Grocery Prices ‘Unfair,’ Americans Say as Costs Rise -- 6 Ways You Can Save Right Now
Consumers are fed up with high food costs and are blaming politics and large corporations for the relentless price increases, according to a June 2026 study by Global Strategy Group on behalf of The Kitchen Table Project, which surveyed 1,100 registered voters.
With grocery prices continuing to rise, keeping a kitchen stocked is becoming more challenging for Americans. The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) price index shows that food prices were 3.1% higher in May 2026 than a year earlier, while grocery prices were up 2.7% over the same period, aligning with the study's findings.
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The research found 63% of respondents cited buying groceries and food as a financial "pressure," and 67% said prices were "unfair," indicating that many households are looking for ways to make every dollar go further. Here are six expert-backed tips for saving money at the grocery store right now.
Double-Check Prices, Coupons and Delivery Details Before Paying
Scoring something on sale is a nice feeling, but many customers have found they are often overcharged when the discounted price isn’t honored at checkout. According to Joanna Clark-Simpson, the head of consumer research and consumer expert with PissedConsumer.com, a platform for shoppers to voice their complaints, this is the top gripe.
“Price mismatches can happen, so shoppers should compare shelf tags with their receipts to make sure they were charged the advertised price,” she said. “It is also worth taking a photo of the shelf price and keeping it as proof in case a coupon or sale is not honored.”
It also happens when ordering online. In these cases, Clark-Simpson recommends taking screenshots of the order total and tracking the delivery.
“This can help identify overcharges or missing discounts,” she explained. “If the grocery delivery later fails, shoppers will also have proof to support a refund request with the store.”
Bring a Number, Not Just a List
Shopping within a budget with no wiggle room can help prevent unplanned spending and the risk of racking up a big bill. It’s a tip that Ralph Estep Jr., LPA, a licensed public accountant and host of Becoming Financially Confident, lives by.
“Decide your total before you walk in and keep a running tally on your phone as you go,” he said. “Having a hard number in your head curbs impulse grabs at endcaps.”
Make Meals Out of What You Already Have in the Fridge
Checking to see what you have on hand before heading to the store sounds like practical advice, but it’s easy to forget. Buying duplicate items and spending unnecessarily can make your bill jump.
“Planning meals around ingredients you already have allows you to buy less while avoiding food waste and duplicate purchases,” said Elisabella Ricca, a personal finance and consumer analyst at TopCashback.com. “Depending on how much food would have otherwise gone to waste, this could equate to around $50 in savings per week, or $200 per month.”
Buy Generic
When it comes to food, brand names don’t really matter since many stores offer cheaper versions that don’t sacrifice quality or taste.
“On items where the store brand is identical to the name brand, such as flour, sugar, canned goods, spices and cleaning supplies, there is no reason to pay for the label,” said Estep Jr.
“Keep your name brands where you truly taste the difference and switch everything else.”
Buy in Bulk
If you’re not a member of Sam’s Club or Costco, now might be the time to consider. You can significantly bring down your grocery bill.
“Shopping at warehouse clubs can help you save because buying in bulk often lowers the cost per unit,” said Ricca. “Savings vary by item, but shoppers can easily save 10% to 30% on everyday grocery products -- some items can offer even bigger discounts.”
Read the Unit Price, Not the Sticker Price
Pay attention to the shelf tag because it shows a small "price per ounce" or "per pound," and that's the number that actually matters, says Estep Jr.
“The bigger box is not always the better deal and sometimes the store brand in the smaller package wins,” he explained. “Once you train your eye to that little number, you buy smarter without buying less.”
With grocery costs still elevated, even small changes in shopping habits can add up to meaningful savings over time.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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