FOOD Report food & grocery shortages / price increases here: 2024 Edition

[SouthernBreeze]

I finally found beef broth at the meat shop, yesterday. I bought the last 4 cans they had. $2.09 per can! Name brand is all they had. They didn't have any low sodium, so I bought regular beef broth. Canned beef broth is still a lot less sodium laden than using beef bouillon cubes. That's what I've always used, until I realized how much salt were in those things. Trying to find it is like trying to pull teeth. I looked at 3 different groceries in town and they all were out. Plenty of chicken broth. What's up with the lack of the beef?

 

[straightstreet]

That's why I do the curbside pickup at Walmart. Zero annoyances and limited "socialization".

Haha. And I don't know if our local kids who work those jobs are extraordinary or what, but never had any broken eggs or a gripe over fresh fruit and veg. I don't/won't normally buy meat at Walmart unless it's already packaged stuff like hot dogs, Oscar Meyer lunch meat or Johnsonville brats/sausage. Once in a while I'll take an opportunity for their 10lb. bags of cheap Perdue chicken quarters or whole chickens. Again - never a problem.

I understand. I personally like to look at every item I buy and check expiration dates, the freshness of the bread and of the fruit and veggies from the produce dept., etc. But that's just my way

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I understand. I personally like to look at every item I buy and check expiration dates, the freshness of the bread and of the fruit and veggies from the produce dept., etc. But that's just my way

Mine, too. I do the same with freshness and expiration dates. If I'm going to be paying higher prices for fresh organic produce, or any produce, I want to examine it myself. I always squeeze the bread for freshness.

 

[John Deere Girl]

I understand. I personally like to look at every item I buy and check expiration dates, the freshness of the bread and of the fruit and veggies from the produce dept., etc. But that's just my way

I miss the days I could grocery shop in person, but my husband isn't able to do that physically, and I can't/won't leave him alone while I run to the store. For us, grocery pickup is a blessing.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I miss the days I could grocery shop in person, but my husband isn't able to do that physically, and I can't/won't leave him alone while I run to the store. For us, grocery pickup is a blessing.

I do a lot of online shopping, especially for clothing and shoes. Even our prescription drugs are delivered to our door. I won't say that I will never do grocery pickup, because I don't know what physical condition Cary and I will be in in the future. It's a huge blessing for some.

 

[RememberGoliad]

I miss the days I could grocery shop in person, but my husband isn't able to do that physically, and I can't/won't leave him alone while I run to the store. For us, grocery pickup is a blessing.

Pretty much the same reason I do the pickup thing. DW doesn't go to town with me every time, and almost never during the winter, so I use every time-saving tool I can come up with. Saves the mindless running around grabbing TP and canned stuff and all the stuff that doesn't have any discrimination associated with the selection.

 

[ClassyCwgl]

Those looking for bullion can try "Better Than Bullion". Both Walmart and Amazon carry it, tho Walmart doesn't have all the reduced sodium ones. You can also order from their site: Better Than Bouillon - Add flavor to all your favorite dishes. These bullions are really, really tasty. They have regular and organic. I was turned onto them by a gourmet cook.
Try mixing the beef into black refried beans and topping with cheese. So good.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Those looking for bullion can try "Better Than Bullion". Both Walmart and Amazon carry it, tho Walmart doesn't have all the reduced sodium ones. You can also order from their site: Better Than Bouillon - Add flavor to all your favorite dishes. These bullions are really, really tasty. They have regular and organic. I was turned onto them by a gourmet cook.
Try mixing the beef into black refried beans and topping with cheese. So good.

Does it have less sodium than regular bouillon cubes? If so, I will pick up a jar to try next time I'm in town for groceries.

 

[straightstreet]

I miss the days I could grocery shop in person, but my husband isn't able to do that physically, and I can't/won't leave him alone while I run to the store. For us, grocery pickup is a blessing.

Yes that is a blessing!

