Have you noticed how grocery prices have changed a lot recently? Some foods that were once kitchen staples now come with a bigger price tag.
But not everything has jumped in cost—plenty of good deals are still out there.
This list shows which foods have gotten pricey and which ones are still kind to your wallet.
1. Eggs
Once the cheapest source of protein, eggs have flown off the affordability chart in recent years. Supply chain disruptions, avian flu, and rising feed costs have all pushed prices skyward.
Despite the spike, their versatility still makes them a breakfast and baking essential—but now with a side of sticker shock.
2. Butter
Creamy, rich, and nostalgic, butter has become a high-cost indulgence in many kitchens. The price of dairy feed and fuel has driven production costs up.
For bakers and home cooks, this has turned classic recipes into a slightly more expensive hobby.
3. Chicken Breasts
Lean and endlessly useful, chicken breasts were once a thrifty weeknight hero. Now they come with a surprisingly hefty price tag.
Labor shortages and processing delays have narrowed supply, nudging this staple into luxury territory for some households.
4. Breakfast Cereal
Colorful boxes that once lined the pantry now cost nearly double at checkout. Grain inflation and branding costs have added layers to the price.
Even basic varieties have become noticeably pricier, making it harder to justify the convenience.
5. Orange Juice
Once the hallmark of a cheerful breakfast, orange juice has seen soaring costs thanks to crop disease and reduced harvests. Florida’s groves have been hit hard by citrus greening.
Smaller yields and rising transportation costs now make a simple glass of OJ feel surprisingly indulgent.
6. Bacon
Sizzling, smoky, and now shockingly expensive, bacon prices have surged due to processing bottlenecks and rising pork prices. Feed costs and labor issues add to the burden.
Its once-cheap charm has faded, with some shoppers treating it as an occasional luxury rather than a staple.
7. Coffee
The comforting morning brew now hits harder at the wallet than the caffeine does. Climate change, transportation delays, and crop failures have spiked global bean prices.
As demand stays high, even basic roasts cost more, nudging loyal sippers toward smaller cups or less frequent refills.
8. Pasta
A humble pantry go-to, pasta has been swept into the inflation tide. Increased costs for durum wheat and packaging have driven prices up.
Though still relatively affordable, it’s no longer the dirt-cheap fallback it once was.
9. Ground Beef
This dinner-time staple has become far more expensive due to drought, feed shortages, and processing issues. Higher demand hasn’t helped stabilize the price.
Its rising cost has made burgers and tacos less casual and more carefully planned meals.
10. Cheddar Cheese
Sharp, creamy cheddar has seen a jump in price, driven by dairy supply chain slowdowns and export demand. Aging and production time add to the cost.
Even store-brand blocks now rival artisanal prices, making grilled cheese a bit less humble.
11. Canned Beans
Still under a dollar in most stores, canned beans remain one of the best deals around. Packed with protein and fiber, they offer big value for small money.
They store well, cook fast, and make a reliable base for soups, stews, or salads without stretching your budget.
12. Bananas
Consistently low in price, bananas benefit from efficient global supply chains and fast-growing yields. Their thick peels also protect them from damage during shipping.
Sweet, portable, and affordable, they’ve stayed steady even when other fruits have climbed in cost.
13. Rice
As a global staple, rice continues to deliver high yields and low prices. Its long shelf life and bulk availability help keep it economical.
From stir-fries to soups, rice stretches meals and fills plates without draining your wallet.
14. Carrots
Hardy and fast-growing, carrots thrive in many climates and remain cheap and widely available. They store well and are rarely wasted.
Whether shredded into slaw or roasted with herbs, they offer sweetness and crunch on a budget.
15. Peanut Butter
Rich in protein and satisfaction, peanut butter holds strong as a budget hero. Peanuts grow abundantly and store easily, which helps prices stay low.
Good for sandwiches, sauces, or snacking by the spoonful, it’s a pantry MVP that’s still easy on the pocket.