Tariffs Are Putting the Squeeze on These 6 Grocery Categories
Grocery bills already feel more costly than they did a year ago, and there likely won’t be relief any time soon.
The USDA Food Price Outlook projects several food-at-home categories to rise 2.5%. Sara Conklin, a financial coach and frugal expert, broke down which items will likely get pricier now that the new U.S.-Canada tariffs are in effect.
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1. Beef
The USDA estimates prices of beef and veal will increase 9.8% in 2026, with the average price of a pound of ground beef hitting $6.89 in July.
“The most frugal thing you can do is buying the beef that fits your budget and stretching it with a can of beans if you need to,” said Conklin. She then suggested buying a few extra packages and freezing them in portions you’ll actually cook.
2. Sugar
Sugar and sweets are expected to see prices rise 7.1% in 2026, one of the faster-moving categories in the USDA outlook. Conklin said sugar doesn’t go bad, so just buy a couple of extra bags when they’re on sale and keep them in the pantry for when you need them to save money down the line.
3. Chocolate
Disease and bad weather have battered cocoa-growing regions in West Africa, and prices have not settled since. If you see chocolate chips, baking chocolate or cocoa powder on sale, Conklin recommended stocking up on holiday baking supplies early rather than paying the usual December markup.
4. Dairy
A 50% U.S. tariff on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including dairy and honey, came into effect Aug. 22, 2026. Conklin isn’t advising people to stockpile fresh milk, but she did say dairy products that can be frozen deserve a second look. "Butter freezes. Hard cheese freezes. Grab an extra when it's on sale."
5. Honey
Honey has an incredibly resilient shelf life, so stocking up when there’s a sale can save you money. "If nobody in your house touches honey, skip this one entirely," said Conklin.
6. Paper Products
Canada supplies a large part of the pulp for paper products produced in the U.S., so the extra cost tends to be felt upstream before it gets to a finished roll of paper towels or a package of napkins.
According to Conklin, look for sales on the paper goods you already buy regularly and stock them up.
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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