 

[tnphil]

Does it have less sodium than regular bouillon cubes? If so, I will pick up a jar to try next time I'm in town for groceries.

I doubt it. It is really good, it contains actual ground meat or veggies as far as I can tell. But pretty high in sodium (680mg/tsp for the beef or chicken, 580mg/tsp for turkey).
But, they make a lot of flavors: beef, chicken, turkey, ham, garlic, veggies, mushrooms and lobster. All very good.

 

[nomifyle]

I do grocery pick up because sometimes I just can't find something, but the pick up people can. And then sometimes I also go in the store anyway. If the pick up people are in my way I say excuse me and the move over. I like to read labels. And I've read the labels on the better than boullion and passed on it. I don't care if it tastes wonderful, if it has crap in it then I stay away from it.

 

[summerthyme]

I doubt it. It is really good, it contains actual ground meat or veggies as far as I can tell. But pretty high in sodium (680mg/tsp for the beef or chicken, 580mg/tsp for turkey).
But, they make a lot of flavors: beef, chicken, turkey, ham, garlic, veggies, mushrooms and lobster. All very good.

Beef bouillon has over 1100 mgs sodium per cube (or teaspoon granules), chicken has over 900. And Better Than Bouillon does have a reduced sodium variety, in beef at least. 25% less than the regular...

Summerthyme

 

[tnphil]

Beef bouillon has over 1100 mgs sodium per cube (or teaspoon granules), chicken has over 900. And Better Than Bouillon does have a reduced sodium variety, in beef at least. 25% less than the regular...

Summerthyme

Yeah, but I didn't have a jar of reduced Na on hand. And I didn't look at the cubes (just looked, 1040mg/cube).
But, yeah, good point that BTB is somewhat lower than cubes.
The veggie stuff is 700mg/tsp, garlic is 650mg/tsp, lobster is 710mg/tsp. We don't have any mushroom at the moment.

 

[Nich1]

Looks like Food Lion...and other grocers...carry this. Good to know! thanks.

 

[tnphil]

Yeah, but I didn't have a jar of reduced Na on hand. And I didn't look at the cubes (just looked, 1040mg/cube).
But, yeah, good point that BTB is somewhat lower than cubes.
The veggie stuff is 700mg/tsp, garlic is 650mg/tsp, lobster is 710mg/tsp. We don't have any mushroom at the moment.

I really wish they would leave salt out (or mostly out).
Salt is cheap and plentiful, anyone can add to taste.
Easy to add, impossible to remove.

Same with the sugar they feel must be added to everything.

 

[ClassyCwgl]

Here's the reduced sodium info​

Chicken​

Nutrition Facts​

Serving Size: 1 tsp
Servings (per 8 oz container): 38
15 Calories

---

• Amount
• % Daily Value

---

• 0 g Total Fat
• 1%
• 0 g Trans Fat
• 
  
• 500 mg Sodium
• 22%
• 2 g Carbohydrates
• 1%
• 0 g Dietary Fiber
• 1 g Sugars
• 1 g Protein

---

Not a significant source of other nutrients. Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

 

[Bps1691]

Here's the reduced sodium info​

Chicken​

Nutrition Facts​

Serving Size: 1 tsp
Servings (per 8 oz container): 38
15 Calories

---

• Amount
• % Daily Value

---

• 0 g Total Fat
• 1%
• 0 g Trans Fat
• 
  
• 500 mg Sodium
• 22%
• 2 g Carbohydrates
• 1%
• 0 g Dietary Fiber
• 1 g Sugars
• 1 g Protein

---

Not a significant source of other nutrients. Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

I use no added sodium chicken and beef stock and broth. Swanson or kitchen basic brands.

I also use no salt added chicken and beef bullion. Herb-ox brand.

Walmart carries canned beans, canned corn, canned peas with no added salt. Red gold makes the best no added salt tomato sauce, diced, etc tomatoes but there are other brands.

