the eGullet Shopping Cart

MarketStEl · March 27, 2006

Okay, here's the report from this week's foray into groceryland. Same sources as my previous post: Produce: Reading Terminal Market unless otherwise noted; within the RTM, this week's prices are from OK Produce unless noted as Iovine's. All other items: Acme (A) or Super Fresh (SF); sale prices noted. First price listed is per pound/quart, second is per kilo/liter.


Bacon                      $1.99  $ 4.38 (SF: Oscar Mayer, sale price)
Chicken, whole             $1.69  $ 3.72 (SF: Perdue, whole fryers)
Salmon, steaks             $6.99  $15.38 (A)
         filet              $7.97  $17.54 (A; sale price $2.99/6-oz portion)
Shrimp, medium (51-60/lb)  $3.99  $ 8.78 (A, sale price)

Carrots                    $0.49  $ 1.08 (Iovine’s)
Peppers, green bell        $1.49  $ 3.28 (Iovine’s)
          red bell          $0.99  $ 2.18 (SF, sale price)
                            $1.99  $ 4.38
Mushrooms, white button    $1.99  $ 4.38 (Iovine’s)
            wild mix       $11.96  $26.31 (Iovine’s, oyster/Baby Bella/shiitake blend, sold ready-
                                           sliced in 4 oz pack for $2.99)
Potatoes                   $0.20  $ 0.44 (SF, sale price $0.99/5-lb bag)
Onions, yellow             $0.49  $ 1.08 (Iovine’s)
         Texas 1015 sweet   $0.79  $ 1.74 (Iovine’s)

Bananas                    $0.59  $ 1.30 (Iovine’s)
Lemons                     $1.00  $ 2.20 (SF, sale price $1.99/2-lb bag)
Tomatoes, cherry           $1.98         (sold by volume, $0.99/pint)
           regular          $0.99  $ 2.18
                            $1.49  $ 3.28 (Iovine’s)

Pasta                      $0.47  $ 1.03 (SF: Ronzoni, sale price)
Olive oil, extra virgin    $8.18  $ 8.59 (SF: premium store brand, price reduction)
Butter                     $1.69  $ 3.72 (A: store brand, sale price)
Eggs, dozen                $1.33         (A, sale price $1.99/18 ct)

Bread                      $1.01  $ 2.21 (A: Stroehmann “Family Grains” sandwich, sale price $1.50/24-oz loaf)
Coffee                     $2.20  $ 4.85 (SF: Maxwell House, sale price $1.79/13-oz can)
Juice, orange              $0.88  $ 0.92 (SF: Florida’s Natural, sale price $1.75/64-fl-oz carton)
Tea, green, 50 bags        $1.99         (A: Harris, sale price)

Edited March 27, 2006 by MarketStEl (log)

Pontormo · March 28, 2006

The following items are priced either per quart/liter or pound (vs. 2 #); "L" is included for each item sold as a liter. "OG"=Organic. To be fair, I always chose the cheapest alternative with one exception; I wouldn't eat a Perdue chicken unless invited to do so as a dinner guest. Occasionally, I note options with the words "best," "superior," or quot;better" used to distinguish qualities.

Two local supermarkets were my sources when shopping on March 17: Safeway & Whole Foods. The former is considered

more pricey than Giant, its only competition in Washington, D.C . until Whole

Foods arrived. However, I tend to purchase things on sale, using coupons,

and find the quality of produce superior. (That week I saved 39% from regular

prices, this week 41%.)

Should this thread endure, I will add

further information from smaller businesses, large Asian markets in the suburbs

and the old Eastern Market (enclosed; conventional groceries) and newer farmers' market (largely organic). While lacking Rebecca's impressive frugality, I

usually restock regular items from at least 6 other stores & visit the

farmers's markets April through November.

