Inflation is a growing concern for American consumers, with grocery prices being one of the areas where the impact is felt the most. A recent report by comparison shopping experts at Trace One has highlighted the significant increase in grocery prices since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. According to the report, grocery prices in the U.S. have risen by nearly 25 percent, making it the fastest rate of increase since the 1970s.
The state of Utah is no exception to this trend, with Utahns feeling the pinch of rising food prices. A study by Coupons4Real.com found that Utah ranked 15th in a list of the most expensive states for grocery shopping, with the average Utahn spending 5.89 percent of their income on non-restaurant food items. The average annual cost of non-restaurant food for each Utahn has increased from $3,112 in 2020 to $4,606, reflecting a significant jump in grocery expenditures.
Idaho topped the list as the most expensive state for grocery shopping, with non-restaurant food costing 7.44 percent of income or about $4,860. Following closely behind were New Mexico and Hawaii, with grocery costs accounting for 6.82 percent and 6.81 percent of income, respectively. Other states in the top ten list of most expensive states for grocery shopping include Montana, Maine, Arizona, Alaska, Oregon, Nevada, and West Virginia.
Despite these rising costs, Utah faces the additional challenge of having larger families compared to the national average. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the average family size in Utah is 3.51 people, the highest among all states, compared to the national average of 3.15 people. This means that Utah families have more mouths to feed, further increasing the financial strain of grocery shopping.
To combat overspending on groceries, experts recommend practical solutions such as meal planning, creating menus, and sticking to them. Consumers are also advised to compare prices across different stores, opt for store brands whenever possible, and buy staples in bulk to save money in the long run. By being mindful of their grocery spending habits and implementing cost-saving strategies, Utahns can better manage their household budgets and alleviate the financial burden of rising food prices.