Reduced salt is still high in salt you have to check the nutritional label on all products to really see the salt content

I’ve also found that fresh chicken ON THE BONE is the only lower sodium. The off bone packages of chicken are injected with sodium and turkey is processed and high sodium

 

[bracketquant]

Our local food bank (SE MI) has been asking for the 18-pack Kraft Easy Mac for a while now. It has cost $18.99 on Amazon for several weeks. I kept checking back, and yesterday the price was $7.89, so I jumped on it and ordered 5 cases (the max allowed). Looked again today, and the price is back to the stratosphere - $17.89. Did my purchase cause the price jump?

Just clicking on an item, and not buying, can make prices jump up a few days later, on some web sites.

 

[psychgirl]

Just got home from morning shopping at Kroger.
You all need to check out sales and digital coupons right now!

I spent 98$ but saved 56$!! I didn’t intend on spending that much until I got in there.

Pork loin/tenderloin 1.99/lb

Chuck roast 4.99/lb
Salmon is finally coming back down in price for certain cuts.

Indiana Kitchen Bacon thick cut 3.99/lb

Chicken thighs 1.29. Lb
Potatoes

Toilet paper, toothpaste, soups, broth, eggs, cheese, all on sale.

Their marked down bakery shelves were packed with all kinds of bread; even nice brands.

 

[bracketquant]

A relatively inexpensive supermarket in the northeast, Price Rite, has pasta on sale for .79/lb. That's the first time in over a year that it's been under .98/lb, anywhere locally. Also, split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on) at $1.14/lb.

Time for some chicken cacciatore.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We enjoy going to a small meat market for our meat. It's really cheap for our area, so I stock up once a month. I was able to restock my freezer this month with more pork. I bought several (6) family packs of boneless center cut pork chops for $4.54 per pack. 6 really nice big chops, too, per pack. Their ground beef is under $3 per lb. I bought 6 of those. I can get nice beef chuck roasts for around $11 per roast. I bought 2. All fresh cut and ground right there in the shop per your liking for the most part. No fillers or additives. This shop saves us a ton of money on meat for the month compared to the prices of the same items at places like Walmart, Food Giant, and Kroger. I don't have to wait for sales or mark downs.

 

[WalknTrot]

We enjoy going to a small meat market for our meat. It's really cheap for our area, so I stock up once a month. I was able to restock my freezer this month with more pork. I bought several family packs of boneless center cut pork chops for $4.54 per pack. 6 really nice big chops, too, per pack. Their ground beef is under $3 per lb. I can get nice beef chuck roasts for around $11 per roast. All fresh cut and ground right there in the shop per your liking for the most part. No fillers or additives. This shop saves us a ton of money on meat for the month compared to the prices of the same items at places like Walmart, Food Giant, and Kroger. I don't have to wait for sales or mark downs.

I have several just like this in my area too. Can't understand why the model isn't more prevalent across the country. Fresh meat, no additives, and at least at my local shops, they make great custom items like various types of brats, burger patties, excellent summer sausage, loose sausage, beef sticks and jerky, specialty items like porketta steaks and roasts, (Italian origin - specially spiced regional favorite going back to early iron mining days here), proprietary rubs on ribs and chicken, hand-smoked (right behind the shop) bacon, ribs and salmon - turkeys and hams "in season". The shops are a feast for the senses, and the weekly specials are very reasonably priced.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I have several just like this in my area too. Can't understand why the model isn't more prevalent across the country. Fresh meat, no additives, and at least at my local shops, they make great custom items like various types of brats, burger patties, excellent summer sausage, loose sausage, beef sticks and jerky, specialty items like porketta steaks and roasts, (Italian origin - specially spiced regional favorite going back to early iron mining days here), proprietary rubs on ribs and chicken, hand-smoked (right behind the shop) bacon, ribs and salmon - turkeys and hams "in season". The shops are a feast for the senses, and the weekly specials are very reasonably priced.