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> SAFEWAY</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> WHOLE

FOODS</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> beef

(chuck)</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.99

(sale)</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $3.99

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> bacon

</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.50

(sale) </td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $5.98

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> chicken,

whole</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.99

(Kosher)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.99;

OG: $3.19</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> salmon</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $5.99

(sale)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $10.99;

13.99 (sock-eye)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> shrimp,

large</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $9.99

(sale, thawed)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $10.99

(sale, fresh)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> cabbage</td>

<td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.33

(St Patrick's sale)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.69

(ditto but) OG</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> carrots</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.79

</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.59,

OG (sale, 5# bag)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> chilies</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.99

(Jalapeño)-7.99</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.99- 6.99

(superior)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> garlic

</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.79

</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $4.99,

OG</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> mushrooms</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.29

(sale, ½ price)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $3.99,

OG, regular price</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> olives

</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.67

(sale, can, icky)</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $7.99,

bulk </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> onions</td>

<td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.93

(sale, sweet: .99)</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.50,

OG</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> potatoes</td>

<td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.80

(Russet, 5# bag)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.60

(ditto); 1.49, OG</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> squash</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.49

(winter); $2 </td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.29

OG; $1.49 </td>

</tr>

<tr>

(better zukes)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> apples</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.49-2.69,

OG included</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> bananas</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.59

</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.69

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> lemons</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $3.68

</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> 0.98,

0G (in 2# bag)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> limes</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $3.20

</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $5.28

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> mangoes

</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.79

</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.39

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> oranges</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.69

(sale)</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.40,

OG</td>

</tr>

<tr>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> dr.

beans</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> 0.50

(sale)-1.19 (best)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.49

OG (O Fr lentils 2.19)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> flour</td>

<td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.20

(sale)-0.60 (King A)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> 0.50

(King A); 0.60, OG</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> dr.

spaghetti</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> 0.75

(sale)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> 0.79;

1.89, OG (sale)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.68

(med. white)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.29

(OG brown) </td>

</tr>

<tr>

& 1.89 (Arborio)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> sugar

</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.36

(sale)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.36

(sale) $0.60</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> (in

5# bag)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> cooking

oil</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.93

(canola)</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.48

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> EV

olive oil</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> 10.89

L </td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $8.99

(to >1st born child)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> vinegar</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.69

(sale)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.89

(red wine also)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> butter</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $3.29;

Plugra $8.58</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $3.49;

Plugra $7.98</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> cream</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $7.96

</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $5.98,

OG</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> eggs,

dozen</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.59;

OG 4.79 (sales)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.99,

cage-free, etc.</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> yogurt</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.38;

OG 3.32</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $2.99;

OG 3.39</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.57;

OG 1.98</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $0.87;

OG 1.65</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> Cheddar</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $3.99

(US, X-sharp)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $5.98;

7.99 (better)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> cinnamon</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $11.82

</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $11.37

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> paprika</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $13.81

</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $12.13

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> peppercorns</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $8.70

</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $6.97

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> vanilla</td>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $95.84,

L</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $87.92,

OG extract</td>

</tr>

<tr>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> bread,

WW</td>

<td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.10

(sale, better than:)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $01.53

(also 1.5# loaf)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=100 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> coffee</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $5.99

(sale)</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $6.66

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $5.38

(bags)</td>

<td width=136 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $11.90

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=148 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> Orange

juice</td>

<td width=200 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.25

(sale)</td>

<td width=236 colspan=2 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> $1.30

(both in ½ gallons)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td width=248 colspan=3 valign=bottom nowrap class="Normal"> (Not

reconstituted)</td>

</tr>

</table>

N.B. Beer is not a staple for me, so

I added the cheapest kind of cheese I buy regularly. Saffron? None at Safeway

where price for coconuts was inaccessible. Corn and tomatoes are not in season,

but FYI organic tomatoes were on sale at Whole Foods @ $1.99 vs. $3.99 for

conventional, equally unappealing ones at Safeway. I purchase Asian items

elsewhere, so sesame oil & soy sauce are also excluded.

Chris Amirault · January 1, 2008

It's been about a year since we've entered much in here, so I thought I'd bump it back up. Given some of the dire predictions about worldwide food price increases, we probably could track some interesting trends (or lack of them).

I'll try to grab a few receipts and tally up things here in Providence RI USA. Does anyone have a shopping receipt handy to get us back going?

Darcie B · January 2, 2008

I'll start the New Year of this thread with the following. This is from last week, at a Kroger in West Virginia.

