I check out? Are you going to help me like you help him?'
'Be with you right away sir! You can go to line 3, she's open there.'
'I got coupons too'
Supervisor stops helping me and walks him down to register 3 and checks to make sure he's all set. Then she comes and scans her badge for my second coupon.
Sh*t is just getting stupid fast.
babysteps
Veteran Member
I'm spending around $200 a week on groceries if I'm very careful. (Feeding 7+ people) But that means not buying meat and only rarely buying cheese. Fortunately we have a large freezer full of a steer and a bunch of chickens, so that's okay. I'm looking forward to getting the garden in.
And I'm no longer taking my husband grocery shopping with me, because he complains about the prices and government the whole time. LOUDLY. Lol.
And I'm no longer taking my husband grocery shopping with me, because he complains about the prices and government the whole time. LOUDLY. Lol.
Chicken Mama
Veteran Member
Mine doesn't get to go either. He loads up snacks and junk food in the cart without paying any attention to the prices.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Since I've stopped adding to my overall pantry, and am just buying to maintain a steady amount, my grocery bill has gone down, even though, prices are still rising. I'm only spending $250-$300 for two weeks, instead of the $450 -$500 range while I was still adding to the pantry. That also includes non-food items and is for a two week's supply. That also includes all meats and dairy products, plus eggs. We aren't fortunate enough to be able to raise any of those items for ourselves. We buy everything we need at one store. It makes our shopping trip so much easier and cheaper in the long run. I just can't hold up to spend the whole day going from one store to the next, although, TSC and our wine shop are always on our places to go while in town. Food Giant and TSC are side by side and share the same huge parking lot. The wine shop is across the street.
Last edited:
I'm at about max storage. Making a list has slowed things down and reduced expenses.
Doc1
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Other than motorcycle tires, I haven't bought a new car or truck tire in over forty years. Buying good, used tires is one of the best ways to save on vehicle maintenance. I've yet to see any research which indicates that used tires are any more dangerous than new.
Used tires (in good condition) commonly cost between 20% to 40% of new prices and reputable tire stores will offer a limited, short-term, return warranty. Learn how to decipher the manufacturer's date codes on the tire and try to buy one that's relatively new.
Tires are one of those things that just don't hold much resale value once they're used. That can work to your advantage.
Best
Doc
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
That's me. I just do not have the room for anything else. I have a small area saved for canning garden veggies, but that's it. I keep a running list on my kitchen countertop for items I use over a 2 week period. I simply replace those items. From time to time, I'll catch a good sale on something that's not on my list, and I'll buy those if they are items I use on a regular basis. My goal is to maintain what I have, not add to.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
Our grocery bill has gone up too, and I noticed toilet paper and the 25 lb bag of sugar have both gone up $3 in a month. We use a lot of sugar to feed our bees at this time of year.
Don't we always??
Every time someone shop lifts or loots, our prices will increase. Businesses will not be able to stay afloat without covering those losses. I hate thieves because they are stealing from all of us. When Walmart stores are trashed in large cities increase prices across all their stores. It's so sad because many of the stores in those areas are necessary or the areas become food deserts. I know in Des Moines a number of years back they were begging for a grocery store in an intercity poverty area. I think HyVee did open a store there, but you can be sure if it gets looted and trashed it will be closed not repaired.
I'm on fixed income and have no option other than to stick to my budget, so I keep a running list of what I've used so I keep my pantry at a stable level. I shop once a month and I have never been so thankful for my pantry as I have been since 2020. The only meat I've purchased lately is chicken, ground beef and pork. I'm in Iowa so we have great pork available at decent prices. Still, I long for a good pot roast!!
Shrinking sizes and increasing prices seem to be the model these days. I noticed toilet paper purchased from Aldi last month has fewer sheets per package and the sheets are smaller.
I haven't noticed being unable to find what I need although I do see a lot of empty or thin shelves. Dollar Tree has expanded their food stocks which is good. However, paying $1.25 for a can of vegetables that could be purchased at Walmart of Aldi for 68¢ doesn't make sense. Know your prices and shop accordingly.
babysteps
Veteran Member
Mine is pretty good about junk food. He USED TO be much worse, but I figured out how to make several of his favorites so now he just fusses about making sure I have ingredients.
But oh good gravy. He is LOUD when he is complaining and most of the time I'm a) not in the mood to listen, and b) trying to get out of the store before next juvember.
Besides, even he recognizes that if he kibbutzes too much it doubles the grocery bill, and he's worse than I am about penny pinching.
But we go through 10 gallons of milk a week and the stuff is $4 a gallon now. It's painful. I've started hinting that we should sell our red angus cows and pick up the same number of Dexters instead. Less meat per head, but the addition of dairy would help SO much, and the same number of cows would be easier on our small acreage. We had dairy goats for several years but escape artists plus busy road on one side of our property equals too much liability.
psychgirl
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I love it when DH goes with me (usually) because he will help me remember things on my list.
But mostly I do a much more efficient job of shopping by myself by sticking to my routine.
