Iowa Shoppers Urged To Stock Up Before Grocery Prices Surge

Most of us go grocery shopping at least once a week. The bigger the fam, the more mouths. The more mouths, the bigger the bill.

While you may be happy to see prices on some items have dropped lately, like eggs, for example, something is looming that is likely to drive up the cost of many grocery items.

Tariffs. Likely to drive up costs on all foods imported from other countries.

Stock Up and Prepare to Pay More

In the past year, food prices overall rose by 2.5% according to the consumer price index.

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That, plus the incoming tariffs, could pinch Iowa consumers at the grocery store this summer, and beyond.

READ MORE: Another Aldi is Coming to Eastern Iowa

A Yale Budget Lab report warns that the new looming U.S. tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada could lead to higher grocery prices, especially for fresh produce, which may jump more than 5%.

Photo by Gemma C on Unsplash

Because of this, Iowans could end up spending thousands of dollars more a year on groceries for their family.

The top items that will increase because they're most often imported are:

Coffee
Sugar
Seafood
Alcoholic beverages (wine, rum, scotch, Irish/Canadian whiskey, etc.)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Vanilla
Nuts
Rice

Tips to Save On Groceries

When the going gets tough, the tough figure it out, right?

Here are some tips that could help you save and ease the pain at your next grocery store trip:

Buy in bulk
Make a list, stick to it! Impulse buys can wreck your budget
Check store apps (like Hy-Vee, Fareway, or Walmart) for discounts and coupons
Base some meals around what’s on sale
Before you shop, eat a snack first. Your wallet (and stomach) will thank you!

Looking for deals, picking the best grocery store for cost, and, of course, it always helps if you don't mind buying the store brand or generic option.

What's your "go-to" to save money when buying groceries? If you have any to add to the list, please let me know!