Walmart CEO says food prices are a major source of ‘frustration and pain’ for lower income customers. Here’s what’s to blame for rising prices and what you can do to save

Food prices aren't slowing down

According to the Consumer Price Index, food costs were up 2.6% broadly year over year in February, while grocery prices were up 1.9% annually.

All told, food prices have been up nearly 25% since 2020. A big reason for the spike is the supply chain issues caused by severe weather and global events. It hasn't helped that several food staples have been in short supply.

For example, in early 2025, a bird flu outbreak caused an egg shortage and drove the price of eggs up to a record high that hasn’t been seen since 1980.

Meanwhile, a decline in U.S. cattle inventory has made beef more expensive. The country’s cattle supply recently fell to its lowest level in 64 years.

And down in the South, a citrus greening disease has reduced Florida's citrus production by 75% since 2005. Extreme weather from hurricanes has also harmed supply, making citrus products more expensive.

Cocoa prices have also risen due to a global supply shortage since early 2024. This has been primarily caused by weather-related issues and diseases ruining crops in West Africa, where the majority of the world's cocoa is produced.

The combination of these and other factors has made groceries more expensive overall. In late 2024, a survey by Swiftly found that 70% of American consumers are having difficulty affording groceries.

A broad immigration crackdown could also negatively affect food costs, as it could lead to labor shortages that impact supply. And with the potential for tariffs to drive prices up even more, things could get worse before they get better.

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How to save money on groceries

Unfortunately, consumers may be in for another year of soaring grocery prices. But there are steps you can take to reduce the burden.

First, consider buying staple items in bulk. You don't necessarily need a warehouse club membership to take advantage of bulk discounts. Many supermarkets and big-box stores carry select items in bulk. But be careful with bulk perishables, because wasted food can become wasted money.

It's also a good idea to shop at discount grocers in your area — think dollar stores or supermarkets like Aldi that carry lesser-known brands. If there's no discount grocery store where you live, load up on the store brand. But always check prices, because a sale on a national brand could make it the most cost-effective option.

Planning your meals based on what's on sale at your local supermarket is also a good idea. Focus on meals that freeze easily — like casseroles and stews. This way, you can whip up a lot of food and save some for later.

Also, make sure you're signed up for your supermarket's loyalty program. You may qualify for extra discounts, promotions or digital coupons that save you even more.

Using the right credit card when you shop for groceries can make a big difference, too. Some offer bonus cash back on supermarket purchases. That won't lower your costs, but it could at least put more cash back in your pocket.

Finally, seek out alternative sources of food. Farmers' markets can sometimes result in savings, but not always. A smarter bet may be to go directly to local farms, if possible, to see if you can score produce at a discount. Joining a community garden or community supported agriculture program could also help you save on fresh items when needed.