Inflation has cooled down a bit, but grocery prices are still pretty high. From 2020 to 2024, the all-food Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 23.6%, a higher increase than the all-items CPI, which grew 21.2% over the same period, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
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If your cart total has been slowly going up every week, here are some inflation-busting swaps that still taste just as good, and can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Swap Name-Brand Cereal for Store Brands
Store-brand cereals like Kroger’s Frosted Flakes or Aldi’s Millville Marshmallow Mateys taste almost identical to the original Lucky Charms or Frosted Flakes. Plus, they cost around $2 less per box. If you go through a box a week, you’ll be saving over $100 a year for the same sugary breakfast.
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Swap Boneless Chicken Breasts for Bone-In Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are one of the most expensive meat at the grocery store. Whereas chicken thighs generally cost 30% to 40% less and are juicier and more flavorful. You can buy them bone-in if you want to save even more. One pound of thighs can cost $1 to $2 less. If your household consumes chicken weekly, you could easily save over $100 every year.
Swap Fresh Produce for Frozen
Fresh produce like berries, spinach and broccoli can also get quite expensive depending on the season. If you’re buying produce to add to a cooked meal or smoothie, consider getting the frozen version instead.
Frozen versions are just as nutritious, sometimes even more so, since they’re frozen at peak ripeness. You’ll also waste less because they won’t go bad as quickly. Plus, they’re usually much cheaper. For example, a bag of frozen blueberries costs around $3 compared to $6 for the fresh version.
Swap Ground Beef for Ground Turkey
Beef prices have gone up quite a bit due to feed and supply costs. If you don’t mind getting your protein through other meats, try swapping ground beef for ground turkey so you can cut down your grocery bills while keeping meals hearty. Ground turkey is often $2 to $3 cheaper per pound, and can taste just as good as ground beef.
Swap Pre-Shredded Cheese for Block Cheese
Shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that add bulk, and cost more per ounce. A block of cheddar costs about $3.50 for 8 ounces versus $5 for the pre-shredded version. Grate your own, store it in a reusable bag and save around $1 to $2 each time.
Swap Bottled Drinks for a Filter and Reusable Bottle
A 12-pack of soda or bottled water might not seem pricey at around $5 to $7, but if you’re going through several packs a week, your grocery bill can get expensive fast. If you haven’t already, invest in a water filter pitcher like Brita and a reusable bottle. This way, you can cut down unnecessary spending and reduce plastic waste.
Swap Fancy Coffee Creamer for Homemade Versions
Instead of splurging on brand-name creamers, make your own by mixing half-and-half, a splash of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of maple syrup or sweetened condensed milk. It tastes nearly identical and can save $1 to $2 per bottle, around $75 a year if you buy one a week.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Inflation-Busting Grocery Swaps That Still Taste Just as Good