Brown Sugar (Domino 2lb) $2.19 (30 cents off reg. price)

Barilla Pasta (1 lb) $1.00 (29 cents off reg. price)

Cauliflower (1 head) $2.49 (39 cents off reg. price)

Sour Cream (Kroger 16oz) $1.00 (26 cents off reg. price)

Kroger Bacon (12 oz) $3.00 (99 cents off reg. price)

Pillsbury Flour (5 lb) $1.99 (29 cents off reg. price)

Cherry Tomatoes (1 lb) $2.99 (2.00 off reg. price)

Canned Kidney Beans $.79 (20 cents off reg. price)

I didn't buy any milk but it is hovering around $3.75/gallon for 2%

One change I have noticed since last year is that Kroger has fewer items available for the 10 for $10 sales. I used to be able to get 28 oz. canned tomatoes (Kroger brand) on the 10 for $10 sale but not in the last 8 months. The price for those is holding steady at about $1.69 with occasional sales to $1.29.

Prices don't seem that much higher, but my grocery spending for 2007 was up about 22% over 2006. Part of that is due to my financial circumstances changing, but part may be due to higher prices.

Chris Amirault · January 11, 2008

So Kroger bacon is $5.33/lb? Hard to cut your costs at Kroger?

Dave Hatfield · January 12, 2008

Just to make myself feel bad I've done small exercise below. The list is the one bluedeauvergne put up on this thread in January 2006. Here we are in January 2008. The Euro prices here in France haven't changed much, but look what the exchanges rate has done when the prices are converted to $ at the currnt rate of Euro 1 = $1.50.

Frightening.

€/kilo €/lb. $/lb.

beef (chuck)

Bacon unsliced 9.00 4.09 4.90 6.18

Chicken, whole (best price) 2.50 1.13 1.35 3.75

Chicken whole (free range) 6.59 2.99 3.58 4.48

Poulet de Bresse (from producer’s market)8.90 4.04 4.84 8.08

Salmon cesspit raised 13.90 6.31 7.57 9.46

salmon ocaean netted 19.90 13.5 16.2 20.75

Shrimp (count ?) ---

cabbage 1.00 .45 .54 .67

carrots 0.80 .36 .43 .54

chiles ---

Bell peppers 2.30 1.04 1.24 1.56

Corn each --

garlic ---

Mushrooms (de paris) 6.60 3.00 3.60 4.50

Olives (picholine, high quality artisan brined) 9.00 4.09 4.90

Onions 1.00 .45 .54 .67

Potatoes, baking 1.06 . 48 .57 .72

Potatoes, ratte 2.75 1.25 1.50 1.87 -

Squash

Apples, cox

Bananas 1.77 .80 .96 1.20

Coconuts. Ea.

Lemons 1.70 .77 .92 1.16

Limes

Oranges (6 kinds what kind do you want?)

tomatoes BOB 1.59 .72 .86 1.08

tomatoes grappe 3.30 1.5 1.80 too gross to buy

beans (dried) coco 4.85 2.20 2.64 3.30

beans (dried) Lingot label rouge 7.80 3.54 4.24 5.27

flour type 45 0.70 .31 .37

flour type 55 .60 .27 .32 .41

pasta BOB .56 .25 .30

pasta barilla spaget No 5 1.60 .72 .86

pasta barilla spaget No 7 1.78 .80 .96 1.20

pasta barilla linguini 1.92 .87 1.04

Pasta selection artesani 4.18 1.9 2.28

Rice lowest price .62 .28 .33 .44

Sugar granulated 1.24 .56 .67

cooking oil sunflower .93/L .42 .50

olive oil puget fruitee Evoo 5.99 7.18/L 10.78

sesame oil

soy sauce

vinegar red wine .74/L .88/L 1.32

butter (bretagne) 3.88 1.76 2.11 2.64

Butter (echire) 10.00 4.54 5.44

cream

eggs 1.20/doz 1.45 2.17

Greek/turkish style yougert 4.30/kilo 1.95 2.34

cinnamon ground

paprika ground

pepper black corns 20.96/K 9.52 11.42

saffron 712.50/K 323.86 388.63

vanilla beans equitable commerce 1.10 ea. 1.32 ea.

beer

bread baguette 2.80/Kilo 1.27 1.52

coffee carte noire 10.80/Kilo 4.90 5.88 7.45

juice OJ litre

tea premium teabags

I didn't quite do all of them, but you get the message. Blue's exchange rate was Euro 1 = $1.20. The good old days I guess. Still wine is cheap as is cheese and yesterday our favorite supermarket was having a pork sale; most cuts were under $5.00 per pound and its superb pork.

jumanggy · January 13, 2008

Hello from Manila :smile: I just wanted to contribute my price list (accurate as of this date). I hope this is clear enough; I've included notes where applicable. This is kind of from a "'falutin'" supermarket; fresh ingredients are usually much cheaper at the wet market.