Our meat shop has only been open for about a year. People from far and wide go there for their meat. I think this is the main reason they can sell at such low prices. I wouldn't doubt what they didn't start an expansion soon like what you're describing for more custom made products. Ours does have custom made beef patties and country sausage. Plus, without all the additives and fillers, the meat is much more healthy.

 

[psychgirl]

Our meat shop has only been open for about a year. People from far and wide go there for their meat. I think this is the main reason they can sell at such low prices. I wouldn't doubt what they didn't start an expansion soon like what you're describing for more custom made products. Ours does have custom made beef patties and country sausage. Plus, without all the additives and fillers, the meat is much more healthy.

What is the name of the shop?

We have Value Meat in Indiana which sounds very similar. But the closest one to me is an hour away.

A good friend shops there; she just loves it!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

What is the name of the shop?

We have Value Meat in Indiana which sounds very similar. But the closest one to me is an hour away.

A good friend shops there; she just loves it!

Hometown Meat Market. It's located in a small town close to us. We make a special trip there once a month to restock. It's also privately owned.

 

[moldy]

My little independent didn't run their produce paks yesterday. Not sure if they forgot to, or something else.

 

[anna43]

I use no added sodium chicken and beef stock and broth. Swanson or kitchen basic brands.

I also use no salt added chicken and beef bullion. Herb-ox brand.

Walmart carries canned beans, canned corn, canned peas with no added salt. Red gold makes the best no added salt tomato sauce, diced, etc tomatoes but there are other brands.

Reduced salt is still high in salt you have to check the nutritional label on all products to really see the salt content

I’ve also found that fresh chicken ON THE BONE is the only lower sodium. The off bone packages of chicken are injected with sodium and turkey is processed and high sodium

If I'm making a casserole that calls for bullion or broth, I will not add any salt to the meat, vegetables, pasta or rice. It breaks down to not too much sodium for the entire dish. Maybe more than you want but still compensates and you still have a tasty dish.

 

[Bps1691]

If I'm making a casserole that calls for bullion or broth, I will not add any salt to the meat, vegetables, pasta or rice. It breaks down to not too much sodium for the entire dish. Maybe more than you want but still compensates and you still have a tasty dish.

The no salt Herb-ox bullions has no salt. The Swanson beef and chicken stock/broth both come in no added salt as well.

I’ve been on a severely restricted salt diet for many years and have found multiple ways to use spices and fresh foods to make great tasting food. Also found many good no added salt products. Only thing on them they can be hard to find, at times overpriced.

I use a lot of frozen veggies over canned because many of them are no salt added.

Of course we still grow garden and I use fresh out of the garden or our home canned/frozen when can.

 

[Knoxville's Joker]

The no salt Herb-ox bullions has no salt. The Swanson beef and chicken stock/broth both come in no added salt as well.

I’ve been on a severely restricted salt diet for many years and have found multiple ways to use spices and fresh foods to make great tasting food. Also found many good no added salt products. Only thing on them they can be hard to find, at times overpriced.

I use a lot of frozen veggies over canned because many of them are no salt added.

Of course we still grow garden and I use fresh out of the garden or our home canned/frozen when can.

My problem is I am allergic to sulphur. Frozen veggies are off the table for me due to sulphur added at the time of freezing...

 

[tnphil]

The no salt Herb-ox bullions has no salt. The Swanson beef and chicken stock/broth both come in no added salt as well.

I’ve been on a severely restricted salt diet for many years and have found multiple ways to use spices and fresh foods to make great tasting food. Also found many good no added salt products. Only thing on them they can be hard to find, at times overpriced.

I use a lot of frozen veggies over canned because many of them are no salt added.

Of course we still grow garden and I use fresh out of the garden or our home canned/frozen when can.

Be careful with "salt free" anything. They may not use table salt (sodium chloride), but they generally replace it with tons of potassium chloride, which is a salt.

