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If you've taken a trip to the grocery store lately, then you've likely felt some sticker shock at checkout. With food costs continuously rising, just getting the essentials might feel harder and harder to do. The rising price of groceries has definitely been a topic of conversation among my family and friends, so I know people nationwide are feeling it too - and it's not just a feeling. According to the USDA, grocery store food prices were 2.7% higher in May 2026 than they were in May 2025.
I recently came across a Reddit thread about the items people have stopped buying in 2026 "because the price has become genuinely insulting," and the comments were fascinating. While groceries aren't the only items listed (concert tickets, I'm looking at you), some clear themes emerged. Here are the top five items people are ditching.
1. Chips
By far, the most popular item that repeatedly came up on the Reddit thread was chips. Some noted they'll only buy them if they're on sale, some started buying store-brand chips instead, and others have cut them out altogether. "Why they are $8 is unbeknownst to me," one user commented, while another said, "I'm not paying $6.99 for a bag that's 40% chips, 60% air, and 100% disrespect."
According to FRED (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis), the average price of chips is currently $6.63 per bag. Prices have risen since 2022 when they were $5.15 per bag and continue to hover around $6 to $7. If you really feel like having chips, try out our homemade potato chips recipe. We promise they're worth the effort.
2. Beef
Beef in all its forms - ground, steak, jerky - was easily the next most popular item people have stopped buying at grocery stores. Some say they're going to local butchers or farms instead, while others are choosing different proteins, like ground turkey or pork shoulder. "Brisket used to be an affordable cut of meat that you would cook low and slow on your smoker.
The cheapest one I found at Costco today was $110," one person commented. If you're a steak-lover, some cuts are less expensive than others (flat iron steak, for example), but still it's not enough. "I remember buying a nice slab of ribeye for $10. [Now] I can't even find a steak under $20 that isn't paper thin," one person noted.
According to FRED, the average cost of ground beef is $6.83 per pound, which has exponentially skyrocketed from $3.86 per pound in February 2020 pre-pandemic. If you're skipping the beef, try these ground turkey recipes or these cheap and easy recipes that start with a can of beans.
3. Soda
When it comes to drinks that people are not buying, soda takes the cake - especially those sold in 12-pack cans. "$11 for a twelve pack is insane," one person said, while another commented, "I still occasionally grab a 1L [store brand soda] for $1 on sale or a 2L of store-brand for like $1-2."
Similarly to the other items, the average cost of soda has doubled in the last few years. Since March 2023, it's been about $0.61 per ounce for a 12-pack (compared to $0.36 per ounce in February 2020). If you're craving a cold pop, we recommend shopping the sales.
4. Chocolate
A square of dark chocolate at the end of the night is heaven to me, but, like many others, I've noticed how expensive a bar is these days. "I used to always have a bar of good-quality dark chocolate around, but tariffs have made a little bar cost like $7 now. That's just not worth it for the short amount of pleasure it brings me anymore," said one person.
They're right. According to Selina Wamucii, the average cost of chocolate is $6.44 per kilogram (or $2.92 per pound), representing an increase of a whopping 62% year over year. It's not just inflation; climate change and tariffs are also to blame. Since 2024, cocoa prices have more than doubled due to harsh weather conditions, like lack of rainfall and crop diseases in West Africa, the region where 70% of the world's cocoa is produced.
Pro tip: For those still seeking those little luxuries, buy chocolate or candy after major holidays like Halloween and Valentine's Day when prices are likely to drop.
5. Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
It comes as no surprise that fresh produce prices are up nowadays - especially berries. "When did blueberries become $8.99 for a little container?" one person said, while another suggested an alternative: "I've planted my own berries and make my own jam and bread." Another person even commented that they strictly stick to canned fruits now due to budget constraints.
According to the USDA, fresh vegetables are up 11.9% year over year, while fresh fruit prices have gone up by 2%. Sometimes prices at local farmers markets on fresh produce might be better than what you'd find at your local grocery store, so shop there if there's one in your area. As a bonus, produce from the farmers market often tastes better, and you're putting your money right back into your local community.
Are there any items you're no longer buying? Let us know in the comments.
Further Reading
Unlock Weekly Recipes You Won't Find Anywhere ElseThe Ina Garten Recipes We're Cooking for Fall
We Tried 8 Methods of Cooking Bacon and Found an Absolute Winner