<table x:str border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width=769 style='border-collapse:

collapse;table-layout:fixed;width:577pt'>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>beef (chuck, kg, local)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>beef (chuck, kg, Aussie)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>bacon (packaged, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>chicken (whole, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>salmon (steak, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>salmon (Norweigan half-cut, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>shrimp (large, kg)</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>cabbage (kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>carrots (kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>chili (kg)</td>

<td>* always Thai heaven-pointing chili</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>chili (capsicum, kg)</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>garlic (kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>mushrooms (button, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>mushrooms (Shitake, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>mushrooms (Aussie Portobello, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>olives (jar only, kg)</td>

<td>* non-marinated olives are only found in delis</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>onions (red, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>onions (imported white, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>potatoes (kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>squash (kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>zucchini (not available during survey)</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>apples (Washington, piece)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>bananas (kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>coconuts (piece)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>lemons (local, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>limes (rare)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>Philippine lemon (Kalamansi, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>mangoes (kg)</td>

<td>* off-season</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>oranges (piece)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>tomatoes (small, kg)</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>beans (dried red, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>flour (Gold Medal, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>pasta (dried spaghetti, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>rice (local, lower price, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>rice (local, higher price, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>rice (Thai, lower price, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>rice (Thai, higher price, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>sugar (kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>cooking oil (Palm oil, L)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>olive oil (Bertolli, L)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>sesame oil (Chinese, L)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>soy sauce (L)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>vinegar (white cane, L)</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>butter (kg)</td>

<td>* sold as 2 sticks or half pound</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>cream (35% UHT imported, Elle Vire, L)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>cream (24% UHT local, L)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>eggs (battery, dozen)</td>

<td>* in Manila free-range is 5x the price</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>yogurt (L)</td>

<td>* sold in 125g packs</td>

</tr>

<td>* pasteurized is slightly more expensive</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>cinnamon (ground, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>cinnamon (stick, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>paprika (Spice Time, kg)</td>

<td>* bottle is 113g</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>black pepper (ground, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>saffron (rare)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>Kasuba (kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>vanilla (McCormick, L)</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>beer (San Miguel pale pilsen can, L)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>bread (Gardenia, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>coffee (French roast beans, kg)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>juice (Fontana apple, L)</td>

</tr>

<td height=17 style='height:12.75pt'>tea (Lipton yellow label, kg)</td>

</tr>

<![if supportMisalignedColumns]>

</tr>

<![endif]>

</table>

** sold as 10g packs. Note on Kasuba: known as "wild saffron", it's actually the stamen of Carthamus dentatus, which is not even a monocot and has an extremely weak flavor.

Zucchinis are actually usually available, I don't know why I couldn't find them today. In any case, they're not particularly expensive, as I recall.

Edited January 13, 2008 by jumanggy (log)

MarketStEl · January 14, 2008

Actually, I've noticed the second, more insidious kind of price hike on my most recent shopping trips: The one where the price stays the same but the quantity shrinks.

About two years ago, the half-gallon containers of ice cream lost four fluid ounces. My most recent purchase of Turkey Hill Philadelphia Style ("all natural," like Breyers and unlike their regular premium ice cream) revealed that the container has shrunk yet again, to 1.5 quarts.

Then, this past Saturday, I picked up a quart jar of mayonnaise and noticed that it contained only 30 fluid ounces.

Candy bars are notorious for weight fluctuations of this type as the price of cocoa goes up or down. Now it looks like other products are following suit.

Chris Amirault · January 21, 2008

This is an idiosyncratic list, with the first small set of items from Whole Foods and the second from Shaw's, a large supermarket chain here on the east coast of the US. Many of these items I buy at other stores (limes are 6-8 for $1 and lemons 3-5 for $1 at area Latino or SE Asian markets, for example), but I included their prices here as examples. I'll try to add more items over the next few weeks.

