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Inflation is falling, but your groceries are still expensive.
The Consumer Price Index rose 3.5% in June over the past 12 months, cooling from its 4.2% in May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Tuesday.
While the index — measuring how much the cost of everyday items changes over time — saw the biggest drop since 2020, it’s not good news for grocery shoppers. The fall mostly came from energy, as the index fell 5.7%, the largest one-month drop since April 2020.
The gasoline index also decreased by 9.7% over the month. Along with energy costs dropping, auto prices helped drive June’s modest inflation reading, with new vehicles remaining flat over the month and used cars and trucks falling 0.2% in June.
Thirsty? Good news, nonalcoholic beverages fell 1.5% in June, as did coffee, after the index declined 2%. Fruits and vegetables also dropped by 0.2 percent over the month.
Where consumers are seeing upticks or high prices remaining are at the store. The food index rose 0.2% in June, as it did in May. Plus, food at home also rose 0.2% over the month.
Grocery prices are divided into six major categories. According to the CPI, four of those six categories increased last month. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs shot up 0.6%, and within that category, egg prices jumped 4.3% in just one month. Dairy products were also up 1.2%.
While prices may give shoppers some sticker shock, The Post put together a list of the cheapest retailers and grocery stores selling staples. Just note that prices will likely vary based on your zip code, so if you’re pinching pennies, be sure to check with your local spots and compare.
Cheapest stores for eggs
The Post found three stores that offered large, white eggs for under $2. The cheapest was at Walmart where a 12-count of cage-free, large white eggs is priced at $1.47. Kroger was next, where their grade A large white eggs will set you back $1.59.
Cheapest stores for dairy
While the dairy index covers many items, The Post focused on the classic, single American cheese slice. Walmart again came in first with its 16-count, Great Value Singles for just $1.88. Aldi took the second spot with its Happy Farms American Cheese Singles priced at just $1.89.
Cheapest stores for poultry
For the poultry index, The Post chose to search for the cheapest chicken thigh, as shoppers can count on that cut to be the cheapest. Once again Walmart had the cheapest sticker price as it is currently selling Perdue chicken thighs for $4.36, which is roughly 1.90-2.42 per pound.
Target came in a very close second as the retailer is selling those exact same thighs for $4.82. Meanwhile, Aldi came in third with its Kirkwood Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs selling for $6.64 per pound.
Cheapest stores for fish
The Post chose tilapia for the fish index as it’s typically the best bang for your buck and found that Walmart’s Great Value brand has the best price. Its frozen, skinless and boneless tilapia are $6.28 per pound. Aldi came in second with a cool $6.79 per pound, while Kroger is charging $6.99 per pound as it’s locally sourced.
Cheapest place for meat
For meat, The Post focused on ground beef, finding once more that Walmart is the place to shop. It’s a 73% lean and 27% fat ground beef roll, just $5.94 for a pound. Kroger came in second as its similar 73/27 ground beef roll has a sticker price of $6.79 for one pound.
