Food Prices: Comparing My Groceries in 2008, 2011, and 2017

How high is your grocery bill?  And are we paying lots more now than just a few years ago?  Seems like it to me.  And then I remembered my old personal survey that I did back as blog posts in January 2008 and again in March 2011.

So I decided to do it again. 

And now, because my local grocery store offers online shopping you can double-check my tally if you like.  Or just compare what food costs us here in San Antonio as opposed to your super market.

Comparing 10 Grocery Items: Prices in 2008, 2011, and Today 

Here goes.  And again, this isn’t official statistical analysis.  Back in 2008, I ran to the store for a few things.  I used the receipt for that post.  And here we are. 

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Dole Yellow Bananas (higher)

·        .39/lb in 2008;

·        .38/lb in 2011;

·        .45/lb. in 2017 (I had to go with Del Monte because they didn’t have Dole). 

Small Limes (non-organic) (same) 

·        5/$1.00 in 2008;

·        4/$1.00 in 2011;

·        5/$1.00 in 2017. 

Store Brand Cage Free Brown Eggs – One Dozen (more than 2008, less than 2011) 

·        $1.99 in 2008;

·        $4.10 in 2011;

·        $2.76 in 2017. 

Silk Unsweetened Soy Milk -- Half Gallon (more) 

·        $2.79 in 2008;

·        $2.76 in 2011;

·        $3.28 in 2017.  

Store Brand 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup (more than doubled in price) 

·        $0.75 in 2008;

·        $0.72 in 2011;

·        $1.87 in 2017. 

Store Brand Canned Diced Tomatoes 15 oz. (a penny less than 2011) 

·        $.59 in 2008 (15 oz.);

·        $.75 in 2011, for a 14.50 oz. can;

·        $.74.in 2017, for a 14.50 can. 

Regular Ground Beef Chuck 70/30 – One Pound (more) 

·        $2.08 in 2008;

·        $2.38 in 2011;

·        $3.07/lb. in 2017 for 73% / 27% (they didn’t have 70/30). 

Suave Invisible Solid Powder Deodorant (more than 2008, less than 2011) 

·        $1.48 in 2008;

·        $1.72; in 2011;

·        $1.55 in 2017. 

Store Brand Frozen Green Sweet Peas - 16 oz. bag (non-organic) (more) 

·        $0.92 in 2008;

·        $1.07; in 2011;

·        $1.32 in 2017.   

Barilla Plus Multi Grain Rotini Pasta (more than 2008; two pennies more than 2011) 

·        $1.65. in 2008 for a 16 oz. box;

·        $1.98 in 2011 for a 14.50 oz. box;

·        $2.00 in 2017 for a 14.50 oz box. 

Now, again, this isn’t a serious statistical analysis.  You can read formal research on food prices here.  I’m not delving into things like the “elasticity of food prices.”  Yawn.

I’m just comparing this stuff because I’m curious.  And food does cost more now than in 2008; or 2011, for that matter. Maybe not as big of a difference in the last six years, though.

And maybe there are other things going on.  For instance, I don’t by soy milk anymore.  Or deodorant that contains aluminum.  And I never buy beef.  

It’s interesting and it’s something to ponder.  So I’m sharing this with you today, Dear Reader.

How do these prices compare with your neighborhood market?

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