Whole Foods:

Rhody Fresh dairy collective milk: $2.59 1/2 gallon (only size)

Seven Stars artisanal durum stick bread: $3.29

crimini mushrooms $3.99/lb

limes $.50 each

lemons $.79 each

Shaw's:

bananas $.59/lb

navel oranges $.66 each

lemons $.69 each

beets $2.69 bunch of three

"pickle" cucumbers $1.69/lb (the little ones)

garlic $3.99/lb

yellow onions $.49/lb

broccoli $.99/lb (sale from $1.79)

cantaloupe $2.88 (sale from $3.49)

clementines $5.99/box (sale from $6.99)

organic carrots $.75/lb (sale from $1.15)

acorn squash $.59/lb (sale from $79)

Diamond kosher salt 5 lb $2.19

Shaw's black beans $1.39/lb

demerara sugar $3.79/lb

Rhody Fresh dairy collective milk: $3.29 1/2 gallon (NB more than WF)

Cabot extra sharp cheddar cheese $3.59/lb

Rehovot · January 26, 2008

From my lazy trek, this afternoon, to the small supermarket across the square from our apartment in Prague 4. Prices are probably lower here than they are downtown but higher than in the suburbs.....so I guess they're average, for Prague--probably higher than the Czech average, in general. (This supermarket is part of a German-owned chain, but all the REALLY good stuff stays in Germany. :rolleyes: )

6 liters (2 1/3 gallons) of mineral water: $4.25

(Avert your eyes, eG-ers...) :biggrin: 2 packages of mixed frozen vegetables: $4.00

pork cutlets (2/3 lb.): $4.70

pork steaks (1/3 lb.): $2.86

organic baby potatoes (1 lb. @ $2.10/lb.): $0.84

clementines (4): $0.92

bag o' lemons (~6 lemons): $1.52

watercress (a big bag!): $1.70

flour (a 2 lb., 3 oz. bag): $0.67

2 little cartons of yogurt: $0.44

bread crumbs: $0.96

cookies (~20 in a pack): $0.73

eggs (10): $1.81

butter (1/2 lb.): $1.93 (risen from ~$1.41 over the last year)

Total: $25.37/447.50 Czech crowns

1 USD = 17.64 Czech crowns. (The crown has risen at a record pace against the dollar, in the last year. Four years ago, 1 USD was worth 26 Czech crowns.)

Produce is of better quality and cheaper in Western Europe than what you typically get in supermarkets, here, but there are locally dozens of small, independent, Vietnamese-run fruit-and-vegetable shops that have excellent-quality produce. (None within walking distance of where we live, though.)

Edited January 26, 2008 by Rehovot (log)

markemorse · August 2, 2008

Is it just me, or has the topic under discussion here changed dramatically in the last 6 months? I was in America in May and couldn't believe the grocery store prices. Is anyone tracking the increases with any kind of granularity?

Chris Amirault · August 2, 2008

For some things, absolutely. Rice is one of our staples that's exploded.

CaliPoutine · August 2, 2008

I shop almost every day so I have a pretty good idea of prices.

Here are a few everday things I buy.

Eggs 2.15 dozen in Ontario. 1.78 doz in MI

Milk 4.79 4L at the grocery store in Ontario, 3.99 at the drugstore. 3.59 in MI

Half gallon of Organic milk 3.89 bought in MI( I had a free coupon)

2lbs of basmati rice( in MI at Wal*Mart 3.34) Here in Ontario, 5.99

Banana's are .79lb both places

KA flour is 3.98 in MI( not sold in Ontario). Gold Medal is 2.79

Sour cream is 1.79 for no name( in MI)

Dairy is outrageous here. 1L(1US quart) of heavy whipping cream is 6.09. Half and half is 2.69 for 500ML( 1 us pint). I just paid 1.88 for 1 quart in MI.

nakji · August 2, 2008

Dairy is outrageous here. 1L(1US quart) of heavy whipping cream is 6.09. Half and half is 2.69 for 500ML( 1 us pint). I just paid 1.88 for 1 quart in MI.

