10 Groceries That Got Too Pricey To Justify

Grocery prices have gone up so much that some things just aren’t worth it anymore. Items that used to be cheap are now budget busters. You don’t have to give them up completely, but there are cheaper swaps that work just as well. Here are ten groceries that have gotten too expensive—and what to buy instead.

Organic Produce

Organic produce used to be a popular choice, but now the prices are hard to ignore. Some items cost nearly twice as much as their regular counterparts. If you’re trying to cut costs, avoid going fully organic.

Stick to the Dirty Dozen if you’re concerned about pesticides. For the rest, conventional produce works just fine and won’t push your grocery bill over the edge.

Prepackaged Salad Kits

Prepackaged salad kits are super convenient, but they’re also pricey for what you get. The convenience factor comes at a high cost—often as much as $5 for a small portion of salad.

Instead of buying these, try prepping your own salad greens at home. A bag of lettuce or spinach costs much less, and you can add your own toppings and dressing without the markup.

Almond Milk

Almond milk used to be an affordable dairy alternative, but prices have been creeping up in recent years. While it’s a great option for those avoiding dairy, it’s now often more expensive than regular milk. You can save money by switching to other milk alternatives like oat milk or soy milk, which can sometimes be more affordable. Or, if you’re really into almond milk, consider making it yourself—it’s surprisingly easy.

Single-Serve Snacks

Individually packaged snacks like chips, granola bars, or fruit cups are often overpriced. You’re paying for the convenience of a single portion, but you can achieve the same results with bulk snacks. Buying larger bags of chips or a jar of peanut butter and dividing them into your own containers will save you significantly over time.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is one of the biggest money wasters. Not only do you pay extra for the plastic packaging, but you’re also contributing to unnecessary waste. A reusable water bottle and a water filter at home can save you hundreds of dollars a year while also being better for the environment. Invest in a good filter, and you’ll have clean water whenever you need it, for a fraction of the cost.

Precut Fruit

While it’s tempting to grab a pack of precut fruit for a quick snack, it’s hard to justify the price. You’re paying a premium for the time someone else spent chopping up fruit. Instead, buy whole fruit and take a few extra minutes to prepare it yourself. Not only will it cost less, but it’ll last longer, too, without the extra processing.

Prepared Foods and Dinners

Take-and-bake meals are often overpriced for what you get. Convenience comes with a higher price tag and less food. A better option? Cook larger portions of meals you already like and freeze the extras. It’s cheaper and takes little extra time.

Exotic or Imported Fruits

Exotic fruits like dragon fruit, papaya, and mango can also carry a hefty price tag. These fruits are often imported and subject to higher shipping costs. While they’re delicious, they may not be necessary for your weekly grocery run. Stick with in-season, locally grown fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas, which offer the same nutritional benefits at a lower cost.

Name-Brand Frozen Foods

Frozen meals and snacks from name brands are typically more expensive than their store-brand counterparts. When it comes to frozen items, there’s usually little difference in quality between the name-brand products and the generic ones. Save money by opting for store-brand frozen meals, vegetables, or snacks. You might find they taste just as good—and your wallet will thank you.

Spices and Herbs in Small Bottles

Spices and herbs often come in small bottles that cost more per ounce than a bigger container. The price for a tiny bottle can be surprisingly high, especially when you use them only occasionally. Instead of purchasing the small bottles, look for bulk spices or larger containers. You’ll get more for your money and save in the long run, especially if you use spices regularly.

Time to Reevaluate Your Grocery List

Grocery costs keep climbing, and some items just aren’t worth what they used to be. It’s easy to toss them in the cart out of habit, but those choices can add up fast. A few small changes can make a big difference at checkout.