But then again….he ALSO breaks my defenses down for some reason, and I end up buying more than I should, Lol. Which is….Usually for things I know we truly don’t need, but those things we’d LIKE to have
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary and I shop together and have done it for 46 years. We enjoy each other's company. We hold each other accountable about not buying extra stuff that's not on our shopping lists, other than sale items. That's an added bonus.
Now, there have been times when I was too sick to go shopping, and he would take my list and go by himself. Those times are always a disaster, LOL. He comes home with everything on the list and a lot of extras, such as cookies, snacks and such. He always uses the excuse of, "I thought we could use these and these, too".
Now, there have been times when I was too sick to go shopping, and he would take my list and go by himself. Those times are always a disaster, LOL. He comes home with everything on the list and a lot of extras, such as cookies, snacks and such. He always uses the excuse of, "I thought we could use these and these, too".
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
When DH and I go in the store together we go our separate ways. He buys what he wants and I buy what we need to keep the pantry level stable.
I have been buying a lot more frozen vegetables lately though, most of which he won't eat. We usually don't eat the same thing any more, I'm on a diet and he is not.
If Dh wants snacks he buys them his self and he keeps them in the fridge in his workshop. Although lately I'm not tempted. DH really doesn't like to shop.
I have been buying a lot more frozen vegetables lately though, most of which he won't eat. We usually don't eat the same thing any more, I'm on a diet and he is not.
If Dh wants snacks he buys them his self and he keeps them in the fridge in his workshop. Although lately I'm not tempted. DH really doesn't like to shop.
Milk-maid
Girls with Guns Member
Yup- Shrinkflation
I just took this photo a few minutes ago. Toilet paper bought last year on the left and some from last week on the right.
Both are 12=48 sized. See the difference? Smaller in size and cost more.
Highway robbery.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cary isn't picky that way. He loves everything I cook. There are some veggies that he won't eat, so I don't buy those. We share the same meals. My exception to that is I love salads and make myself one to go with our meals. He doesn't like salads too much. Sometimes, he'll have one, though. We do a trade off. I don't eat the bread portion of our meals, and he doesn't eat the salad portion. I don't cook separate meals for us.
We have a cash budget, and both of us buy out of that same budget, period.
Milk-maid
Girls with Guns Member
I saw this short 1 minute video this morning and sent it to my husband because this is what he does.
When we were really broke, this is what we had to do to get back on our feet again. I think it's the Dave Ramsey way of budgeting and saving. It worked.
cash envelope budget
nomifyle
TB Fanatic
Eating what DH prefers is why I gained 40 pounds, I went along with it for years and now he is fine with me eating differently to lose weight and stay healthy.
I found two beautiful butterfly porkchops in the freeze yesterday and cooked them for him. I can eat pork and the way I cooked them would have been fine. But I saved them both for him. That's two meals for him. I also cooked mac n cheese for him to day. He is talking about having the other chop for supper with some cole slaw. I haven't decided yet whether I'm having the big salad or something else.
Normally after he has his nice size portion of the mac n cheese I'd eat the rest, but I'm not even tempted. Thank you Jesus.
We got two 5 pound bags of chicken leg quarters in commodities yesterday and he kept one out of the freezer for me to cook. I baked them and seasoned with poultry seasoning and pink salt. After they cooled some he skinned them and deboned them and now we have a big bowl of cooked chicken. I'm going to vacuum seal some of the meat in portion sizes for the freezer. I can have 6 oz at a meal, which is actually a lot, so I'll freeze them in that amount.
Since we were into our late 60's and early 70's when we married we each had our own incomes and decided not to put our money together and that has worked out well. He pays certain bills and I pay other bills.
The TP that I prefer has gone up in price but is still the same size, scott 1000 sheet rolls.
SouthernBreeze
Has No Life - Lives on TB
On the day we go shopping, we make our bank the first stop. Cary withdraws the exact amount of our budget in cash. That's what we have to buy with. We don't use credit cards, debit cards, or write checks for anything. It's the way we've always done it, and it's worked for us to ensure we stick to the budget. If we don't use all the cash, the remainder goes into our emergency cash fund. We've always had a joint account. There is no "my money and his money".
Taco Salad
Contributing Member
Download the app. I just looked at my phone and nothing has changed in the offers. Small Whopper meal is $7.49 or small Whopper for two (2 small combos) is $11.99. I'm sure prices are to some extent regional but it sounds like you're getting hosed pretty bad.
I'm still buying, but choosier......found natural compostable drinking cups and bought all on clearance shelf....I hate foam/plastic cups & plates..........running out of room and no one to help organization....sons most should be "pitched"....may change minds when outpriced at store.........
Outlaw-16
Contributing Member
Latest shortage noted - the West Side of Olympia Grocery Outlet. I hit this place once a month to see what they have as they usually have good deals on a lot of items. Was there last week and their frozen food section looked to be gutted. The upright freezers had massive empty shelves and the chest freezers were almost empty as well. There was a sign on the doors to the upright freezers about a supply/shortage issue from a 3rd party vendor. No ice cream except the novelty stuff, very limited frozen waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and the like.
