10 Pricey Groceries Around America & 10 That Are Still Affordable
Food For Expensive Taste
Nowadays the price of groceries is rising quicker than a pizza crust and the cost of meals is getting unreasonable. But despite all the costly food, you can still find some deals that won’t break the bank or your cravings. We’ll expose what groceries cost too much and which items are better for a tight budget.
1. Organic Vanilla Beans
Baking doesn’t seem so sweet when it starts to cost too much. Recently, the price of natural vanilla beans and extract has increased dramatically due to its difficulty in producing. With high-quality beans starting at $150 per pound, we might look for an alternative.
2. Macadamia Nuts
These nuts from the Aussies could make you rethink going Down Under. As one of the most expensive nuts on the American market, a bag of raw macadamias could cost you 50 bucks a pound.
3. Natural Nut Butters
The price of nut butter these days will drive you nuts. Often costing around $10 for a small jar of organic peanut butter, your PB & J sandwiches might be spread thin. You’ll likely spend twice the price on macadamia, pistachio, or almond butter.
4. Premium Olive Oil
If you want good quality olive oil you have to pay for it. If you can afford to, it’s worth it for its flavor and purity, but it might cost you $25 or more for a 250ml bottle of EVOO.
5. Raw Manuka Honey
Ranging from $30 to $200 a jar, the price of Manuka honey is a bit of a buzz-kill. This New Zealand sweetener is only found in that part of the world which reflects its premium price tag.
6. Artisanal Cheese
The cost of cheese varies depending on several factors like age and milk quality, but even the cheapest cheeses have gone up in price. A small chunk of aged Gouda may cost you 15 bucks or more.
7. Truffle Mushrooms
Truffles are the fungi for rich taste buds and will cost you a small fortune. Depending on their strain, it costs hundreds to thousands of dollars per pound. This fancy fungus is sought after for its potent flavor that is added to many upscale dishes.
8. Wagyu Beef
Beef in general has become a high-priced meat around the nation but Wagyu beef is on another level. With a whopping minimum of $100 per pound, you might only consume it on special occasions.
9. Bluefin Tuna
Often exceeding $200 per pound, the price of bluefin tuna might catch you off guard. A fresh or frozen fish of its kind is a pricey seafood dinner.
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10. Saffron
The price of saffron is spicy! It’s considered one of the most expensive spices in the world. If it’s top-quality it could cost thousands of dollars per pound. Turmeric is a similar alternative without the hefty cost.
Not all of us can splurge every time we grocery shop. Thankfully, we can still find some cheap eats to munch on year-round.
1. Bananas
The versatility and nutritional benefits of bananas make this super fruit a staple. For just 50 cents per pound, we can make a lot of banana bread, smoothies, pancakes, and more.
2. Rice
Rice can be used in many dishes of various cuisines. You can buy rice in bulk under $1 per pound and it’ll last you for a very long time. Partner rice with beans and you have a cheap and healthy complete protein.
3. Beans
Dry and canned beans have always been reliably cheap and cheerful. From burrito bowls to bean burgers, they’re a go-to ingredient for many meals. Bonus–– when they’re on sale, buy bags or cans in bulk because they have a long shelf life.
4. Noodles
You can buy oodles of noodles for a small price. Packs can be as low as 50 cents and they can be added to many meals like soup, stir fry, and salad. Opt for instant noodles for a cheap and convenient lunch.
5. Pasta
When something delicious also has a tasty price, that’s amore! This Italian essential can still be found on the shelves for $1 a pound. Sauce and tomatoes, especially canned tomatoes, are typically well-priced as well.
6. Oats
We love that oats are healthy, hearty, and affordable. For $1-$2 per pound, you can enjoy breakfast for a bargain or bake some tasty treats.
7. Frozen Vegetables
If the fresh stuff is too expensive, frozen vegetables are your next best option. Their nutritional value remains high, they’re good quality, and they’ll last a long time in your freezer. That pack of frozen peas will heal a bruised knee and your wallet.
8. Potatoes
We dig potatoes for many reasons! From mashing to baking, they can be cooked numerous ways and only cost a buck a pound. These gifts from the earth are loaded with potassium and other nutrients.
9. Eggs
The price range of eggs is a mystery we just can’t crack, but there’s often an affordable option. They seem to be cheaper by the dozen costing $2 a carton for some brands.
10. Canned Products
From fruits and veggies to seafood, you can always rely on canned goods for their longevity and lower price tag. Canning preserves food and costs, keeping our bellies and bank accounts full.