Isn't it because of price controls from dairy boards in Canada? I always thought that was the reason our dairy was so much more than in the US. Anyway, it's nothing compared to what I pay here in Japan. Butter, when I can find it, is 398 yen for 200 g - around $3.70 US - things like sour cream and whipping cream are so expensive, I never even consider buying them.

markemorse · August 2, 2008

A couple of other items I really couldn't believe were broccoli and cauliflower. Seasonal fluctuations, or economy-based? Both were 2.99 USD for a puny head. Cauliflower prices are up a little bit over here, but broccoli is still 79-99 eurocents a head...not sure if this is on-topic or not, sorry if it isn't.

ETA: This shopping was all done at Publix and Kroger in ATL...

Edited August 2, 2008 by markemorse (log)

CaliPoutine · August 2, 2008

Dairy is outrageous here. 1L(1US quart) of heavy whipping cream is 6.09. Half and half is 2.69 for 500ML( 1 us pint). I just paid 1.88 for 1 quart in MI.
Isn't it because of price controls from dairy boards in Canada? I always thought that was the reason our dairy was so much more than in the US. Anyway, it's nothing compared to what I pay here in Japan. Butter, when I can find it, is 398 yen for 200 g - around $3.70 US - things like sour cream and whipping cream are so expensive, I never even consider buying them.
←

Yes, you're right. The dairy board does control prices in Canada. Same with chicken, its very expensive too. The regular price of boneless, skinless breasts is 6.99-8.99lb.

Edited August 2, 2008 by CaliPoutine (log)

CaliPoutine · August 2, 2008

A couple of other items I really couldn't believe were broccoli and cauliflower. Seasonal fluctuations, or economy-based? Both were 2.99 USD for a puny head. Cauliflower prices are up a little bit over here, but broccoli is still 79-99 eurocents a head...not sure if this is on-topic or not, sorry if it isn't.
ETA: This shopping was all done at Publix and Kroger in ATL...
←

I find produce really cheap in Canada, even the stuff thats imported from the US. I just bought a cantalope here for .99 and it came from the US. The same melon is over 2.00 in MI.

Broccoli and cauliflower are both local right now and are .99 each.

Peter the eater · August 3, 2008

Here in Atlantic Canada, produce is very cheap but it's that time of year:

- a giant cauliflower head is $2.00

- fresh corn cobs are still $0.50 each but it's just now coming in

- 4L milk is $5.50 to $8.00 depending on how close the competition is (ie. Loblaws vs. Walmart vs. Shopper's Drug Mart)

- pork is absurdly cheap, tenderloin is $3.99/lb

- potatoes are essentially given away but rice is like everywhere else - going up and up

- a dozen eggs is $2.50

- beef is super pricey

but whole live lobster is 3.99/lb!

nakji · August 3, 2008

A random sampling of this week's groceries:

(from xe.com, 100 yen = .92 USD)

Corn, 5 ears for 200 yen

Japanese cucumbers, 1 for 29 yen

Eggs, 10 for 208 yen

English muffins, 4 for 158 yen

Rice vinegar, 300 ml for 88 yen

1 kg potatoes, 200 yen

Red onions, 2 for 100 yen

Boneless chicken breast, 2 for 421 yen

White sugar 500g for 178 yen

Milk, 500 ml, 130 yen

I shop at a farmer's market for my produce, and take advantage of the vegetable stands in my neighborhood to keep my grocery bill down.

Cheap rice can be had, if you're not fussy about quality, for around 1,600 yen for 5 kg, which is the largest size bag I can reasonably get home on my bike and store in my cupboard.

hazardnc · August 3, 2008

Here in Atlantic Canada, produce is very cheap but it's that time of year:
- a giant cauliflower head is $2.00
- fresh corn cobs are still $0.50 each but it's just now coming in
- 4L milk is $5.50 to $8.00 depending on how close the competition is (ie. Loblaws vs. Walmart vs. Shopper's Drug Mart)
- pork is absurdly cheap, tenderloin is $3.99/lb
- potatoes are essentially given away but rice is like everywhere else - going up and up
- a dozen eggs is $2.50
- beef is super pricey
but whole live lobster is 3.99/lb!
←

I read an article that said Maine lobster is running cheaper than sliced turkey in the grocery store because tourism is down. These are the soft shell variety that doesn't ship well, so it has to be sold up there. I would gladly eat a lobster a day (maybe two) if I could get up there!

Fengyi · August 4, 2008

Here in Beijing, I went to a local (quite pricey) market on Saturday for our shop. This is the main market supplying foreign-food restaurants so is more hygienic and pricier than most.