 

[Bps1691]

Be careful with "salt free" anything. They may not use table salt (sodium chloride), but they generally replace it with tons of potassium chloride, which is a salt.

Yes that’s very true, that’s why if you are serious you HAVE to check the nutritional label AND double check the actual ingredients on the label.

First rule I learned is potassium chloride is as bad as sodium chloride.

 

[tnphil]

Yes that’s very true, that’s why if you are serious you HAVE to check the nutritional label AND double check the actual ingredients on the label.

First rule I learned is potassium chloride is as bad as sodium chloride.

Goes back to the basics... if you wanna know what's in your food, buy the freshest, most raw materials, as "known" as you can get, and make it yourself.
These days, even "fresh meats" like pork and chicken are injected with a 15%-by-weight brine. Cheap way to up the price. Yeah, makes it more tender and likely taste better, but adds sodium and other unknown ingredients outside your control.
I've canned a ton of pork loins, but all are brined. Same with chicken. Beef roasts are not, as far as I can tell. I really like canning cubed venison, because it's about as "raw" as you can get unless you know a farmer who sells butchered livestock.

 

[nomifyle]

I had something I wanted to comment on the price increase but by the time I got here I'd forgotten what it was.

Now I remember. wm has been out of their canned chicken gravy, so I've ended up getting a couple of cans of campbell's at dt at 1.25. The price at wm is, well I thought it was 1.42 a couple of days ago but now they don't have any in stock. They do have some jarred chicken gravy for 1.42 and its two ounces more than the campbells in a can.

I don't use it very often, we are not much on eating chicken, or rather DH isn't so I got away from it.

 

[energy_wave]

I scored some boneless skinless chicken breast at a Sav-a-lot store I have driven by many times, but decided to stop in today for the first time since it opened years ago. Lot of their stuff is higher than Aldi's but I found the managers mark down cooler with great prices. I could have picked up 12 to 14 more packs like this one, which is dated to sell by the 22th for $1.49 a lb.

.

 

[Terrwyn]

Shrinkflation is here to stay evidently. My latest cases of 16 oz bottled water had 32 in the case instead of 35.
Also those Thomas Cinnamon Raisin muffins im fond of were so small this time and so thin I could barely slice to toast.

 

[nomifyle]

Shrinkflation is here to stay evidently. My latest cases of 16 oz bottled water had 32 in the case instead of 35.
Also those Thomas Cinnamon Raisin muffins im fond of were so small this time and so thin I could barely slice to toast.

I bought some Dave's killer bread muffins and they seemed very small.

 

[nomifyle]

wrong thread

 

[workhorse]

Just noticed that the seed packets that have like 12 bean seeds they used to be 10 cents. Saw them today about the same amount of seeds but now they are 50 cents a packet.

 

[Warthog]

Not to worry we will all have our own EBT cards soon just like the illegals are getting. All for one! One for all!

 

[summerthyme]

Just noticed that the seed packets that have like 12 bean seeds they used to be 10 cents. Saw them today about the same amount of seeds but now they are 50 cents a packet.

The nice thing about beans and peas is they are super simple to save your own seed. Just let 5-10 (or as many as you need... the minimum is to prevent eventual inbreeding depression) plants ripen the last of the pods (or skip picking those plants at all, if you've got plenty)

Let them dry down/die, but harvest the dry brown pods before the plants break and let them sit in the mud.

Shell them out, winnow to remove trash, and leave out in a dry place until you're sure they are completely dry. Store in a cool place.

Last year, we planted 60 foot rows of green and yellow beans, but only used them for fresh use, as we were trying to use up 3 year old canned beans. I've got over 2 gallons of seed of each variety. They last at least 5 years before germination starts failing.

Peas and beans don't cross easily. That's why you never see hybrid varieties... they are essentially self pollinating. If you get plants that produce "off type" pods, simply either yank them early, or eat them all,,and don't save any seed from them.

Summerthyme