This place has a lot of 'off brand' items meaning the labels are a different name but the product is produced by a major food company. Same product, different label kind of thing. This is the first time I've seen signage stating this at this location. That particular Grocery Outlet services a lot of people in the immediate area including 3 retirement communities. Every Thursday is senior day where seniors get 10% off between 9am-3pm on every purchase they make there so one can imagine how busy they could be on those days.
What I did notice was the employees packing the shelves in the dry goods sections with more and more of the same items to cover the blank spots where something else normally went. The paper goods area was well stocked which is common, but the chips area was stuffed with all kinds of chips that I've never seen before. Stuff like sea salt jalapeno chips, a good 6-8 feet of space allocated for those with the 'other' chips making up the rest.
This is a discount grocery store and considering who it services, not looking good.
This place has a lot of 'off brand' items meaning the labels are a different name but the product is produced by a major food company. Same product, different label kind of thing. This is the first time I've seen signage stating this at this location. That particular Grocery Outlet services a lot of people in the immediate area including 3 retirement communities. Every Thursday is senior day where seniors get 10% off between 9am-3pm on every purchase they make there so one can imagine how busy they could be on those days.
What I did notice was the employees packing the shelves in the dry goods sections with more and more of the same items to cover the blank spots where something else normally went. The paper goods area was well stocked which is common, but the chips area was stuffed with all kinds of chips that I've never seen before. Stuff like sea salt jalapeno chips, a good 6-8 feet of space allocated for those with the 'other' chips making up the rest.
This is a discount grocery store and considering who it services, not looking good.
vessie
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Bps1691
Veteran Member
Large eggs at the closest IGA hit 99 cents a dozen last Friday. Last month they were close to $3 which was a drop from over 4 not the far back.
Was in a schnucks and myjers on Friday (grocery run for month) and both’s produce was terrible. Neither one had any green onions worth a hoot. Even the storage onions were past their prime. Missing lots of different things and the prices in what they had was high.
Nothing worth buying at the price in any of the fresh meats or seafood either
Glad I’ve got a full freezer and my early produce in the raised beds is close to using.
Was in a schnucks and myjers on Friday (grocery run for month) and both’s produce was terrible. Neither one had any green onions worth a hoot. Even the storage onions were past their prime. Missing lots of different things and the prices in what they had was high.
Nothing worth buying at the price in any of the fresh meats or seafood either
Glad I’ve got a full freezer and my early produce in the raised beds is close to using.
Outlaw-16
Contributing Member
Yes, Olympia, WA. West Side by the Dollar Store that's now the $1.25 store. Westside Lanes bowling alley is there as well plus the skips and skiens place (spelling ?). Haven't had the time to stop in at the Lacey, WA Grocery Outlet. From what I heard some time ago, its not as well stocked. Also, FYI, Lacey, WA made the DOJ statistics as a 1 in 36 chance of being involved in a major crime area. The location of the Lacey GO puts in the area where those statistics could really come into play.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
A 24 pk of Sprite is $12.58 in the Indianapolis area now. I try to keep it on hand in case someone has an upset stomach.
vessie
Has No Life - Lives on TB
There’s a bread company called Inked bread company that has The Best tasting Keto bread and tastes like regular bread that the Costco in Lihue, Kauai carries and I see on the Inked website that they carry their products at the Grocery Outlet stores here in Wa.
I can’t wait to check out the Grocery Outlet store up in the Crossroads area if Bellevue! V
Outlaw-16
Contributing Member
Here's something a little weird. The Tumwater Walmart (Tumwater Washington south of Olympia and the same Walmart where the guy shot up the sporting goods section to access locked ammo and was later shot DRT in the parking lot by a CCP carrier a couple years back) was completely out of bananas. Completely. Not even the organic ones were on the stand. This is the first time I've seen this as there are usually boxes stacked beneath the display full of bananas. Also, the canned food aisles were more than a little off. Their brand - Great Value, was not as present as it usually has been in the past and all the major brand names had a lot of shelf space dedicated to them with minimal back stock, meaning the cans were 2-3 deep but after that the shelf was empty. Seen that before in this particular Walmart but this is the first time the other brand names have been spread out to cover all the empty spaces. As an aside, the baby food aisle was set up the same at the canned food aisle, spread items out to cover the dead zones of missing product. Wandering through the HABA - Health and Beauty Aid section, a lot of personal items were not present and the 2-packs of items were not as plentiful as they have been in the past. The travel size items were overstocked for some reason and their section appeared to have been expanded to cover other items that were not in stock.
Funny side note - the end cap clearance on one aisle had cases of Budweiser discounted. Didn't get a chance to roll down the beer aisle but the conversation I was hearing from other shoppers, not likely bud was moving off the shelf.
Funny side note - the end cap clearance on one aisle had cases of Budweiser discounted. Didn't get a chance to roll down the beer aisle but the conversation I was hearing from other shoppers, not likely bud was moving off the shelf.
- Status