Shoppers Sound Off on the Groceries They're Skipping Amid Price Hikes
Between high housing costs, a rising unemployment rate, and general inflation, shoppers were already tightening their budgets, and now the war in Iran and increased cost of gas and oil is making the price of some grocery items skyrocket even further.
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On Threads, real shoppers are sounding off on how higher prices are changing their grocery lists, and which items they're no longer buying as they notice costs rising.
Snack Foods
Many users mentioned skipping name-brand snack foods, with one writing, "Doritos. Because what do you mean a bag doubled in price? F--k all the way off," while another added, "10000%. And don't forget Fritos!!! $7 for 10 chips. MY GOD."
Others simply couldn't justify buying fun "extras" when necessities cost so much. "I came home from the store today and my husband was like 'where are all the snacks?' Sorry baby, had to get gas," shared one shopper.
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Prepared Frozen Foods
Others chose to forgo their most beloved convenience meals after noticing costs had increased. "My favorite frozen pizza has gone up so much in price, it's literally worth it to just go out to one of my local pizza joints for their Monday night special and freeze some extra square slices that freeze decently," said one shopper.
Another added, "I was at the grocery store today and noticed Hot Pockets now offer a single pocket option for sale. I haven't bought Hot Pockets in ages but seeing that still feels…bleak." Several complained about the increased price of the Amy's frozen bowls.
Beef
With beef having already increased 17% for 2026 and jumping to 22% amid the war in Iran according to The Washington Post, it's no wonder it was one of the top groceries shoppers are skipping now.
"Used to get a flat of 5 steaks for $25. It's $45 now on sale. We don't buy those anymore... Oh and the USED TO? That was SIX MONTHS AGO," said one shopper, with another agreeing, "Every Sunday I'd do a beef roast in the Crock Pot. Last time I went to buy one, it was $30! Now it's been relegated to a once-every-couple-months treat."
Others discussed how the costs would impact their 4th of July grilling plans, how a 5lb chuck roast is now more than $50 at Costco, and considered opting for a vegetarian diet to save money.
Fresh Produce
Produce is also among the items most affected by inflataion, with most items sitting around 8% increase and some even higher, like tomatoes at a whopping 29%.
"I rarely buy fresh veggies and fruit anymore. Everything goes bad so fast. We buy mostly frozen fruit and vegetables now," said one user, with another adding that "Cherries have always been pricey, but $10/lb is EGREGIOUS," and a third reporting, "I bought two regular tomatoes today… and they rung up at $8.50. TWO TOMATOES."
Now, shoppers are trying to get creative to save money on fruits and veggies. "Blueberries were $6 for half a pint. Planted my own last year so in about 7 years we can have blueberries again," said one shopper with laughing emojis.
Another added, "I rented TWO community garden plots to grow my staple veggies at this point. $50/year, and $0.50/packet of seeds, and I'm going to be okay."
Sodas
Many noted the price hike in bottled beverages and packs of soft drinks. "Coke is not worth a dollar a can," said one buyer, while another said, "Wasn't that long ago they were $7.99 for a 12 pack. Now they're $11.99."
Someone else lamented, "A 12 pack of Dr Peppers are now $10.99 when a year ago I could buy them for $3.33."
Coffee
Coffee is among the most impacted products at the moment, with a 23% increase since January 2025. Shoppers are feeling the effects, and opting to skip it. "The coffee beans we like used to be $13, now it's $20.48... I'll do without, said one user.
Other coffee lovers are adjusting their strategy and getting creative, with one writing, "I'm buying green coffee beans in bulk for less than $10 per pound. I roast them in an old popcorn popper."
Chocolate
The price of chocolate is even more volatile than some other items, due to ecological factors like "insufficient rainfall and crop diseases in West Africa, which supplies more than 70% of the world's cocoa," according to PBS. Pair that with the same issues other products are dealing with, and shoppers are seeing a 17% increase in the luxurious sweet treat from last year.
"Chocolate. Sorry, 3x the price 6 years ago? Nope. Give me a tin of cocoa powder and I can make a crap-ton of brownies," said one person. Another baker experienced the same sticker shock, saying, "I wanted to make chocolate chip cookies but when I went to the store, the chocolate chips were almost 10 dollars a bag."
"Chocolate chips," another agreed. "Best value for taste is Trader Joe's. National brands at $6-9 WTAF."
Is the cost of groceries impacting your shopping list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 9:32 AM.