Almost two years ago, we discussed the Costco $4.99 rotisserie chicken as an inflation hack for cheap, healthy food. Since then, the price of chicken has remained the same, but all other food prices have continued to increase and so has stress about buying groceries.
According to an analysis by Axios, the continuing inflation at grocery stores and restaurants is the main reason Americans think the economy is bad —despite growth and employment. We can all relate.
During an overpriced lunch with girlfriends last weekend, I mentioned an article discussing how anxiety is high when going grocery shopping due to the need to scrutinize prices and search for items on sale.
The article highlighted that people are managing this stress by choosing places that keep prices low without relying on special discounts— in particular, Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe’s.
The benefit of shopping at these specific stores is that we don't have to scan each aisle for the generic item or the brand on sale. It's simply easier to pick out items and go.
Personally, I do all my grocery shopping at Trader Joe's and Costco for the no-sales reason. I don't need to stand in an aisle and comparison shop basics like salsa. I know the produce at Trader Joe’s is quality. The prices are mostly predictable, though, of course, Costco costs a lot more because the sizes are bigger.
Recently, the checkout woman at Costco stopped me from leaving because she couldn't believe I got only four items for $75. She checked my receipt and mentioned the cost was primarily from the 5lb of lean beef for $30. Still, it's less expensive than any other grocery store.
I’ve never been to Aldi (seemingly neither has Tucker Carlson) but I read all the heated comments in this viral Facebook post about it.
The shopper posted the photo below and wrote “$136 worth of groceries.. don’t sleep on ALDI”
The commenters debated whether it was cheaper than Walmart and if the produce lasted for longer than a day.
But the comment that got the most likes was: “It's really kind of sad that we now think this is a good amount of food for $136.”
My friends and I discussed the stress of grocery stores in general— the bright light, noise, lines and people still(!) wearing masks— and several friends said they avoid it by using Instacart. While prices are higher on the delivery service, it is worth it to them to avoid the stores.
Where do you do your grocery shopping?
How do you deal with the stress of seeing the inflated costs of groceries?
PS- I recently went to Lidl and found some great prices on items, but it was not laid out well so felt crowded. I found it confusing at the end to have to decide whether to buy plastic or paper bags and how many of each.
PPS - Anyone know why ALDI is in all caps?
The photo of all the food purchased at Aldi reminded me of the .22 ammo shortage from 10 or 12 years ago when .22 ammo hunters would post photos online of their hoards of .22.
Isn’t Trader Joe’s owned by Aldi? (or is it Lidl?).