Shoppers Are Dropping These 5 Grocery Staples in Favor of Cheaper Buys
Sticker shock at the grocery store is common these days.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices were 3.2% higher in April 2026 than in April 2025, which makes a significant difference for many households.
Spend Less: 5 Smart Ways To Stock Up on Groceries Amid Inflation and Still Save Money
Grow Rich: 9 Subtly Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money — That You Should Do, Too
With food prices soaring, Americans are changing the way they shop. Budget-conscious consumers are fed up with skyrocketing costs and revealed food items they’re no longer adding to their carts in a March Reddit discussion. From fresh fruit to beef and packaged snacks, consumers are cutting back and making tough tradeoffs to keep their grocery bill down.
1. Beef
Beef prices have been going up for months and are expected to rise 12.1% in 2026, per theUSDA. The Department of Agriculture says costs are increasing for several reasons, including smaller cattle herds, drought conditions and higher feed and production costs. As a result, consumers are opting for cheaper cuts like chicken or pork, while others buy only when beef is on sale.
“We eat a lot of chicken and turkey dishes because beef and seafood are too expensive,” one Redditor wrote. “Every once in a while, we’ll get salmon or beef.”
“I have substituted ground pork for ground beef in most of my recipes now," wrote a second person, "Costco sells a massive boneless pork shoulder for $2.50 or so per pound. And then occasionally they will do $8 off the whole roast. I just grind it all up myself.”
For households trying to stretch their weekly grocery budgets, beef is seen as a luxury rather than a staple.
2. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is tasty and healthy, but expensive. The USDA predicts the price will jump 1.8% this year and some shoppers are getting resourceful by growing their own.
“People should talk to food banks and university extension offices to see if they offer gardening for food classes,” a Redditor wrote. “You don't have to have a yard to grow some food. You may not be able to grow a lot indoors, but you can grow some.”
Others are turning to frozen fruit because it’s cheaper and lasts longer.
“Sticking with frozen blueberries $13 for 2lbs. edit: wild berries,” a Redditor commented. Shoppers are becoming increasingly strategic about buying produce based on seasonality and shelf life.
Enter for a Chance To Win $500 in MoneyLion's Summer Break Giveaway (No pur. nec. Ends 7/4/26. See Official Rules at mlion.info/summerbreakofficialrules)
3. Chips and Snack Foods
Having a pantry stocked with chips and snacks is something consumers are scaling back on in a big way. Between shrinking portion sizes and rising prices, shoppers are frustrated and taking packaged snacks off their list. Unless chips are discounted, most won’t buy them.
“The only time I'll buy chips is when they are buy 2 get 3 free,” wrote a Redditor.
Another chimed in and shared, “The $1.50 Walmart ones are okay, but yeah $7.49 a bag is never happening. I will get my fry daddy out and fry a bag of potatos first.”
Consumers are leaning toward generic or store-brand options, while some people have startedmaking their own because it's cheaper.
4. Chocolate
Chocolate lovers have been hit hard in the wallet over the last couple of years. Amid extreme weather events, crop diseases and tariffs, the price of cocoa jumped significantly. Prices are coming back down again, but not in stores due to an unstable market, PBS reported. Lack of quality is also something shoppers aren’t impressed with and they took to Reddit to express their dislike.
“Chocolate is awful now," one wrote, "What happened to it?”
Several others also commented on declining taste, with some consumers saying they now wait for holiday clearance sales, make their own at home or avoid chocolate to prioritize necessities.
5. Orange Juice
Orange juice is considered a splurge for a lot of shoppers now. It’s gone up 23% since President Trump took office, NBC reported, and consumers are angry.
“I treated myself to some oj today," a Redditor wrote, "Freaking $5 for a bottle. I'm already like did I really need that? I could've gotten bread and cheese for the same price and had food for at least a couple days if I just did cheese sandos.”
Others echoed the comment, noting that OJ has now become a "special treat."
Shoppers are skipping juice altogether or buying it only on rare occasions because it's become too pricey. They're sticking to just the essentials.
As food prices remain high, shoppers are being more selective about what they buy, reducing impulse purchases and making major compromises.
To help Americans navigate the added cost of summer, MoneyLion is giving away $1,000 every day through July 4. Enter the Summer Break Giveaway here (No pur. nec. Ends 7/4/26. See Official Rules at mlion.info/summerbreakofficialrules)
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: