5 Items Frugal Middle-Class Americans Should Buy at Sam's Club Before Summer Price Hikes
As temperatures rise in the summer, prices for certain goods and groceries do the same. According to The Economic Research Service (ERS), between March 2026 and April 2026, prices rose in both the food-away-from-home and foot-at-home categories by 0.2% and 0.7% respectively.
The biggest price swings were seen in fresh vegetables which rose by 3.1%, beef and veal which rose by 3.1%, and other meats which rose by 1.7%. Prices for eggs and foods in the sugar and sweets category both fell during this period.
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The ERS predicts that prices for all foods will increase by 3.4% this year, so, now’s the time for the frugal middle-class shoppers to buy these Sam’s Club items before prices rise even further.
The Best Sam's Club Buys for the Money Right Now
1. Ground Beef
Last year, between May 2025 and August 2025, the price per pound of 100% ground beef rose from $5.98 to $6.30 and continues to rise, according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED. As of April 2026, the price per pound was $6.90, and this number is likely to continue to climb.
Sam’s Club Member’s Mark 90/10 ground beef is $6.17 per pound. It’s packaged with three 1-pound packs, and with this versatile meat, you can make burgers, include it in casseroles or have a taco night.
2. Other Meats
Meats besides beef are also seeing costs rise as summer approaches. Pork prices also rose between spring of 2025 and 2026. The great thing about meat is that you can buy it before prices rise and freeze it for later. Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Boneless Center Cut Pork Loin Chops are $2.98 per pound, while the Bone-In version is $2.52 per pound. That’s lower than the April 2026 national average of $4.33 per pound.
3. Fresh Fruits
Prices for produce vary widely depending on the type and season, but the ERS Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook: March 2026 report, showed apple and banana prices rising early in the year.
FRED’s Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Fruits and Vegetables in U.S. City Average shows that the amount that urban consumers pay monthly for fruits and vegetables comes out to $371.40. A number that’s been climbing steadily since around 1975. Prices for fresh vegetables are predicted to increase 7.6% in 2026, the ERS reports.
Sam’s Club is currently selling apples for between $1.35 and $2.42 per pound. Bananas are priced at 49 cents per pound. Both of these fruits are great to have on hand for summer, and the prices may rise as the summer continues.
4. Canned Goods
Canned fruits and vegetables last for a long time, so you’re able to stock up on them now before the prices rise even further. The unadjusted price change from April 2025 to April 2026 was 9% for canned fruits and 5.6% for canned vegetables. At Sam’s Club, you can grab an eight-can pack of Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn or Del Monte Cut Green Beans for $8.42 (just $1.05 per can).
5. Household and Garden Tools and Equipment
Yale’s Budget Lab graphed the seasonally adjusted index for a variety of products and tools and equipment for house and garden showed an upward trend in summer 2025. If that trend holds true in 2026, frugal middle-class families will want to purchase home and garden tools and equipment before the summer really gets rolling. This could include items like a weed eater, pressure washer, multi-tool garden kit, or tool combo kit. Purchasing the tools you need for home improvement projects early can mean you’ll save money if prices rise later.
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Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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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