Prices generally for food (except rice whose price is controlled by the government) have increased 2fold over the last year and a half. They are set to rise more over the next few weeks due to the 'Olympic effect' (groan!).

Large bag of:4 white onions, 4 red, 2 carrots, 1 large cauliflower, 2 large potatoes, large bunch coriander/cilantro came to 30RMB (4.38USD)

4 large (and I mean large! enough for 3 meals for two hearty eaters) chicken legs for 35RMB (5.11USD)- it was nearly a kg of meat.

3 cucumbers, 5 tomatoes, a huge bunch of green onion was 9RMB (1.31USD)

Clams are about 5RMB (.73USD) for 500g and live tiger prawns are 28RMB (4.10USD) for 500g.

Lunch was 4 cabbage and pork stuffed baozi - the princely sum of 2.4RMB (.35USD)

For "foreign" foods:

Got 500g of sour cream (local made) for 28RMB (4.10USD) and 500g Italian fettuccine for 11RMB (1.60USD)

I managed to get avocados for 8RMB each (1.17USD) - they are from Mexico.

Basil is 1RMB (.15USD) a liang (roughly 2 ounces) -grown locally.

Chris Amirault · August 4, 2008

Mexican avocados are regularly $1.79-1.99 in the northeast US. Is there a big avocado market in Beijing about which I'm unaware?

Peter the eater · August 4, 2008

Here in Beijing, I went to a local (quite pricey) market on Saturday for our shop. This is the main market supplying foreign-food restaurants so is more hygienic and pricier than most.
Prices generally for food (except rice whose price is controlled by the government) have increased 2fold over the last year and a half. They are set to rise more over the next few weeks due to the 'Olympic effect' (groan!).
Large bag of:4 white onions, 4 red, 2 carrots, 1 large cauliflower, 2 large potatoes, large bunch coriander/cilantro came to 30RMB (4.38USD)
4 large (and I mean large! enough for 3 meals for two hearty eaters) chicken legs for 35RMB (5.11USD)- it was nearly a kg of meat.
3 cucumbers, 5 tomatoes, a huge bunch of green onion was 9RMB (1.31USD)
Clams are about 5RMB (.73USD) for 500g and live tiger prawns are 28RMB (4.10USD) for 500g.
Lunch was 4 cabbage and pork stuffed baozi - the princely sum of 2.4RMB (.35USD)
For "foreign" foods:
Got 500g of sour cream (local made) for 28RMB (4.10USD) and 500g Italian fettuccine for 11RMB (1.60USD)
I managed to get avocados for 8RMB each (1.17USD) - they are from Mexico.
Basil is 1RMB (.15USD) a liang (roughly 2 ounces) -grown locally.
←

That's fascinating Fengyi, the whole world is thinking about Beijing these days and we're getting all sorts of food-related info scattered here and there. I've read that Peking Duck is an official dish at the 2008 Olympiad - does that sound right to you?

I've also been following the Beijing Dining topic but so far no specific talk of the Games and its effect at the grassroots level. I for one would be very interested in an on-topic report from the city as things unfold for the summer. Could be a popular new topic . . . :smile:

Fengyi · August 4, 2008

Mexican avocados are regularly $1.79-1.99 in the northeast US. Is there a big avocado market in Beijing about which I'm unaware?
←

Ah yes! The unknown but huge Beijing Avocado Racket! :wink:

Actually, I've no idea - but there aren't many Mexican restaurants in town (maybe 4 or 5 in the area?) so demand can't be super-high as I don't know any Chinese Beijingers that eat avocado regularly. . .

Though, if you buy them at a 'foreigner-targeted' supermarket here, they can cost up to 30RMB EACH! :shock:

but those places are for those who are willing to pay about $10 for a box of cornflakes....I'm pretty much an ex-pat cheapskate!

If you wanted to faint from the results of a eGullet Shopping Cart - I could go shopping at one of those places!!! :biggrin:

{off topic!] As for the "O" factor.... it's resulted in a huge rush of high-end options for dining, but not too much change in the lower echelons. The stakes in the restaurant game have been raised, but I don't know how sustainable this all is...

What happens afterwards will be the most aspect for me!

Edited August 4, 2008 by Fengyi (log)

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